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RADIOExplain some differences between the Novice Class license and the
Technician Class license requirements and privileges. Explain who gives amateur radio
exams.
Webmaster's note: The Novice Class license no longer exists. The amateur radio enthusiast must now apply directly for the Technician Class license. Here is what the current version of the Radio merit badge pamphlet has to say about these two licenses.
Novice and Technician:
The Tenderfoot of Ham RadioYou can become a ham radio operator. There's no age limit. The youngest ham in the United States got his first license when he was 5 years old. Five Scouts at the 1993 National Scout Jamboree started from nothing and went home as hams.
You can do it too. Once you earn the Radio merit badge, you'll know almost enough to become a Novice Class or Technician Class ham radio operator. Your Novice Class license or Technician Class license -- the two easiest ham radio "tickets" to eam -- will be your front-row ticket to adventure on the airwaves.
Novice Class or Technician Class
Novice Class and Technician Class radio operators may sample just about everything ham radio has to offer -- from satellite communications and computerized "packet radio" to "chasing DX" (hunting rare stations in exotic countries). Plus, you have the chance to meet and talk with fellow hams in your hometown, using handheld radios and "repeaters" to stay in touch.
A Novice voice radio frequency band on 28 megahertz gives you the chance actually to talk with people all over the world. The Novice radio frequency bands also offer Morse code radio contacts up to a few hundred miles away on the 80- and 40-meter radio frequency bands, and up to several thousand miles away on the 15- and 10-meter radio frequency bands. Plus, Novices may talk on the increasing popular 222 megahertz bands, where repeaters can extend the range of a low-powered handheld radio to fifty miles or more. These frequency bands are great places to meet local hams who can introduce you to the never ending variety of ham radio -- and help you work toward a higher-class license.
Many a lifelong friend has been made via ham radio repeaters. If you want to talk by computer or hook up to a computer bulletin board, there's also plenty of packet radio activity to be found.
Finally, there's a huge chunk of frequencies available to Novies and Technicians at the 1.2 gigahertz frequency band. "Gigagertz" is a funny word with a big future. It's the new frontier of ham radio communications. The 1.2 gigahertz frequency band includes a couple of amateur TV channels (yes, you can send your own TV signals!) and the chance to be a part of some of ham radio's newest developments. (What are they? We don't know. They haven't happened yet!)
Other Licenses
The Novice and Technician licenses are just the first steps on the ham radio license ladder. Eash higher class of license is a little harder to earn, but each brings with it new privileges and opportunities. Here's how the "ladder" works:
Step 1: Novice License. You'll show that you know Morse code at the five words per minute and pass a thirty-question written test on the ham radio rules, radio operating practices, and basic electricity. The test is given by volunteer examiners -- hams with General Class or higher licenses, who are over the age of 18 and who are not related to you. Your merit badge counselor and the ARRL will be happy to put you in touch with these folks.
Step 2: Technician Class license. A written test covers electricity and radio operating practices at frequencies above shortwave. The twenty-five questions, given by volunteer examiners, are taken from a pool of 250. With this license you'll get full amateur privileges, including permission to operate on the popular 2-meter repeaters. By passing the same code test as for a Novice Class license, you get Novice privileges, too. Again, your counselor or the ARRL can steer you in the right direction.
Step 3: Higher class licenses. With General Class, Advanced Class, and Extra Class licenses, you get some of everything, including voice privileges on all of the shortwave ham bands for round-the-world communications. Each exam is a little harder.
For more information, write to the American Radio Relay League, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111. The ARRL has many useful materials. The ARRL also will put you in touch with a local radio club or instructor to help you.
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Last modified on Friday, July 30, 2004
