Ham radio - how to start with amateur radio

Complete guide from the first listening to world connections

In the age of the internet, smartphones, and instant connection through social networks, it might seem that amateur radio - a hobby over a hundred years old - is doomed to extinction. However, the opposite is true. Amateur radio, also known by the English name Ham radio, has experienced a renaissance in recent years. It offers something that your smartphone can never provide: a true understanding of technologies, independence from operator infrastructure, and adrenaline in establishing connections with the whole world using a self-built antenna.

If you are attracted to technology, physics, foreign languages, or just the desire to explore the invisible world of electromagnetic waves, this article will show you the way to become a licensed amateur radio operator.

What is amateur radio actually?

Amateur radio activity is not just 'broadcasting into the ether'. By definition, it involves altruistic radio communications, technical study, and experimentation carried out by authorized persons (amateur radio operators) based on an interest in radio technology, exclusively for personal use and without financial gain.

What do amateur radio operators do in practice?

1. DX-ing (long distance connections): Efforts to establish connections with the most distant countries or rare islands. Many amateur radio operators have confirmed connections with more than 300 countries worldwide.

2. contesting (preteky): Contests where the goal is to establish as many connections as possible within a certain time frame (e.g., 24 hours). Examples include CQWPX contest aleboSSB League.

3. Digital modes: Modern amateur radio uses computers to encode signals. Modes such as FT8 allow connections worldwide even with minimal power and poor propagation conditions.

4. Satellite communication and ISS: Amateur radio operators use amateur satellites in orbit as repeaters. The highlight is a connection with the International Space Station (ISS), where almost all astronauts hold an amateur radio license.

5. SOTA/POTA (Radio in the mountains and parks): The combination of hiking and broadcasting. The operator climbs to the top of a hill (Summits on the Air) and transmits to the world with a portable device.

6. Construction and experimentation: Many 'hams' build their own equipment and antennas. It is the best way to learn electronics in practice.

First step: Become a listener (SWL)

Before applying for a license, it is ideal to start as SWL (Short Wave Listener)To listen to amateur radio traffic, you do not need any permission. You just need a receiver (today, affordable SDR receivers that you connect to a PC are popular) and a piece of wire as an antenna.

By listening, you will learn amateur radio slang, operating rules, the international phonetic alphabet, and discover which bands interest you the most. As a listener, you can even send amateur radio operators so-called. QSL cards (confirmations of received connections), for which you can obtain listener diplomas.

Path to the license: Exams and legislation

In Slovakia, the operation of broadcasting radio stations is strictly regulated. To press the 'transmit' button (PTT, you must be the holder of Permission to operate amateur stations.. It issues this permit Office for Regulation of Electronic Communications and Postal Services Regulatory Authority (TÚ SR) after successfully passing the exams.

License categories in Slovakia

In Slovakia, we currently have two main categories that differ in the scope of knowledge and authority:

1. Class N (Novice – beginner):

   • Designed for newcomers.

   • The exams are easier.

   • Limited power (usually up to 100 W) and access only to selected frequency bands.

   • Ideal for starting and getting familiar with the ether.

2. Class E (Extra – full license):

   • Requires deeper technical knowledge.

   • Allows transmission on all amateur bands with a maximum permitted power (up to 750 W on selected bands).

   • Corresponds to the international HAREC standard, meaning that with this license you can transmit from almost any country in the world after fulfilling the administrative requirements.

What do the exams include?

The exam consists of a written test and an oral interview (at the discretion of the committee) in three main areas:

• Radio Technology: Basics of electricity, circuits, antennas, wave propagation, measuring instruments, and safety when working with electricity.

• Operational rules: How to establish a connection, spelling, Q-codes, keeping a station log, amateur radio abbreviations.

• Legislation: Knowledge of international and national regulations on amateur radio service, frequency plan (which frequencies belong to amateurs and which, for example, to the military or aviation).

Note: The previously mandatory knowledge of Morse code (telegraphy) is no longer a legal requirement for obtaining a license, although it is still highly valued and very practical for long-distance communications in the amateur radio community.

How to prepare for the exams?

Preparation should not be just about mechanically learning the answers. A true amateur radio operator understands what they are doing.

1. Website cq.sk: In the article https://CQ.sk/vypracovane-odpovede-pre-radioamaterske-skusky/ you will find prepared answers from electronics in seven PDFs

2. Amateur radio courses: The Slovak Amateur Radio Association and some radio clubs (e.g., in Bratislava, Žilina, or Košice) occasionally organize preparatory courses for newcomers.

3. Study materials: We recommend studying the "Regulation of the Office for Electronic Communications and Postal Services" and technical manuals for amateur radio operators.

4. Visiting a local radio club: This is probably the most important point. Amateur radio operators are a community. Experienced operators will gladly show you the techniques, explain the basics, and may let you transmit under their supervision on the club call sign (in accordance with regulations).

Choosing a call sign and permission

After successfully passing the exam, you will request the Regulatory Authority to issue a permit. This includes the assignment of your callsign (Callsign). In Slovakia, callsigns start with the prefix OM (for example, OM3XXX, OM6AA, etc.).

Your callsign is your unique identity in the ether. Others immediately know you are from Slovakia. The callsign is assigned for life (as long as you pay the administrative fee and comply with the regulations).

First equipment: What to start with?

Once you have your license in hand, the most interesting part comes - buying or building your first station.

1. Handheld radio station

Many beginners start with cheap 'handhelds' (e.g., brands like Baofeng, Yaesu, or Icom) operating in the VHF (145 MHz) and UHF (435 MHz) bands. They are great for local communication via repeaters located on hills that cover large areas of Slovakia. It's a cheap start, but over time you may miss the reach to foreign countries.

2. Shortwave station (KV / HF)

If you want to make connections to America, Japan, or Australia, you need a KV station (bands from 1.8 to 30 MHz). Here, the investment increases, but unlimited possibilities open up for you. Popular models are from companies like Yaesu, Icom, or Kenwood.

3. Antenna - the heart of the station

You can have a radio for 5000 euros, but with a bad antenna, you won't achieve anything. On the other hand, with a good wire dipole between trees and a cheap radio, you can communicate around the world. The antenna is where the amateur radio operator experiments the most. To start, a simple dipole for the 80 m or 20 m band made from copper wire for a few euros is sufficient.

Ethics and code of amateur radio operators

In the ether, you are not alone. The space on the bands is shared and requires discipline.

• Listen, listen, listen: Before you call out, make sure the frequency is clear and understand what is happening on it.

• Be polite: Amateur radio is apolitical. Politics, religion, or commercial interests are not discussed in the ether.

• Help: If you hear someone calling for help (emergency call), amateur radio ethics dictate to stop all activity and assist.

Modern trends: Why start right now?

Today's era offers amateur radio operators tools that were only dreamed of 30 years ago:

• SDR (Software Defined Radio): The entire receiver is essentially a chip and software in a PC. You see the entire band on the screen like a waterfall of signals.

• DMR and digital networks: Connecting radio stations via the internet. With a small handheld and digital mode, you can talk to a friend in Brazil in crystal clear quality.

• Echo link: Allows radio amateurs to connect to repeaters via smartphone or PC when they are not near the radio.

• Arissat: Tracking the position of satellites in real-time on mobile and subsequently establishing a connection through them.

Conclusion

Amateur radio is a 'royal hobby'. It is a gateway to lifelong learning, technical skills, and friendships that know no borders. The path to a license may seem complicated at first glance due to exams and technical terms, but it is precisely this barrier that ensures you meet people in the ether with a similar level of knowledge and enthusiasm.

If you are attracted to this world, do not hesitate. Visit the page CQ.sk, find the nearest radio club and start listening. Maybe you will be the voice in a few months that answers the call from the other side of the globe: "Here is OM... your signal is 59, greetings from Slovakia!"

73! (Amateur radio greeting meaning 'With respect/With regards')