About

Amateur Radio is a unique, fascinating and friendly hobby shared by thousands of people worldwide.

Amateur radio is all about the skill and fascination of communicating via radio. Radio amateurs communicate via Morse code, voice or a plethora of data modes. We even have our own communication satellites, talk to the international space station and are at the very cutting edge of technology in many areas.

Amateur Radio operators come from all walks of life. They are all ages, sexes, income levels and nationalities. Some prefer Morse code, voice communication on a hand-held radio, or data messages transmitted via satellite. Others like to build equipment themselves or to experiment with aerials. The hobby of Amateur Radio is varied and fun.

Other aspects include contesting and direction finding, portable and mobile operating. Award schemes exist for those who like to collect or activate. Schemes such as the RSGBs’ Islands On The Air program or the energetic Summits On The Air provide fun and activity for all.

Whatever your interest, all you need is a fascination with radio. You may have been a short wave listener for years, operated CB or simply have an interest in talking to people all over the world. Amateur Radio has something for everyone.

There are 3 stages to becoming a fully licensed Radio Amateur in the UK. Everyone has to start at the beginning and work through the stages, however you are rewarded at each stage with an increase in privileges.

Foundation

This is the entry level examination. It consists of 25 questions. The pass mark is 60%. You also have to make contact with other Amateurs on both VHF and HF under supervision and take a simple Morse code appreciation test. The questions are fairly basic and allow the entrant to gain the Foundation licence with a power level of 10 Watts allowed.

Intermediate

The second step is the Intermediate examination. This has 45 questions and again the pass mark is 60%. On this course you will learn how to solder and do simple measurements with a multimeter. You will build a small project and learn to fit connectors to coaxial cable.

Because you learn a lot more about interference and safety on this course, the successful entrant will be able to transmit with a power level of 50W

Full

This is the final step and is an exam only. The successful entrant gains full UK privileges and can transmit up to 400W.  There are no practical aspects to this exam.