Can Amatuer Radio Operators Actually Boradcast On TV Frequencies

Ever since it began, radio transmitting intrigued members of the general public. Unlike CB radio amateur radio allows you to transmit with unbelieveable power, up to 1000 watts.. In addition to a larger selection of frequencies you can also be granted access to teletype and even some TV frequencies.. With the addition of satellites no portion of the world is beyond your reach. Of course with all this power comes responsibility, in order to acquire all this you must pass severl exams..

There are several different types of ham radio license available.

The Novice license allows operations access to several High Frequency bands via Morse code as well as ssb communication by voice between 28.3 and 28.5 MHz and between 28.1 and 28.3 for radio teletype. To access these channels all you need is a 10 Meter Radio even though these radios are commonly referred to as a 10 Meter CB Radio they are actually quite different as a CB radio does not require a license and a 10 Meter Radio does. Single Side Band (SSB) and FM voice as well as two-way transmissions via television frequencies are allowed between 222.01 and 223.91 MHz and 1270 to 1295 MHz.To be granted the Novice Class you must be able to interpret Morse code at atleast 5 words per minute and complete a theory test..

The Technician license restricts voice communication to the same channel range as the Novice in addition to the VHF and UHF ham radio bandsAcquiring a Technicians license gives access to the VHF and UHF bands.~The Technicians license means that you can now transmit on the UHF and VHF channels. To receive the Technicians license all you need to do is answer questions about FCC rules and complete a radio theory exam.

The next step, the General radio amateurs license, allows HF, VHF and UHF. In order to Acquire this license you must take a test on FCC requirements, general radio theory and demonstrate that you can operate Morse Code at a speed of 13 words per minute.

If you can complete a more advanced radio theory test the Advanced Class license grants access to even more channels.

Once you have passed alll the lower grades the top license you can acquire for amateur radio is the Extra Class license. Holders of this license have complete access to all HF VHF and UHF frequencies which are assigned to amateur radio. This license is not easy to obtain you must take a test on advanced radio theory and operate Morse code quickly.

The American Radio Relay League is a non profit organization that assists ham radio broadcasters pass their exams by distributing all the materials you may need.

CB radio offers a solid alternative for people not inclined in taking tests. Unlike ham radio there is no license requirement for cb radio. CB frequencies tend to have more conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. You can get started for less than $100 in equipment. Come and join us?

Written by David Jay Thorson