Not any more. Back in the 80s and 90s you also had to pass a Morse code test, but they removed that from the technician license around 2000 I think. That made it a lot tougher, now it’s pretty easy.
Now you just need to know general radio and antenna theory, and all the regulations and stuff that go along with communicating on the public airwaves on the different operating frequencies.
I don’t have my license yet, but I used to have a pirate CB radio channel back in the day on unauthorized frequencies at unauthorized wattage levels, lol.
HAM radios are cheap though, I have a little Baofeng handheld that was less than $30, but I actually found mine out in a field while running my dog.
One thing that will help a lot is the ARRL Handbook, and you can find it in PDF form at various sources around the web.
You start with your tech license, this gives you access to the higher frequencies VHF. It requires taking a 35 question test on the basics of radio which you can take in your local area and costs $15. Once you have that you can upgrade to General or Extra which will give you access to all frequencies.
Study the materials
Not any more. Back in the 80s and 90s you also had to pass a Morse code test, but they removed that from the technician license around 2000 I think. That made it a lot tougher, now it’s pretty easy.
Now you just need to know general radio and antenna theory, and all the regulations and stuff that go along with communicating on the public airwaves on the different operating frequencies.
I don’t have my license yet, but I used to have a pirate CB radio channel back in the day on unauthorized frequencies at unauthorized wattage levels, lol.
HAM radios are cheap though, I have a little Baofeng handheld that was less than $30, but I actually found mine out in a field while running my dog.
One thing that will help a lot is the ARRL Handbook, and you can find it in PDF form at various sources around the web.
You start with your tech license, this gives you access to the higher frequencies VHF. It requires taking a 35 question test on the basics of radio which you can take in your local area and costs $15. Once you have that you can upgrade to General or Extra which will give you access to all frequencies. Study the materials
https://hamstudy.org/tech2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeXKrKEaeiI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BU0WGP0U5Q
Find an exam session
http://www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session
Find a radio
https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=uv5r&qid=1610055755&sr=8-3
Thanks for the resources, gonna get on this today