I know Amateur Radio is a great hobby, like every other hobby it is fun, exciting and entertaining.
But is that all? Or is there something else to it? Let's dig in,
For me, the top things are:
1. I make new friends. It’s a way to find a social group pretty much anywhere. HAMs are usually super nice and ready to help out. Whenever I travel to a new place, one of the first things I do is call the local HAM, for me it is like having friends in any new place.
2. You also get connected with interesting people from different spheres of life, such as Scientists, Doctors, Farmers, Professors, Businessmen, Students, and even Professionals from different domains.
3. The technical thrill of connecting with the world independently; i.e. without needing phone lines, Cell Phones, the Internet, or even Electricity, a small solar panel with a battery will work.
4. The thrill of connecting via satellites like Space Station MIR & the International Space Station etc,
5. My license lets me play with things like radio-controlled Aircraft and Robots that I cannot otherwise.
6. It’s a challenge. Getting a license is hard. Designing and building quality antennas is hard & also fun.
7. The best part, I get to play with very sophisticated toys!
8. HAMs help communicate for Marathons, Motor Sports, Hang-Gliding, Para-Motor and Rallies.
9. During large emergencies that disrupt infrastructure such as mobile towers and the internet, HAMs collaborate to establish communication channels for disaster relief.
Now, if you are interested in the 'Amateur Radio' hobby and are excited to become a HAM, it is easy to start this hobby and get connected to the world with your own Radio Transceiver.
However, keeping or operating Radio equipment like a Radio Transmitter or a Transceiver requires a valid 'Licence' from the government. The following guide helps you start your journey in this regard, Welcome to the exciting world of HAM Radio hobby!
Becoming an amateur radio operator in India involves a few steps, including clearing an exam, obtaining a license and acquiring the necessary equipment. Before getting any specific equipment the HAM aspirant needs to successfully clear an exam. This exam is held by WPC (Wireless Planning & Coordination) cell, across major cities in India. There is no fixed exam calendar, but exams will be conducted once 8-10 aspirants apply for the exams.
The exam consists of three parts.
1. The first test is about Basic Electronics. Aspirants with a Bachelor's or Diploma degree in Electronics Engineering are exempted from this test.
2. The Second Test is about Rules & Regulations and the usage procedure of a wireless set. This is also known as Radio Discipline or Code of Conduct.
3. The third test is about MORSE code proficiency and it is optional. It is a Practical examination to test the aspirant’s skill in sending & receiving Morse code. This part is required only if you want a higher grade known as General Grade of licence VU2, for the basic grade / restricted grade VU3 licence, this test is not required. In case the aspirant tries but does not clear Part 3 of the exam, he/she can still get a Restricted grade license.
More on the Amateur Radio Licence grades in the later part of the article.
With a license and unique call sign assigned the HAM can now start operating the radio sets. Many HAMs make their transmitter & receivers, but there are plenty of commercially available equipment which can be bought off the shelf.
For a HAM to communicate the bare minimum equipment to have would be;
I am also sharing a few links for your online reference and updated information helpful for starting your ‘Amateur Radio’ journey, Check the ‘Download’ section for e-books and other information. you may email me if you need any specific information or help in this regard.
Signing off, 73s.
Praful
VU2INE
Some useful Links;
https://vigyanprasar.gov.in/science-communication-programs/ham-radio/how-to-go-for-ham-radio/
http://www.niar.org/how-to-be-a-ham.html