Ham radio license manual

The ARRL keeps you up to date with the latest updates to the ham radio license manual, which you can view at ARRL.

Chpt 1 - Introduction

Welcome to The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, the most popular introduction to Amateur Radio of all! You're in good company - there are thousands of other folks getting ready to join the ranks of "ham" radio operators. In this study guide, not only will you learn enough to pass your Technician license exam, you'll also learn what ham radio is all about and how to jump right in once you're ready to go on the air.

Chpt 2 - Radio & Signal Fundamentals

This is the real beginning of your Amateur Radio Adventure! In this chapter, we dive into what makes a radio work - the signals and some basics of radio equipment basics. The material in this chapter is presented in a "here's what you need to know" style. References will be provided so that you can learn more about topics that interest you.

Covering these topics first makes it easier for you to understand the material later on. You'll also be a better and safer operator.

General Introductions and Tutorials on Radio-
- First Steps in Ham Radio - a series of articles intended to help you get started.
- ARRL Technical Information Service - numerous links and articles on a variety of technical topics
- Chpt 3 - Electricity, Components & Circuits
  Although radios use sophisticated electronics, they are based on fundamental principles of electricity. In this chapter, you’ll learn about the basic electrical concepts that apply to everything from the household wall socket to the latest radio or computer.
  
  This page is organized to support the Fourth Edition of the Ham Radio License Manual.
  General Introductions and Tutorials on Radio and Electronics-
  
  First Steps in Ham Radio - a series of articles intended to help you get started.
  
  ARRL Technical Information Service - numerous links and articles on a variety of technical topics
  
  The ARRL Handbook - the oldest and best radio handbook around
  
  Understanding Basic Electronics - introduction to the electronics of radio
  
  Chpt 4 - Propagation, Antennas & Feedlines
  
  No piece of equipment has as great an effect on the performance of a radio station, whether hand-held or home-based, as the antenna.  Experimenting with antennas has been a favorite of hams from the very beginning, contributing greatly to the development of antennas for all radio services.  To choose and use an antenna effectively, it’s important to understand some basics of propagation – how radio waves get from one place to another.  For these reasons, knowledge of antennas and propagation is very important for amateurs.
  
  This page is organized to support the Fourth Edition of the Ham Radio License Manual.
  
  Miscellaneous Antenna and Feed Line Topics-
  
  Here are two useful print references on antennas:
  Simple and Fun Antennas for Hams – an introduction to antennas and feed lines
  The ARRL Antenna Book – the amateur’s comprehensive antenna and propagation reference
  
  Chpt 5 - Amateur Radio Equipment
  
  In the previous chapters you have become acquainted with the basic equipment used by hams and the fundamentals of electronics and the radio ideas that make the equipment go.  We are now ready to start learning about Real Ham Radio, where knobs and dials get turned, meters jump and signals crackle back and forth over the airwaves!
  
  This page is organized to support the Fourth Edition of the Ham Radio License Manual.
  
  Choosing a Radio-
  
  “Choosing A Ham Radio” is a supplement to the Ham Radio License Manual you can download as a PDF guide for this important first step.
  
  Chpt 6 - Communication With Other Hams
  
  Having learned all that interesting material about rigs and electronics and radio waves, you know a lot about the technology of radio. In this chapter we turn to operating - how are contacts made and what does a contact consist of? We begin with the elements common to nearly every causual ham radio contact. Once you know these, you'll learn how the ham bands are organized so that you know where to tune the radio. You'll then discover how ham radio is conducted using repeaters and in the organized activities called "nets," especially during emergencies. This chapter conludes with coverage of a few of ham radio's many specialty activities. Clear your throat and get ready for the first contact!
  
  Chpts 7 & 8 - Licensing & Operating Regulations
  
  It’s time for the rules of the road, ham radio style!  In the preceding chapters, you’ve learned the technology and customs of Amateur Radio.  Now you have the background to understand what the rules and regulations are intended to accomplish.  That background will make it a lot easier for you to learn (and remember!) the rules.
  
  There are two chapters of the book that deal with the rules and regulations.  Chapter 7 deals with licensing regulations: bands and frequencies, call signs, international rules, how licensing process works and so forth.  Chapter 8 deals with rules about operating.