Ham Radio Guides

Guides and resources curated to help you in your amateur radio journey.

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It's easy to get started with ham radio.

Why Do You Need a Ham Radio License?

How To Get Your Ham Radio License

Can You Take the Ham Radio License Test Online?

Level 1: Technician License Course Free Lesson

Why Do You Need a Ham Radio License?

How To Get Your Ham Radio License

Can you take the ham radio test online?

Level 1: Technician License Course Free Lesson

Getting Licensed

Everything you need to get your ham radio license.

The NEW Amateur Extra 2024 - 2028 Course is Available NOW!

Your favorite professor Jim N4BFR is BACK with a completely revamped course – and you’re going to love the new format.

The Ultimate Ham Radio Study Guide

Are you looking for a ham radio study guide to help you pass your license exam for Technician, General or Amateur Extra? Look no further!

Best Way To Study For Your Ham Radio License

In this ham radio study guide, we discuss the benefits and why an online course is the best way to study for your ham radio license exam.

Ham Radio Licenses: Which is right for you?

Here are the different types of ham radio licenses and the privileges you receive when you get licensed as a technician, general or amateur extra licensee.

How To Get Your Ham Radio License

How can you finally get your ham radio license? It’s easier than you think. Follow these 3 steps to finally get your license and get started in ham radio.

Can You Take the Ham Radio License Test Online?

The FCC released a public note confirming that ham radio license test session may be held remote / online.

Why Do You Need a Ham Radio License?

Wondering if you should get a ham radio license? Here are the top reasons why every American should get an amateur radio license.

10 Hardest Questions on Technician License Exam

These are some of the hardest questions on the FCC Ham Radio Technician License Exam that most people get wrong.

Renew Your Ham Radio License

Ham radio licenses are good for ten years, but it’s easy to forget to renew your license. Fortunately, renewing a license is easy to do.

Schedule Your Exam: Online or In-Person

Here is how you can schedule your amateur radio license exam – online or on-site. Let’s get you your amateur radio license!

About Ham Radio

Everything you have to know about ham radio.

Ham Radio Field Day

Participate in the biggest event of the year!

Famous Ham Radio Operators

The story of ham radio is about the people who make it happen. Here are some of the most famous ham radio operators and what they do.

Why Join an Amateur Radio Club?

Ham radio clubs are important and here’s why you should join one. Jim, N4BFR, talked to many clubs at the hamfest to learn more.

Military Numbers Stations

Discover the semi-secret world of military numbers stations and learn how to decode secret HF radio codes and messages.

Understanding Ham Radio Jargon

If you’re new to ham radio, you might feel overwhelmed by the unique jargon used by amateur radio operators. But fear not!

Ham Radio vs GMRS

Explore the differences between ham radio and GMRS, including licensing, range, equipment, and community. Learn which suits your needs best.

What is Morse Code?

Less than 1 percent of the population can actually read Morse Code. That is because Morse code is used by only a percentage of amateur radio operators today.

Ham Radio Q Codes

On a local repeater, you’ll often hear someone use terms like QTH or QSY. These hams aren’t using some secret code; secret codes aren’t allowed on the ham bands. They’re using Q-signals.

Talking to Satellites on Ham Radio

One of the other cool things you can do with a Technician Class license is work the “birds,” otherwise known as amateur radio satellites.

What does '73' mean and why do ham radio operators say it?

At the end of a contact with a friend, most hams will call out a hearty “73.” So, what does ’73 mean’ and why do ham operators say it?

Ham Radio in Action

Learn how to use your ham radio and ways to use it.

Introduction to Mobile POTA Operations

This article serves as a guide to portable ham radio operations, focusing on the process of making HF contacts in an outdoor setting.

How to Log Ham Radio Contacts

Not sure what ham radio logging is? In this guide, we break down how to log your ham radio contacts the right way and what exactly to record.

How to Build a Dipole Antenna

Here’s how to build a homemade dipole antenna using speaker wire. Follow this step-by-step guide to build your own 20M and 40M dipoles!

Ham Radio for Offroading

Learn how to use ham radio for offroading and how to pick the best mobile radios for your car or truck, and set up your radio equipment.

APRS for Ham Radio

Amateur Packet Reporting System (APRS) is a digital communication system utilized by amateur radio operators to exchange messages and track locations utilizing GPS.

Winlink

Winlink allows hams to send email over radio frequencies.

GO Box Pi: Emergency Go Kit Guide

Few years ago, I received a SmartiPi-Touch case as a gift. It’s a case on a stand that houses a Raspberry Pi along with a 7 inch touchscreen.

Why you need a ham radio license to operate FPV Drones?

Learn about flying FPV drones and why you might need a ham radio license to fly one.

Ham Radio Guide for Disaster Prepping

Ham radio is there when emergency communication systems fail.

Ham Radio Emergency Communications Guide

One of the reasons ham radio exists is for emergency communication.

Choosing a Ham Radio

Pick up the right ham radio equipments for yourself.

Top HF Ham Radio Antennas for Beginners

Get great performance on your HF operations with our top 5 recommended HF Ham Radio Antennas for beginners. Upgrade your HF station for less.

HF Radios for Serious DX'ers

Go where the budget is no object! Here are the top crazy HF radios if you become a serious DX contester or only buy the best of the best!

Best Microphones for Your HF Station

Upgrading your microphone is a great way to improve your HF operation. Here’s a list of the best ham radio microphones for your HF Station!

Best HF Radios for Beginners

Once you have your ham radio license it’s decision time, and one of the most difficult ones is choosing an HF radio!

The Best Handheld Ham Radios

We handpicked the best handheld ham radios. These are recommended and used by hundreds of ham radio operators across the nation.

Why you should consider a Baofeng Handheld for Ham Radio

Despite the controversy, it may be a perfect starter radio

News & Updates

Get the latest ham radio news and updates.

WRL Mobile App Release Announcement!

Introduction to World Radio League mobile app, its features and benefits for ham radio enthusiasts.

Celebrating the World Amateur Radio Day

Today amateur radio is more popular than ever. Ham Radio Prep continues the heritage of amateur radio by getting more people licensed.

Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2024

Two U.S. Senators, Roger Wicker from Mississippi and Richard Blumenthol from Connecticut, have introduced the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act of 2024.

We're Going to HamCation

Ham Radio Prep team is going to Orlando HamCation in February, 2024, with dedicated booths for Ham Radio Prep and the World Radio League.

Going to Stone Mountain Hamfest

Ham Radio Prep visited the recent Stone Mountain Hamfest 2023, making exciting new announcements for hams and more!

The ham radio spectrum is under attack - and we need YOUR help!

The ham radio spectrum is under attack – and we need YOUR help!

Welcome to the World Radio League

We’re on the brink of a seismic shift in ham radio, and you’re at the heart of it. Introducing the World Radio League – not just a platform, but a movement.