Amateur Radio Intro

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communications.

US amateurs hold FCC licenses to transmit.

American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
ARRL is the national association for Amateur Radio in the US. Founded in 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim as The American Radio Relay League, ARRL is a noncommercial organization of radio amateurs. ARRL numbers within its ranks the vast majority of active radio amateurs in the nation and has a proud history of achievement as the standard-bearer in amateur affairs. ARRL’s underpinnings as Amateur Radio’s witness, partner and forum are defined by five pillars: Public Service, Advocacy, Education, Technology, and Membership.

Volunteer Examiners help people get their licenses by holding exam sessions and submitting their data (through a VE Coordinator) to the FCC.

In the United States amateurs are represented by the Amateur Radio Relay League, the US member if the International Amateur Radio Union, in Region 2. The IARU is part of the International Telecommunications Union, the first predecessor of which was established as the International Telegraph Union in 1865 as one of the first ever international organizations.