๐ Getting Started with Amateur Radio
Your complete guide from getting your license to making your first contact
Your Amateur Radio Journey Click completed steps
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Study Exam License Setup On Air
1
๐ Study for Your Amateur Radio License
๐ฎ๐ณ In India (VU License)
- โข Authority: Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) Wing, Ministry of Communications
- โข Portal: All applications through SaralSanchar portal (2025 onwards)
- โข License Types:
- - Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station License (General)
- - Amateur Wireless Telegraph Station License (Restricted)
- โข Eligibility: Indian citizens 12+ years old
- โข Validity: 20 years or lifetime options available
๐ Application Process (2025)
- โข Step 1: Register on SaralSanchar portal (saralsanchar.gov.in)
- โข Step 2: Apply for ASOC exam, pay fees, upload documents
- โข Step 3: Receive hall ticket with exam date and venue
- โข Step 4: Pass ASOC exam (Technical + Regulations)
- โข Step 5: Apply for ASOL license with exam results
- โข Resources:
- - NIAR study materials (free PDF)
- - ARSI Amateur Radio Operating Manual
- - Practice question banks
๐ก Pro Tip: Join your local amateur radio club (BARC, IIH) for study groups and mentorship. Many clubs offer exam preparation sessions.
2
โ๏ธ Take Your License Examination
๐ Updated License Process (2025)
Registration & Application:
- โข Create account on SaralSanchar portal
- โข Find "Amateur Radio Exam" option
- โข Fill application form and pay fees
- โข Upload ID and address proofs
Exam Day:
- โข Bring ID proof and admission ticket
- โข Arrive early at the examination center
- โข Complete written examination
- โข Wait for results announcement
๐ After Passing: You'll receive your call sign allocation based on your license grade. The license document will follow by post.
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๐ป Receive Your Call Sign & License
๐ Indian Call Sign System
- โข VU2xxx: General Grade license (full privileges)
- โข VU3xxx: Restricted Grade license (limited privileges)
- โข VU4xxx: Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- โข VU7xxx: Lakshadweep Islands
- โข New format (May 2025+): VU22xx, VU33xx
- โข SSID: Add -1 to -15 for multiple stations
๐ License Document
- โข Official license certificate by post
- โข Validity period (usually 5 years)
- โข Authorized frequency bands
- โข Maximum power limits
- โข Operating conditions
๐ Verify Your License: Check if your call sign appears on QRZ.com and generate your APRS-IS passcode for digital operations.
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๐๏ธ Set Up Your First Station
๐ป Start with Virtual Operations (No Radio Needed!)
Digital Voice:
- โข EchoLink: Voice QSOs via internet
- โข Peanut: D-STAR, DMR, Fusion networks
- โข BlueDV: Digital voice modes
- โข Register with your call sign
APRS & Digital:
- โข Send APRS beacons from this website
- โข WebSDR: Listen to live signals worldwide
- โข WSPR: Weak signal propagation
- โข FT8: Digital mode via sound card
๐ป Your First Radio Setup
Budget Option (~โน5,000-15,000):
- โข Handheld VHF/UHF radio (Baofeng, Yaesu)
- โข RTL-SDR dongle for receiving
- โข Simple antenna (telescopic/magnetic)
Mid-Range (~โน25,000-50,000):
- โข VHF/UHF mobile radio
- โข Multi-band vertical antenna
- โข Power supply and SWR meter
๐ Station Essentials
- โข Antenna: Most important component!
- โข Coax Cable: Low-loss connection
- โข SWR Meter: Check antenna match
- โข Power Supply: 12V DC for most radios
- โข Computer: For digital modes & logging
- โข Logbook: Record all contacts
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๐ Make Your First Contact (QSO)
๐๏ธ Voice Contact (Phone)
Calling CQ:
"CQ CQ CQ, this is VU2ABC, Victor Uniform Two Alpha Bravo Charlie calling CQ and standing by"
Answering a Call:
"VU3XYZ, this is VU2ABC"
โก CW (Morse Code)
Basic CQ Call:
CQ CQ CQ DE VU2ABC VU2ABC K
Response:
VU3XYZ DE VU2ABC KN
๐ Typical QSO Information
Signal Report:
- โข RST: Readability, Strength, Tone
- โข Voice: RS (1-5 each)
- โข CW: RST (1-5, 1-9, 1-9)
- โข Example: "59" or "579"
Personal Info:
- โข Name: First name only
- โข QTH: Location (city/state)
- โข Age: Optional
- โข Occupation: Optional
Technical Info:
- โข Power: Transmitter output
- โข Antenna: Type and height
- โข Radio: Make/model
- โข Weather: Current conditions
๐ฏ First QSO Success Tips
Before Transmitting:
- โข Listen to ongoing QSOs first
- โข Check if frequency is clear
- โข Have paper ready for logging
- โข Practice your call sign phonetics
During the QSO:
- โข Speak clearly and slowly
- โข Use standard abbreviations
- โข Be polite and patient
- โข End with "73" (best wishes)
๐ Welcome to the Ham Community!
You're now part of a global community of experimenters, emergency communicators, and technology enthusiasts.