almost from the get go many people found long distance transcieving irresistable and began forming clubs. Unlike regular CB radio amateur radio is not limited to only 4 watts. The frequencies available for ham radio are more diverse and less crowded. Satellite technology has made it easy to extend your reach across the globe. Of course with power comes responsibility, in order to acquire all this you need to pass severl exams..

Amatuer radio has many licenses for different skill sets of users.

The Novice license allows operations access to several High Frequency bands via Morse code in addition to single sideband broadcasting by voice between 28.3 and 28.5 MHz also between 28.1 and 28.3 for radio tele-type. To access these channels all you need is a 10 Meter Radio Although these radios are commonly referred to as a 10 Meter CB Radio they are actually quite different as a CB radio does not require a license and a 10 Meter Radio does. SSB and FM transmissions are allowed between 222.01 and 223.91 Mhz and also 1270 - 1295 Mhz.To recveive the Novice Class you need to be able to interpret Morse code at a rate of 5 words per minute and pass a theory test..

The Technician license restricts voice broadcasting to the same channel range as the Novice in addition to the VHF and UHF ham radio bandsObtaining a Technicians license grants access to the VHF and UHF bands.~The Technicians license means that you can now transmit on the UHF and VHF frequencies. Getting a Technicians License is not that problematic, you need to complete a radio theory test and FCC requirements test..

The next step is the General Class. A General Class operator can transmit on High Frequency, Very High Frequency and Ultra High Frequency. To obtain this license you must complete a test on radio theory, fcc rules, and a Morse Code speed test..

The Advanced class license grants access to more HF band frequencies but you need to complete a more difficult radio theory exam.

The pinnacle ham radio license is the Extra license class. Getting the Extra Class Licence means you are granted access to every channel  relegated to amatuer radio broadcasters. For this license you must already have completed the General and Advanced exams, be able to operate Morse code at twenty words per minute and complete an examination on the more complicated aspects of radio theory, operations and FCC regulations.

The American Radio Relay League is a non profit group that helps amatuer radio broadcasters complete their exams by distributing all the materials you may need.

For people not interested in all that, there is CB radio. CB is extremely popular because it requires no license or testing. CB'ers use a lighter language and there is never any Morse code. Just go purchase a radio and an antenna and you can get started. Sound interesting?