[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-post-how-to-get-your-ham-radio-license-in-3-simple-steps-1":3,"blog-post-more-how-to-get-your-ham-radio-license-in-3-simple-steps-1":31},{"id":4,"title":5,"slug":6,"body":7,"excerpt":8,"status":9,"publishedAt":10,"authorId":11,"createdAt":12,"updatedAt":12,"author":13,"tags":17,"featuredImage":30},"f27198c8-8347-481d-927a-125749061069","How to Get Your Ham Radio License in 3 Simple Steps","how-to-get-your-ham-radio-license-in-3-simple-steps-1","\u003Cp>Have you ever wanted to jump on the local repeaters, get involved with storm spotting and other emergency communications, or experiment with wireless technology, but felt intimidated by the licensing process?\u003C/p>\u003Cp>We have some good news: \u003Cstrong>getting your amateur radio license is easier than you think.\u003C/strong> There is no Morse code test required, all exams are completely multiple-choice, and you can comfortably study for it in your spare time.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>If you are ready to get your callsign and join the local radio community, here is the exact three-step roadmap to make it happen.\u003C/p>\u003Ch1>The 3-Step Roadmap\u003C/h1>\u003Ch2>1. Study Smarter, Not Harder\u003C/h2>\u003Cp>The entry-level license is the \u003Cstrong>Technician Class\u003C/strong>. The exam consists of 35 multiple-choice questions covering basic radio regulations, operations and equipment, basic radio and electronics theory, and safety guidelines.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>You don't need to read a massive textbook. The fastest way to learn is by using modern, interactive tools:\u003C/p>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"text-primary-600 underline hover:text-primary-700\" href=\"http://HamStudy.org\">\u003Cstrong>HamStudy.org\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>\u003Cstrong>:\u003C/strong> A fantastic, free website and app that uses flashcards and tracks your progress.\u003C/p>\u003C/li>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"text-primary-600 underline hover:text-primary-700\" href=\"https://hamradioprep.com/\">\u003Cstrong>Ham Radio Prep\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>\u003Cstrong>:\u003C/strong> Great if you prefer structured video lessons and quick quizzes.\u003C/p>\u003C/li>\u003C/ul>\u003Ch2>2. Get Your FCC Registration Number (FRN)\u003C/h2>\u003Cp>Before you can sit for an exam, the FCC requires you to create a free account and get an \u003Cstrong>FRN\u003C/strong>. This unique number identifies you in the FCC database so you don't have to write your Social Security number on an exam sheet.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Go to the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"text-primary-600 underline hover:text-primary-700\" href=\"https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do\">\u003Cstrong>FCC CORES website\u003C/strong>\u003C/a>, register an account, and print out or save your FRN. You will need to bring this number with you to the test session.\u003C/p>\u003Ch2>3. Take the Exam\u003C/h2>\u003Cp>When you are ready, you'll take the test administered by a team of volunteer examiners. You have two options for how to test:\u003C/p>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>In-Person:\u003C/strong> Local radio clubs host regular testing sessions in a relaxed environment.\u003C/p>\u003C/li>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Online:\u003C/strong> If you can't make an in-person session, you can take a securely proctored exam online via your computer's webcam.\u003C/p>\u003C/li>\u003C/ul>\u003Cp>It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before taking an exam, but knowing exactly how the session runs will help you walk in with confidence. The Volunteer Examiners (VEs) running the session are local hams from our community - they aren't drill sergeants, and \u003Cstrong>they want you to pass!\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Before arriving, be sure that you have writing utensils, your FRN and Photo ID, and a basic calculator. You can use a standard calculator, but the VEs may ask you to show that the memory is completely erased before the test starts. \u003Cem>Note: You cannot use your phone's calculator app\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>When you arrive, you’ll sign in with the testing team. They will verify your ID and collect the test fee. You'll fill out a quick application form, and they will hand you your official 35-question multiple-choice test booklet and an answer sheet.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>When you finish, you’ll hand your answer sheet back to the VEs. They grade the test right there in front of you. You will know whether you passed or failed \u003Cstrong>within minutes\u003C/strong> of finishing.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>If you pass, they will have you sign a Certificate of Successful Completion of Examination (CSCE) - this is your official proof that you nailed it while you wait for the FCC to issue your callsign!\u003C/p>\u003Ch1>What Does it Cost?\u003C/h1>\u003Cp>Amateur radio is an incredibly affordable hobby to enter. Here is the realistic breakdown of what you will look at spending to get licensed:\u003C/p>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Study Material:\u003C/strong> Free (if using apps like HamStudy).\u003C/p>\u003C/li>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Exam Fee:\u003C/strong> Typically \u003Cstrong>$15\u003C/strong> paid to the volunteer testing team to cover administrative costs.\u003C/p>\u003C/li>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>FCC Application Fee:\u003C/strong> \u003Cstrong>$35\u003C/strong>. \u003Cem>(Note: this will be paid directly to the FCC after successful completion of your exam)\u003C/em>\u003C/p>\u003C/li>\u003C/ul>\u003Cp>💡 \u003Cstrong>Passed your test?\u003C/strong> If you pass your Technician exam, most testing teams will let you try the next level up (\u003Cstrong>General Class\u003C/strong>) right then and there for free. It never hurts to try!\u003C/p>\u003Ch1>Ready to Take the Leap?\u003C/h1>\u003Cp>We would love to welcome you to the airwaves. Our club hosts regular licensing exam sessions right here in the local area. We typically hold a test session before every monthly meeting. You can find more information here: \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"text-primary-600 underline hover:text-primary-700\" href=\"https://nixahams.net/testing\">https://nixahams.net/testing\u003C/a>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>If you have any questions or need an \"Elmer\" (ham radio talk for a mentor) to help guide you through a tough concept, drop a message or come hang out at our next club meeting!\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>","\u003Cp>Have you ever wanted to jump on the local repeaters, get involved with storm spotting and other emergency communications, or experiment with wireless technology, but felt intimidated by the licensing process?\u003C/p>\u003Cp>We have some good news: \u003Cstrong>getting your amateur radio license is easier than you think.\u003C/strongThere is no Morse code test...","PUBLISHED","2026-07-11T00:35:54.599Z","d4bc135b-5f26-4924-9836-8d33168ced71","2026-07-11T00:35:54.600Z",{"id":11,"firstName":14,"lastName":15,"callsign":16},"Preston","Roesslet","KE0JGH",[18,24],{"postId":4,"tagId":19,"tag":20},"3dedaac7-a085-4494-8c30-35b29540856d",{"id":19,"name":21,"slug":22,"createdAt":23},"Getting Started","getting-started","2026-07-11T00:06:30.993Z",{"postId":4,"tagId":25,"tag":26},"b2474275-b7a6-49cc-810b-d63609e08715",{"id":25,"name":27,"slug":28,"createdAt":29},"Education & Training","education-training","2026-07-11T00:06:35.361Z","https://media.nixahams.net/blog/f27198c8-8347-481d-927a-125749061069/60e7c7e2-2e4b-4f6a-923b-ee135ae83c14.webp",[32,48,60],{"id":33,"title":34,"slug":35,"body":36,"excerpt":37,"status":9,"publishedAt":38,"authorId":11,"createdAt":39,"updatedAt":39,"author":40,"tags":41},"8e9a3723-1301-463b-9673-40f7a3720da2","147.015 Transmit Power Update","147015-transmit-power-update","\u003Cp>On a whim, James, KB0NHX, went to check the power output on the 147.015 several days ago because it seemed weaker than usual in some areas and found it was only transmitting 40-Watts out of the duplexer.   Previously, we drove the amplifier with 6.5 watts to get 225 Watts out.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Thanks to another local ham and group that will remain anonymous until we have permission to mention it, they have loaned us a 250w amplifier so that we can get back up to full power until we can resolve our amplifier issue.  We did crack open the amplifier and found one side of an inductor in the DC input charred and unsoldered from the board as well as the DC input to two of the transistors unsoldered from the circuit board.  We have got those repaired and hope to test tomorrow\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>We are back up to 157-W out of the duplexer now, so about a 6 dB increase in output power.  The transmit side of the duplexer was spot-on, but we touched up the receive side to get another 8 dB of notch which may help weak signals access the repeater a little better.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Stay tuned for more updates - and feel free to post any improved signal levels at your QTH!\u003C/p>","\u003Cp>On a whim, James, KB0NHX, went to check the power output on the 147.015 several days ago because it seemed weaker than usual in some areas and found it was only transmitting 40-Watts out of the duplexer. Previously, we drove the amplifier with 6.5 watts to get 225 Watts out.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Thanks...","2026-07-31T03:30:16.848Z","2026-07-31T03:30:16.849Z",{"id":11,"firstName":14,"lastName":15,"callsign":16},[42],{"postId":33,"tagId":43,"tag":44},"e62fb9eb-ceb5-4474-9fc7-39d55cfe4e69",{"id":43,"name":45,"slug":46,"createdAt":47},"Repeater Updates","repeater-updates","2026-06-30T23:11:03.203Z",{"id":49,"title":50,"slug":51,"body":52,"excerpt":53,"status":9,"publishedAt":54,"authorId":11,"createdAt":55,"updatedAt":55,"author":56,"tags":57},"d0846d5d-0cbb-4264-b188-b975122e671c","APRS Digipeater Update","aprs-digipeater-update","\u003Cp>Clayton, KB0WZI, and James, KB0NHX, made a trip to the K0NXA Digi site in South Springfield last Friday and Clayton found a few things that we think have gotten us rolling!\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>First, the receive audio is controlled by the volume pot on the radio.   It was turned down too low.  In order to adjust it, we enabled the ability to log into the WX 3-in-1 Plus 2.0 controller.   The GUI has a transmit and receive audio adjustment procedure so we went through that with a communications service monitor to ensure proper packet deviation.   Within minutes we were seeing many stations populate the log.   The GUI offers up many diagnostic and monitoring capabilities that we are going to look into making available for users and interested folks.  \u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>The site is also repeating local APRS packets by radio now as well and not just gating them to the Internet.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>We also found that we were not authenticated with APRS-IS and were using the default server in Poland.  We changed it to the North American server and are now logged in and authenticated with APRS-IS and properly gating packets to the Internet - APRS.fi\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Some other housekeeping items, such as the proper symbol on the map, and other minor things were addressed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>You can go to https://aprs.fi/info/a/K0NXA and see the plethora of stations now hearing us and also stations we are hearing.\u003C/p>","\u003Cp>Clayton, KB0WZI, and James, KB0NHX, made a trip to the K0NXA Digi site in South Springfield last Friday and Clayton found a few things that we think have gotten us rolling!\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>First, the receive audio is controlled by the volume pot on the radio. It was turned down too low. In...","2026-07-31T03:28:15.500Z","2026-07-31T03:28:15.501Z",{"id":11,"firstName":14,"lastName":15,"callsign":16},[58],{"postId":49,"tagId":43,"tag":59},{"id":43,"name":45,"slug":46,"createdAt":47},{"id":61,"title":62,"slug":63,"body":64,"excerpt":65,"status":9,"publishedAt":66,"authorId":11,"createdAt":67,"updatedAt":67,"author":68,"tags":69},"be01a88e-4bfc-4a5c-b388-3516ea941755","Crane Repeater Update","crane-repeater-update","\u003Cp>We have been able to confirm the problem at Crane is water in the coax cable.   The good news is we have an abandoned run of  7/8” heliax running to the top of the tower.   We have received a quote of $500 for a climber to come to the site, switch the coax up top and install the new jumper to replace the crushed one that was also giving us problems with this site.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>We are also re-building the 565502 All Star node and K0NXA-R EchoLink node that had failed thanks to a generous donation of a PI computer for the node!\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>The repeater used to provide handheld coverage into South Springfield and in the recent years you have not been able to work it with a mobile in Nixa!   With the new Quantar already in place, we hope the repairs will make a huge improvement in SMLRS link audio quality as well as provide better mobile and portable coverage.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>We were going to use funds from last year’s hamfest to cover the repairs.   Unfortunately, we had to use all the proceeds to pay Hayden Towers for project a couple years ago that we had been disputing.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>That being said, we would greatly appreciate it if you could help get this repair completed with a tax deductible donation to the Nixa ARC, and you cannot do that online at https://nixahams.net/donate\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>This is one of the worst antenna sweeps I have ever seen of a site with water in the coax, showing a dead short at the connector and the tell-tell wavy lines in the sweep.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>Once we get the needed funds, we’ll get the tower climber scheduled ASAP.\u003C/p>\u003Cp>\u003C/p>\u003Cp>I want to thank Jeff, W0AV, Kirwin, N0XLR, And Kent, N0IRM, for their help at the site.\u003C/p>","\u003Cp>We have been able to confirm the problem at Crane is water in the coax cable. The good news is we have an abandoned run of 7/8” heliax running to the top of the tower. We have received a quote of $500 for a climber to come to the site,...","2026-07-31T03:23:09.153Z","2026-07-31T03:23:09.156Z",{"id":11,"firstName":14,"lastName":15,"callsign":16},[70],{"postId":61,"tagId":43,"tag":71},{"id":43,"name":45,"slug":46,"createdAt":47}]