The Ham Radio Page

Links to resources for ham (amateur) radio. A simple place to start for new ham radio operators.

General Information

Links to some other sources of information.

• AC6V Amateur Radio and DX Reference Guide - the Supersite of ham radio links, organized into over 700 amateur radio topics and 6000 links
• Amateur Bands - very nice one-page color chart showing the US amateur bands by class
• ARRL - American Radio Relay League, serves the over 600,000 Amateur Radio operators, enthusiasts, experimenters and hobbyists in the United States, search for radio clubs by zip code
• WB6KHP - Dave's Amateur Radio Page, lots of links to other information
• WB6KHP VHF/UHF Tips - operating tips for new hams

Equipment Reviews

Links to some reviews of radio equipment that I have come across on the Web.

• ARRL Reviews - for ARRL members only, Product Review columns from 1980 to the present
• eHam - reviews of products and services submitted by members of eHam, reviews from real people with real opinions, 2100 reviews on 800 products and services
• Strong Signals - numerous radio, antenna, accessory, and software reviews (mainly scanner oriented, but some transmitters)

Online Practice Exams

You can take practice exams as you study for your Technician, General or Extra class license. These exams use random questions selected from the same sub-elements as would be used for an official examination.

• WVARA Exam - free public service of the West Valley Amateur Radio Association in San Jose (Silicon Valley), California

Vanity Call Signs

Vanity call signs for individuals in the United States cost $12 from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and are valid for 10 years.

A vanity call sign is a special Amateur Radio call sign specifically chosen by you and is similar to a vanity license plate on a car. All vanity call signs must be unique and vanity call signs are assigned on a "first come, first served" basis.

• ARRL Vanity Information - describes the vanity call sign, what call signs are available, fees, and how to apply for a vanity call sign
• FCC Universal Licensing System - apply online with the FCC for your vanity call sign
• FCC Vanity FAQ - frequently asked questions (FAQ) about vanity call signs

Local Information

Links to some other sources of information in the San Jose and Santa Cruz areas in California.

• LPARC - Loma Prieta Amateur Radio Club
• K6BJ - Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club
• WVARA - West Valley Amateur Radio Association (San Jose)