How to Construct a Ham Radio

Ham radio enthusiasts, or 'hams,' tend to come to the hobby from a variety of backgrounds, some with electronics backgrounds, others simply with an interest in communicating with others around the world via radio. Whether you will do the set-up yourself or with professional help, what you are doing when you construct a ham radio is starting your own radio station.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Receiver
• Transmitter
• Transceiver (in lieu of both the above)
• Antenna
• Copper grounding wires
• Copper grounding pole

Construct a Ham Radio

1. Get your operating license first by taking the licensing exam through the FCC. You'll find information on classes and exams through the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) (see Resources below).

2. Decide first what type of ham radio you want to construct. Hams work on a variety of different frequencies.

3. Plan your ham radio space. Often called the 'shack,' this should be an area clear of other clutter and preferably close to the ground for simpler grounding of the RF waves.

4. Join your local ham radio club by searching the American Radio Relay League website to make connections not only for used receivers, transmitters, and the like, but also to find those willing to help you get started. These helpful, seasoned amateur radio enthusiasts are often called 'Elmers.'

5. Look for receivers that can tune in 1.8MHz to 30MHz and that can receive at least CW,a.m.and SSB frequencies.

6. Understand that transmitters can run the gamut as well, as far as capabilities. For instance, some hams transmit and receive only in Morse code. If this is of interest to you, you can get away with a very simple Morse code-only transmitter.

7. Use your local ham club as a resource for getting started DXing, and even contesting.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not electronically inclined, consider purchasing one of the many ham radio kits that exist for new hams to get started.
• If you are electronically inclined, here's your chance to work on integrated circuits and circuit boards to create so-called a 'homebrew' rig. Many hams construct their own rigs using basic components found through their local club or swap meets.
• Don't spend too much money out of the gate before you've even made your first log entry. Starting with a simple low power rig will allow you to get a great feel for what amateur radio is all about.

Resources

• 'Build Your Own Intelligent Amateur Radio Transceiver' at Amazon
• Get licensed and more through the ARRL