How to Join a Local Amateur Radio Club

Whether you've just picked up your first ham radio components or you're simply curious about how to get into amateur radio, join your local ham radio club and watch your knowledge and fun grow exponentially. Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, can be a solitary pursuit--at least on one end of the line--and so 'hams,' as they're known, have long had a strong tradition of camaraderie.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Interest in ham radio

Join a Local Amateur Radio Club

1. Do a little research into what ham radio is all about by logging onto Hello-radio.org (see Resources below).
2. Log onto the ARRL's club search page of its website (see Resources below).
3. Enter your ZIP code and searching radius to find the local ham radio club closest to you.
4. Click first on the name of the first club to see its detail page. Be sure that the club accepts new 'newbies,' which you can verify here.
5. Look at each of the clubs near you and see which one looks most interesting. If you're brand new to ham radio, choose the one with the widest range of specialties and the most members.
6. Head to the club's actual website from the main listing page on ARRL.
7. Contact the club in the manner they suggest for new membership. Most ham radio club dues are minimal, but be prepared to pay a small fee to join.
8. Attend the next club meeting scheduled and don't be afraid to introduce yourself and explain your burgeoning interest in ham radio. Most ham radio club memberships include their fair share of 'Elmers,' or those willing to show new hams the basics of ham radio. These helpful members can save you untold time, money and possible frustration with their suggestions based on their own experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek out your local amateur radio club early in the process of becoming a ham radio operator. You can get lots of tips and help for passing your license exam, as well as lots of information on the equipment you might want to purchase and where to find it.
• Be ready to clear out a certain amount of space from your home for your amateur radio rig, as well as a certain amount of time from your schedule. Be aware of your limitations on these before you become too caught up in the enthusiasm of your local ham radio club's other hams.