Alex Discovers Amateur Radio

22 To begin transmitting on amateur radio you need to pass a simple multiple-choice test called the Foundation exam. The Foundation licence is your gateway to amateur radio. Studying for the exam that leads to the licence provides you with an exciting introduction to the hobby while requiring an acceptable minimum level of skill and experience. Your Foundation licence is recognized by the UK communications regulator Ofcom, and entitles you to take a unique identifier (call sign) which will be used to identify you when you are transmitting. Maybe not all at once - and doing all that could be expensive. We can make a start with something that won’t break the bank. You know about computers. You can bring me up to date on them, and I’ll teach you about Amateur Radio. Whilst we are both saving up for our own equipment we can try out Software Defined Radio and VOIP on our computer. Okay, dad. Of course, you’ll have to get your amateur licence. No, you’re not . You’ve got to study. The test is not too hard, but you will have to study and learn about operating procedures, safety, and a little bit of theory. The test paper is just like 26 Quiz questions. Study? Not bad if you’ve just to tick the right answer. Okay, I’m ready!