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Amateur Radio can be either an individual pursuit or a group activity, although it is basically a non-competitive activity, both individuals and groups can take part in national and international competitions.

Popularity
Most towns have an amateur radio club where enthusiasts meet.

Location
In your own home, or office or on the move.

Age
The minimum age to qualify for a class A or B transmitting licence is 14 but there are no restrictions for the novice licence. No real physical effort is required. Special provisions can be made for disabled people taking the radio Amateurs exam.

Ability
It is a criminal offence to operate an amateur radio transmitter without first obtaining an amateur licence. In the UK two classes of licence can be obtained both of which require a pass in the City and Guilds of London 765 R.A.I. examination.

Description
Amateur Radio is an officially recognised radio service, bound and protected by both national and international legislation. It is the only hobby that is recognised by the United Nations, (Article 41). There is a wide range of activities to explore from the short wave bands through VHF and UHF frequencies up to microwave bands. There are amateur radio satellites available for communication, space flights on both the American Shuttle and the Russian MIR space-station have carried amateurs.

Dedication
There is no specific amount of time and dedication which participants must commit themselves to. As an individual activity, each person puts as much or as little time into it as they want. True enthusiasts warn that this hobby can become compulsive and can take up a lot of your spare time.

Potential
Skills and experience obtained while operating and experimenting with radios are often respected by employers in the electronics industry.

Closely Related Activities
1 General electronic construction. 2 Computing, sending and receiving data over the air.

Further Reading
Magazine: Practical Wireless Books: Radio Amateurs Examination Manual by George Benbow Amateur Radio Operating Manual by Ray Eckersley The Novice Licence Students Notebook by John Case

Cost
Transmitting licence (A or B class)- ?15 a year Membership of RSGB (not compulsory)- ?30 a year Under 18 Membership of RSGB - ?15 Membership of a local club ?10 - ?20 a year. The cost equipment is limited only by your own pocket.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.