Why Ham Matters

When the cell towers are down and the internet is out, the people who can still relay messages far and wide are ham radio operators. Ham (amateur) radio is how you go from, "We can talk across the neighborhood," to "We can move messages across cities, states, or continents when the normal stuff is broken."

Ham radio gives you access to VHF/UHF (local & regional), HF (long distance), digital modes, satellites, and even the ISS, all on a globally shared, non-commercial radio service.

Unlike GMRS, ham radio licenses are individual, not family-wide. And, you have to pass a multiple-choice exam. The reward is huge: more bands, more power, more flexibility, and the ability to act as a real comms backbone in an emergency.

Getting licensed is easier, faster, and cheaper than ever. No Morse code. No age restrictions. No citizenship required. You can go from zero to licensed in 30 days or less for about $50–$70 total.

Why You Need at Least a Technician License

Legal access to 2-meter (144 MHz) and 70-cm (440 MHz)
Join local ARES/RACES emergency nets
Talk state-wide with repeaters, nation-wide with satellites or Winlink email
Upgrade later to General/Extra for HF (long-distance/global comms)

Ham radio is where Chaos Koalas get their long-range legs. Meshtastic & GMRS is the neighborhood. Ham radio is the bridge to the outside world.

The 3 License Levels

License	Exam	Questions	Pass %	New Privileges	Study Time
Technician	Element 2	35	74%	VHF/UHF, local repeaters, some HF	3–14 days
General	Element 3	35	74%	HF bands (worldwide voice & digital)	+2–4 weeks
Extra	Element 4	50	74%	Every amateur band & more HF slices	+4–8 weeks

You keep all privileges when you upgrade; they stack.

Quick Summary of Each Class

Technician (Start Here)

Entry-level license. One 35-question multiple-choice exam. You get all ham bands above 30 MHz (VHF/UHF) plus some limited HF privileges. Great for local repeaters, simplex, digital voice, APRS, and first steps into HF.

General (Recommended Goal)

Grants much wider HF privileges. You can work most of the world, join regional nets, and properly integrate into long-haul emergency and traffic networks. This is where HF really opens up.

Amateur Extra (Endgame Nerd Mode)

Highest license class. Gives you access to all US amateur bands and the most valuable HF slices. Not required for Chaos Koalas operations, but having a few Extras around is very useful.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Typical Cost	Notes
Technician exam fee	$15–$35	Paid to the VE team
General / Extra (same session)	Included	Most teams let you attempt higher exams for no extra fee
FCC license fee (10 years)	$35	Paid online after you pass

Youth note: Some organizations have programs to cover the $35 FCC fee for under-18 candidates at certain exam sessions. If you're helping a teen get licensed, ask the VE team about this before the session.

Am I Eligible?

In general, you're eligible if:

You're not a representative of a foreign government
You're able to take the exam (no age limit; kids get licensed all the time)
You can provide basic identifying info to the FCC (for the FRN)

No background check, no security clearance, no Morse requirement. Just a multiple-choice exam on basic rules, safety, and radio concepts.

The Process: Zero to Licensed in 30 Days or Less

STEP ONE: Get Your FRN Number

If you already have a GMRS license or have dealt with the FCC before, you probably already have an FRN. If not, this is how you get one.

An FRN is your FCC Registration Number. Think of it as your account ID with the FCC.

Go to the CORES Registration System

Click "Register" (the middle box) and create an account. Use an email you'll have for the long haul.
Log in with your new credentials.
Select "Register FRN" from the central menu (third option down).
Follow the prompts to register as an individual. You'll need your social security number or tax ID at this step. Submit the form.
Your 10-digit FRN will appear at the top of the page after submission. Write it down or screenshot it.

STEP TWO: Study for Your Exam(s)

Week 1: Technician (Most Important for Survival)

Go to hamstudy.org (free) or download the hamStudy app (iOS/Android)
Create account → choose "Technician 2023–2027" question pool
Use the "Study Flashcards" mode → read explanation for every wrong answer
When you're scoring 85%+ on practice tests consistently → schedule exam

Weeks 2–4: General + Extra (Optional but Recommended)

Same site, same method. Just add the next question pools. General gives you HF bands for worldwide communications. Extra gives you full frequency access and vanity callsigns.

Study tips: Don't overthink the math; it's basic. Focus on safety, band privileges, and "what's allowed / not allowed." Most people can get Technician-ready with a few evenings or a couple weekends of focused study.

STEP THREE: Take the Exam & Get Your License

Find an exam session (takes 5 minutes):

Go to hamclub.org or use a search engine to find a ham club near you
Book your test session

On exam day:

Show up on time (or log in early if it's an online exam)
Bring ID and anything the VE team requested (payment, FRN, etc.)
Take the 35-question Technician exam
If you pass and feel spicy, you can ask to attempt the General the same session

After you pass:

The VE team submits your results to the FCC
You'll get an email from the FCC about paying the $35 application fee via the CORES system
Pay the fee online (do this from a computer if possible; the FCC site can be grumpy on phones)
Within a day or two after payment, your new call sign should appear in the FCC database

Watch for the FCC email. Passing the exam is not the final step; the license isn't active until you pay the FCC fee and it shows up in the database. You walk in unlicensed, pass the test, pay the fee, and your callsign shows up in the FCC database the same week (usually 2–7 days).

If You Get Stuck

There are a few good lifelines if you get lost in the process:

Your local ham radio club (search "your city amateur radio club")
The VE team running your exam; they do this all the time
The FCC help channels:
- Phone: 1-888-CALLFCC
- FCC Licensing Help Center
- FCC CORES Help

Or ask a Chaos Koala with a call sign. We like dragging more people into this hobby.

Ham Radio Rules (The Stuff You Can't Do)

The full legal details live in Title 47, Part 97 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Here's the short version of big "don'ts" for US ham radio:

No broadcasting "to the general public" like a commercial radio station
No business communications or getting paid for using your ham station
No encrypted or secret messages (with narrow exceptions for certain control links)
No obscene, indecent, or harassing content
No music or entertainment programs
No third-party traffic to certain countries without appropriate agreements

You do need to identify with your call sign regularly (at least every 10 minutes during a conversation and at the end of your last transmission on a frequency). Something simple like:

"This is KN4XYZ."

is totally fine.

After You're Licensed

Some good first moves once you have your call sign:

Program a handheld or mobile radio with local repeaters and simplex channels
Check into a local net once a week, such as the NI4CE Eagle NTS Net
Find one practical use (weather net, storm spotting, community events, backpacking, etc.) so the skill sticks
Decide whether you want to aim for General next for better HF access

Chaos Koala philosophy: How you practice on calm days is how you perform on chaotic days. Casual, consistent radio use now makes emergency comms feel normal later. When the lights go out, you'll be the one everyone comes to for news.

Study resources:

hamStudy.org Free online study platform
Learn the NATO Phonetic Alphabet (this is not required but you'll sound so much cooler)

Getting Started: Entry-Level Handheld

Baofeng UV-5R Mini - Solid starter radio. Dual-band (2m/70cm), dirt cheap, gets you on the air immediately after you pass your Technician exam.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Step Up: Quality Handheld

BTech UV-Pro - Bulletproof dual-band HT. Better receiver, GPS, APRS, digital scan function.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Mobile/Base Station Rigs

Radioddity DB25-D - Dual-band mobile with 25W output. Perfect for vehicle installs or as a home base with a proper antenna. Clean interface, solid build.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Retevis RT95 - Budget-friendly dual-band mobile (25W). Gets you on repeaters, does cross-band repeat. Good entry point for mobile operations.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Power Supplies

Powerwerx SS-30DV - 30A regulated 13.8V DC power supply. Powers mobile rigs at home, clean output, Anderson Powerpole connectors. This is what you need for base station operation.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Antennas

Nagoya NA-771 - Flexible whip antenna for handhelds. Better than stock, won't break off when you snag it. Simple upgrade that improves range.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Comet CA-2X4SRNMO Dual Band Mobile Antenna - Antenna for vehicles, handles highway speeds. Get your mobile rig talking to repeaters 50+ miles out.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

License Study Materials

ARRL Ham Radio License Manual - Official study guide for Technician class. Covers theory and FCC regs. Pair this with practice exams online and you'll pass first try.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →

Programming & Accessories

BTECH PC03 Programming Cable - USB programming cable for Baofeng/BTECH radios. Get CHIRP software running, program your repeaters properly instead of fat-fingering them on the keypad.
Buy on Amazon (affiliate link) →