1. What is amateur radio?
Radio amateurs, or hams use two-way radio communication to make contact with other radio amateurs all over the world. They are even able to use satellites and on occasion speak with astronauts. Radio hams can do this from home or while travelling in cars, boats or on foot.
Radio hams have a full range of communication methods at their disposal. This includes plain voice, Morse code, numerous digital computer modes and even television. As a licensed amateur radio operator you will be able to join in experiments using all these modes. Radio amateurs also make use of the Internet to connect radio transmitters all over the world.
Amateur radio can be enjoyed by young and old, male and female, even the most severely disabled can make friends around the world from their own home. This hobby knows no boundaries.
Using even the simplest of radio equipment and antennas, amateurs communicate with each other for fun, for education, during emergencies, and in contests. Through Hamnet, the amateur emergency preparedness organisation, they assist with communications for public events such as road races, motor rallies, etc, and handle messages for police and other public service organisations during emergencies.
2. How do I get my licence?
Because radio amateurs are permitted to use a wide range of frequencies and types of transmission, they must be qualified operators. In South Africa, as in most countries around the world, Amateur radio is regulated by the Department of Communication. Licensing in South Africa is handled by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa - ICASA.
South African regulations require you to write an examination, which is set to test your understanding of the basic principles of radio, and the regulations governing amateur radio operators. This exam is simple enough for anyone with some school education and an interest in the hobby to pass.
The Radio Amateur's Examination usually takes place in May and November each year. The exam is conducted by the South African Radio League (SARL) on behalf of ICASA, and is written at various centres around South Africa. Application Forms to write the exam are obtainable from the SARL or your local Radio Club.
In most cities and towns around the country there are clubs that provide classes for the Radio Amateur's Examination, and facilitate the writing of the test. There are two clubs serving Gaunteng area, as follows:
Sandton Amateur Radio Club, Box 527, Pinegowrie 2123
West Rand Amateur Radio Club, Box 562, Roodepoort 1725
3. What will it cost me?
In order to become a Radio Amateur you will need to pass the Radio Amateur's Examination, and also purchase your own radio equipment.
Examination fee
The examination fee for the Radio Amateur's Examination is R450,00. This fee includes all costs levied by ICASA and the cost of conducting the examinations. If you attend courses conducted by your local club then you may be required to pay a tuition fee to the club.
Radio equipment
The price of radio equipment varies widely, and depends more on what you can afford than any other factor. Second hand equipment is readily available, and will allow the new radio amateur to get onto the air for a few hundred rand. However, short wave radio equipment will start in the few thousand rand, and other equipment such as antennas etc will add to the cost.
4. South African Radio Regulations
Amateur radio in South Africa is regulated by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 as amended. The important parts are the Radio Regulations which specify the requirements, privileges and responsibilities involved in amateur radio stations. The regulations are currently under review and may change during 2004. The following information describes the current regulations:
There are two classes of licence, Class A and Class B.
Class A licensees (prefix ZS...) are required to pass a Morse code test at 12 words per minute and have full short wave privileges, while Class B licensees (prefix ZU...) need attain only five words per minute code and are restricted in terms of the bands available, output power and some other minor items. A person who has passed the Radio Amateur's Examination, but has not yet passed a code test may be granted a restricted licence (prefix ZR...), which entitles him or her to operate only at frequencies of 50 MHz and higher, ie: on the VHF and UHF bands.
5. Morse code in South Africa
In terms of the current regulations it is still necessary to pass a Morse code test in order to operate on the short wave bands in South Africa. This regulation is currently under review and it is hoped that it will be changed during 2004.
Morse code tests are conducted by authorised members of the SARL.
6. Further information
Further information may be obtained from the SARL at the following address:
SA Radio League
Box 1721
Strubensvallei
1735
Telephone: +27 (0)11 675 2393 (mornings only)
The SARL maintains a website containing a large amount of information about amateur radio in South Africa, at the following address: http://www.sarl.org.za.
Other useful web sites include:
American Radio Relay League: http://www.arrl.org
Radio Society of Great Britain: http://www.rsgb.org.uk
To find out more about Amateur Radio, contact Gilles De Chasteauneuf, [email protected].
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version