Ham Radio: FCC / Licensing

AE7Q FCC Callsign Availability Database - This database shows callsigns that are available through the vanity program via the FCC.

This is the main webpage for the FCC's Amateur Radio Service in the USA. Ham Radio operators may look into licensing issues, file address changes, replace a license, request a vanity ham radio license, review rules and regulations, check into reciprocal arrangements with other countries or many other activities.

Hamtests is a site for ham radio practice exams for the U.K. If you're interested in obtaining a G-land callsign, you might want to investigate this website.

Morse code utilities for Windows PCs:
Code Weaver: translate text files to Morse code
NuTest: FCC Amateur Radio License test
NuMorse and NuCode are utilities for learning to copy Morse Code in preparation for the FCC tests.

On-line practice ham radio licensing exams. Think you're ready to take the FCC ham radio exam but want to practice first. N0HR.com has a place to practice written exams prior to sitting down with the volunteer examiners. This is a free, easy way to see if you're really ready for the test. Technician class, General class and Extra class practice exams are constructed using the current FCC ham radio question pool.

This page shows all FCC part 97 rules and regulations for the Amateur Radio Service in the US. Information is provided both in raw text format and .pdf.

PRB-1 document from the FCC. This is the controversial FCC ruling from 1985 stating that local regulations that restrict ham radio installations are against the interests of the FCC. In particular:

25. Because amateur station communications are only as effective as the antennas employed, antenna height restrictions directly affect the effectiveness of amateur communications. Some amateur antenna configurations require more substantial installations than others if they are to provide the amateur operator with the communications that he/she desires to engage in. For example, an antenna array for International amateur communications will differ from an antenna used to contact other amateur operators at shorter distances. We will not, however, specify any particular height limitation below which a local government may not regulate, nor will we suggest the precise language that must be contained in local ordinances, such as mechanisms for special exceptions, variances, or conditional use permits. Nevertheless, local regulations which involve placement, screening, or height of anatennas based on health, safety, or aesthetic considerations must be crafted to accommodate reasonably amateur communications, and to represent the minimum practicable regulation to accomplish the local authority's legitimate purpose.6

26. Obviously, we do not have the staff or financial resources to review all state and local laws that affect amateur operations. We are confident, however, that state and local governments will endeavor to legislate in a manner that affords appropriate recognition to the important federal interest at stake here and thereby avoid unnecessary conflict with federal policy, as well as time-consuming and expensive litigation in this area. Amateur operators who believe that local or state governments have been overreaching and thereby have precluded accomplishment of their legitimate communications goals, may, in addition, use this document to bring our policies to the attention of local tribunals and forums.

Vanity call lookup, QSL card creator, duplicate license creator, license certificate creator, cw weight analyzer, hams listed by zip code and more.

RadioQTH has vanity call information, QSL card design webpages, practice exams, searches of the FCC ham radio database, tips and more.

Michael Burkhardt's Ham Radio Shacketeria
On-line ham tests.