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You have gotten licensed... Now what?

This section dives deeper into some of the most popular practical and recreational uses and FAQs of your ham license. Exploring the subsections listed on the left-hand column should help you answer the following questions. You can also click on one of the questions below to learn more.

• What radio equipment should I buy first?
• How can I learn more about Morse Code (CW)?
• How do I build a simple antenna?
• What can I expect when I make my first contact?
• Should I keep a record of my contacts?
• What are ham radio contests all about?
• What is DXing ?
• And so much more...
  

A man speaking into a microphone next to a radio station set up.

Before you go to get on the air, you may wish to review this information:

• Operating Ethics and Operating Procedures
• RF Radiation and Electromagnetic Field Safety

PDF Resources:

• Frequency Allocations and Band Charts
• Band chart of US Amateur Radio Technician Privileges [PDF]
• Contact basics chart [PDF]: commonly used Q signals and phonetic alphabet
• Radiogram Components, Q Signals and Prosigns [PDF]

Webpage Link Resources:

• Amateur Radio and Digital Modes to learn more about besides CW
  
• Communication Procedures, ITU Phonetic Alphabet, RST System, UTC Time Conversion
• Grid Square Locator
• Ham Radio Glossary