FORMAL BIT: of all hobbies, amateur radio is a popular one in which licensed individuals use designated radio frequencies to communicate, experiment with radio technology, and provide emergency communications without commercial intent. It can be a technical pastime where you learn and practice skills with electronics, or it can be a leisure pastime where you simply communicate with others.

INFORMAL BIT: my goodness, this hobby has so many facets and features that you could be occupied for years!! In fact, many of us HAVE been actively involved for years, periodically discovering new angles of interest that we want to spend time on.

Amateur Radio as a Hobby
An Amateur Radio

A Hobby with a Long History

Otherwise called a “ham radio hobby” in the USA, British amateur radio hobbyists have been around for over 100 years (first radio amateur licences were issued in 1921, following regulations established by the then British government).

Amateur radio may also be used as a voluntary public service for non-commercial message transmission, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication.

How we use OFCOM-Assigned Radio Frequencies

In the UK, OFCOM allocates the radio band frequencies that amateur hobbyists use. We use the bands in the following ways:

  • Making contact with other amateur radio operators from all over the world using their radios (including a few operators in outer space—the International Space Station, in orbit around Earth 250 miles above—who make unscheduled transmissions on the amateur radio bands).
  • Competing in contests—local, regional, and international. Also participating in events such as “Parks on the Air” where one makes contacts at ones own pace for one’s own leisure. Such activities can help to test an operator’s efficiency or stretch an operator’s skills.
  • Encouraging technical experimentation, as radio amateurs have made many advancements in radio technology.
  • Communication through amateur space satellites or with the International Space Station.
  • Providing communication emergency times and undertaking exercises to prepare for such events.
Your New Radio Hobby

An Amateur Radio Display

What you’d enjoy in Amateur Radio

Here are a handful of reasons why you’d enjoy amateur radio as your new hobby:

  1. Passion for Technology and Electronics
    • Amateur radio offers hands-on experience with radio equipment, signal processing, and electronics, ideal for tech enthusiasts who enjoy building, troubleshooting, and experimenting with radio technology. 
  2. Community and Global Connections
    • Radio provides a unique way to communicate with people locally, regionally, and worldwide. An opportunity to build friendships and join a community of operators who share knowledge and experiences across borders. 
  3. Public Service and Emergency Preparedness
    • Ham radio can be crucial for emergency communication, offering a way to assist during natural disasters when other networks may be down and providing a sense of purpose and civic responsibility,
Amateur Radio Hobbyist @ FPARC

Operating Amateur Radio with a PC

Joining one of the dozens of amateur radio clubs across the UK, or one remotely over the Internet, can provide support, learning, and teaching opportunities. You won’t have to practice our hobby alone if you don’t wish to!

Getting Started in Amateur Radio

Here are three ways to get involved in amateur radio as a hobby:

  1. Earn an Amateur Radio Licence
    • The UK requires us to obtain a licence to operate on amateur/ham radio bands. Studying for and passing the licensing exam helps new operators learn radio theory, regulations, and proper operating practices, making it a solid first step. You can prepare at your own pace, or sign up to a free training course. The initial examination (“Foundation level”) gets you sufficient privileges to make a big splash in the hobby.
  2. Join a Local Amateur Radio Club
    • Radio clubs are excellent resources for beginners and experienced operators alive. The offer mentorship, workshops, and access to shared equipment. Clubs also host events like field days, providing hands-on experience and a sense of community.
  3. Participate in Online and On-Air Communities
    • New operators can join online forums, watch tutorial videos, and listen in on amateur frequencies. Engaging with these communities helps build skills, learn new techniques, and connect with other operators.
Amateur Radio Hobby Field Weekend

Take part in a Field Event 

Your next steps…

Though you don’t have to join a club, Fort Purbrook Amateur Radio Club can help you with:

  1. Supporting you in your training for the RSGB Licencing Examination.
  2. Supporting your hobby by answering the hundreds of questions you’ll think of.
  3. Running weekly “nets” where you can chat with others in or near your area.
  4. Organising events and experiment days where you can hone your skills, learn by watching others, and joining in with the events.

Read about joining our club.

So, have we peaked your interest in Amateur Radio as a hobby?

Why not get in touch to say hello?

Supporting Amateur Radio at Fort Purbrook ARC