In the U.S. Amateur Radio is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Communications Act of 1934. It is also subject to numerous international agreements. All Amateur Radio operators must be licensed to transmit.  However, you don’t need a license to receive.  A good Short-Wave Radio to receive only is the “Eton Elite Executive“.  In the U.S., there are three license classes. The higher the class of license, the more frequencies are available.

The three classes are: Technician Class, General Class, and Amateur Extra Class. To obtain an amateur radio license, you must pass exams administered by Volunteer Examiners, who are licensed radio amateurs authorized by the FCC to give the exams. Which license class is right for you? Well, it depends on what you want to do with amateur radio and how much you want to learn about the technology.  Here is a link for more information.

The Western Kentucky DX Association puts on testing sessions every few months.  Click here for the schedule.

Other Amateur Radio Clubs around the area also conduct testing sessions.  The Russellville KY Club is one and has a session every month.  Click here.