radio amateur

Anyone with a keen interest in amateur radio.
To transmit on amateur bands one must have a license. A license is acquired by taking a course and passing an exam. In the UK, currently it is necessary to first take a Foundation exam (one can then apply for a foundation, or M3 call). Next one must take an Intermediate exam (one can then apply for an intermediate, or 2E0 call). Finally one can take the Advanced course, and exam, and get a full M0 call.
Just because one has only an M3 call does not mean they have any less interest, or are any less qualified to be a part of an amateur community.

Radio enthusiast. AKA HAM who had passed a test. Enjoys talking to others around the world or constructing equipment. Not to be confused with M3's

A bunch of bald middle aged men. In order to be a female in amateur radio you must be one the males mother, lover, or daughter. The term Om, for old man is supposed to be used but males are always referred to by there call letters. They call woman Yl's as often as they can.

A FCC licensed radio service to further the radio arts, and promoted good will to others. Amtateur by definition, means to do something without financial interest. This hobby / service is used to same many lives during disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, weather spotting, and the like. It has the ability to talk to people around the world with simple equipment, and without need of infrastructure.

Intellectually stimulating hobby enjoyed by men and women, young and old, and people of all cultures. Not just for balding men.

Includes a number of sub-hobbies, including: morse code (CW), digital modes (think chat on the radio), amateur television, even bouncing radio signals off the moon. Endless possibilities.

Amateur radio, sometimes referred to as ham radio, is a hobby in which FCC Licensed Operators, ("hams") use radio and televsion equipment to communicate with other "amateurs" for public service, recreation and self-training.

Amateur radio operators enjoy personal (and often worldwide) wireless communications and are able to support their communities with emergency and disaster communications when necessary. They also develop their personal knowledge of electronics and radio theory. Nearly 6 million people throughout the world are involved with amateur radio.

The term "amateur" reflects the principle that Amateur Radio and its skilled operators are committed to helping communities without financial compensation; whereas Commercial Radio operates purely for profit.

Amateur Radio, synonymous with Ham Radio, is the less common, more “professional term” for the hobby. Amateur Radio is a hobby in which you use HF (High Frequency), VHF (Very High Frequency), UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) and Microwaves (Gigahertz) to communicate with other Amateur Radio operators locally, nationally and internationally. Amateur Radio operators use various modes, Analogue (FM, AM, SSB, CW) and Digital (C4FM, DMR, DStar, P25.) The hobby has evolved very much since its beginning. To get your Amateur Radio license you must pass the test to first get your Technician Class License, from there you can get your General Class License and then your Extra Class License. Many people get CB (Citizens Band Radio) confused with Amateur Radio. CB is a separate radio service with a small fraction of bandwidth which does not require a license. Other separate radio services, people may or may not be familiar with are GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), FRS (Family Radio Service) and MURS (Multi Use Radio Service.)