FROM CB RADIO OPERATOR TO AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR ? (THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!)

Have you thought about getting your amateur radio licence?
This article will explain the easy process of going from a Citizen’s Band (CB) radio operator to a licensed amateur radio operator in Australia. CB Radio operators are some of the most passionate radio enthusiasts in our community! And just like amateur stations, CB operators enjoy the thrill of contacting distant stations and also making friends over the air. But CB is limited to a couple of bands and very limited power output.
Amateur Radio opens up a whole new world of possibilities! Once you have your license, you are able to use a range of different bands and frequencies – Everything from satellite communications to digital modes (connecting you to repeaters all over the world!) If conditions on one band are not ideal, you can often change to another band depending on the time of day / and other conditions.
To begin with, it’s worth noting that while CB radio operators are not required to have a license in Australia, Amateur radio operators must obtain a license from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to operate their equipment legally.
The first step towards obtaining your amateur radio license is to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. This can be done through self-study or by attending a course. (Your local amateur radio club will offer courses and exam services, but you can also find lots of resources online to help you.)
Once you have the required knowledge, you can apply to sit for the ACMA’s Foundation License examination. This exam covers topics such as radio theory, operating procedures, and regulations. It is a multiple-choice exam, and you need to score at least 70% to pass. You also need to sit the practical exam, which covers the basics of setting up a station and other basic skills. ( Note: For the Practical you need a 100% mark to pass.) Once again, this is easy enough to do if you are willing to put in the time and effort! And it is actually much easier than you think!
After passing the exams, you will need to apply for your Foundation License through the ACMA. The application process involves submitting the appropriate forms, along with a fee. Once your application has been processed and approved, you will be issued with your own call sign, which you can use to identify yourself on the airwaves to stations all over the world! (with amateur callsigns, you also have the option of applying for a unique callsign and if its available, it will be assigned to you.)
It’s worth noting that the Foundation License is the first step in a series of license classes, each of which allows you to operate more powerful equipment and access more frequencies. As you gain experience and knowledge, you can progress through the classes, ultimately reaching the highest class, the Advanced License!
Getting an amateur radio license is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a hobby if you are interested in radio! (It opens up so many amazing possibilities!)
We hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or would like more detailed information, please contact your local amateur radio club who will be more than happy to help you with all the information you need to get your callsign and on the air on the amateur radio bands. Good Luck!

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David VK4DN