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Change your Hancock for a Call Sign

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Change your Hancock for a 'Call Sign'

Amateur radio is a unique hobby in that it allows you to learn to operate and experiment with radio equipment. Some may prefer the actual building of equipment and get most satisfaction that part of the hobby. It also gives you the freedom to get in contact with other radio amateurs no matter if they live in Plymouth or in some far off corner of the world, like Exeter. Most countries now allow amateur radio operation, so regardless of your situation, no matter what language you speak, personal circumstances, age or cultural background, there will always be the thrill of a possible chance contact leading to a long lasting friendship. Someone hundreds or even thousands of miles away, could be your next best friend and they're just waiting to hear your Plymouth accent to hit the airwaves for the first time. Before you know it you'll be flying off on another holiday using them for some cheap accommodation.

Amateur radio can be a great asset to you if you are housebound in Plymouth or find mobility a problem in Plymouth because of the opportunity it provides to make friends very easily. Even language differences need not be a problem when you use Morse code and 'Q' codes (these are three-letter codes, which have the same meaning throughout the amateur radio world).
Being an amateur radio enthusiast also enables you to help others. Many radio operators offer their services to the emergency services, first aid organisations and the police, at public events and during disaster relief operations at home and abroad.

For over a century the amateur radio community have been at the cutting edge of developments in telecommunications. Today you can use your PC at home in Plymouth, if you wish, as an additional component of your amateur radio equipment, thereby bringing together IT and radio technology. You will have the opportunity to experiment with television, RTTY (radio teletype), antennas, data (including computer controlled communications such as packet radio and the internet), satellite communications and, of course, short range voice or Morse code transmissions.
The best way to get involved in this fascinating hobby in Plymouth is to join a local amateur radio club. If you live or work in the Plymouth area you are fortunate that there is a very good radio club in Plymouth which provides regular meetings, training and importantly a friendly social life in Plymouth as well.
You will need to obtain a licence and have a certain amount of knowledge to operate you radio equipment in Plymouth or in fact anywhere in the UK. Once you have got your licence you will be given your very own ‘Call Sign’ which you have to use when communicating by radio for identification purposes. The Plymouth Radio Club will be able to help you all the way with information and training in Plymouth.

You can start your hobby by getting a licence to operate at any one of the three levels – Foundation, Intermediate or Full. The easiest way is to start with a Foundation Licence which all the relevant information is available at the next Radio Club meeting in Plymouth.
There are no barriers to this hobby and no age limit so anyone can obtain any class of Amateur Radio Licence, as long as they have passed the relevant examination. So if you are looking for a hobby which allows you to meet new friends in Plymouth, make new friends anywhere in the World, including Exeter, then get yourself trained up in Plymouth now!

 


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