HamRadioDirectory
The worldwide encyclopedic directory for amateur radio. 1,000+ resources across clubs, repeaters, software, hardware, licensing, digital modes, and operating guides for operators in every region.
Quick Access
New to Ham Radio?
Full Beginner Guide →Amateur radio (ham radio) is a hobby and service that allows licensed operators to communicate by radio on designated frequencies. There are over 3 million licensed amateur radio operators worldwide, with active communities on every continent. Getting started is easier than you might think.
-
Learn What Amateur Radio IsUnderstand the hobby, its history, and what you can do with a ham radio license. From local repeater conversations to worldwide DX contacts, satellite communications, and emergency preparedness.
-
Choose Your License LevelMost countries offer tiered license classes. In the US: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. In the UK: Foundation, Intermediate, and Full. In Europe, the CEPT/HAREC system enables cross-border privileges. Start with your country's entry-level license.
-
Study for the ExamUse free resources like HamStudy.org (US), RSGB Training (UK), or your national society's study materials. Most people pass the entry-level exam with 1-2 weeks of study.
-
Take the ExamIn the US, find exam sessions through the ARRL or HamStudy. In the UK, contact your local RSGB club. Other countries, contact your IARU member society for exam details.
-
Get Your Call SignAfter passing, your licensing authority will issue your call sign. Call sign prefixes identify your country (W/K/N for the US, G/M for the UK, VK for Australia, JA for Japan, and so on). Look up any call sign worldwide at QRZ.com.
-
Choose Your First RadioA VHF/UHF handheld radio is the most affordable way to start. Popular choices include Yaesu, Kenwood, and Icom handhelds. Budget options from Baofeng are available under $30. Visit our Hardware section for recommendations.
Featured Resources
View All →ARRL
OfficialThe national association for amateur radio in the United States. Licensing resources, QST magazine, Logbook of the World, contests, and advocacy.
HamStudy.org
FreeFree online study platform for all three amateur radio license exams with practice tests, flashcards, and exam session finder.
WSJT-X
FreeThe software behind FT8, the most popular digital mode in amateur radio. Make contacts with very weak signals using short, structured transmissions.
QRZ.com
FreeThe world's largest amateur radio call sign database. Look up any call sign, join forums, read news, and use the free online logbook.
RepeaterBook
FreeThe largest free repeater directory. Search for amateur radio repeaters by location, frequency, band, or mode with detailed access information.
Parks on the Air
FreeSet up your radio in national and state parks and make contacts. One of the fastest-growing activities in amateur radio, combining outdoor recreation with ham radio.
HF Band Quick Reference
Full Band Plan →| Band | Frequency | License | FT8 Freq | Propagation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80m | 3.5 - 4.0 MHz | General+ | 3.573 | Regional night, good for nets |
| 40m | 7.0 - 7.3 MHz | General+ | 7.074 | Reliable day and night |
| 20m | 14.0 - 14.35 MHz | General+ | 14.074 | Premier DX band, daytime |
| 15m | 21.0 - 21.45 MHz | General+ | 21.074 | Excellent when solar active |
| 10m | 28.0 - 29.7 MHz | Technician+ | 28.074 | DX in solar max, sporadic E |
| 6m | 50 - 54 MHz | Technician+ | 50.313 | The Magic Band |
| 2m | 144 - 148 MHz | Technician+ | 144.174 | Line of sight, repeaters |
| 70cm | 420 - 450 MHz | Technician+ | 432.174 | Line of sight, satellites |
News Sources
All News Sources →ARRL News
OfficialOfficial news from the American Radio Relay League covering regulatory developments, contests, emergency communications, and ARRL programs.
Visit Website →Weekly amateur radio news broadcast covering global ham radio news, regulatory updates, and community events. Available as audio and text.
Visit Website →Amateur radio news, articles, and community discussions from QRZ.com, the world's largest ham radio community website.
Visit Website →Browse by Region
Full Directory →Amateur radio connects operators in every country on earth. Our directory covers national societies, clubs, repeaters, licensing authorities, and operating resources across all continents.
ARRL, RAC, FMRE, US and Canadian clubs, state QSO parties, repeater networks, VEC testing, and contest organizations.
Explore N. America →RSGB, DARC, REF, and 30+ national societies. CEPT licensing, HAM RADIO Friedrichshafen, and contest activity across the continent.
Explore Europe →JARL, WIA, NZART, and societies across Asia and the Pacific Islands. Tokyo Ham Fair, Oceania DX Contest, and regional resources.
Explore Asia-Pacific →LABRE, Radio Club Argentino, Radio Club de Chile, and national societies across the continent. South American DX and contests.
Explore S. America →SARL, EARS, and amateur radio societies across Africa and the Middle East. DX opportunities, IARU Region 1, and growing communities.
Explore Africa →KH6 operators, island repeaters, EARCHI, and Pacific DX. A prized contact for operators worldwide due to its mid-Pacific location.
Explore Hawaii →What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio, commonly called ham radio, is a licensed radio service used by millions of operators in virtually every country. National licensing authorities (the FCC in the US, Ofcom in the UK, BNetzA in Germany, and equivalents worldwide) allocate radio spectrum for non-commercial use by licensed individuals. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) coordinates amateur frequency allocations globally, and the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) represents the hobby in over 160 member societies.
Ham radio serves many purposes: it provides emergency and disaster communications when other systems fail, enables international goodwill and cultural exchange, advances radio technology through experimentation, and offers a deeply rewarding technical hobby. Amateur radio operators have been instrumental in disaster response worldwide, from hurricanes and earthquakes to tsunamis and wildfire evacuations.
The hobby encompasses voice conversations, digital data modes like FT8, Morse code (CW), television (SSTV and ATV), satellite communications, moonbounce (EME), and beyond. From electronics tinkering and emergency preparedness to making friends on the other side of the planet, amateur radio rewards curiosity at every level.
Getting started requires passing a licensing exam administered by your country's radio authority. In the US, the entry-level Technician exam is 35 multiple-choice questions. In Europe, the CEPT HAREC system allows cross-border operating privileges. Most countries have structured exam systems with study materials available online. Visit our Licensing page for resources specific to your region.