New hams
Infographics
One topic, one page, in plain language. Each prints on a single page for the shack wall or a club handout.
What is ham radio?
Ham radio on one page: two-way radio that reaches across town, around the world and even to space, helps when phones go down, and starts with one test.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 716 KB)
VHF vs UHF
How VHF and UHF differ for ham radio: where each works best, antenna lengths, repeater offsets and calling frequencies. Free to download and print.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 541 KB)
How POTA works
Parks on the Air in one picture: an activator sets up in a park, calls CQ POTA, hunters make contact, and everyone logs it. Free to download and print.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 467 KB)
Your first repeater contact
Your first call on a local ham radio repeater in four steps: find a repeater, listen first, make your call, reply and sign off. Free to download and print.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 508 KB)
Your first simplex call
Talk radio to radio in four steps: set your radio to 146.520 MHz, listen first, make your call, then move off the calling frequency. Free to download and print.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 699 KB)
Your first DMR contact
DMR in five steps: get a free DMR ID, program your radio, pick a repeater or hotspot, test with the parrot, then call on a talkgroup. Free to print.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 680 KB)
Your first satellite contact
Talk through an FM satellite with a handheld: find a pass, program your radio for SO-50, point and listen, make a quick contact. Free to download and print.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 447 KB)
Checking into a net
Your first ham radio net check-in in five steps: find a net, listen first, check in, wait your turn and take your turn. Free to download and print.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 555 KB)
Reading the sun numbers
Solar flux, the K index, X-ray flares and sunspots on one page: which numbers are good for HF radio and why. Free to download and print.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 530 KB)
Get your ham license
The path to a US ham license in six steps: study, get your FRN, find an exam, pass the test, pay the FCC’s $35 fee and get on the air. Free to print.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 584 KB)
Where can I transmit?
What a Technician license lets you use, explained as a road: your own bands, your slices of HF, the band plan and your first call on 146.520. Free to download.
Print it (PDF, 1 page, 651 KB)