OPERATOR’S HANDBOOK / INTRODUCTION
AMATEUR RADIOStart listening.
Then join in.
And you don’t need to be an expert to find your place in it.
Amateur radio—also called ham radio—is a hobby that connects people through radio. Some operators talk across town, others across the world. Some build antennas or explore satellites. Here at Framerates, we use it to talk about movies, television, and whatever we’ve been watching.
START BY LISTENING ↓01 / LISTEN IN
Meet us on
Black Mountain.
You’re welcome to listen to Framerates without an amateur radio license. You’ll need a receiver or scanner that supports analog FM on the two-meter amateur band—not an ordinary broadcast FM radio.
If you’re using a radio that can transmit, keep it receive-only until you’re licensed and know how to operate it.
BLACK MOUNTAIN · KC7SOY
146.780 MHz FMWednesdays · 9 PM Pacific
Near Heppner, Oregon. Reception depends on your location, terrain, antenna, and equipment; a wide footprint doesn’t guarantee reception everywhere.
For listening, tune to the repeater’s output frequency above. The offset and transmit tone shown on our homepage are for licensed operators transmitting through the repeater.
See the net and this week’s question →02 / LEARN THE LANGUAGE
A few words
you’ll hear.
- Repeater
- A radio station that receives a signal and retransmits it, helping operators reach farther. Black Mountain is the repeater we use.
- Net
- A scheduled on-air gathering. Ours is a relaxed social net about movies and television.
- Net control
- The person hosting the net. They invite check-ins and call on operators in turn.
- Callsign
- The station identifier issued with your license. You’ll hear operators use theirs when they identify on the air.
- 73
- A radio shorthand for “best regards.” A friendly sign-off, not a secret handshake.
03 / JOIN THE CONVERSATION
From listening
to saying hello.
This guide is for getting licensed in the United States. The usual starting point is the Technician license, which lets you use the two-meter FM band where Framerates takes place.
You’ll take a 35-question exam covering radio basics, operating practices, and rules. Use current study materials and follow your exam team’s instructions for registration and fees.
Read ARRL’s licensing overview ↗Learn at your own pace.
Start with a study guide and practice questions. Understanding the answers helps you feel comfortable when it’s time to use a radio.
Find Technician study resources ↗Find an exam session.
Look for a session that suits you and check its requirements before signing up. Your exam team can explain the application process.
Browse exam sessions on HamStudy ↗Get your callsign. Then get on the air.
Wait until your FCC license is granted before transmitting on your own. Ask an experienced operator to help you program your radio and make your first contact.
WE’LL SAVE YOU A TURN
Your first check-in doesn’t need to be perfect.
Once you’re licensed, give net control your callsign, name, and location when check-ins are invited. Say you’re new—we’re happy to have you. No movie expertise needed, and our weekly question is always optional.
COME JOIN FRAMERATES →