Getting started in ham radio continues to get easier and easier, as does the purchase of equipment. Up until 1991, all ham operators needed to demonstrate proficiency in Morse code. In the case of the novice operator, proficiency had a pretty broad meaning. A novice need merely display the ability to read 5 wpm, which is childishly easy. In addition to this, the way that the test was given, made it nearly impossible to fail. Essentially, you were sent a message, and then asked some questions about what message was sent. The ease of this test, is a pretty good indication, that even most of the ham radio community considered code to be irrelevant.
       There were a couple of reasons for the code requirement; but it had been under attack for as long as I have had an interest in ham radio. Initially, code proficiency was required, because in the early days of radio, this was how most communications were done. As voice became more common, the code requirement was left in place, due to international agreement. The SW bands are world wide resources, and it actually is possible for a bad HF operator in Cleveland, to interfere with a station in London. Eventually, the FCC decided that code was no longer relevant to contributing to the state of the radio art, and discontinued the requirement for domestic use, by instituting the new no code license in 1991.
       Before 1991, there had been five classes of ham license, each vesting the holder with increasing levels of power, and broader frequencies. These licenses were Novice, Technician, General, Advanced, and Extra. Each succeeding license had more privileges on more frequencies than the previous license. There was one exception. Initially, the technician license was for radio technicians who might need to operate on ham frequencies as a part of their job, but who were not ham radio hobbyists.
       The no code license, was just what the name indicates, a ham license that required no demonstration of Morse code proficiency. However, it did limit the operator to the higher frequencies that would not usually permit long range communications. This permitted a no code license, that still kept the international agreements. At this time, the license types were reduced in number to three - Technician, General, and Extra. Those who had earned novice or technician plus licenses previously, are still under the limitations of those licenses, even though they have been discontinued.
       Much of this may seem needlessly restrictive, and I would agree to an extent, except for one thing. I was a part of the big CB radio boom, back in the seventies, and have a pretty clear memory of how this changed the face of that service. Actually, I anticipated the boom a bit and, like many boys growing up in the sixties, had numerous sets of walkie talkies. Though the popular perception of the boom, is that it was an outgrowth of the romanticism of long haul trucking, and the massive use of the CB radio by the semi driver, I wonder if it isn't more a result of the army of boys growing up, who had owned walkie talkies in their youth.
       Back when I was a boy, in the sixties, electronics gear was pretty expensive, and even a cheap set of walkie talkies was beyond the means of the average 8, 10, or even 12 year old. Still, there were birthdays, and holidays, through which such devices might be obtained. Like Ralphie, from a Christmas Story, I was constantly hoping for that special gift, in my case a big CB base, rather than a BB gun (though I would have gladly taken a BB gun, I was too realistic to even bother asking for one). The problem was, that a big CB base, or even a really modest version, could cost $100 $200 and more. This was a considerable amount of money, back in 1965-67. In addition, bases had to be licensed, and the licensed user had to be 18 or older. Finally, a base would require an antenna to be mounted somewhere, and we had lived in a series of apartments. In short, it was not going to happen. Still, I could dream, and often had catalogs from Sears Penney's, Allied, and Lafayette, showing the various models of 23 channel CB bases and mobiles available at the time. The reasons for the high costs of the radios, were the fact that these were all crystal controlled, and were all tube sets, which is to say that they had no solid state electronics. This was back in the day when your parents had to save up for a color T.V., or perhaps buy one on a payment plan, and even a basic stereo was an expensive and carefully purchased item.
     When I finally did get my walkie talkies, in the mid sixties, and latter on my base, CB was fun, and very usable. The usability decreased to nearly zero, during the Big CB craze that occurred in the seventies/eighties. The bands were jammed, no protocol was observed, linear use was common, and so was out of band transmission. It was just a mess, and caused many people to leave CB radio. Without the rules and licensing requirements, this would probably be the future of ham radio.

        The Amateur Radio Operator test is primarily to make sure that you don't have a bunch of idiots and jerks on the air. It mostly succeeds, but nothing can keep us entirely jerk and idiot free - at least nothing as simple as a test. The exam covers things like legal requirements, courtesies, operating procedures, technical issues, and basic electrical knowledge. A little bit of study will help, but the test is not that hard. Joining a ham radio club will be a big help, and will offer the peer pressure that some people require in order to motivate them.
        Years ago, I had a technician license, and never really did much with it. I had meant to get really involved; but moves, travel, other hobbies, and the fact that I lived in an apartment put too many obstacles in my way. Having been forced to move due to a fire, and then spending nearly a year figuring out how to get my antennas back up and my radios hooked up, I never did get around to updating the FCC on my new mailing address. Apparently they were unable to get a hold of me, because my license disappeared from their list. So I had to go back and retake the test for technician. Its is not nearly as hard as I remember, nor does it take as long. Much of this is probably due to the revocation of the Morse code requirement.
       Tests are given by volunteer examiners, usually as an activity of local radio clubs. The test I took was given in a back room of the headquarters of Amateur Electronics. The room was apparently some kind of stock room or warehouse, as it was full of shelves containing radio gear. A number of long banquet tables were set up. About two dozen people came to be tested. Tests are scheduled for the last Saturday of the month at 9:30 AM - though they are not given every month. June will be skipped this year, because of a field day occurring the last Saturday. Also, the tests tend not to be given during the winter months.
    I noticed a couple of things about the applicants, which reminded me of what I had noticed over the years about the ham radio community. The ARRL emphasizes that ham radio attracts hobbyists from every walk of life, every social and racial group, and both genders - however, some truisms apply. Of the two dozen applicants, perhaps two were women, while three were boys. The rest were all middle aged white men. This compares pretty closely with what I recall from ham radio clubs and activities.
    I have to admit though, the whole thing made me a bit homesick for the America I used to live in. All you needed to do was take one look at these guys, and you knew exactly who they were. Most were pretty clean cut, conservative, and traditional looking. I can picture these guys going to their place up north, hunting in the fall, fishing in the summer, working in their home shop, and fixing the car. I know these guys, without knowing them. They were the parents of all of the kids I knew in school. Guys like this can be trusted. They work for a living, do what needs to be done, and have values. Their politics tend to be the politics of leave me alone. Sadly, they are a vanishing breed.
    The test itself was simple. If you get a test guide and read it, you will certainly pass. Even if you do not get a test guide, but just use some common sense and have some knowledge of radio or electronics, you will probably pass. For the technician, there are 35 questions. Though I spent over an hour at the testing location, the test itself took maybe fifteen minutes. The test for the general license is also 35 questions, though they are presumably more difficult. The Extra license, which is the highest classification of ham, requires passage of a fifty question exam.
    Once you have passed your test, you will get a certificate of completion, signed by the volunteer examiners; but you will not be allowed on the air immediately. The test results have to get to the FCC, who will then verify passage of the test, and then assign you the next sequential call sign from the list. The reason for not being able to transmit immediately should be obvious. You will not have a call sign until the FCC gets your test results, and assigns you one. It is required by law and FCC rules that you identify your station at the beginning and end of transmission, and every ten  minutes in between. How could you do this before being assigned you call sign? The list can be found at http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp 
As soon as you see your name and call sign on this list, you may get on the air - using your new call sign, of course.

        After having my technician license for a couple years, I went out for my general, and then a few months latter got my extra. If I can do it, so can you. The general and extra allow you to get on the world wide HF bands.  

    The Technician license is now the entry level, lowest grade of ham license. It is earned by passing a 35 question test, given by volunteer examiners. This license allows unrestricted use of UHF and VHF frequencies at a reduced power level of 200 watts (except where other restrictions call for less power). It also confers limited privileges on HF (SW) bands.

      The nice thing about starting out with the tech license, is that it forces you to start with the easier portion of the radio spectrum. Almost all of the challenge, difficulty, and frustration (as well as much of the satisfaction) of ham radio are due to antenna issues. In my own case, I was a CB radio enthusiast back in the seventies/eighties, and then a scanner and SW listener. A good antenna helps a lot with SW, but is not really a necessity, because you don't transmit. A good antenna match is important with CB, but you are only matching for a single band, and a rather narrow one at that, and on low power. Ham radio, with all of its bands, and as much as 2KW of power, is different.

        Most new technician class hams find themselves on 2 meter, as do many old experienced users. On 2 meter, you aren't likely to be talking to anyone in China, India, or Germany. Your main concern will be the ability to hit the local repeater, which can be done with a watt or two from a handy talkie. Antennas are relatively easy, and mobile use is common. Though many radio operators might consider this to be sacrilege, two meter is sort of a grown up version of CB radio. It is lots of fun, and does not need to be expensive or difficult. The major component of two meter is the repeater, and nearly every area has local repeaters and local repeater groups.

        A local repeater might be located on a hill top, or the top of a tall building. It could put out 1000 watts or more, though some put out as little as a hundred or even less. Most have elaborate and capable antenna systems. Being able to hit such a repeater from your mobile unit, or from your little shirt pocket hand held will let you reach your entire area. This is great for local communication, talking with other radio enthusiasts, and working mobile while on vacations. Eventually, though, you will develop a taste for more. This is where HF and the more advanced licenses come in.

           A quarter wave antenna in the popular 40 meter band, would be about thirty feet long, compared to the eighteen inches of a 2 meter quarter wave. A 160 meter quarter wave antenna would be a bit over 120 feet long. Most of the bands on HF need long antennas, and most operate out of multi band HF transceivers. This means multiple antennas, feeder lines, tuners, beams, propagations tables, and a whole different level of knowledge. This can make operating an amateur station much more complicated. For the technician class license holder, the only HF communications permitted is by Morse Code, and a maximum of 200 watts is allowed. In addition to this, permissible bands and frequencies are sharply limited. This is probably a favor since, as was mentioned, operation on the HF bands can really complicate things. Getting your feet wet on UHF/VHF, getting the hang of radio operation, and cultivating a network of helpful amateur radio operators to guide you along is a good first step. Many hams never feel the need to move past 2 meter and local communication - but for those who do, the sky is literally the limit.