Only a handful of users know about shortwave radio.
While AM and FM are common knowledge, and everyone has used them on their music systems or car stereos, shortwave radio isn’t really famous among people. That said, this special type of radio receiver can collect waves from huge distances.
It hasn’t been long since I discovered shortwave radio, and the whole credit goes to my husband. He is a die-hard radio enthusiast and loves experimenting around with tech stuff.
Thanks to him, I can listen to radio stations that are far off, like those from other states: European radio, middle west, etc.; you simply name it. But it isn’t all fun and games because he had to get a license from the US radio regulatory body before either him or I could enjoy these international stations.
Hello folks, I am Stacy Smith! And I am back with another informative article in this radio series. So, “do you need a shortwave radio license in the United States?” If you seek the answer to this question, you’ll definitely like my guide because I’ve compiled all the required information in detail.
What are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
What Is A Shortwave Radio?
Let’s begin by getting to know what a shortwave radio is. Unlike other types of radio equipment, this one is specially engineered to transmit broadcast signals and collect radio information from all over the world.
Now, if you already know about shortwave radio, you definitely know your way around radios and are far from being a newbie. This radio functions on all the frequencies possible as opposed to HAM radios that operate on a select few licensed frequencies.
License Requirements For A Shortwave Radio
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) governs the licensing of amateur radio. But the question is, who exactly is qualified to obtain this license and why? Keep reading to find out.
It’s simple, individuals of any age can get a license to use amateur stations personally. After demonstrating that they have a fair knowledge of the radio operation, safety measures, and an understanding of the FCC regulations, anyone can avail a shortwave radio license.
The regulatory body used to issue these licenses without any charge, but now a nominal fee has been mandated. They remain valid for a decade from the day they are issued or renewed, so once you obtain yours, there’s no need to worry for ten years straight. Even after that period, you can simply renew it online.
Types Of Shortwave Radio Licenses
1. Technician Class
The technician class license is the most basic out of all, granting complete operating privileges to the users. You can access all bands above the frequency of 30 megahertz along with a few of the high-frequency bands. For obtaining the entry-level license, you just need to complete a written exam comprising 35 multiple-choice questions.
2. General Class
Now, this one is the middle-level authorization, and you’ll have to successfully pass a technician test on top of the initial 35-question multiple-choice exam. The general class licenses permit you to use all the portions of amateur bands and over 80% of all amateur high-frequency bands.
However, it doesn’t include some segments that are used for long-distance transmission.
3. Amateur Extra Class
The amateur extra class is the topmost license, granting you access to all the US amateur bands and frequencies. If you want to have this one, you’ll have to clear the general class test and a multiple-choice exam of fifty questions.
- 【Listen All World Sound】This emergency radio pick up channels on the NOAA/AM/FM/SW bands, you can receive signals in both manual and scanning tuning modes to meet your every need. In addition, this hand crank radio has 7 natural white noises to help you fall asleep easily, and a 10-70 minute timed auto shut-off feature to help you conserve power.
- 【Enjoy Your Favorite Music】This emergency crank radio connects to Bluetooth 5.0 for use as an audio player, and the built-in 5-watt magnetic speaker provides you with superb sound quality so you can enjoy your favorite music. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can use headphones for quiet listening. Also, the radio has access to a USB drive/TF/Micro SD card slot.
- 【Emergency Features for Preparedness】Stay informed of weather emergencies with this emergency radio with NOAA weather alerts. With a 120LM flashlight, compass, and SOS alert, this emergency radio can also be used as a mobile power source for emergency charging of your devices to stay connected in case of an emergency. It is a must-have for earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, power outages and other emergencies.
- 6-way powered portable emergency radio with hand crank generator, solar panel, compartment for 3 AA batteries (not included), 5V USB input, 5V AC/DC input with a wall power adapter (sold separately), built-in NiMH replaceable and rechargeable battery pack
- Comprehensive coverage of AM, FM, 2-band shortwave and 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels for entertainment, sports, talk-shows, breaking news around the world, and 24/7 real-time weather forecast (USA and Canada ONLY) with PEAS (Public Emergency Alert System)
- Works as an emergency mobile battery charger with built-in standard DC 5V USB output port for charging mobile devices, such as smart phones, GPS units, MP3 players, digital cameras, and etc. Other features include a 5-LED reading lamp, LED flashlight and a red LED S.O.S. beacon light
Grandfathered License Classes
The FCC made quite a few changes recently, which left the old users hanging. To be fair to the existing operators, the body brought the grandfather clause into the picture, which allows them to function as per the previously issued guidelines.
These licenses are no longer issued to new users but can be renewed or modified indefinitely by the old ones. Do you want to know more about these? In that case, keep reading.
1. Novice Class
This operating license was issued to people who cleared the basic theoretical exam along with the five-wpm (word per minute) Morse code text. Yes! It dates back to the time when Morse codes were still an integral part of broadcast and transmission.
2. Advanced Class
The advanced class authorization is analogous to the present-day general class, except that it included an additional spectrum of 275 kilohertz in the high-frequency bands. This privilege was deprecated after the 2000 restructuring.
3. Technician Plus Class
The technician plus class could only use the frequency bands above 50 megahertz. It was like the novice class license minus the Morse code requirements.
Should You Get A Shortwave Radio License?
Well, the idea of getting a license just to listen to the radio might come off as absurd to some people. But I’ll tell you that shortwave radio isn’t the same as AM or FM and has its own perks. It gives you the freedom to explore broadcast content worldwide.
Becoming an amateur in radio is a unique process, and you must consider everything carefully before deciding. The federation ensures that only the people with extensive knowledge of the SW landscape receive the certification for use, so you’ll have to do a fair amount of research to get the license.
Final Words
Shortwave radio opens new doors in the radio landscape, and you’ll get to experience a lot of new stuff that you didn’t even know existed.
It might be a little challenging for some people to understand, but it’s not all that difficult; you can surely clear the test with a little bit of consistent reading. I suggest you go ahead and give it a try! The best part is you’ll get to meet new people and be a part of a community.
Until next time. Take care!