Becoming a radio amateur in Australia

[@vk3ye]

* See description in this video (above) for links to websites & resources mentioned. Also an updated on RES Foundation Licence app.

[@Fishermanfred1]

I love this channel . It is one of the very best in Ham Radio. I also bought all of Peter's books on amazon kindle book sales. most were less than $5.00 each, great prices. Thanks Brother , for all that you do for Amateur Radio !

[@matthewsandow4979]

I’m going to a course for my Foundation Licence in a couple of weeks time and have the WIA Foundation Licence Manual on order. I watched your video, very interesting and ordered a copy of the Australian Ham Radio Handbook from Jaycar too

[@XcomProbo]

Thanks heaps Peter, I still remember when I was around 5 my dad helping out his ham radio mates climbing up a 15 meter tower to adjust cables. It's been a life goal to get into amateur radio and hopefully use his old callsign.

[@vk3ye]

Good luck - hope to work you on the air.

[@NX-gw7wg]

I have also climbed towers many times and I really enjoy it. The highest one I've climbed was a 60m tower.

[@snarfusmaximus]

Ron Bertrand's RES was a big factor in me getting my licence around 12 years ago. Took a week off work to study (my boss has his ticket, so he was very encouraging) and passed easily. Your videos and books continue to stoke my interest.

[@sethy6663]

Hi Peter, just bought your book and looking forward to a good read. Thanks for all your work in this space.

[@FilterSelect]

Hey Peter - I just did a remote assessment for foundation last week and I hope to hear back from the AMC next week (they said they may take 15 days to complete the process of issuing the certificate) so hopefully I'm on air soon! I'm VK3 and my assessor is in VK6. A friend and I will attempt the flowerpot antenna you featured just recently. Love your work!

[@vk3ye]

Thanks FS - glad to hear an account of a remote assessment and good luck!

[@Locksnut]

Very good Peter. Glad I live in the USA. $15 to take test, whether basic or all 3. Some groups like Laurel are free to test. FCC licensing and vanity are all free! After testing and passing some have their license in as little as 2 days to print from online. 73 N4WLC

[@vk3ye]

Agree - the US system seems to work well. 73, Peter AK3YE.

[@FilterSelect]

National minimum wage here is $19.49/hr :)

[@shanksket3343]

Y’know, I have heard of amateur radio before. I’ll be honest I have no idea how it works or how to get into it but I am interested and wildly underprepared :D

[@CentralCoastAmateurRadioClub]

Well done Peter, a great quick informational! We (and most Amateur Radio clubs) ensure our website has the latest info available and contact information for if you want to get a licence. - VK2FOMG

[@populous8232]

Thanks for the video tips. I cant find the Australian Amateur radio Foundation Licence course app for Andriod as it appears in your video as in the Google play store, but I can only find it only on itunes store. Where can I get this for the Android. Cheers mate.

[@vk3ye]

Link to Android source is here www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2016/20160413-2/index.php

[@axemanarbor]

​@@vk3ye does not seem to be working

[@bashkillszombies]

Given that no one uses radio anymore I'm surprised they've still got a stick up their arse about it and aren't just allowing easier access, like online registration without exams for stuff you'll never need to know just to say "I'm stepping out to take a piss." to your mate 300 meters away when camping in the bush which is 99.99% of all illegal usage of radios right now (and why none of us will ever go through this process and continue to be outlaws! ;))

[@normanwilkinson8524]

This is why we have standards.

[@chuseinchau]

Hey Peter, Very informative video, thanks for that. I am Aussie residing in Japan and I have a Japanese call sign, I have a class 3 license here in Japan and that is one up from class 4 which is probably equivalent to the Foundation in Oz. My questions is, is there reciprocity and a way to obtain a V callsign without having to do the Oz tests?

[@vk3ye]

You may be able to but recognition of prior learning is quite an complicated and expensive process through the Australian Maritime College. So you might be better off doing an Australian exam when you return here. AMC website here: www.amc.edu.au/industry/amateur-radio And processes are going to change in February next year when AMC drops out and it goes back to the ACMA. But you may be able to operate for your first 90 days here under your JA callsign according to conditions stated here: www.acma.gov.au/overseas-amateurs-visiting-australia

[@chuseinchau]

@@vk3ye Thanks for that, very helpful. Sound like if I want to do a 4WD tour of the country I will be able to use my JA call sign for 3 months only, which is probably long enough. OK! That was very nice of you to point me in the right direction. If I were to start looking for mock exams to gauge what my skill levels are for a test in Oz, where should I start looking?

[@bradl2636]

Can you recommend a handheld receiver/transceiver suitable for absolute beginner initially listen mode only but can grow into post-licensing?

[@axemanarbor]

Uv5r

[@DaveEeEeE-hu7gu]

awesome video mate, thanks!

[@Bennie00000]

Great video, thank you very much for the info!

[@madcarew.3256]

does no footware add to a better counterpoise!! Cheers 73

[@michaelbrazier8626]

Not sure what the issue is but I installed the iPhone app and there are no tutorials to select.

[@vk3ye]

Michael - Someone here should hopefully be able to help facebook.com/RES.NET.AU

[@whataworld369]

From Australia, are you able to transmit signal due south and communicate with other countries on the other side of globe or no?? Thanks! 😃

[@vk3ye]

Yes, some paths, eg to South America, may go over Antarctica. Long path to Europe goes in the south-east direction while long path to USA is more south-west. But not due south.

[@whataworld369]

@Amateur Radio VK3YE Hmmm. K, thanks for the info! Why wouldn't it be able to travel over Antarctica as it does every other way, do you know?

[@whataworld369]

@@vk3ye I should have specified "due south over Antarctica"

[@vk3ye]

Depends on where signal origin and destination is and the optimum path between them. Factors like the greyline and the MUF are also critical - this is typically lower near the polar regions.

[@whataworld369]

@Amateur Radio VK3YE I'm going to need to do some homework to understand what you've just explained. Thanks again for the speedy concise response! 👍

[@Ressy66]

Hey Peter, so a single assessor now? I recall not too long ago there had to be two, this rule is gone now?

[@SouthEasternCommunications]

Good one Peter one small thing the whole exam is not open book only part of it

[@vk3ye]

Thanks. Added mention of that in the video description.

[@1known2]

Looking to sit a foundation test in Brisbane / Gold Coast, can’t seem to get in contact with anyone.

[@vk3ye]

Mike - see if you can do a remote exam. Maybe try contacting vea.org.au/about-us

[@bestestimesreborn]

Can't find the app

[@ThereWillBeCake]

Fantastic video thank you!

[@scruffypage]

Mine (F call) took 3 months to come back.

[@rob-zz5pp]

like it lot Peter still learning Rob from QLD

[@robertnitschke89]

I had my Australian Ham Licence taken from me because I missed the due date for annual payment.

[@RhinoSurplus]

Where is the link to app?

[@vk3ye]

It's via the RES link in the video description below with the other links.

[@drogs]

@@vk3ye I am also struggling to find it

[@vk3ye]

@@drogs Maybe try contacting RES. Their website is here: www.res.net.au/#

[@VK3FTOM]

What about the VEA Peter

[@rurikau]

Does anyone know of any VK clubs that are running Standard Courses online?

[@vk3ye]

Try the Radio & Electronics School?

[@tzq33tdq]

Unfortunately the cost is stopping me from getting a licence :(

[@sailorsbay8236]

Yip that puts me off

[@vk3ye]

Up front costs are significant but good news is once you're set up (and equipment is way cheaper than it was) you've only got the annual licence fee.

[@alanbanh]

I’ll pay for you. What’s your BSB and A/C?

[@tzq33tdq]

@@alanbanh BSB is 923-100, as for AC, we have a Mitsubishi reverse cycle, but I'm not sure of the model number 😂

[@1981anestis]

@@vk3ye all I wanted is a pair of cheap walkie-talkie for my kids age 6 and 8 so they can play adventure game on camping. But obviously that would be ILLEGAL in Australia. Talking about 50buks baofeng ones. I have to pay 200dollars for one of the certified brand. What a joke in the year 2022!

[@aeromech8563]

Hi I am living back here in Aus now and have my UK licence how can I convert my Ofcom licence into a VK licence? Who do I write to many thanks 73's 2E0OOW 🤘🇦🇺

[@vk3ye]

Apply through the Australian Maritime College as recognition of prior learning www.amc.edu.au/industry/amateur-radio/certificates/recognition-of-prior-learning

[@aeromech8563]

vk3ye awesome thanks you will get it sorted this weekend and buy that ham book too 👍 🇦🇺

[@alanbanh]

@@aeromech8563 Um, I don’t like ham. Vegetarian, sorry.

[@hughh106]

Can you go straight to standard and skip foundation?

[@vk3ye]

Yes. You still need to do the practical test though.

[@hughh106]

@@vk3ye Thanks for the answer!

[@INTHEMIX74]

i let my foundation go i got sick of the crap...old school amatuers are the main issue with cbers getting on the ham bands...i had so much issue i had enough and went back to cb

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

Hi , Im a cber and a ham , I use both , I have seen people bitch bad about cbers , I was a member of a radio club and left real quick ,,, I love the hobby but some hams take it to the extreme , 73`s NOWRA 36 or VK2LOZ ,,,,,,

[@PaulAnslow]

Ignore the crap and find your own amateur radio friends. The future of our hobby depends on people like you making change happen.

[@MoTown44240]

Annual licensing fee expensive for a hobby when compared to what I pay for licensing in the USA. 72 de KB8AMZ

[@FilterSelect]

National minimum wage here is $19.49/hr :)

[@vk3ye]

This, plus I'd rather pay our licence fees than your hospital bills. And would it be considered gloating if I mentioned the wealth of the median Aussie vs the wealth of the median American?

[@the_nemesis]

Hi Peter, Great video and I have just got your book. Some years ago I obtained my NAOCP and looking now to get into the hobby again. At the time I didn't proceed to getting a callsign and I just need to clarify something with you. Do I need to contact ACMA to pay for my license and then apply for a callsign from AMC/Uni Tas or ACMA? I'd be very happy if you could clarify this for me Regards David

[@vk3ye]

Hi David - If you have evidence of your old qualification I'd apply to AMC first to get a callsign. Then ACMA for the licence fee.

[@the_nemesis]

@@vk3ye Thanks Peter, I’ll let you know how I get on. K

[@IvanPassos]

excelent

[@Henry1981live]

New sub

[@RosssRoyce]

Here is France, too much fuss to become certified radioamateur but I love your vids! Lol I have a licence to use the aviation radio 😛

[@Hebdomad7]

I mean, there was a lot a fuss during the war, but that didn't stop a handful of brave people . . .

[@sailorsbay8236]

Waiy u gotta pay each year!!

[@intermixhector2902]

god i live illawarra nsw australia

[@freemind9734]

You can't be a self respecting HAM without a Beard.

[@colincolin30]

The Foundation License Handbook would be more useful .

[@FilterSelect]

Peter mentions it as a resource early in the video.

[@robertnitschke89]

I had my Ham Licence taken from me because I missed the due date for annual payment. FU ham radio Australia.

[@myfaveyoutube]

Encourage the new potential hams or you will literally lose your spectrum to private business

[@myfaveyoutube]

If there's no one welcoming to communicate there is no reason to spend the effort

[@GoA7250]

Can't find the app.

[@vk3ye]

Now replaced by material on an upgraded RES website. Links to resources above.

[@GoA7250]

@@vk3ye Cheers, any more information on the licencing changes and fee structure?

[@vk3ye]

@@GoA7250 Fee info on Australian Maritime College & ACMA websites. ACMA site also has the current licensing conditions. Description of this video has links.

[@GoA7250]

@@vk3ye I heard a rumour they are about to change some of the licences and fee structure, thought you may have the scoop on this rumour.

[@vk3ye]

@@GoA7250 ACMA favours moving amateurs to a class licence. If that happens annual fees will be scrapped. More kzbin.info/www/bejne/moermXhrZ52Bl8k & kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6Csi5yolNJ7fpI The class licence does not automatically change other conditions like licence grades and privileges.