Frequently asked questions (FAQs) General
1. What all are the certificates and data that are required to apply for online registration and points to be remembered while applying.
1. Adhar card no. and also its PDF copy for upload (ID proof)
2. Pan card no. and also its PDF copy (for applicants under 18 - one of the parents’ Pan card no. is compulsory).
3. Recent passport size colour photo (JPEG - 50 KB or below)
4. Signature (PDF)
5. Nationality Certificate (PDF). Download from (ASOC Exam window)
6. Proof of birth (PDF - to be attested by a Govt. Gazatted Officer)
7. NOC from a parent (applicable to only candidates below 18 years - download from 'FAQ/Downloads').
8. Proof of present address and permanent address (copy of any one of Aadhar card/Election card/Driving License/Ration Card/Electricity Bill/Bank Passbook/Telephone bill/Rent agreement etc. accepted - to be attested by a govt. Gazetted Officer)
* All uploading documents shall be digitally signed by the applicant.
* Online fee payment option at Bharatkosh portal will open at Saral Sanchar only if the application is properly submitted. Use the information in 'Instructions' (FAQ/Downloads)
* Read clearly all the instructions given in the User's manual (Updates/Amendments).
* Give reference to the applicant’s own registered email ID and phone no., while applying.
* Signature on the photograph is not advised.
* Height in centimetres and body colour also are included in the application form.
2. Is it necessary that all SWLs/Hams should join an Association /Club?
No, never! Clubs/Associations function, either to promote any or all of the features attributed to this hobby or to safeguard the interests of its members. Beginners may definitely need the support of others for a proper and appropriate growth. A SWL, getting associated with like minded people and practising combined study also benefits much.
3. What is the difference between an Amateur Radio Operator and a Ham?
Quite a funny question. The word 'Ham' is a byname to 'Amateur Radio'. The exact source of the word 'Ham' is not clear. However, there is no difference between the two words except that in the West people call this Amateur Radio and in countries like India it is more known as Ham Radio.
4. Is to possible for an unlicensed SWL to hear Ham Radio conversations?
To listen to Ham conversations, actually an SWL need not necessarily have a valid license. But there is a category like that and only in case a SWL needs to import an exclusive special equipment or use exclusive antennas or other gadgets for receiving Ham related broadcasts, he/she may need this license from WPC for which there are no exams. (See online application/registration guidelines).
Even if an SWL has access to certain ham bands, since Hams frequently use Q codes and many abbreviations, learning them is necessary to follow their chats. These Codes and abbreviations are given in the book 'Gateway to ham Radio'.
There is another category of radio listeners called BC Dxing. They listen to commercial stations and exchange reports (Learn more in Gateway to Ham Radio).
5. How expensive is this hobby? Need a ham necessarily buy a transmitter?
This is a puzzling question. The answer is 'no extra expense' to 'many millions'. Quite recently two Applications (Peanut and EchoLink) have been introduced using which anyone can easily contact another ham station from anywhere on the globe, using a mobile phone. The corresponding programmes can be installed in any Android phone. But in both cases, permission is granted only to Amateurs with a valid license.
Hams occupy mostly HF and VHF spectrums. VHF equipments belong to handheld and base. At one time Chinese VHF transceivers were available here for around 3,500 Rs. Branded VHF equipment generally cost between 10,000 and 30,000. They are noted for quality and reliability.
Commercial HF equipments also are available. Generally, they are not portable. A commercial equipment costs approximately between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 1,00,000. However, there are brand quality medium power HF transceivers, manufactured in India for around 10,000 and below. Earlier, low power transceivers were assembled here for even Rs. 1,000. Since propagation conditions are not favourable these days, they are practically unfit now for long distance communications.
Another area of possible expense is antenna. The gain, height, directivity, all decide how efficient a contact is. Simple dipole antenna to tower lineups are common. Another expensive side is QSL cards. They are eyeball/contact acknowledgment cards exchanged in between. Somehow, it is not a compulsory practise. These days E QSL Cards are on exchange. How expensive this hobby is, depends upon ones interest in the hobby, his/her capacity to invest and his/her tastes in wireless communication strategies.
6. Does anybody make Ham radio equipment in India?
Yes, there are individuals and associations promoting home brew of Ham Radio gadgets. They are demonstrated and sold at Ham conventions and Hamfests. To see typical Ham shacks, visit Ham Photos - Worlds largest collection of Ham photos. Anybody can see the photos in it but only a Ham can join in it.
7. How is it possible that Hams connect to distant stations with the handheld small equipment with him/her? (connect to net/repeater charts)
With hand held VHF transceivers or even with a more powerful VHF base station, it is not possible to contact very distant stations directly. It is done using repeater stations in between. Still, Dx communication is not possible with VHF. With satellite communication using UHF, Dx communication is possible. In India, according to a 2020 survey, we have around 80 VHF repeaters, 10 UHF repeaters and 1 D- Star repeater.
8. Who distributes Amateur Radio literature and supporting gadgets in India?
In India, nobody is authorised or bound to distribute Amateur Radio related literature and updates. There are ARSI (the only ITU approved Amateur Radio Society in India) publishing news letters regularly. It is open for free download. Another popular Ham Radio association in India is NIAR (National Institute of Amateur Radio. They also have extensive literature/journals in stock. Hamfest India souvenirs are another series of very informative texts. But neither hard copies nor PDF copies of these are available in the open. Download HFI 2019 souvenir
9. Does India Governments acknowledge Ham Radio activities?
Sure! Not only the union Government but all State Governments know the potential of Hams. In Karnataka under a Ham there is an whole directorate of Civil Defence. In all emergencies, their support is essential. In Kerala, in every Grama Panchayat, there is a register of Amateur Radio operators under their jurisdiction, for quick contact.
10. Where does Ham conventions happen?
Any Ham Club/Association is free to organise conventions, field days and other sales/display demonstrations at their choice, anywhere in the country.
11. Can anyone help me with the address of the nearest Ham?
Hard copies of Call books (address books) are not done these days. There are online address services like qrz.com and qrzindia.com, where you can ask for the full address and contact information of a call sign you know. Indian Institute of Hams, Bangalore also publish call books occasionally. Kindly refer to any of these.
One another thing a beginner can do is downloading the HFI2019 souvenir. The second part of the souvenir gives contact/performance information on many Ham Radio Associations/Clubs in India. The people there may help the new comer.
12. Where are Hamfests India conventions organised?
Hamfest India comes only once in an year. It is the only annual convention of all Clubs and hams. The venue and organising team is decided every year at the General Body meeting held along with and it keep moving from place to place. Hamfest India is usually a two days event. Sales/Demo stalls, Flea market and technical talks on distinct topics are characteristic of these Fests. But people generally come for eyeballs.
13. Is it necessary that every beginner should invariably buy 'Gateway to Ham Radio'?
It is not obligatory that all beginners should invariably purchase this book. According to WPC rules, every Amateur should have a copy of WPC rules and regulations in the station. Gateway to Ham Radio has a full copy of all the WPC rules with till date amendments. Again, 'Gateway to Ham Radio' is the only book which covers extensively, both the development of Ham Radio in the world and growth of Ham Radio in India (with many Ham Radio service stories). It is a book prepared by a team of senior Hams and it also contains all the basics of communication electronics. Always it will be an asset to every shack.
14. What do Ham Clubs/Associations generally serve?
Clubs/Associations can either be registered or unregistered. No govt. agencies give affiliation to any local Club. The only Apex Amateur Radio association in India acknowledged and affiliated to ITU is ARSI (Amateur Radio Society of India), which accepts individual members and Club affiliations. Clubs organise awareness events, publish/distribute periodicals/study materials, organise examinations, convene conventions/Field Days, give training to its members on distinct services like home brewing and emergency traffic, install repeaters and manage nets and represent ham community.
15. Any regulations/instructions with regard to the volume of remunerations, Hams are eligible to receive for their services?
In no case, a Ham is permitted to sell their service and take any remuneration in cash or kind. Third party messages, except during natural disasters and social emergencies, are strictly forbidden by concerned WPC rules.
16. Does any agency provide subsidy for Amateur Radio equipment purchase or scholarship for Amateur Radio study/research?
No. But at Scouts/Guides level, govt. promote Ham Radio. Jamboree on the Air (JOTA/JOTI), is an international Scouting and Guiding activity. It is held annually on the third full weekend in October, every year. On this day, Amateur Radio operators set up special stations in Schools/Colleges and help Scouts/Guides to contact with other guides/Scouts from other places from around the world.
