Amateur Radio

Shyboy

I have always been very interested in radio. When I was a teenager, I was into CB radios, listening to shortwave, scanners, etc. but in later years, work, marriage, kids, etc. put a stop to that (just didn't have the time).

So, over 20 years later, the radio bug has bitten again...this time, I want to do something what I always wanted to...get an amateur radio licence. I see that the exam is held twice yearly, so I have had a look at the IRTS website and they have fantastic resources for me to get studying...:)

One question that I have is are there different levels of licencing like in the UK, where they have foundation level, intermediate and full licence, or is there just one in Ireland? and does that allow you to transmit on all licenced amateur radio bands?

Many Thanks
Jason

GekkePrutser

Shyboy wrote: »

One question that I have is are there different levels of licencing like in the UK, where they have foundation level, intermediate and full licence, or is there just one in Ireland? and does that allow you to transmit on all licenced amateur radio bands?

Ireland just has one license unfortunately. Only full. I wish there was a foundation or novice license because I also have several friends who are put off by the big step to entry into the hobby.

Shyboy

GekkePrutser wrote: »

Ireland just has one license unfortunately. Only full. I wish there was a foundation or novice license because I also have several friends who are put off by the big step to entry into the hobby.

Thanks for your reply, GekkePrutser. Ok, at least I know what I have to aim for. I had better start reading up over the Xmas break...:)

Kind Regards
Jason

martinedwards

At least with a one tier system you don't get the endless whinging over progression or lack of it that the UK & US have.

PauloMN

martinedwards wrote: »

At least with a one tier system you don't get the endless whinging over progression or lack of it that the UK & US have.

And the callsign snobbery. At least not to the same level as in the UK.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

GekkePrutser

Fred Swanson wrote: »

Is Ireland the only country that publishes the names and addresses of licence holders?

You can opt out of this with Comreg. I did so myself.

I know the Netherlands also publishes a call book, you can also opt out there too.

@PaoloMN: Callsign snobbery only happens when you have different callsigns. In a lot of places these are now 'free' (you can just pick one, not depending on license type).

Quaderno

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

No, Germany also does it. They even offer a free download of the full directory of close to 80.000 amateurs, updated monthly. In Ireland you only have to tick the right box on the application form and your name will not be published.
Personally I don't have a clear opinion on the way the licence exam is done in Ireland. People are different and for many the step apparently just seems to be too big although in reality it might not have been a problem for them to pass the full test. I think the important thing is to get going and not be terrified by the questions. Many have passed the test before and many will in the future, so why not just give it a try. Even morse code is entirely manageable once you put the hours in, and totally worth it.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

spurious

I get the impression this is a mostly male interest? I remember as a female DXer a million years ago, I rarely came across other women. The ham licence might be something for me to put on my 'to do' list. Good luck with it OP.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

Quaderno

spurious wrote: »

I get the impression this is a mostly male interest? I remember as a female DXer a million years ago, I rarely came across other women. The ham licence might be something for me to put on my 'to do' list. Good luck with it OP.

Yes, it certainly is a hobby where women are few and far between. But that being said, I personally know a couple of very capable female operators who enjoy playing radio at least as much as I do. And between the very few people who took the morse test at the North Cork Rally last September was (at least) one YL, and she literally was a young lady. So it seems the absolute numbers don't matter nearly as much as the personal involvement and enthusiasm does.

65535

:pac:
That YL is my daughter, a wizz at the morse even without on air practice.
All of those years listening must have had an effect !

Starting up again in the new year, hopefully she will get her licence then after some study.

Quaderno

65535 wrote: »

:pac:
That YL is my daughter, a wizz at the morse even without on air practice.
All of those years listening must have had an effect !

Starting up again in the new year, hopefully she will get her licence then after some study.

I think you deserve some praise as well so, since I didn't manage to get my kids overly interested in radio so far. Well done!

martinedwards

One of my most memorable qsos was with a Dutch yl on 20m ssb.

It was her first ever contact and she sounded terrified!