What is amateur radio?
Amateur radio is a versatile and fascinating hobby that focuses on technology, communication and community. Radio amateurs use their own radios and antennas to communicate with each other worldwide – independent of the Internet or mobile networks. At the same time, amateur radio offers enormous opportunities for experimentation, learning and further development.
Whether you’re a technology enthusiast, a lover of nature or a lover of communication – everyone finds their place in amateur radio.
Experience & understand technology
A central component of amateur radio is technical experimentation. Radio amateurs build, test and optimize antennas, devices and accessories. It’s not just about theory, but about practical learning:
- How do radio waves propagate?
- Which antenna fits which band?
- How can range and signal quality be improved?
Amateur radio is an ideal hobby, especially for inventors, hobbyists and those interested in technology.
Global communication – without the Internet
You can talk to people all over the world via shortwave, ultra-shortwave or even satellite. Even intercontinental connections are possible – often with comparatively simple technology.
Amateur radio works even if internet, telephone or power grids fail. That’s why it also plays an important role in disaster and emergency radio.
A strong and helpful community
The amateur radio community is open, friendly and supportive. Newcomers are actively encouraged, questions are gladly answered and knowledge is passed on – be it in person, via radio or online.
Many radio amateurs are involved in clubs, in radio activities in nature (e.g. mountains or parks) or in international competitions.
Friendships around the globe
Amateur radio connects people across national and cultural borders. Radio contacts are often confirmed with QSL cards – a kind of radio postcard as a reminder of a successful connection.
This often leads to long-term international friendships.
How do you become a radio amateur?
In order to be able to actively broadcast, you need an amateur radio test in Austria, which is taken by the telecommunications authority. Knowledge of:
will be tested- legal provisions
- Operations and Skills
- technical basics
There are three license classes that differ in scope, difficulty and permitted frequencies.
Important:
With any license class you are allowed to build, convert antennas and modify receivers.
Only the construction and significant modification of transmitter systems is reserved for Category 1.
Classes 4 (CEPT Novice) and 1 (CEPT) are internationally recognized – you can also use them to broadcast abroad.
The license classes in Austria
Category 3 – entry-level license (very easy)
Ideal for a quick introduction to amateur radio.
Frequency:
- 144-146MHz
- 430-440 MHz (VHF / UHF)
Possibilities:
- Regional and national radio connections
- Satellite radio (e.g. via ISS or SaudiSat)
- SOTA (Summits on the Air)
- long ranges via converters (relays)
Target group:
Beginners, young people and everyone who wants to get started easily.
Category 4 – Novice License (Easy)
More options, especially on shortwave.
Frequency:
- 1,810-1,950 kHz
- 3,500-3,800 kHz
- 21,000-21,450 kHz
- 28,000-29,700 kHz
- 144-146MHz
- 430-440MHz
Target group:
Radio operators who want to experience wide connections (DX) on shortwave.
Category 1 – CEPT license (medium)
The highest amateur radio license in Austria.
Frequency:
- all worldwide assigned amateur radio bands
Additionally:
- Higher transmission power (up to 1000 watts, instead of 100 W)
- fully recognized internationally
- Authority to build and modify transmitter systems
- optional Morse code test (for certain international areas)
Target group:
Experienced radio amateurs with maximum technical and operational possibilities.
The Amateur Radio Exam
The exam consists of three areas:
- Legal regulations – the same for all categories
- Technical basics – different depending on the category
- Operations and Skills – Category 1 & 4 identical, Category 3 adjusted
Procedure:
- small groups (max. 4 people)
- three questions per subject area
- Result immediately afterwards
If you fail, you can retake it after 3 months.
Register for the exam
You can find the current exam dates on the Telecommunications Authority website.
Registering is easy by email.
Tip:
Register early – even if you are still learning. The appointments are often fully booked quickly and a fixed exam date is extremely motivating.
Exam preparation – your options
Self-study
- free
- flexible (mobile phone, tablet, PC)
- many videos, articles and learning platforms available
Courses & Support
The ÖVSV offers courses for exam preparation.
https://oevsv.at
Particularly recommended in Carinthia is Kärnten funkt
https://kaernten-funkt.at
Numerous new radio amateurs are successfully prepared for the exam here every year – in a practical, understandable and high success rate.
Why become a radio amateur?
- Understand technology instead of just using it
- communicate worldwide – independent of the Internet
- Spark outside: mountains, parks, travel
- Be part of a strong, helpful community
- learn and experiment throughout your life
Amateur radio is more than a hobby – it’s a passion.
No matter whether you’re a beginner or a technology professional: it’s always worth getting started.
