You’re interested in amateur radio but not sure what to expect? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Every year, hundreds of people in Austria discover this fascinating hobby. Whether you want to talk to stations around the world on shortwave, stand on a mountain summit with a handheld radio, or send digital data across thousands of kilometers: Getting started is easier and cheaper than most people think.
This article gives you an honest overview — what to expect, what it costs, and what equipment you actually need. No sugar-coating, but no unnecessary scare tactics either.
What do you actually do in amateur radio?
Amateur radio is much more than “talking into a microphone.” The hobby offers a surprising variety of activities — and almost everyone finds their own niche. Here’s an overview of the most popular areas:
- Worldwide voice contacts (SSB/FM): Classic radio operation — you talk on shortwave with people all over the world. With good propagation, you can reach Japan, Australia, or South America from Austria.
- Digital modes (FT8, JS8Call, WSPR): Your computer handles the transmitting and receiving. FT8 in particular allows contacts with minimal power over thousands of kilometers — even with simple antennas.
- SOTA and POTA: Summits on the Air and Parks on the Air combine hiking or nature with radio operation. You activate summits or parks and collect points for awards.
- Morse telegraphy (CW): The oldest mode — and for many, the most fascinating. CW gets through where voice has long since disappeared into the noise.
- Emergency communications (EMCOM): When cell networks and the internet go down, amateur radio still works. Radio amateurs support communications worldwide during natural disasters.
- Satellite communication: Yes, there are amateur radio satellites! You can reach the ISS or amateur radio satellites with a handheld radio.
- Contests: Radio competitions where you make as many contacts as possible in a short time. Pure adrenaline and sportsmanship.
- Building and DIY: Building your own antennas, constructing transmitters, programming microcontrollers — the technical side of the hobby.
- DXing and awards: Collecting contacts with as many countries (DXCC) or islands (IOTA) as possible and earning international awards for it.
You don’t have to do everything — most radio amateurs focus on two or three areas they enjoy the most. And that can change over time.
What does the license cost?
Before you’re allowed to transmit, you need an amateur radio license authorization. In Austria, this is regulated by the telecommunications authority (part of RTR since 2024). The costs break down as follows:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam fee (TKGV 2025) | 50,00 EUR |
| Application fee | 21,00 EUR |
| Certificate fee | 21,00 EUR |
| Total exam costs | 92,00 EUR |
| Amateur radio license authorization (10 years) | 200,00 EUR |
| Total entry costs | 292,00 EUR |
The exam fee was raised to 50 EUR with the 2025 TKGV amendment. The amateur radio license authorization has cost 200 EUR since the new regulation and is valid for ten years. In total, you pay just under 300 EUR for the exam plus license authorization — and then you’re set for ten years.
To prepare for the exam, the ÖVSV (Österreichischer Versuchssenderverband) regularly offers courses — usually free of charge or for a small fee. Online learning platforms like afuprüfung.at supplement the preparation.
Do I need an ÖVSV membership?
No — ÖVSV membership is voluntary. You can operate without being a member of any club. But the ÖVSV offers quite a bit:
- Access to repeaters, digipeaters, and packet radio infrastructure
- The member magazine QSP
- Access to ÖVSV awards and certificates
- Insurance coverage at events
- Representation with authorities and international organizations (IARU)
The annual fee ranges between 85 and 125 EUR (depending on the federal state — cheapest in Burgenland and Styria, most expensive in Vienna) depending on your regional association. A membership isn’t strictly necessary when starting out, but is valued by most active radio amateurs.
What equipment do I need?
The good news: You don’t have to spend thousands of euros to get started. Depending on your interests and budget, there are different entry points. Here’s a realistic overview with current prices (as of March 2026):
Budget entry: Under 200 EUR
Yes, this is actually possible. With a simple handheld radio, you can use local repeaters and gain your first experience.
- Baofeng UV-5R (VHF/UHF handheld radio): approx. 25-35 EUR — extremely affordable, but limited quality. Perfectly usable for getting started.
- Quansheng UV-K5(8): approx. 25-30 EUR — the current insider tip. Very versatile with alternative firmware (Egzumer).
- Simple magnetic mount antenna for car or window: approx. 20-40 EUR
- Programming cable and software: approx. 10 EUR
For under 100 EUR, you’re QRV on VHF repeaters. Not the whole world — but a solid start to try out the hobby.
Solid entry: 200-500 EUR
In this price range, you get significantly better radios with more capabilities:
- Yaesu FT-65E (VHF/UHF handheld radio): approx. 90 EUR — robust brand-name radio
- Yaesu FT-4XE: approx. 75 EUR — compact and reliable
- Icom IC-T10: approx. 130 EUR — proven Icom quality
- TYT TH-9800 (VHF/UHF mobile radio): approx. 200 EUR — more power for home or car use
- Plus a rooftop or outdoor antenna: 50-150 EUR
From 300 EUR, you have a solid VHF station that’s fun to use and works reliably. Depending on your location and antenna, you can reach repeaters within a 50-100 km radius.
Shortwave — the world is open: 500-1,500 EUR
If you want to operate worldwide, you need a shortwave transceiver. This is where it gets exciting:
- Xiegu G90 (HF 0.5-30 MHz, 20W): approx. 420 EUR — compact QRP transceiver, ideal for beginners and portable operation
- Yaesu FT-710 AESS (HF + 50 MHz, 100W): approx. 950 EUR — modern SDR radio with color display and waterfall
- Icom IC-7300 (HF + 50 MHz, 100W): approx. 1,100-1,200 EUR — the classic. Excellent receiver, intuitive operation, huge community.
You’ll also need a shortwave antenna. A simple wire antenna (dipole or EFHW) costs 20-50 EUR to build yourself and works surprisingly well. Ready-made antennas run 80-300 EUR. An antenna tuner (approx. 80-200 EUR) helps match the antenna across different bands.
Dream station: From 1,500 EUR
At the top end, there’s practically no limit. Transceivers like the Icom IC-7610 (approx. 2,800 EUR), the Yaesu FTDX101D (approx. 3,400 EUR), or the Elecraft K4 (from 4,500 EUR) offer everything a radio enthusiast could wish for. Add directional antennas, a rotator, a linear amplifier — a full setup can easily cost 5,000-15,000 EUR.
But: That’s the top tier, not the entry point. The vast majority of radio amateurs start much more modestly — and have just as much fun.
Ongoing costs
Unlike some hobbies, the ongoing costs of amateur radio are quite manageable:
- Electricity: A typical 100-watt transceiver draws about as much power as a desktop PC during normal operation. No noticeable impact on your electricity bill.
- ÖVSV membership: 85-125 EUR/year depending on regional association (optional)
- QSL cards: approx. 30-80 EUR/year for printing and postage (optional, digital via LoTW or eQSL is free)
- Internet/Software: Most amateur radio programs are free (WSJT-X, JS8Call, Fldigi, SDR#)
- License authorization: 200 EUR every 10 years — that’s 20 EUR per year
Realistically speaking: Once you have your basic equipment, the hobby costs you 100-200 EUR per year in ongoing expenses. Considerably less than golf, sailing, or motorcycling.
How much time do I need to invest?
For the exam
Preparation time depends heavily on your existing technical knowledge:
- Class 4 (Entry level): 2-4 weeks with regular study (about 1 hour per day). No advanced math required — just basics of electrical engineering and operating procedures.
- Class 1 (Full CEPT license): 2-4 months with regular preparation. The technical content is more demanding, but entirely doable with good study materials.
The ÖVSV courses usually run for one semester (October to March) with one evening per week. If you study intensively, you can also take the exam after just a few weeks of self-study.
For operating
Amateur radio is a hobby that fits perfectly into your daily routine. You can:
- Have a quick round on the repeater before work in the morning (15 minutes)
- Chase DX on shortwave for an hour in the evening
- Spend a whole day in a contest on the weekend
- Or do nothing for months — your license doesn’t expire
There’s no obligation, no minimum activity requirement, and no pressure to perform. You operate when you feel like it.
How much space do I need?
Less than you think. An amateur radio setup fits on any desk. The biggest challenge is the antenna — but there are creative solutions for that too:
- Handheld radio: No installation needed. Put it in your pocket and start operating.
- VHF station: A small outdoor antenna on a balcony or window is enough for local operation.
- Shortwave in the garden: A wire dipole between two trees or along the roof — barely visible and surprisingly effective.
- Apartment without a balcony: Magnetic loop antennas even work indoors. Not optimal, but doable.
- Portable: Many radio amateurs don’t operate from home at all — they take their station out into nature — SOTA, POTA, or simply to an open field.
You don’t need a radio tower in your garden to enjoy amateur radio. The best antennas are often the ones you can barely see.
Common misconceptions
There are some persistent myths around amateur radio. Time to clear them up:
“That’s only for old men”
The average age is indeed high — in Austria it’s around 55-60 years. But: There’s a growing number of young radio amateurs discovering the hobby through digital modes, SDR technology, or SOTA. And many makers and IT professionals are finding amateur radio to be the perfect complement to their existing hobbies.
“Amateur radio has been made obsolete by the internet”
Wrong. First, amateur radio works independently of any infrastructure — no provider, no mains power needed. Second, amateur radio is about the how, not just the what: The fascination lies in the direct radio connection through natural phenomena like the ionosphere, in the technology, and in experimenting.
“You don’t need a license anymore — there’s PMR and CB”
PMR radios (the cheap walkie-talkies) transmit at 0.5 watts on UHF and have a range of a few hundred meters to a few kilometers. CB radio offers somewhat more range but is limited to the 11-meter band. Amateur radio, on the other hand, allows up to 1,000 watts across dozens of frequency bands from longwave to microwave — and worldwide contacts. Additionally, as a licensed radio amateur, you’re permitted to build and modify your own equipment. That’s a fundamental difference.
“What about Meshtastic and LoRa?”
Meshtastic is an exciting project — decentralized mesh networks using LoRa radio modules. But: LoRa operates in the ISM band at 868 MHz with tiny power (25 mW) and is suitable for short text messages, not for voice or data transmission. It’s more of a complement than a replacement. Many Meshtastic users eventually become radio amateurs, by the way — the technical curiosity is the same.
Used market — the smart way in
A tip that’s missing from many guides: The used market for amateur radio is surprisingly good. High-quality transceivers last decades and are often sold in excellent condition. Popular platforms:
- oevsv.at Flohmarkt — The ÖVSV classifieds section
- funkflohmarkt.net — Large German-language radio swap meet
- QRZ.com Swapmeet — International
- willhaben.at — Austria’s largest marketplace, “Funktechnik” category
- kleinanzeigen.de — Large German-language classifieds (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen)
- Radio flea markets at field days and hamfests — Inspect in person and negotiate
A used Icom IC-7300 can often be found for 700-900 EUR. An older but solid Yaesu FT-857D (all-band with VHF/UHF) for 400-550 EUR. The used market makes getting into shortwave significantly more affordable.
What does a typical starter kit cost?
Here are three realistic scenarios for getting started:
Scenario 1: “I just want to try it out”
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Quansheng UV-K5(8) handheld radio | 30 EUR |
| Programming cable + Chirp software | 10 EUR |
| Exam + license authorization | 292 EUR |
| Total | approx. 330 EUR |
Scenario 2: “Solid VHF station at home + portable”
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Yaesu FT-65E handheld radio | 90 EUR |
| Diamond X-50N dual-band outdoor antenna | 80 EUR |
| Coaxial cable + connectors | 40 EUR |
| Exam + license authorization | 292 EUR |
| Total | approx. 500 EUR |
Scenario 3: “Shortwave — I want to hear and reach the world”
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Xiegu G90 (HF transceiver, 20W) | 420 EUR |
| DIY dipole or EFHW antenna | 30 EUR |
| Power supply 13.8V/20A | 50 EUR |
| Coaxial cable + connectors | 40 EUR |
| Exam + license authorization | 292 EUR |
| Total | approx. 830 EUR |
For the price of a mid-range smartphone, you have a fully capable shortwave station that can reach the entire world.
Your first steps to becoming a radio amateur
You’re convinced and ready to get started? Here’s your roadmap:
- Do your research: Visit the ÖVSV website and find your nearest regional association. They have contact persons and courses.
- Attend an ÖVSV course: Courses usually start in autumn and systematically prepare you for the exam. The exchange with other beginners is invaluable.
- Study with online resources: Use exam trainers like afuprüfung.at or the DARC online course as a supplement.
- Visit a field day or hamfest: Nothing replaces personal contact. At events like the Bodenseetreffen or local field days, you experience the practice firsthand.
- Take the exam: The exam at the telecommunications authority covers technology, operating procedures, and regulations. With good preparation, it’s very doable.
- Apply for your callsign: After passing the exam, you’ll be assigned a callsign — e.g., OE5ABC. From now on, you’re allowed to transmit!
- Start with simple equipment: A handheld radio is enough to begin with. Take it step by step and upgrade once you know what you enjoy.
Who is amateur radio right for?
Amateur radio is for you if you:
- Want to not just use technology, but truly understand it
- Enjoy experimenting and building things
- Are interested in physics, electrical engineering, or IT
- Love being outdoors in nature (SOTA, POTA)
- Are fascinated by the idea of reaching the world with your own equipment
- Are looking for a hobby you can grow with for a lifetime
- Value connecting with like-minded people worldwide
You don’t need to be an engineer, a physicist, or a tech nerd. Amateur radio is a hobby that grows with you — from your first contact on the local repeater to a connection with an Antarctic station on the other side of the Earth.
Conclusion
Getting into amateur radio costs less than most people think. With under 350 EUR for the exam, license authorization, and a simple radio, you’re in. The learning curve is manageable, the community is helpful, and the possibilities are practically unlimited.
Whether you call on the repeater before work in the morning, activate a summit on the weekend, or chat with someone in New Zealand on 20 meters in the evening — amateur radio has something for everyone. And the best part: Your license doesn’t expire. You can start anytime, take a break, and pick it up again.
So: Go for it. The radio waves are waiting for you. 73!
Transparency Notice
This article was researched and written with the assistance of AI (Claude, Anthropic). All facts have been verified to the best of our knowledge — for current technical details, we recommend consulting the linked original sources.
