New to radio
Getting Started with Amateur Radio
Everything you need to go from curious to licensed and on the air in Suffolk. Amateur radio is more accessible than most people think — here's where to begin.
What is amateur radio?
More than just talking on a radio
Amateur radio — or ham radio — lets you communicate with people locally, nationally, and globally using radio waves. It covers everything from chatting on a local repeater like GB3PO to bouncing signals off the moon. Suffolk has an active and welcoming radio community, and you don't need expensive equipment to get started.
Worth a watch
Covers ~80% of the basics in 14 minutes
A concise intro to what ham radio actually is and why people get into it. We have no affiliation with the creator — it's simply the best short overview we've found for anyone considering the hobby.
Local communication
Talk to other licensed amateurs across Suffolk using local repeaters and simplex frequencies. Real two-way radio — no internet required.
Emergency comms
Amateur radio operators support emergency communications through RAYNET. When other systems fail, radio keeps working.
Technology
Build antennas, try DMR digital voice, explore MeshCore mesh networking, track satellites. The hobby has enormous technical depth.
Community
Suffolk has active clubs including FDARS and Leiston ARC. Everyone was a beginner once — the community is welcoming.
Start simple
A basic handheld radio and a Foundation licence is enough to get on a local repeater. Many people start for under £50.
Worldwide reach
With the right licence you can talk to people anywhere on Earth. DMR repeaters like GB7MK connect to global networks via linked internet nodes.
Getting licensed
Three steps to a UK licence
In the UK, amateur radio is regulated by Ofcom and licences come in three levels. You can progress at your own pace. This site was put together by M9XCN, who trained with OARC — highly recommended for all three levels.
01 / FOUNDATION
Foundation Licence
The starting point. Short online course, straightforward exam. M7 prefix callsign, up to 25 watts. Enough to use all local Suffolk repeaters.
25W
02 / INTERMEDIATE
Intermediate Licence
More frequencies, more power. Up to 100 watts, 2E / M8 / M9 prefix callsign. A more involved exam but very achievable.
100W
03 / FULL
Full Licence
Full operating privileges. Up to 1000 watts, all bands, worldwide operating rights.
1000WReady to get started?
OARC run online courses for Foundation, Intermediate and Full. Essex Ham also have an excellent Foundation course.
Local clubs
Get involved in Suffolk
Joining a local club is one of the best things you can do as a new amateur. You'll find experienced operators happy to help, access to equipment, and a place to use your licence.
Leiston Amateur Radio Club ↗
Based in Leiston, Suffolk. Callsign GX6FS. Club meetings, nets and local events in East Suffolk.
FDARS – Felixstowe & District ARS ↗
Based at Suffolk Aviation Heritage Museum, Foxhall Road, Ipswich IP3 8JU. Meetings 1st & 3rd Mondays. Shack, weekly nets and events.
OARC – Online Amateur Radio Community ↗
Online club with courses for all licence levels, nets and an active community.
SARG – South Anglia Repeater Group ↗
The group responsible for Suffolk's main repeaters including GB3PO, GB7MK and GB7AL. Full repeater status at sargroup.co.uk.
Martello Tower Group ↗
Operates repeaters across East Anglia including GB3CE, GB3CL, GB3DE and GB3EA. Active nets Monday and Sunday evenings.
Next steps
Once you're licensed
Got your callsign? Here's what to explore next on SuffolkHam.
Equipment guide
What to buy, what to avoid, and how to connect it all up. Covers handheld radios, antennas, coax and connectors.
Equipment guide →Local repeaters
All the repeaters serving East Anglia — frequencies, CTCSS tones, colour codes and keeper information.
View repeaters →Local nets
Regular on-air nets in Suffolk including the FDARS Wednesday net, Sunday simplex net and Friday D-STAR net.
View nets →Glossary
Plain-English definitions for common amateur radio terms — from CTCSS and SWR to DMR talkgroups and QSO.
View glossary →