A Journey into Amateur Radio: From Novice to General Class
In 1957, at the tender age of thirteen, I found myself gripped by an intense curiosity for the world of radio communication. Amateur radio, specifically. My interest was sparked by a close friend, Dave, who had just earned his Amateur Radio License from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). It didn’t take long for me to realize I wanted one too. Back in those days, obtaining an amateur radio license was a badge of honor, a personal triumph in a world that demanded perseverance, technical knowledge, and sheer will.
This is the story of how I earned that badge—and what it taught me along the way.
Discovering the Novice Class License
In the late 1950s, the lowest class of license for amateur radio operators was known as the Novice Class License. This was the entry-level certification, designed to give beginners a taste of radio communication. However, it came with a time constraint: the Novice License was only valid for one year, after which aspiring radio enthusiasts had to pass a more advanced test to continue using their radios legally.
One of the most exciting aspects of earning a license back then was that you didn’t have to take the exam at an official government office. Any licensed amateur radio operator could administer the Novice test. Through local connections, I was introduced to Don Jewell, an experienced ham radio operator who had been active in the hobby long before World War II.
Taking the Test
After speaking with Mr. Jewell, he agreed to administer my Novice test. The process was thrilling from the start. I requested the exam from the FCC, and soon it arrived in the mail, securely sealed. According to the rules, the test had to remain unopened and notarized until the time came to take it, ensuring that the exam would be legitimate and uncontaminated by outside influence.
In addition to the written test, I had to prove my proficiency in Morse code, the ancient and universal language of amateur radio operators. Mr. Jewell sent me a test that required me to decode Morse at a speed of five words per minute. It was an exciting and nerve-racking experience for a teenager—hearing the rhythmic beeps and taps, interpreting each one into letters, and praying that I wouldn’t miss a beat.
The Thrill of Passing
Much to my relief, I passed the Morse code portion with ease. I then took the written exam, and Mr. Jewell evaluated my answers. “I think you’ve passed,” he said, offering me a smile that only an experienced operator could share with an eager novice.
Weeks of waiting followed, each one filled with anticipation. And then it came—six weeks after the test, a letter arrived in the mail. It was official: I was now KN8WIK, a licensed amateur radio operator. The “N” in my call sign stood for Novice, signaling my entry-level status.
Climbing to General Class
Having earned my novice license, I was eager to continue growing in the hobby. But now came the real challenge: to advance to the next level, General Class. This required me to become proficient in Morse code at a speed of 13 words per minute, as well as pass a far more challenging written test. There was no room for error—if I wanted to keep operating my radio, I had to rise to the challenge.
Learning Morse code at this speed was no easy feat. My strategy? A steady diet of practice, repetition, and an unwavering commitment to mastering the code. I purchased a 33 1/3 RPM record filled with lessons on Morse code, and that record became my constant companion. I must have listened to it hundreds of times, repeatedly going over the five-letter combinations until the beeps and dashes felt like second nature. My family, however, didn’t share my enthusiasm. The constant sound of the record playing drove them crazy, but I was determined. Over time, the record began to wear out, its once-shiny black surface turning brown from overuse.
It wasn’t easy, and the learning curve was steep. But slowly, I began to hear the code in my head. I was no longer just deciphering patterns; I was speaking the language of the airwaves.
The Test at the Federal Building
The day of my General Class test finally arrived. This was no longer a casual exam administered by a local amateur; I had to take the test in person at the Federal Building in Cleveland, Ohio. I walked into the building with a mixture of excitement and dread, knowing that this would be my hardest test yet.
I gave it my all. The written test covered advanced radio theory, operating practices, and a deeper understanding of FCC regulations. The Morse code test was equally daunting, requiring me to decode and send messages at 13 words per minute.
Then came the waiting game. For six weeks, I checked the mailbox every day, wondering whether I had passed. I can still remember the surge of joy when the letter finally arrived: I had passed the exam and was now officially a General Class amateur radio operator. The “N” was dropped from my call sign, and I became K8WIK, a full-fledged member of the amateur radio community.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back on those early days of my amateur radio journey, I realize that it wasn’t just about passing tests or earning a license. The process taught me invaluable lessons in patience, perseverance, and the value of hard work. It’s easy to forget that in the world of instant gratification we live in today, there was a time when learning new skills required effort and dedication.
Amateur radio opened up a new world for me—one where I could connect with people from all over the globe, sharing stories, experiences, and knowledge. It gave me the tools to understand the power of communication, and the confidence to tackle other challenges in life.
Today, as K8WIK, I continue to cherish the sense of community and adventure that amateur radio offers. For those interested in getting started, know that while the technology has advanced, the spirit of amateur radio—the curiosity, the learning, and the camaraderie—remains the same.