Everything you need to get started with amateur radio and portable operations.
Getting Your Amateur Radio Licence
In the UK, there are three levels of amateur radio licence, each building on the last.
Foundation
25W max. Entry level — safety, operating basics, regulations.
Intermediate
100W max. Deeper technical knowledge and construction skills.
Full
1000W max. Complete technical understanding and all privileges.
Visit the RSGB website to find an online training provider or book a online exam.
Portable Antenna Guides
Choosing the right antenna is key to successful portable operation.
End-Fed Half Wave
Light, compact, single support. Ideal for SOTA.
Cobweb Antenna
Multi-band without a tuner. SPARC's go-to on a Clarke mast.
Linked Dipole
Band-switching via croc clips. Cheap and effective on HF.
Ground-Mounted Vertical
No mast needed. Good for field days with limited setup time.
SOTA and POTA — Getting Started
Summits on the Air and Parks on the Air are international programmes that encourage portable operation.