Req 8 — Choose Your Option
Requirement 8 is the hands-on core of the Radio merit badge. You choose one of five options and complete all sub-requirements within it. Read through all five before committing — each involves different equipment, skills, and time commitments.
Your Options
Req 8a — Amateur Radio: Learn about ham radio licensing, Q signals, emergency procedures, and transceiver types. Culminates in conducting (or simulating) a 10-minute amateur radio contact with proper call signs and logging.
Req 8b — Radio Broadcasting: Study FCC broadcast regulations, produce a half-hour radio program, log 15 broadcast stations, learn broadcasting terminology, and explore modern platforms like streaming and podcasts.
Req 8c — Shortwave & Medium-Wave Listening: Spend hours listening to shortwave and medium-wave stations during day and night, log them, map their locations, compare signal strengths, and demonstrate smartphone radio listening.
Req 8d — Amateur Radio Direction Finding: Learn about ARDF (fox hunting), build a simple directional antenna, participate in a fox hunt, and map how you located the hidden transmitter.
Req 8e — FRS & GMRS Walkie-Talkies: Compare FRS, GMRS, CB, and amateur radio, learn the rules and capabilities of FRS/GMRS radios, and use them on a hike, event, or team activity.
How to Choose
Choosing Your Option
Consider what's available and what excites you
- Equipment access: Options A and D require access to amateur radio equipment (a local ham club can often help). Option B needs audio recording tools. Option C needs a shortwave receiver (or a web SDR). Option E just needs a pair of FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies.
- Local support: If your area has an active amateur radio club, Options A and D become much easier — club members love mentoring Scouts.
- Time commitment: Option C requires at least six hours of listening across multiple sessions (day and night). Option B requires producing and recording a program.
- Interest: If you’re drawn to communication and talking on the air, choose A or E. If you like media production, choose B. If you enjoy exploring and listening, choose C. If you want a physical outdoor activity, choose D.
- Accessibility: Option E (FRS/GMRS) has the lowest barrier to entry — no license required for FRS, and inexpensive radios are widely available.
Ready to explore your chosen option? Start with Option A below, or navigate directly to your choice using the sidebar.