Req 9b — Radio as Hobby or Service
9b.
Explore how you could use radio knowledge and skills to develop a hobby or to serve as a volunteer. If possible, with permission of your parent or guardian, interview a radio hobbyist or volunteer. Research training and licensing needed, expenses, and organizations that promote or support your objectives. Discuss with your counselor what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursue this.
Radio Hobby Paths
| Hobby/Service | What It Involves |
|---|---|
| Amateur radio (ham) | Earn a Technician license, buy an HT, join a local club, get on the air |
| DXing | Hunt for distant stations on shortwave or amateur bands — a global treasure hunt |
| Contesting | Compete in timed events to make as many contacts as possible |
| ARDF / Fox hunting | Combine radio with orienteering in outdoor direction-finding competitions |
| Satellite operation | Communicate through amateur radio satellites using modest equipment |
| Parks on the Air (POTA) | Activate national and state parks by operating a portable radio station from the park |
| Emergency communication (ARES/RACES) | Volunteer to provide backup communications during disasters and public events |
| SKYWARN | Volunteer as a trained weather spotter, reporting severe weather via radio to the National Weather Service |
| Podcasting | Create and distribute audio content on topics you care about |
| Software-defined radio (SDR) | Experiment with radio signals using inexpensive USB receivers and free software |
What to Research
- Training and licensing: What license or certification do you need? (Technician exam for ham radio? SKYWARN spotter training? No license for SDR receive-only?)
- Expenses: What equipment do you need and what does it cost? (An HT can cost $30–$300; an SDR dongle costs $25; a contest-grade HF station costs thousands.)
- Organizations: Who supports this hobby or service?
- ARRL (American Radio Relay League) — the national association for amateur radio
- ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) — emergency communication volunteers
- POTA (Parks on the Air) — portable operation program
- Local ham radio clubs — social, educational, and technical support
Setting Goals
Discuss with your counselor:
Short-term goals (next 6 months):
- Earn your Technician license?
- Buy your first radio?
- Join a local club?
- Attend a ham radio field day event?
Long-term goals (1–5 years):
- Upgrade to General class license for worldwide HF communication?
- Build your own antenna system?
- Volunteer for ARES and serve your community?
- Pursue DXCC (contact 100+ countries)?
- Start a podcast?
You’ve completed all the requirements for the Radio merit badge. Head to the Extended Learning section for ideas on where to go next.