# Becoming a radio amateur

### The Morse Test

The morse test is administered by the RSGB and conducted by volunteer examiners who are themselves Class A license holders who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the use of the morse code. A list of test dates can be obtained from Amateur Radio Dept. Radio Society of Great Britain, Lambda House, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3JE. They are usually held at radio clubs and these tests must be pre-booked. In recent years, an "on demand" morse testing service has come into being. These tests are often found at radio rallies. At these testing sessions, you may just turn up, pay your fee and sit the test. Please note that the examiner is not permitted to tell you there and then, whether or not you have been successful.

The Amateur Radio Morse Test to obtain a full A licence consists of a receiving test, and a sending test. The receiving test will normally be from a tape which will have been recorded using a manual key. The sending test must also be done using a manual key. Full details are given in "The Morse Code for Radio Amateurs" published by the RSGB.

A pass in the Amateur Radio Morse Test is regarded as valid for life.

It should be noted that the requirement to pass a test in morse code is laid down by the International Telecommunications Union.

Either the Morse Test or the RAE may be taken first.

Photos 1.5, 1.6. Morse Examiner Bill Raine G4RXR operating the special event station GB0DHM, part of the annual Morse Examiners' Weekend radio event. The station antennas can be seen on the right, dipoles for 80, 40 and 20 metre bands suspended from a single mast. The mast is guyed to Bill's car at one end!

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