I got into amateur radio in the summer of 2021.
Before that, I was flying FPV drones. Because I was already playing with antennas, the algorithm on Bilibili recommended me a video from a ham in Chengdu—making contacts with stations all over the world from inside his car.
That moment completely changed my understanding.
My first impression of amateur radio was simple:
→ You can talk to the world.
After nearly a year of waiting, studying, and going through the process, I finally obtained my licenses in 2022—what we casually call the “driver’s license and registration” of the ham world.
But this article is about something more interesting:
What can you legally do in amateur radio before getting licensed in China?
⚠️ Important: In China, transmitting (pressing the PTT) without a license is illegal.
However, listening is allowed—as long as you don’t redistribute what you hear.
Understanding Amateur Radio Licensing in China
Before diving in, here’s a quick overview of how licensing works in China:
China uses a three-tier licensing system:
- Class A (Beginner) – Entry-level license
- Limited frequency access (mainly VHF/UHF)
- Lower power limits
- Suitable for local communication and repeaters
- Class B (Intermediate)
- Access to more bands, including parts of HF
- Higher power and more flexibility
- Class C (Advanced)
- Full privileges, including most HF bands
- Suitable for long-distance (DX) communication
In addition to the operator certificate, you also need a station license to legally transmit.
What You Can Do Before Getting Licensed
Here are six practical ways I explored amateur radio before I was licensed:
1. Listening with a Handheld Radio (HT)
My first device was a legendary budget handheld—yes, one of those ~$15 radios.
Even without transmitting, you can:
- Listen to local repeaters
- Learn operating etiquette
- Understand real conversations between hams
Pro tip:
- Single-band listening often gives better sensitivity than dual-watch mode
- You can even try receiving satellite signals with the stock antenna
You’ll quickly realize:
Amateur radio is not just about talking—it’s about understanding the invisible world around you.
2. Explore the Spectrum with an SDR
Discovering SDR (Software Defined Radio) was a turning point.
With a simple USB SDR, you can:
- Scan from ~10 kHz to 2 GHz
- Visualize signals in real time
- Explore aviation, marine, broadcast, and more
This is where you start learning:
- Antenna types
- SWR (standing wave ratio)
- Wavelength relationships
And most importantly:
You begin to understand whether HF (shortwave) is for you.
3. Try Satellite Listening
Yes—this works even with a cheap handheld.
With apps like:
- Look4Sat
- ISS Detector
You can:
- Track satellites using your phone
- Receive signals from orbit
- Decode SSTV images from satellites
⚠️ Tip:
Do this in a quiet, open space. Walking around with antennas can attract attention if you’re not licensed yet.
4. Use WebSDR (Listen Globally via Internet)
If your local environment limits you, WebSDR opens the world.
You can:
- Access receivers in Europe or the US
- Compare signal quality across regions
- Experience real HF propagation
It’s a humbling reminder:
Geography and antennas matter—a lot.
5. Connect with Other Hams
One of the most surprising parts of this hobby:
“Hams help each other.”
Through satellite listening, I met my first mentor—who guided me into satellite operations and introduced me to communities.
Even before getting licensed, you can:
- Join local groups (WeChat, forums, clubs)
- Learn from experienced operators
- Understand local repeater culture
6. Prepare for the Exam
This is the most important step.
In China:
- Exams are organized by provincial radio associations
- Registration is usually announced via websites and social media
- The exam itself is not difficult—but requires preparation
My experience:
- ~15 minutes to complete
- ~1 month waiting for results
- One of the happiest moments when I passed
Final Thoughts
Looking back, the year before getting licensed was not “waiting time” at all.
It was:
- Exploration
- Learning
- Curiosity-driven discovery
If you’re preparing for your Class A license:
Don’t wait. Start playing the radio—legally—today.
About the Author
I’m the creator of CW599, a project focused on sharing the beauty of CW (Morse code) and amateur radio with a global audience.
From listening on a cheap handheld to building my own station, this journey started with curiosity—and it’s still evolving.