New to Ham Radio? Start Here.
No experience needed. Here's what it is, how to get licensed, and how we'll help you get on the air.
Amateur (“ham”) radio is a licensed hobby that lets everyday people communicate by radio — for fun, for public service, and for emergencies. It’s open to all ages, you don’t need a technical background, and once you’re licensed there are no monthly fees to talk.
Penn Wireless Association (callsign W3SK) has welcomed new operators in Lower Bucks County for decades. Whether you’re 12 or 92, we’ll help you earn your license and find your way onto the air.
What can you do with it?
Talk across town — or around the world
Chat on a local repeater, reach across the country, or bounce a signal off the ionosphere to another continent. No internet or cell network required.
Be ready when it counts
When the power's out and the phones are down, hams keep communities connected. Emergency communications are at the heart of what we do.
Get outdoors
Activate a park for Parks on the Air (POTA), or join the club for Field Day — a weekend of operating, antennas, and good company.
Learn and build
Antennas, electronics, digital modes, satellites — ham radio is a lifelong hobby with something new to learn at every step.
How to get your license
1. Study for the Technician exam
Your first license is the Technician class. The material is approachable — no Morse code required. Free practice tests and study guides will have you ready in a few weeks of casual study.
Study resources2. Take the exam with us
Penn Wireless runs license exams on the first Wednesday of each month at the Levittown Library. Register online, bring a photo ID and your FCC FRN, and you're set. New hams welcome.
Register for an exam3. Get on the air
A few days after you pass, your callsign appears in the FCC database and you're on the air. A simple handheld radio is an inexpensive way to start — and we'll help you set it up.
Find our next net or meetingYou won’t do it alone
The best part of getting started is the people. Penn Wireless members love helping newcomers — we call our mentors “Elmers,” and there’s always one happy to answer a question or help you program your first radio.
- Practice on our nets. Our weekly 2-meter net meets Sunday at 8:00 PM on the W3SK repeater (146.79 MHz, −0.6 MHz offset) — a friendly, low-pressure way to make your first contacts. You can even check in online at cqhamradio.com.
- Come to a meeting. Visitors are always welcome — no license or membership required. Say hello and ask anything.
- Join us for Field Day. Once a year we set up stations outdoors and operate all weekend. It’s the perfect place to try the hobby hands-on.
Questions? Get in touch — we’d love to help you get started.