Here at Essex Ham, we regularly hear from people who are returning to amateur radio after a long break – sometimes after 10, 20 or even 30 years away from the hobby.
The good news is that much of amateur radio will still feel familiar. Callsigns, antennas, propagation, repeaters and making contacts are still at the heart of the hobby.
But quite a lot has changed too: the UK licensing system is different, Morse is no longer compulsory for HF, digital modes have transformed operating, cheap SDR receivers are everywhere and the Internet now plays a much bigger role.
If you’ve recently returned to amateur radio, this page should help bring you up to speed.
What’s changed in UK amateur radio?
The UK licence structure
The UK now has three main amateur radio licence levels:
- Foundation – up to 25 watts PEP on most permitted bands
- Intermediate – up to 100 watts PEP on most permitted bands
- Full – up to 1,000 watts PEP on many permitted bands
Individual bands and frequencies can have lower limits, so the licence schedule should always be checked rather than assuming that the headline power applies everywhere.
There is also a Direct to Full examination route for people who already have sufficient technical knowledge and want to go directly to a Full licence rather than progressing through Foundation and Intermediate.
Current callsign formats
If you’ve been away from amateur radio for many years, you’ll probably notice a lot of unfamiliar callsigns.
Current and recent UK callsign series include:
- M3, M6 and M7 – Foundation callsigns
- M8 and M9 – current Intermediate callsign series
- 2-series callsigns – older Intermediate callsigns that remain in use
- G and M-series callsigns – many Full licence holders
The 2-series Intermediate callsigns haven’t disappeared. Existing holders can continue using them, while newer Intermediate callsigns are now being issued from the M8 and M9 series.
No more annual amateur radio licence fee
The old annual licence system disappeared many years ago.
Ofcom now issues amateur radio licences through its online licensing system, and there is normally no charge for an amateur radio licence applied for online.
Although the modern licence is sometimes described as a “lifetime licence”, don’t interpret that as meaning you can completely forget about it forever.
You still need to keep your details up to date and comply with Ofcom’s validation requirements.
If you’ve returned after a long absence and you’re unsure whether your old licence is still valid, see:
Reinstating an amateur radio licence »
Morse is no longer compulsory for HF
One of the biggest changes for returning amateurs is that you no longer need to pass a Morse test to gain access to HF.
Morse is still very much alive as an operating mode, and plenty of radio amateurs enjoy CW, but it’s now something you learn because you want to rather than because it’s a licensing requirement.
The amateur radio exams have changed
Today’s UK amateur radio exams are normally taken online, either at home with remote invigilation or through a club.
The current examinations are multiple choice.
The RSGB currently lists:
- Foundation: 26 questions, 60 minutes
- Intermediate: 46 questions, 90 minutes
- Full: 58 questions, 120 minutes
The Foundation exam is now a relatively straightforward entry route into the hobby, and the practical assessments that older candidates may remember are no longer part of the examination process.
More power at Foundation and Intermediate
The lower licence levels now have considerably more useful privileges than they did when they were first introduced.
Foundation licensees can now use up to 25 watts PEP on most permitted bands, while Intermediate licensees can use up to 100 watts PEP on many bands.
This means a Foundation licence is no longer restricted to the very low power levels that returning amateurs may remember from the early days of the scheme.
Band allocations have changed
There have been numerous changes to UK amateur allocations and band plans over the years.
Two additions that may be unfamiliar to someone returning after a long break are:
- 472-479kHz – the 630 metre band
- 5MHz – the 60 metre band
Both are currently available only to Full licence holders in the UK. 5MHz in particular has specific UK frequency segments and operating conditions, so don’t assume that overseas 60m allocations apply here.
Band plans and licence conditions do change, so it’s worth downloading the latest RSGB band plans rather than relying on an old printed copy.
Logbooks are no longer compulsory
For normal amateur operation, there is no longer a general requirement to maintain the traditional station logbook that older licence holders may remember.
Many amateurs still keep logs voluntarily, particularly for:
- Contesting
- Awards
- DXCC
- Portable operating
- QSLing
- Digital modes
Electronic logging has largely replaced paper logbooks for many operators.
Computer logging and online logbooks
Modern logging software can automatically record frequencies and modes directly from the radio.
Popular online and electronic services include:
- QRZ.com
- Logbook of The World (LoTW)
- Club Log
- eQSL
Paper QSL cards certainly haven’t vanished, but electronic confirmation is now commonplace.
Repeaters have changed
The basic principle of an amateur repeater is exactly the same, but some of the access methods have changed.
Many UK analogue repeaters now use CTCSS tones for access.
If you’ve been away long enough to remember opening repeaters using a 1750Hz toneburst, don’t assume that will still work everywhere.
The exact requirements vary between repeaters, so check the current settings before programming your radio.
Read our guide to using amateur radio repeaters »
Digital voice radio
One of the most obvious additions to amateur radio is digital voice.
Common systems include:
- DMR
- D-Star
- Yaesu System Fusion / C4FM
These can be used through digital repeaters or, in many cases, through small Internet-connected personal hotspots.
This allows a handheld radio in one part of the UK to connect to reflectors, talkgroups and other users around the world.
FT8 changed HF operating
If you left amateur radio before the rise of digital weak-signal modes, FT8 may be one of the biggest surprises.
FT8 allows very weak signals to be decoded using a computer and has become enormously popular on HF.
A waterfall display that appears almost empty to the ear can contain dozens of digital contacts.
Other modern or established digital modes include:
- FT4
- JS8Call
- PSK31
- RTTY
- WSPR
- SSTV
Read our beginner’s guide to FT8 »
Software Defined Radio
Software Defined Radio – SDR has transformed both receiving and transmitting.
A modern SDR receiver can show a large chunk of spectrum on a computer screen, making it easy to see signals using a spectrum display and waterfall.
Low-cost USB SDR receivers have also made wideband radio reception accessible to almost anyone.
At the other end of the market, many modern amateur transceivers now use SDR technology internally and include large colour spectrum displays.
What is Software Defined Radio? »
Cheap handheld radios
Another major change has been the arrival of inexpensive Chinese handheld radios.
Brands such as Baofeng and Quansheng have made dual-band VHF/UHF radios available at prices that would have been difficult to imagine a few decades ago.
They can be useful, but there are compromises. More expensive radios from manufacturers such as Yaesu, Icom and Kenwood can offer better receiver performance, filtering, build quality and support.
The low price of entry-level radios has nevertheless made amateur radio much more accessible.
Modern radios talk to computers
Computer control is now commonplace.
Many modern radios support:
- CAT control
- USB audio
- Built-in sound cards
- Computer programming
- Automatic logging
- Firmware updates
For modes such as FT8, one USB cable may now carry both radio control and audio between the transceiver and computer.
EchoLink and Internet-linked radio
The Internet has also become closely integrated with amateur radio.
EchoLink allows licensed amateurs to communicate through Internet-linked repeaters, simplex gateways, computers and smartphones.
Some returning amateurs aren’t keen on the idea of Internet-assisted radio, while others find it a useful extension of the hobby. Either way, it’s now firmly part of the amateur radio landscape.
Remote radio operation
It’s also increasingly common to operate a radio remotely.
A station and antenna may be installed at one location while the operator controls the equipment over a network or the Internet from somewhere else.
This can be particularly useful for amateurs who have severe noise or antenna restrictions at home.
Portable operating has grown enormously
Portable amateur radio isn’t new, but organised portable operating has become particularly popular.
Activities include:
- SOTA – Summits On The Air
- POTA – Parks on the Air
- Field days
- Portable QRP operation
- Satellite operating
Modern lithium batteries and compact radios have made it much easier to carry an effective HF station into the countryside.
Amateur radio satellites
Satellite operation is now accessible with surprisingly modest equipment.
There are amateur satellites carrying FM repeaters, linear transponders, telemetry and digital systems, as well as amateur radio equipment aboard the International Space Station.
Beginner’s guide to amateur radio satellites »
The Maidenhead Locator system
If you remember the old QRA locator system, this has long since been superseded by the Maidenhead Locator System.
Locators such as JO01 are widely used for VHF/UHF contests, propagation reporting, satellite operation and online logging.
EMF compliance
Another significant change is the introduction of requirements relating to electromagnetic field – EMF – exposure.
UK amateur radio licence holders must ensure that their transmissions comply with the applicable EMF exposure requirements.
For many ordinary low-power stations this is straightforward, but it’s something returning Full licence holders in particular should familiarise themselves with before simply reconnecting a high-power HF or VHF station that was last used decades ago.
Amateur radio EMF assessment information »
Online callsign databases
Finding information about another amateur now generally involves typing their callsign into a website rather than looking through a printed callbook.
Services such as QRZ.com provide callsign profiles, station details, biographies and logging tools.
Our beginner’s guide to QRZ.com »
Online exams and training
If you’re returning because you previously held a licence but can’t recover it, or you’re helping somebody else get started, training has also changed dramatically.
Amateur radio courses can now be completed entirely online, and examinations can usually be taken from home.
Essex Ham offers a free online Foundation training course for people entering the hobby.
What hasn’t changed?
Despite all of the technology, the fundamentals of amateur radio haven’t really changed.
You’ll still find people:
- Calling CQ
- Building antennas
- Experimenting with electronics
- Chasing DX
- Operating portable
- Working contests
- Helping new operators
- Arguing about the best antenna!
If you knew how to make a contact 30 years ago, you’ll recognise plenty when you turn a radio on today.
Returning after a long break? Where should you start?
If your equipment has been sitting unused for years, don’t immediately connect everything and transmit.
A sensible return-to-air checklist is:
- Check your licence – confirm that your Ofcom licence and personal details are current
- Check the current licence conditions – particularly power limits, band access and EMF requirements
- Download current band plans
- Inspect old equipment – especially power supplies, electrolytic capacitors, batteries, cables and mains wiring
- Check the antenna and coax before transmitting
- Listen around and see what activity you can find
- Find your local repeaters and nets
- Try some of the newer modes
You don’t need to understand every new technology before getting back on the air. Start with what you remember and explore the newer parts of the hobby as you go.
Renewing or reinstating your licence
If you’re unsure whether an old callsign or licence can be recovered, see our separate guide:
Reinstating an amateur radio licence »
Amateur Radio in Essex
If you’re returning to the hobby in Essex, there are plenty of ways to reconnect with other amateurs.
- Amateur Radio Clubs in Essex
- Amateur Radio Repeaters in Essex
- Amateur Radio Nets in Essex
- Essex Ham Forum
Your questions and experiences
This page was written by Pete M0PSX.
If you’ve recently returned to amateur radio after 10, 20 or 30 years away, we’d be interested to hear what surprised you most.
Equally, if there’s something that used to be commonplace and you’re wondering what replaced it, add a comment below and we’ll try to expand this guide.
Related Links
- Reinstating an amateur radio licence
- Getting back on air – useful next steps
- Essex Ham Getting Started Guides
- Setting up an amateur radio station
What a great idea! I returned to amateur radio this year after a break since 1982 – 32 years. You are right, a lot has changed as I am now discovering – a great number of exiting new developments alongside the more ‘traditional’ HF operation.
One of the easiest things to do if you no longer have even a short wave receiver is to take a look at the many webSDR sites through your computer (if you haven’t got a computer you aren’t reading this). There you can tune through the amateur bands, as received in many different parts of the world. I can also highly recommend the RTL dongles.
The groups info has helped me so much!! i took a long break, 1999 until now, 2020, thank goodness i kept my city and guilds certificates safe, i would probably struggle now the brain has aged, and what a difference in HAM RADIO !!!!! all this info as i say has helped me superbly, i just need to pay my fee now and enjoy bands i was never allocated to TX on only at the local club… 73s and thank you G7WDH
excellent site I like peter have been away from the hobby for more years than I care to remember but I found your explanation of sdr radio the most clear & concice I have read I will definately be back even if I am from the wrong side of the river thankyou very much ronnie
Like previous comments have been absent for ages have been listening but not transmitted recently feel anxious which is partly due to serious illness. A huge stroke which has literally left me being half the man I used to be. Will G1Wxr
As with the others here, I can’t remember when I last operated, probably around 1990. I passed the RSGB C&G test and got a G6???. Later I did my CW at Southampton coastguards’ station and was issued with G4USL. Now I’m retired I’d like to re-start but it is probably going to be too complicated? There’s no chance of me finding my old certificates.
Hi Paul,
I can find G4USL in the 1993 RSGB callsign book, but not the 1994. I’ve emailed you a copy, which you will be able to use to hopefully get your licence back without too much hassle – See https://www.essexham.co.uk/reinstate-amateur-radio-licence
Hope that helps,
Petw
After returning with a break of some thirty years I have found that there’s more help available,and the hobby is much more friendly than ever,as a lad I used to go to CARs and owe so much to Barry Yew,the chairman at the time,everyone encouraged and helped,I was young had no money but the monthly ‘junk’auction at every meeting helped me get my shack together.We must all encourage and nurture more and there’s a big emphasis on mentioning swls in our nets because they are our future.Well done Essex Ham your all doing a great job.
Thanks for the message of support Tony. Happy to be doing our bit to further the hobby. Pete
Very useful summary of changes Pete.
Just renewed my lapsed licence.
Will have to do some more reading before I get active.
Was briefly on top band with a home brew valve TX and an Eddystone EA12 RX in the early 80s. No longer have this kit.
73s
Alan
Hi All from Sandy G0FMN,
I have just joined the club after having a look around your very nice and informative web site. although I now live in Northampton I lived in Chelmsford for a good many happy years so I’m no stranger to Essex, in fact my brother lives in Cold Norton (near Chelmsford)
I got my licence way back in 1984 but like many, I sort of dropped out of the hobby but I’m now coming back.It may be quite a challenge calling in to the Monday night net from here, but at least I can get on (sort of) via the internet.
My rigs are an FT757GX MK1 and a FT290 MK1 so quite old, so hopefully I’ll be looking to upgrade soon
I liked the compact HF beam project I found on the site, could be very useful to me as I live in a caravan on a holiday park in Great Billing.
Hope to be back soon,
Regards,
Sandy G0FMN
Brilliant site as like the others I have had various breaks over the years. So although I kept my licence I haven’t operated enough over the years to stay current. It was good to watch the foundation licence video and read the comments for returning amateurs. I’m just starting to play in digital. Thanks again for an informative site. Bill G6JNZ
I ‘left’ amateur radio about 10 years ago, mainly because I became disillusioned with the ‘rubber stamp’ QSO. Listening around, I haven’t seen any change to that. No one seems to want to have a decent, informative QSO. So I have gone back to where I started as a kid, listening to the HF broadcast bands. I would love to be convinced that things are different, but all that I have heard on the bands doesn’t dispel that view.
thank god people like Charlie aren’t around anymore, I don’t think I would have started this hobby if they were.
I am also a “returning” amateur, having previously held the call sign G7FQZ. I have just applied to see if I can re-activate my old callsign.
The information on your site has been very useful in detailing some of the changes that have occurred since I last used the bands.
Thank you for providing the resources.
Happy to help John,
Pete
Hi, I came across this article a few weeks back, purely by chance, and I must say that after quite a few years away from the hobby I now have my licence back. There have been a few minor changes since writing though, but nothing too onerous. The application form is much shorter and doesn’t have the old licence details section, which did confuse me a little.
So I just wanted to say a big thank you for writing this article and helping me on the way.
Very useful information.
I am attempting to reinstate my licence after a gap of over 20 years (G4RMR).
The problem is that i cannot find any of my original paperwork. I don’t know anyone with historic call books either, though my call is listed on QRZ/Hamcall etc. I think a 1992/93 call book would suffice. Consequently, i’m at a bit of an impasse.
Anyone any ideas?
Richard
Hi Richard,
Found you in the 1991/92 callsign book. Scan of page 294 emailed.
Hope that helps,
Pete
Hi I am also trying to reinstate an old licence from the 80s G0fvm my name is Philip irons Bradford yorkshire
What a brilliant guide. Thanks very much. On 10th November, by following this guide, I have sucessfully reclaimed my licence. It may also be worth noting that the RSGB will send you call book extracts if you send them a friendly email & ask for them.
Thanks again, Dan G7GIK
Thank you for a well informed web site, like so many before I am looking at returning – the last time I was on was around 1980! My call sign was G8 ZDX and in those days DXing was a treat with a lift on 2m !
Anyone with a very old book between 1977 and 1980 would be most helpful, you will understand that it would mean a lot to get it back!
Kind regards
Chris
Very useful website, thanks! I, too, am going to try to reinstate my licence and callsign (G7KOU). I found my original RSGB membership certificate and C&G RAE certificate, packrat that I am! Worth a shot!
Aaaaannnd… sorted!
Neil, G7KOU
Evening all…
I passed my RAE with ease, back in ’95.
However, I was so saddeled with student debt I did not apply the license, as I could far from afford a radio.
Now SDR has rekindeled my radio interest, so I picked up an Ettus Research B210 to play with.
Thus I’d like to see if I can apply a full license given that the Morse is no longer required.
Any advice for me?
Thanks.
If you still have the paperwork (pass slip / other proof), you should be able to approach Ofcom, send them a get your licence and callsign.
If you don’t have the paperwork, you could try contacting the appropriate exam board for a copy.
If you have no proof of ever passing, never held a licence, weren’t an RSGB member, and can’t get hold of paperwork from the exam board, then you probably need to start again by taking a Foundation course.
Pete
Wow – you guys here are faster than 400GE!
Great news thanks! I have FOUND my certs, so my next step is to send a general email asking for an M0 callsign?
You’ll need to complete the licence application form and send it off with the proof. For lapsed licenses, I think Ofcom charge a £20 admin fee – details: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/online-licensing-service
Hi i passed the RAE IN 1989 never applied for mine , but found out i can get the full one sent off copies of the cetificates hope this helps, 73 Russell
Hi, very helpful info on your site, but I have one other question you may know the answer to ( I have asked ofcom but no reply as yet). I passed my radio amateur exam in 1968 and received a G8 callsign. If I successfully reinstated it, what level of licence would I receive?
Thanks,
John
Just noticed that a previous question and answer gives me most that I require!
Hello Chums
Phew much has changed since I was G7BGS. I also held G7RBY (Long story) used to do lots on 2M packet radio and now DMR looks like a fun thing to do.
I’d love to return to the hobby and get back to building a shack (seems a quainty phrase these days) stuggling to find my pass document – Can anyone help with an RSGB entry please?
Many thanks
Hi All, Thanks to the information on Essex Ham I’ve got my old licence back.
I can’t quite figure out how I’m supposed to request my old call sign back on the Ofcom form that’s been linked? I was 2E1CUS, and the form only provides space for five character callsigns. Am I missing something or should I just put my request in a covering letter along with the form?
Hi All, Well I’m taking very slow steps back, a few years ago I was chatting to some Raynet guys on Bournemouth beach during the airshow and they convinced me to apply for my license back, which much to my surprise I got back! G8LGP or Low Gas Pressure as I was called in Southend (my home town). I still have not even listened to the radio again as I’m trying to make sense of what the hobby has become, for me it was extremely important to my progression as an electronics engineer in my early career. I think I stopped operating in the early 1980’s not long after getting married! I have only just rejoined the RSGB, I was expecting to find a lot of information about returning to the hobby but not so. I’m trying to work out which parts of the hobby will interest me now especially as I have spent most of my career in electronics and computing.
73’s
Keith Harris G8LGP
Hi all
Some years ago after us B class license holders were permitted to transmit on HF, I acquired an SEM Z-Match atu with no information, but I have used it with a Yaesu FT857, not that its fundamental to setting up the unit.
I have now acquired very minimum information and I have come across requests for any information of the unit online.
I am pleased to pass this on to a suitable online data library.
Any suggestions.
Best regards
Royston King
G8CHK
Good morning everyone.
Many moons ago, (mid 80’s from memory) I sat the exam, passed and was issued my class B callsign, which was G1WIL. As life got in the way I foolishly allowed it to lapse. Having now retired, I am hoping to get it reinstated, but no longer have the paperwork. I am hoping that there is an RSGB entry. I would be very grateful if someone can have a look for me please? Thanks in advance for any info.
Best wishes
Colin Green (ex) G1WIL