Ha, I think I was KTE9451 if I remember correctly from somewhere around 1972 or so. Totally useless to have that kind of license requirement.p238shooter,
Is the license/permit I got back in 1974 or 1975, that was a license required to set up a “base” station and communicate on a 24 channel “cb” radio, the same license/credentials that is needed to communicate on or use a ham radio?
KAJB1674 is or was the identifier I was given.
Sorry, Ham Radio is a whole different deal requiring you do some real studying and take a real test to show you have learned about what you are legal to do, frequencies and modes you are allowed to talk on, and to pass the test you will know quite a bit of how radio, voice and digital modes work. We are a structured group of real radio operators who follow the rules and regulations throwing out our real call signs which are readily identifiable of who and where we are. There are three classes of licenses which give you different frequency ranges (bands) to talk on. The first Technician level is typically going to give you up to a 50-70 mile range with a standard 50W radio. The second General level will give you some nation wide and worldwide frequencies, while the Extra class license with give you additional ham band frequencies.
Where a 23 channel CB radio had 23 frequencies in one 11meter band, ham radio has thousands of frequencies in many different band ranges, not just 11 meter. CB is legal up to 5W power. Many of the frequencies we have can be used to talk world wide on a standard 100W radio. I have a 1500W amp sitting on my desk to legally use if needed to talk where I desire around the world with my Extra class license, so yes there is a lot of differnces.
Back to getting the first level Technition license. There are over 300 possible questions, (many similar but worded differently) and you have to make at least 70% on a 35 question test to pass. Testing sessions are $15, but expected to have a price hike in a few months. Local ham radio clubs can direct you to places and times for test sessions. I do suggest you look up and visit local ham radio clubs in your area. You will find they will welcome you as a visitor and be happy to help as much as they can.
The ARRL.org website has a lot of information posted to get you started with information and the requirements about the three levels of licenses. There are many free test practice sites out on the web if you are good at memorizing answers. Personally I am not, I have to understand the "why" to learn most anything. I have had great success over the past 20 years sending people to a $25 pay site hamtestonline.com that the 40-50 people I know have used his program have all passed on their first try and all were very knowledgeable of ham radio when they got finished with his course. We had a 9 yo girl only miss one question on her exam a while back using this program. This site has all the materials you need in one place with no need to purchase any books or anything else to study and actually learn the answers to each question you may be given and why that answer is correct. An hour or so most every night for a couple weeks or so should get you there, but that may vary depending on time you have avilable. If you have to take a break studying, when you go back in it is right where you left off. He gives you a little free trial before you pay to see how it might work for you and gives you 6 mo access to pass your test. It works.
Let me know if you have any questions I might be able to help you with.