ARRL

About ARRL

About ARRL

Founded in 1914, the American Radio Relay League is the national association for amateur radio in the USA. Today, with more than 160,000 members, the ARRL is the largest organization of radio amateurs in the world. The ARRL's mission is based on five core areas or "pillars": Public Service, Advocacy, Education, Technology, and Membership.

"To promote and advance the art, science and enjoyment of Amateur Radio."

The United States government began licensing Amateur Radio operators in 1912 and by 1914, there were thousands of Amateur Radio operators—“hams”--in the United States. Hiram Percy Maxim, a leading Hartford, Connecticut, inventor and industrialist saw the need for an organization to band together this fledgling group of radio experimenters. In May 1914 he founded the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) to meet that need.

At ARRL headquarters, located  in the Hartford suburb of Newington, CT, a staff of 100 serves the needs of members. ARRL's headquarters station, W1AW, transmits bulletins of interest to radio amateurs.  Visit Us

ARRL Membership Benefits

ARRL publishes the monthly journal QST in both magazine and digital formats in addition to newsletters and publications covering all aspects of Amateur Radio.

ARRL offers additional membership benefits:

ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator Program
Logbook of the World
QSL Bureau
Hamfests and Conventions
Contests and Awards
QST Archive and Product Review
Youth Programs
ARRL Lab Services
Publications and Apparel
Ham Radio Kits
Discounted Materials for Instructors
DX-expedition Calendars, Information and Support
ARES/Emergency Services and Support
Club Support
Official Observer/Official Observer Coordinator
Public Information Services/Coordination
Ham Radio Training
License Training
Operator Training
Morse Code Training and Practice
Amateur Radio Legal References
Legislative Advocacy Programs

There would be no Amateur Radio as we know it today were it not for the ARRL. Join ARRL Today

What is Amateur Radio?

Amateur Radio, also known as Ham Radio, is a popular hobby and a service in which licensed participants operate communications equipment with a deep appreciation of the radio art.               

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