In June 2025, after months of studying and listening to local repeaters, I finally took — and passed — the Polish amateur radio exam.
A few weeks later, in early July, the UKE (Polish Office of Electronic Communications) issued my very first callsign: SP3LSN.
That short combination of letters and numbers felt surprisingly meaningful. It’s not just an identifier — it’s a key to an entire community and a world of frequencies waiting to be explored.
Why I decided to get licensed
For years, I had been fascinated by radio communication — especially the idea that two people can talk across borders, mountains, or even oceans without the internet or cellular networks.
I’ve always loved self-reliant technologies, and amateur radio fits perfectly into that mindset. It’s both a hobby and a skill, blending electronics, communication, and a touch of adventure.
The decision to get licensed came naturally after I started experimenting with Meshtastic and LoRa networks (which I wrote about earlier on this blog). Those projects gave me a taste of what’s possible with low-power radios — but also made me realize how much more there is to learn.
The exam experience
The exam consisted of questions covering three main areas:
- Regulations and operating procedures
- Radio technology and electronics
- Safety and electromagnetic compatibility
Fortunately, the question bank is public, so preparation is mostly about consistency and practice. I spent a few weeks reviewing topics every evening — using online simulators, watching YouTube tutorials, and reading a few ham guides.
When the day came, I felt well-prepared. The test took less than an hour, and after a short wait, I got the results: passed.
Receiving my callsign: SP3LSN
A few weeks later, I received an email from UKE confirming my registration and listing my new callsign.
That was the moment it felt real. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a listener — I was a licensed operator.
I remember the first time I transmitted using my callsign. My voice trembled a bit, but hearing someone come back with “SP3LSN, 5 by 9” was an amazing feeling.
What’s next
Right now, I’m exploring 2m and 70cm FM communication and getting familiar with digital modes like FT8 on my xiegu G90.
This is just the beginning of my ham radio adventure.
If you’re thinking about getting your license — do it. It’s absolutely worth it.
73 SP3LSN