Get Licensed

OpLine is a tool for licensed amateur radio operators. Here's a quick guide to what that means, why it matters, and how to get there.

What is amateur radio?

Amateur radio (or "ham radio") is a worldwide service for personal, non-commercial communication, experimentation, and emergency support. Hams talk to each other locally on handheld radios, across continents on shortwave, through satellites, and - like with OpLine - over linked digital networks like AllStarLink.

It's regulated by the FCC in the United States and by equivalent agencies in other countries. To transmit, you need a license and a unique call sign - yours alone, like W0ABE.

Why you need a license to use OpLine

OpLine connects you to AllStarLink, which is part of the amateur radio service. Anything you transmit - your voice, your call sign - goes out over the air. That makes it amateur radio, and FCC rules apply:

You must hold a valid, current FCC amateur radio license to transmit.
You must identify with your call sign on the air.
You must follow Part 97 (the FCC's ham radio rules) - no commercial use, no music, no obscenity, etc.

You can listen and monitor without a license. To press the PTT button, you need to be licensed.

The three U.S. license classes

Entry level

Technician

35-question multiple choice. Grants full access to VHF/UHF (2m, 70cm, etc.) - perfect for repeaters, AllStarLink, and OpLine.

Intermediate

General

Adds most HF (shortwave) bands. 35 questions. Opens up worldwide voice and digital modes.

Advanced

Amateur Extra

50 questions, the deepest theory. Full operating privileges on every U.S. ham band.

For OpLine and AllStarLink, Technician is all you need. There's no Morse code requirement at any level.

How to get your Technician license

Study. Plan on a few weekends of casual study, or a weekend of intense cramming. Most people pass on their first try.
Take a practice test. When you can score 85%+ consistently, you're ready.
Schedule an exam. Sessions are run by Volunteer Examiner (VE) teams, in person or remotely over Zoom.
Pass the test. 26 of 35 questions correct.
Get your call sign. The FCC issues it within a week or two - at that point you can transmit, including in OpLine.

What it costs

About $15 for the FCC application fee, plus $0–15 for the VE session (some teams run free sessions; ARRL VEC sessions are typically $15). Total: usually under $35.

Best study resources

HamStudy.org

The most-recommended free study site. Flashcards, practice tests, explanations. There's a paid mobile app too.

ARRL - Getting Licensed

The American Radio Relay League's official guide, including study books and finding a class.

Ham Radio Prep

Paid online course if you prefer guided video lessons over self-study.

"The Fast Track to Your Technician Class Ham Radio License" by Michael Burnette

Popular plain-English book that walks through every question on the exam.

Where to take the exam

HamStudy Session Finder

Searchable list of upcoming exam sessions, including remote/online options. Easiest place to start.

ARRL VEC Exam Search

In-person sessions run by ARRL Volunteer Examiners, searchable by ZIP code.

GLAARG

Greater Los Angeles Amateur Radio Group - runs frequent free remote exam sessions over Zoom.

After you pass

Your VE team uploads your results to the FCC.
You'll get an email when your call sign is issued - usually within a few business days.
Pay the $15 FCC fee through the FCC CORES portal.
Once your call sign appears in the FCC ULS database, you're legal to transmit - fire up OpLine and check into a net.

Outside the U.S.? Most countries have an equivalent licensing system - RAC in Canada, RSGB in the UK, ARRL maintains a list of foreign authorities. OpLine works anywhere AllStarLink does; just operate under your country's rules and call sign.

Ready to set up your node?

Already licensed? Build a radioless ASL3 node on a Raspberry Pi and connect it to OpLine.

Open the setup guide →

This page is general information, not legal advice. Always check current FCC rules at fcc.gov.