The Foundation class licence for amateur radio in Australia underwent a major revision on 12 September 2019. These changes modernised the licence under the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) 2015 Compilation 2, replacing the outdated 1997 Determination.
✅ What’s New?
- Digital Modes Permitted: Foundation licensees can now legally transmit using digital voice, data, and images (e.g. FT8, DMR, SSTV).
- Internet-Controlled Stations: Remote, computer-controlled and VoIP-based operation is now allowed.
- Home-Built Equipment: Transmission using custom or homebrew gear is permitted.
- New Callsign Format: Foundation operators now use full VK$aaa–VK$zzz formats. VKFx## series is discontinued.
- Wider Bandwidth: Transmission is allowed with broader bandwidths (e.g. digital TV or voice), within 1W per 100kHz spectral limits.
🚫 What Didn’t Change?
- Maximum power is still capped at 10 watts PEP.
- The same frequency bands apply.
- You must supervise any unlicensed person you allow to operate your station.
💸 No Ongoing Licence Fees — Just a One-Time Setup!
As of 19 February 2024, the ACMA introduced a class licence model for amateur radio in Australia. This is a huge win for hams!
- ✅ No annual licence renewals or fees
- ✅ Lifetime operation once you're licensed
- 🪪 One-time fees only:
- Call Sign Allocation: $30.15 (next-available) or $41.45 (3-letter, your pick from the available list)
- Recognition Certificate: $45.20 — can be skipped if you attach exam/course proof to your new call-sign application
- Total cost to get started: As low as $30.15 if you're clever
Yep — you can bypass the cert fee by uploading a copy of your successful exam results or training certificate directly when applying for your call sign. Simple and legitimate.
Download the form here: ACMA Call Sign Application PDF
Visit the ACMA Amateur Radio Portal📡 Support the WARG Network that Keeps Morangup On-Air
Here in Morangup, we connect via VK6RAV — our local repeater (2M) maintained by the West Australian Repeater Group (WARG). It’s part of a statewide amateur network that links metro and regional hams, including right here in the hills.
WARG is a volunteer-run group that builds, services, and powers these vital radio assets. If you benefit from VK6RAV — or just want to ensure it’s there when needed — join or donate to keep the signals flowing!
- Join WARG – Only $25/year
- Make a Donation (any amount helps)
You don’t need to be a repeater tech to contribute — just be a good RF citizen and pitch in.
For the price of a takeaway and a decent quality approved handheld, mobile or secondhand base-station radio, you're legally on the air — digital, voice, repeaters, and SDRs included. No annual fees. No red tape. Just pure RF freedom.
— Morangup Amateur Radio Notes
📘 Syllabus & Training Materials
The RES course (Code 07RESFOU) and others now include digital theory, SDR basics, and self-testing drills to prepare for both theory and practical exams.
🎙️ Want to Become an Amateur Operator in WA?
If you’re curious about getting involved in amateur radio here in WA, it’s easier than you might think. Most people can get licensed after a weekend training course. The Foundation Licence is an accessible entry point into a fascinating world of radio communication.
📍 WA Clubs That Offer Training:
- Ham College (Parkwood)
- Peel Amateur Radio Group (Mandurah)
- Northern Corridor Radio Group (Whiteman Park)
- Radio & Electronics School (National, online)
🏘️ Other Clubs Across WA:
- Hills Amateur Radio Group (HARG) – Lesmurdie
- WA Repeater Group – Mt Bay
- Bunbury Radio Club
- Southern Electronics Group – Albany
- WA VHF Group
🧾 Licence Types:
🚫 Common Myths:
- “You need Morse Code” – False. Morse is optional. It's not part of the Foundation exam.
- “You need expensive gear” – False. Some rigs cost under $100 and work brilliantly.
- “Digital is off limits” – False. As of 2019, digital is fully open to Foundation licensees.
For full beginner guidance, visit VK6.net – Becoming an Amateur or ACMA Amateur Radio Hub.
For local UHF information, visit Using UHF Radios in Western Australia
https://www.morangup.com.au/radio-uhf-guide.html