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United Kingdom · Licence exam

How to listen to ham radio online

Pick a public web receiver from the WebSDR or KiwiSDR lists and tune it from your browser, with no radio of your own. The RSGB links to both lists. Listening to ham radio online like this lets you hear real contacts before your exam, and the RSGB calls time spent as a short wave listener the best apprenticeship.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Where can you listen to ham radio online?

The RSGB’s WebSDR page links to a list of active WebSDR servers, kept by PA3FWM, and to the list of public KiwiSDRs, which work in a similar way. They’re software defined radio receivers that anyone can reach on the web.

The RSGB doesn’t run or support these receivers. If a WebSDR shows a Java security refusal, the WebSDR site explains the fix.

RSGB: WebSDR receivers ↗WebSDR server list ↗KiwiSDR public list ↗

What to listen for first

  • The GB2RS news, on 145.525 MHz and 144.250 MHz in the band plan, if a receiver near you covers 2 m.
  • FM calling on 145.500 MHz, and your nearest repeater’s output.
  • On HF, whichever bands are open: that changes with the time of day, the season and the sunspot cycle.
  • A contest. The RSGB says there are HF or LF contests almost every weekend.
UK frequencies and calling channels →Propagation and band conditions →Contest calendar →

Why the RSGB says listen first

The RSGB’s advice for new operators is to spend some time as a short wave listener before transmitting, since HF contacts tend to be short and picking up the microphone can feel daunting. The syllabus says time on air as a listener helps with the exam questions too.

When you do get your own radio, an HF transceiver also receives shortwave broadcasts, VOLMET weather and aircraft.

RSGB: Operating your new station ↗Choosing a radio →
Sources: RSGB and 5 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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