FAQs |
| What is Amateur
Radio? |
Amateur radio
is a hobby which started with GUGLIELMO MARCONI's discovery that messages could be
transmitted through wireless means by radio waves. This event occurred at the turn of the
20th century, but it is so inspired and fired up the imaginations of many other electronic
enthusiasts that by 1917 the United States came up with the legal regulations on the use
of the airwaves. We might say that this was the formal start of amateur radio.
Since then up to the present, the population of radio enthusiasts
has grown by leaps and bounds. Millions of "hams" all over the world continue
with their experimentation to improve wireless communications. Every contact made between
"hams" of different countries builds bridges of friendship across this earth.
The worth of amateurs has been proven many times in war as well
as during occurrences of disasters and calamities. Governments of different countries have
duly recognized and rewarded the amateurs for their assistance during emergencies.
Amateurs have often spearheaded rescue assistance immediately after hurricanes,
earthquakes, fires and other calamities. It has been primarily because of these voluntary
and courageous services that international conferences ultimately allocated certain
frequencies for the sole use of the amateurs.
The hobby is non-pecuniary and thus is not to be used for
business purposes. Amateur is coined from the Latin word "amators" which means
"for love of" and it is for love of radio that hams all over the world zealously
protect their frequencies from "intruders". In spite of their determination to
fight for their rights, the "hams" are friendly persons who love to teach and
disseminate the hobby to friends and young people. This is especially manifested in their
cooperation with the Boy Scouts the world over.
The hobby is particularly interesting in the sense that many
"hams" may talk to each other as extra special friends for years without ever
having met. Joy may be defined as the time when two "hams" who have talked to
each other for many years, finally see each other on the "eyeball" for the first
time.
The dream of many hams is to save a life through the use of his
equipment. It has been known that hams have actually initiated the rescue of sinking
ships. Some ham doctors have saved lives by giving medical instructions to people through
ham radio. This dream, plus the fact that contacting exotic places is as exhilarating as
ever, insures the continuing popularity and growth of amateur radio.
In the Philippines, ham radio was introduced by the Americans.
American and Filipino amateurs formed the PHILIPPINE AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION, INC. In
1932. From a handful of amateurs more than fifty years ago, "ham" population of
the Philippines has grown to more than two thousand today. |
| source: Philippine
Amateur Radio Association, Inc. |
How do I become a Ham? |
You can
become a Ham immediately. If you own an Amateur Radio equipment and is willing to abide by
the rules and regulations on amateur radio, then you have just taken your first step to
becoming a ham.
Now, all you need is an amateur radio license... |
How do I get a license? |
The rules and
modes in earning your very first Amateur Radio License vary from country to country. In
the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is
the government agency that grants licenses to qualified individuals and clubs.
In the Philippines, the National
Telecommunications Commission (NTC) thru its Regional Offices grant four classes of
licenses: "D" (Novice Class), "C" (Technician Class), "B"
(General Class) and "A" (Advanced Class).
Class "D" is the most popular license for beginners
since it doesn't include Morse Code. Classes "C" and "D" are the same
except that Class "C" requires you to pass the Morse Code exam. The
multiple-choice exam covers the following areas: Radio Rules and Regulations, Electrical
and Electronics Principles, and Amateur Radio Practices. The NTC conducts the exams
regularly.
To get started, you should first locate an Amateur Radio Club in
your area. Some clubs regularly offer reviews for radio exams. They also have members who
will be very willing to give you some tips in passing amateur radio exams.
For one, CHARL conducts reviews for Classes "C" and
"D" upon request, and help you process your application for examination, within
the Central Visayas Region only. |
How do I become a CHARL Member? |
Membership to
the Chocolate Hills Amateur Radio League, Inc. is open to all Filipino amateur radio
operators. Non-Filipinos who are licensed amateur radio operators in the country of his
nationality and who is authorized by reciprocal agreement or special licenses to operate
amateur radio stations in the Philippines, may also become members. For more information,
you may contact us at:
THE CHOCOLATE HILLS
AMATEUR RADIO LEAGUE INC.
office address: Marlim Subdivision, Booy District,
Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines 6300
frequency: 145.000 MHz +600 KHz duplex (VHF/2-meters)
tel. no.: (038)411-3115
ASK FOR: Mr. German Paredes (DU7BGP) |
| or you may e-mail us
at: dx7bc@qsl.net |
|
Just like all other amateur radio clubs worldwide, CHARL members thru
the years, include priests, doctors, nurses, engineers, lawyers, accountants, journalists,
students, government employees, businessmen, a congressman and a former vice governor, and
many others. Members range from 12 to 75 years old, and comes from all walks of life. All
of these members are bound together by a common love for amateur radio and the undying
will to serve.
You can also become a part of this diverse group. Contact your nearest
ham club for more information. |
|
|
|