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Here in Jasper County, there are three ham radio clubs. Potential newcomers may be surprised to learn the benefits of the hobby, yet they do not where to find more information. This page will serve as a Frequently Asked Questions for ham radio; it will also list information on club contacts. ARES, itself, depends on local ham clubs for volunteers, equipment, and technical support. What is "Ham Radio"? The origins of the term "ham" radio is varied...But it refers to amateur radio (versus commercial, aviation, etc. radio). Our hobby is made up of people from all walks of life: young and old, blue and white collar, both genders, and all races and ethnicities. Our common bond is to communicate with other licensed operators. Like other radio services, we are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Unlike other types of services, however, our license is both a STATION and OPERATOR for a given set of frequencies. For example, a technician licensee is free to operate on ANY frequency reserved for this license (subject to band plans set by the American Radio Relay League, the national association for amateur radio in the US). Since our license restricts us to certain frequencies, we can communicate with other amateurs; we are not allowed to accept any type of payment for our services. Don't all ham operators have to know Morse code? Not anymore. A codeless license has been available since 1991, and new FCC rules effective May, 2000, reduced the code requirement for the higher licenses. There is plenty of opportunity for Technicians (code-free license) to engage in voice, data, and even Morse code! These frequencies are reliable for local and regional distances. Why ham radio? The National Weather Service has relied on ham operators for years to confirm severe weather damage. The tragic Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and New York-Pentagon 2001 disasters rendered cell phones and public safety communications useless in a few minutes after tragedy befell. Unlike professional dispatchers, ham operators must pass an exam that includes electronic principles. This means that hams are more likely to be prepared in a disaster, keeping spare parts on hand and knowing how to construct an emergency station. How do I become a ham radio operator? You must pass an exam administered by volunteer ham examiners. It's multiple choice, and you can obtain study materials from Radio Shack and other electronics firms. Ham clubs in Joplin frequently offer classes for the technician license. Exams are given at least once a month. See contacts at the end of this forum. There are three classes of licenses: Technician (VHF/UHF focus), Element 2; General (HF focus), Element 3; and Extra (Advanced Electronics and Operating Procedures), Element 4. For the General and Extra licenses you must hold (or pass) the lower exams and Element 1, a five-word/minute telepathy exam (7 out of 10 correct fill-in-blank questions or 25 consecutive character copy). Tapes, computer programs, and on-air practice will help. Local Ham Clubs for more information: Carthage Club (meetings on first and
third Thursdays; location varies) |
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Last Update: 8 May 2003 |
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