For Non-Hams

In order to be part of this activity, you must obtain an Amateur Radio License.

These days Amateur "Radio" includes things like orbiting satellite communications, "packet" (internet-like) radio using computers, actual contacts with US Space Shuttle or Russian MIR1 astronauts (if there is one who happens to be a ham aboard - which is quite frequent), and our specialty:

 

Amateur TeleVision


Amateur TeleVision ("ATV") takes two forms: "slow-scan" (sstv), where single (still) frames are sent, usually on "hf" (high frequency, or globe-spanning) radio bands, to other stations with the special equipment needed to convert and display them2; and "fast-scan", which is exactly the same as regular broadcast television, except for the "uhf" (ultra-high frequency) bands used3,4.

If you're NOT already a "HAM", you might be surprised at how easy it is to become one. Although Hams can be as knowledgable as electrical/electronics and/or computer engineers, most aren't. Many are everyday "Joes" and "Janes".

An entry-level "TECHNICIAN" class license (which requires no morse code ["CW"] training) can be obtained by anyone knowing minimal electronics theory and having an understanding of the pertinent rules. One local club offers courses and gives periodic exams.

Technicians are limited in several ways (you cannot use the "hf" frequencies for example) but can fully participate in all other activities mentioned above. Once "in" you will be encouraged to continue your studies (towards higher-level license classes), but there's no rigid timetable to worry about.

One thing we're not, though, is "CB'er's". As noted above, Amateur Radio is licensed and regulated. We take our hobby and responsibilities seriously.


Here's a few links and resources:

American Radio Relay League     (ARRL)
The biggest national organization of Hams (though not all Hams are members). Publishes QST magazine. Also publishes books on almost every aspect of ham radio, including one that might be the best to start with, Now You're Talking 3rd edition (July 1997. Older editions are out-of-date pertaining to rules and regulations.)

QST    magazine   La Crosse Public Library has a subscription.
73   Amateur Radio Today     Magazine .      Not as comprehensive as QST, but does sometimes have material not found there. > Current publication status uncertain (otherwise): On newsstands.
CQ         and         CQ - VHF     Magazines.       Same advice as 73 magazine.
BADGER STATE SMOKE SIGNALS     Newspaper. By and for Wisconsin Hams. Notices of meetings, events & other useful tidbits. (Monthly)

Ham Radio On-Line
SkyWarn - National Weather Service

Public, school and university libraries: Look for Amateur Radio titles.

 

NOTES:
1. Ham Radio provided back-up communications during the MIR emergency (CQ-VHF 9/97).
2. See QST 9/97 for a great article.
3. FSTV used during floods at Grand Forks, ND. Story & picture, QST 2/98.
4. FSTV and the Rose Bowl Parade. Story, QST 3/98.

 

Page created 14 Jul 97                                         Last modified 25 Nov 99