Activities

With ham radio there’s tons of things to do. Let’s check out some of these various activities.

DXing

DX stands for distant communication. If your using 2m this may be a few 100 miles away, on HF, this means out of your country contacts. Generally when you here someone “chasing DX” they are on HF.

To DX effectively you will need a good outdoor antenna and 100w transceiver. (though 5w is possible, 100w is recommended). A directional antenna is helpful, but a vertical can also be used.

To work a successful DX, listen to a station calling CQ, and work it according to their style of operation. If he/she, is only making quick contacts, don’t engage in a long conversation. Not to mention others trying to work the station may not be happy with ya.

Using a DX cluster can also help you identify DX stations that you need. A DX cluster is an Internet site or packet station that reports current DX activity on the bands. DXpeditions are also good sources for new countries but be prepared to spend time getting through the pileups of other stations also attempting to call the DX station.

Once you start getting QSL cards from your DX’s you’ll be eligible for various awards.

Emergency Operations

This is what ham radio is all about. Helping out in an emergency. The ARRL has ARES, which allows all hams the ability to sign up (regardless of ARRL membership or not) and hone their skills as hams in the event of an emergency.

When the call does come in, you are able to provide needed communications during and after disasters, when normal communications are not readily available.

This is how many people learn about ham radio, is by our service during times of emergencies.

Contesting

In laymen terms contesting is trying to get as many contacts in a certain time period for some kind of award or certificate. There may be local (QSO parties) or even DX contests, that may last a couple hours to a whole weekend. They may also include CW mode only, voice only, and so on, or may be for making so many contacts to a certain country or state.

Contests are easy and fun to join. All you need is to know the requirement for the specific contest your doing, your all set.

QRP

Low power communications. When your QRP, your using 5w or less to communicate. You can QRP on VHF/UHF (I have with NA1SS), but mostly this is done on HF.

To operate QRP is rather simple, just turn your radio power to 5w or below, have a good antenna and give a call out on CW, voice, packet or so on. Or for some true fun, you can even build your own QRP rig from a kit (most are inexpensive and rather easy to build), giving you the true ham experience.

There are many contests also for the QRPer.

Special Events

As the name suggests these stations work around a special event. This could be the inauguration of a president, remembrance of an important date in history, even during the big game they may be heard.

Often announced on forums, or in magazines these stations are fun to work. Not to mention the cool QSL cards you get from them. (just make sure to send a self addressed stamped envelope for the card)


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