What is Ham Radio?
A housewife
in North Carolina makes friends over the radio with another ham in Lithuania. An
Ohio teenager uses his computer to upload a digital chess move to an orbiting
space satellite, where it's retrieved by a fellow chess enthusiast in Japan. An
aircraft engineer in Florida participating in a "DX contest" swaps his call sign
and talks to hams in 100 different countries during a single weekend. In
California, volunteers save lives as part of their involvement in an emergency
response. And from his room in Chicago, a ham's pocket-sized hand-held radio
allows him to talk to friends in the Carolinas. This unique mix of fun, public
service and convenience is the distinguishing characteristic of Amateur Radio.
Although hams get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic
knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination
for the FCC license to operate on radio frequencies known as the "Amateur
Bands." These bands are radio frequencies reserved by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for use by hams at intervals from just above the AM broadcast
band all the way up into extremely high microwave frequencies. Listen to this
spot, "What Is
Ham Radio?"
Who's the Typical Ham?
Amateur Radio
operators come from all walks of life -- movie stars, missionaries, doctors,
students, politicians, truck drivers and just plain folks. They are all ages,
sexes, income levels and nationalities. They say Hello to the world in many
languages and many ways. But whether they prefer Morse code on an old brass
telegraph key, voice communication on a hand-held radio, or computerized
messages transmitted via satellite, they all have an interest in what's
happening in the world, and they use radio to reach
out.
What's the Appeal of Ham Radio?
Some hams are
attracted by the ability to communicate across the country, around the globe, or
even with astronauts on space missions. Others may like to build and experiment
with electronics. Computer hobbyists enjoy using Amateur Radio's digital
communications opportunities. Those with a competitive streak enjoy "DX
contests," where the object is to see how many hams in distant locations they
can contact. Some like the convenience of a technology that gives them portable
communication. Mostly we use it to open the door to new friendships over the air
or through participation in one of more than 2000 Amateur Radio clubs throughout
the country. Read real person comments in "Why I Love
It!".
Why Do You Need a License?
Although the
main purpose of Amateur Radio is fun, it is called the "Amateur Radio Service"
because it also has a serious face. The FCC created this "Service" to fill the
need for a pool of experts who could provide backup during emergencies. In
addition, the FCC acknowledged the ability of the hobby to advance the
communication and technical skills of radio, and to enhance international
goodwill. This philosophy has paid off. Countless lives have been saved where
skilled hobbyists act as emergency communicators to render aid, whether it's
during an earthquake in Italy or a hurricane in the
U.S.
Why Do They Call Themselves "Hams"?
"Ham: a
poor operator. A 'plug.'"
That's the
definition of the word given in G. M. Dodge's "The Telegraph Instructor" even
before there was radio. The definition has never changed in wire telegraphy. The
first wireless operators were landline telegraphers who left their offices to go
to sea or to man the coastal stations. They brought with them their language and
much of the tradition of their older profession. In those early days, every
station occupied the same wavelength-or, more accurately perhaps, every station
occupied the whole spectrum with its broad spark signal. Government stations,
ships, coastal stations and the increasingly numerous amateur operators all
competed for time and signal supremacy in each other's receivers. Many of the
amateur stations were very powerful. Two amateurs, working each other across
town, could effectively jam all the other operations in the area. Frustrated
commercial operators would refer to the ham radio interference by calling them
"hams." Amateurs, possibly unfamiliar with the real meaning of the term, picked
it up and applied it to themselves in true "Yankee Doodle" fashion and wore it
with pride. As the years advanced, the original meaning has completely
disappeared.
Do I Have to Learn Morse Code?
Not any more!
While many hams LIKE to use Morse code, it is not
required.
What are some of the other ways radio hams communicate? What do
they sound like?
There is a great
variety of ways that Amateur Radio operators are able to communicate. Using
voice is just one. Morse code is still widely used. Here is what "hello" sounds like in Morse code.
Packet, Radio
Teletype (often
called Ritty) and PSK are three more. Even faster
transmissions are being developed using methods which can send almost any form
of digital data. Hams also use television to send pictures over the
air.
What are the Amateur Radio Bands?
Look at the dial
on an old AM radio and you'll see frequencies marked from 535 to 1605 kilohertz.
This is one radio "band." There are other bands of radio spectrum for amateur,
government, military and commercial radio uses. If you could hear the many
different bands, you would find aircraft, ship, fire and police communication,
as well as the so-called "shortwave" stations, which are worldwide commercial
and government broadcast stations from the U.S. and overseas. Amateurs are
allocated 26 bands (i.e., specific groups of frequencies) spaced from 1.8
Megahertz, which is just above the broadcast radio frequencies, all the way up
to 275 Gigahertz! Depending on which band we use, we can talk across town,
around the world, or out to satellites in space. Hams can even bounce signals
off the moon!
How Much Does it Cost?
Basic study
materials for passing the FCC test and getting your initial license usually cost
less than $40. There are also classes held by many local groups for people who
want more interaction. If possible, taking part in one of these classes is the
best way to go, but there's even an online course you can take if your personal
schedule is too hectic. Once you have your first license, most hams find it best
to start with simple equipment and grow over time. It usually costs less than
$200 to get your own first radio and start saying Hello. Many ham radio flea
markets are held all over the country that sell good used equipment for even
less.Founded in 1914,
the 150,000-member ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio is the
national association for Amateur Radio in the USA. Other countries also have
their own national associations. The ARRL not only reflects the commitment and
many enthusiasms of American hams, but also provides leadership as the voice of
Amateur Radio in the USA, whether in dealings with the Federal Communications
Commission, the World Administrative Radio Conference, the International Amateur
Radio Union, or with the general public. The ARRL is the primary source of
information about what is going on in the ham radio world. It provides books,
news, support and information for individuals and clubs, special operating
events, all sorts of continuing education classes and other benefits for its
members. Being a member of the ARRL is important for
hams!
Where Do I Get More Information?
The best ways to learn
about Amateur Radio is to talk to hams face-to-face. Hams take pride in their
ability to "Elmer" (teach) newcomers the ropes to get them started in the hobby.
There is probably an Amateur Radio club near you that will welcome your
interest. To find out who to contact in your area, click
here.
� 2009 American Radio Relay League (ARRL)
All Rights Reserved�Used with
permission.
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