I have been an Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) operator since Feburary 1992, and I have a General Class FCC license (callsign N2QDQ). Ham Radio operators provide a vital public service. We are best known for using our radio skills to provide communication assistance to organizations, such as, police departments, The Red Cross, and EMS, just to name a few. This is necessary during times of disaster when other modes of communications fail and/or when emergency entities are short personel, but this is not all we do. In addition, Hams volunteer to provide radio communication for bike races, parades, or any other event that is enhanced by radio.

Furthermore, Hams are also permitted to use their radio equipment to enjoy as a hobby, to talk to fellow Hams that can be as close as across the street or as far aways as half way around the world. There are a variety of radio communication modes ranging from voice (FM,AM,SSB), CW (morse code), amateur television (fast scan & slow scan), amateur satellites, packet radio (using your radio, computer, and a special modem for digital communications). Hams also enjoy experimenting. They engage in building of antennas and other electronic projects.

I have met many new friends through Ham Radio. If you need more information, you can visit The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national organization for Ham Radio.

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