WHAT IS AMATEUR (HAM) RADIO ?

A unique mix of fun, public service, emergency communications and convenience is the hallmark of the hobby called Amateur (Ham) Radio. Although Radio Amateurs do get involved in the hobby for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology, regulations and operating principles, all demonstrated by passing an examination for a license issued by the FCC to operate on radio frequencies known as the "Amateur Bands."

sharing inventions, teaching and learning about new modes of communicating and volunteer testing

On the local level, XWARN, like many radio clubs across the U.S.

• Help teach others interested in the hobby by holding classes yearly, assisting attendees to prepare and study for their test.

• Work with the community by providing radio communications during public service events such as bike rides, parades and walks for various groups and organizations.

• Monitor weather conditions. Weather spotters, trained by SKYWARN in conjunction with the National Weather Service, gather data on severe weather conditions reporting it back to the NWS via organized nets as it occurs.

• Maintain a radio communications center in the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) of the Xenia Police Division at city hall. From here, hams run nets during public service events. Work with public safety officials in severe weather conditions relaying "real -time" information gathered from ham operators throughout the county and adjacent counties as well as the National Weather Service.

• Work with the local chapter of the American Red Cross providing public service, emergency communications and damage assessment as needed in times of crisis.

doing volunteer community service, radio net controlled operations, monitoring and experimenting

for more information on amateur radio go out the various sites