What is Ham Radio Communications?

Ham radio communication, also known as amateur radio, is the wireless transmission of non-commercial messaging, experiments, and emergency communications. It allows licensed operators to conduct two-way conversations directly over the airwaves using their radios and antennas. They operate on designated radio frequencies. An amateur radio contact, also known as a "QSO," is the exchange of information between two or more amateur radio stations.

Contesting, or radiosport, involves amateur radio operators competing to make the maximum number of contacts with other stations within a set timeframe, following specific rules about bands, modes, and exchanges. Scores are determined by the total contacts made, with results released by contest sponsors.

DXing is the hobby of listening for and identifying distant radio or television signals, as well as making two-way radio contact with distant stations. The term "DX" is telegraphic shorthand for "distance." Many DXers seek written verifications, known as "QSL cards," to demonstrate that they received or contacted a distant station.

One of the most powerful aspects of ham radio is its independence from the internet or cellular networks for most communication modes. This makes it incredibly reliable, especially during emergencies or natural disasters when commercial communication infrastructure might be down.

Amateur radio station with transceivers, amplifiers, and a computer for digital modes.
On the wall are awards, certificates, and QSL cards from foreign stations.
Courtesy of Emil Neuerer, DJ4PI, CC BY-SA 3.0

📡 Amateur Radio in 2025: Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Beyond traditional voice communication like phone calls, amateur radio operators—known as "hams"—embrace a diverse array of transmission modes. Time-honored techniques such as Morse code (CW) remain popular, while digital modes like FT8 are rapidly gaining traction. ↗

In 2025, these digital technologies empower operators to transmit data, text messages, and even images across remarkably weak signals, enabling reliable contact even under challenging propagation conditions.

This dynamic blend of analog heritage and digital innovation keeps amateur radio vibrant and ever-evolving. Whether tapping out dots and dashes or exchanging bytes over the airwaves, hams continue to push the boundaries of global communication.

Glossary:

1. Amateur radio is a hobby and service that uses designated radio frequencies for non-commercial communication, experimentation, and public service.
2. A transceiver is a device that combines a radio transmitter and receiver in a single unit.
3. An antenna is a device used to transmit or receive radio signals. A call sign is a unique identifier assigned to an amateur radio operator.
4. Contesting means a competitive aspect of ham radio, in which operators compete to make as many contacts as possible in a given period or geographic area.
5. DXing is a term used to describe the pursuit of making contacts with stations in distant or rare locations.
6. QSL means a confirmation.
7. QSO means a contact between amateur radio stations.

References:

1. Amateur radio ^Wikipedia
2. Contesting ^Wikipedia
3. DXing ^Wikipedia
4. List of amateur radio modes ^Wikipedia
   • Morse code ^Wikipedia
   • Analog voice ^Wikipedia
   • Digital voice ^Wikipedia
   • Image ^Wikipedia
   • Text and data ^Wikipedia
   • Other modes ^Wikipedia
5. QSL card ^Wikipedia
6. QSO—Contact (amateur radio) ^Wikipedia
7. Q—Codes (amateur radio) ^Wikipedia