ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO

Qrp calling Frequencies.

Kenya Amateur Radio Band Plan.

IARU Region One HF Band Plan.

Amateur Radio, and Satellite Service ITU allocations.

ARRLWeb: US Amateur Radio Frequency Allocations.

FCC Radio Spectrum Home Page.

Amateur Radio is a technical hobby that has been around since the conception of principles for using Electromagnetic Waves to transmit information. Amateur Radio Operators, sometimes called "Hams" engage in the hobby for various reasons. Most just enjoy the experience of meeting other people from all parts of the world on the air from the comfort of their offices, homes, or vehicles, by using modest electronic transmitting, and receiving equipment. Others enjoy the fun of constructing Radio Communication or related Electronic devices, and using them. In this way promoting technical investigations, and experimentation in these areas. Technical curiosity behind the principles of Amateur Radio has often led people into other related areas. Amateur Radio is a Radio Service that is recognized by the International Telecommunications Union, an agency of the United Nations, which delegates Radio Communication regulation to the Radio Communication Regulatory Agency in each of its member Nations based on recognized International standards. Indirectly by ITU definition, the Amateur Radio Service provides a global educational, experimental, cultural, social, and emergency(Logistics, and Humanitarian) forum. To become an Amateur Radio Operator, an individual must pass a local Amateur Radio Technical exam, as proof of competence in Radio Law, and Electronic Principles of Radio Communications. In many cases these technical exams are recognized by other ITU member Nations. International, and Regional agreements allow Amateur Radio operators to operate in other countries, when on holiday, visiting or while working abroad. Many ITU member Nations will allow a foreign licensed Amateur Radio Operator to receive a local license grant on the basis of the local Amateur Radio technical examinations, a valid foreign license, or by mutual regulatory agreement. Knowledge of the International Morse code is no longer a mandatory requirement for Amateur Radio licensing, but remains an option in many countries, as it is still a valuable Electronic Communication tool. Amateur Radio Operators use derivatives of most Electronic Communication modes to communicate with one another, ranging from Internet Computer hook ups, voice on Internationally allocated High Frequency Bands(Short-Wave), repeating signals from Amateur Radio Satellites, to bouncing weak signal digital space communication modes off the Moon. Some Licensed Amateur Radio Operators spend their time listening to other Radio Communication Services, for personal non-economic reasons. This is unique only to the Amateur Radio Service. There is also an element of Public Service in Amateur Radio. Many countries have their Public Service Emergency Communication Systems intergrated with certain areas of the Amateur Radio service. There are many types of Amateur Radio Institutions throughout the world, catering for every conceivable activity in Amateur Radio. On most weekends there will be an activity sponsored by these Institutions somewhere in the world. These activities range from informal get-togethers, flea(second hand) market for new or used equipment, to International Radio Communication competitions. In summary, Amateur Radio is a fun place to be if you are interested in the principles of Electronic Communication or related areas, or maybe you just want to rag-chew(share information on personal issues), or show, and tell on the local Community Amateur Radio VHF/UHF FM repeater.