Amateur radio is a hobby that dates back over 100 years. Amateur radio operators (also called "hams") are licensed by the Federal Communication Commission and have use of specific radio frequencies for 2 way, non commercial communication. Operators are tested on electronic theory, communication law and practices, and morse code.

Hams communicate around the world with radios that range from homemade that cost a few dollars to commercially available radios that can cost thousands.

Modes include voice, morse code, television and data communication. Hams also have satellites that can provide communications over large areas of the world with relatively simple hand held radios. More information on amateur radio can be found at the American Radio Relay League.

I first became licensed in 1977 with the call WB1CVW as a 16 year old high school student. My first station was a HeathKit DX-60 and HR-10B and later,  a Yaesu FT-101. My preferred mode has always been morse code (CW). I was inactive, except for participation in VHF contests with W1QK from 1984 until 1994. In 1994 I upgraded from General to Advanced and my call was changed to KD1XS. In 1996, I upgraded to Extra and received K1XS as a vanity call.

My interests in radio are QRP (low power), kit building, antennas, and some contesting.

My Current station consists of a Yaesu FT-840 and several kits.  I have had many different types of QRP radios such as: Emtech NW8040, Small Wonder Labs GM20 and SW40, OHR Explorer II (30M), HeathKit HW-8, KniteLight SMiTe and the Norcal SMK-1.

My antennas a Cushcraft R-7000 vertical and a 2 element "tri-band" beam. I have worked about 130 countries and have received my DX Century Club certificate. DXCC is a certificate for confirmed 2 way contacts with at least 100 countries or entities. I currently have "Worked All States" (WAS) and "Worked All Continents" (WAC) certificates.

Here is a listing from my log book. Log books are no longer required, but many amateur operators maintain one for personal records.

There is something magical about using radio, especially one that you have built yourself, to communicate with people from around the world.

Contact the ARRL or send me an e-mail if you are interested in becoming an amateur radio operator.

There are many, many aspects of amateur radio. One area that I find interesting is the use of morse code. Current federal regulations and international treaties require a knowledge of the code. The FCC has recently lowered the code speed from 5, 13, or 20 words per minute (depending on license class) to 5 words per minute.

Morse code has been a part of amateur radio since radios were invented. Prior to radios, landline telegraphs carried messages in Morse code all around the world. With modern technology, the practical use of morse code is of little use to commercial and military communications. The U.S. Coast Guard no longer monitors for Morse code SOS's and merchant ships do not need to have a code trained radio operator.

While code (or CW) is a very low tech method of communication, it does have advantages-equipment is inexpensive and easy to build, it can be adapted to non-radio communications, i.e. flashing lights or flags. The code has an advantage over most other modes for weak signal communications.

If you are interested in the history of code and telegraphs, check out The Telegraph Office. Many interesting links, photos, old ads relating to radio, telegraphs, etc.

Links to other Amateur Radio pages