N2KJM's Ham Radio Page

CQ Contest, CQ Contest N2KJM

Here I am operating 40m from K3ANS in 1995 CQWW SSB.
My friend, Martin, N3RCA [now N3DL], is in background at 15m station.

Ham radio is such a blast! For those who don't know about ham radio, in the simplest sense, it's communications. But there are so many aspects to the hobby.

• DX: You can use the shortwave bands to meet new friends in foreign lands. You may even with someone famous - a number of astronauts, kings, musicians, and celebrities are hams.
• Data: Hams send data via radio locally and around the world.
• Satellite: Communicate with others via satellites, and maybe talk to astronauts on the International Space Station!
• EME: Bounce your signal off the MOON
• Ragchewing: Talk for hours with a new friend thousands of miles away.
• Contesting: Working as many stations as possible in an assigned time period

These are just a few of the options ahead of you if you become a ham. This could be using morse code (CW), SSB, FM, AM, data modes... There is a facet for everyone. No matter which mode you prefer, you *WILL* make new friends!

I'm a ragchewer, but I really get a kick out of contesting. Contesting combines the best of ham radio with the best of any game, and I'm a real game player. It's also a great way to work new countries, states, whatever. Last year, I became lucky enough to become a part of the Frankford Radio Club with the greatest bunch of world-class contesters in the world!

I've also been DX myself. Click here to see our fun in Bermuda and the Bahamas!

If you'd like to become a ham, visit the American Radio Relay League. If you still need some help, or want to chat about your options, I'll be glad to help. Whether you enjoy contesting or not, ham radio is great! Send N2KJM mail.