When conditions are only minimally usable, voice and computer signals break up too much to be received. But CW gets through when nothing else will. And because of its low bandwidth, more CW contacts can occur in a range of frequencies (spectrum) than with any other mode. It can be hard to learn but many Hams prefer it once they know it. (Though other Hams won't touch it.)

Many Hams pursue a facet of the hobby called "Awards chasing." If there's a contest or special event with a certificate or an operating award program, there's an excuse to get on the air, a goal to achieve and/or an award to proudly display on the the wall. Everyone's reasons could be a little different but awards are popular.

In an Amateur Radio contest, participating stations compete to make the most contacts. Each contest has different rules that add twists in addition to the normal challenges of pushing your radios to their limits. Some Hams can't get enough of it.

The serious contesters all use computers for at least their logging, in order to keep the contact rates as high as possible. Time can't be wasted when there are points to be made!

Packet radio users connect their computers to their radios and have a network on the air.

It's harder to get good bandwidth on radio than over a phone line. While packet speeds between 1200 and 9600 are the the most common, Hams also prefer better speed. The higher the speed, the more likely you'll have to build your own equipment. 56K modems are now available but they need a transverter which can be found in the Microwave Products.

There's lots of software out there for packet radio, satellite tracking, morse code practice, callsign lookups, etc.

Links to commercial sites are not product endorsements. However, a link does mean I thought their site was informative or interesting.

Parts suppliers relevant to Amateur Radio projects and equipment repairs.

Contesting and station log software.

Some amateurs delight in the challenge of restoring and maintaining antique radio equipment, often called "boatanchors". Though the olders radios may not be as smart or precise as current radios, they do have advantages of their own such as being able to handle power levels that would fry any solid-state equipment.

Places to learn more about Amateur Radio. These are mainly self-instructional sources but there are also some locations to find online "Elmers". ("Elmer" is a Ham Radio term for mentor.) Remember to be nice if you ask others for help because they're volunteers and the Net tends to create large demands for all volunteers. You can return the favor to the Net by helping others once you're able to.

Amateur Radio examination opportunities and exam question pools

Look up your new or upgraded callsign after passing an exam. Or look up a friend's callsign.

Regulations are different in every country so they have to be separated into their own subjects