Learn more about ham radio

WHAT IS HAM RADIO?

Ham radio is a hobby for anyone that has a fascination with radio. We have millions of licensed ham radio operators around the world. In the United States alone there are over 750,000 licensed operators. Simply, ham radio is about communication. How do you communicate and exchange information with someone else without the help of the Internet or a telephone? Well…ham radio, of course. Communication can occur across the state, across the world, and even throughout space, utilizing Radio Frequency (RF).

WHO ARE HAM RADIO OPERATORS?

Ham radio operators come from a variety of backgrounds and ages. Hams can be five years old all the way up to 100 years old. Nurses, construction workers, IT engineers, school bus drivers, physicians, firefighters and more. Ham radio is a diverse hobby full of different professional backgrounds, nationalities, income levels, and perspectives. This is what makes the amateur radio community so great. Many operators self-identify as “tinkerers” who love to understand how electrical devices or RF works.

DO YOU NEED A LICENSE?

Yes. Ham radio operators are licensed by the FCC. You must pass a test, however, Morse code is not required to pass your exam. There are many books and online study guides that can help you study the concepts and even let you take practice examinations. Most people find with 3-4 weeks of study and practice exams they’re able to pass their Technician class license exam.  Our club provides examinations at our monthly meetings.  Contact us if your interested in taking a license exam at one of our meetings.

WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A HAM RADIO OPERATOR?

Ham radio is often called the “hobby of a 1000 hobbies.” The different things you can do that relate to Radio Frequency (RF) is massive. Amateur radio operators can spend their life experimenting with various modes of operation and still not master them.  There are so many different facets to amateur radio and everyone has their own unique interests. That’s what makes ham radio great! These are just some of the things you can do after you become a licensed amateur radio operator.

• Satellite Communications - Amateur radio operators can use amateur satellites that are in space orbiting the earth to make contacts with other operators around the world. You can even talk to International Space Station astronauts! 

• Fox Hunting (Radio direction finding) - Fox hunting is a popular skill for ham radio operators to have. It’s the art and science of tracking down rogue RF transmitters that may be causing interference.

• Radiosport (Contesting) - Radiosport is where operators have to make as many contacts around the world as possible in a specific timeframe. Each contact is awarded ‘points’.

• Antenna Building / Experimentation - There is something satisfying about building your own antenna with your bare hands and talking with someone 10,000 miles away. Many operators love to build and experiment with different types of antennas.

• Emergency / Backup Communications - Utilize various forms of communication types and communication infrastructure from 1 mile to 1000's of miles that doesn't need internet or cell towers.  Even send e-mails over RF.

• Much much more.