HAM Radio: An Interesting Hobby,Ham radio, formally referred to as amateur radio, is a hobby whereby operators, also known as hams, communicate with one another via ham radio equipment. The biggest benefit of ham radio is that natural disasters do not affect the ability of ham operators to communicate. For instance, after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, cell phones and landlines were inoperable due to the damage inflicted upon equipment and cell towers. Ham radio equipment, which uses radio frequency, was unaffected and ham operators often provide emergency information to each other during inclement weather. Ham radio operators can also communicate practically worldwide with other operators. The designation amateur radio only denotes the fact that operators receive no compensation for their broadcasting as opposed to commercial stations which receive remuneration.

To legally operate a ham radio, the operator must obtain a license. Historically the United States offered 6 levels of licensing for ham operators but on April 15, 2000, the FCC implemented a restructuring program that eliminated three of the classes. Although the restructuring eliminated three classes of licensing because it deemed them redundant, people holding active licenses in those classes retained their licenses and the ability to renew them.

Under the new rules, to receive a Technician Class license an applicant must complete and pass a multiple choice examination. A Technician Class licensee can operate on all amateur bands above 30 MHz and on a limited few high-frequency bands. In addition to meeting the requirements for the Technician Class, an applicant for the General Class must complete an additional General exam. The highest class of licensing is the Amateur Extra Class that grants the operator the privilege of operating on all US amateur bands.
Ham operators communicate via radio stations that can be modified for their personal use. There are several types of stations used by ham operators including fixed, mobile, and portable. Fixed stations are set up inside a permanent structure and usually are equipped with a transceiver, combination of transmitter and receiver, and an antenna. Mobile stations are installed inside a vehicle and use ham radio equipment including a transceiver, microphone, and an omnidirectional antenna. Portable stations tend to be more compact, travel-friendly, and generator powered. Some ham radio operators use handheld stations. The handheld stations have a transceiver, battery, and antenna all in one unit but they don’t pack much power. They have very short range transmitters that are only adequate for local use and only have voice communication capabilities.

Some ham operators choose to build their own stations by buying and modifying transmitters, receivers, microphones, and antennas. Ham radio parts can be purchased from the internet or local supply stores. Some websites also run ham radio auctions where new and used equipment can be bought cheaply. Major manufacturers of ham radio equipment include Kenwood and Collins.

Ham operators are assigned a call sign from their local governing authority. This call signal must be used during any transmission. Ham radio call signs usually consist of up to 3 characters and a number. Generally the numerical prefix designates the geographical location of the operator.

Ham radio opertig has become a popular hobby with almost 6 million worldwide participants. Local clubs help interested operators obtain a license and can make ham radio equipment recommendations. WHile it is an interesting hobby, ham radio operators often provide valuable information during emergency situations.