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Who's
the Typical Ham?
Amateur Radio operators come from all walks of life -- movie stars,
missionaries, doctors, students, politicians, truck drivers and just plain
folks. They are all ages, sexes, income levels and nationalities. They say
Hello to the world in many languages and many ways. But whether they
prefer Morse code on an old brass telegraph key, voice communication on a
hand-held radio, or computerized messages transmitted via satellite, they
all have an interest in what's happening in the world, and they use radio
to reach out.
What's the Appeal of Ham Radio?
Some hams are attracted by the ability to communicate across the country,
around the globe, or even with astronauts on space missions. Others may
like to build and experiment with electronics. Computer hobbyists enjoy
using Amateur Radio's digital communications opportunities. Those with a
competitive streak enjoy "DX contests," where the object is to
see how many hams in distant locations they can contact. Some like the
convenience of a technology that gives them portable communication. Mostly
we use it to open the door to new friendships over the air or through
participation in one of more than 2000 Amateur Radio clubs throughout the
country.
Why Do You Need a License?
Although the main purpose of Amateur Radio is fun, it is called the
"Amateur Radio Service" because it also has a serious face. The
FCC created this "Service" to fill the need for a pool of
experts who could provide backup during emergencies. In addition, the FCC
acknowledged the ability of the hobby to advance the communication and
technical skills of radio, and to enhance international goodwill. This
philosophy has paid off. Countless lives have been saved where skilled
hobbyists act as emergency communicators to render aid, whether it's
during an earthquake in Italy or a hurricane in the U.S.
Why Do They Call Themselves "Hams"?
"Ham: a poor operator. A 'plug.'"
That's the definition of the word given in G. M. Dodge's "The
Telegraph Instructor" even before there was radio. The definition has
never changed in wire telegraphy. The first wireless operators were
landline telegraphers who left their offices to go to sea or to man the
coastal stations. They brought with them their language and much of the
tradition of their older profession. In those early days, every station
occupied the same wavelength-or, more accurately perhaps, every station
occupied the whole spectrum with its broad spark signal. Government
stations, ships, coastal stations and the increasingly numerous amateur
operators all competed for time and signal supremacy in each other's
receivers. Many of the amateur stations were very powerful. Two amateurs,
working each other across town, could effectively jam all the other
operations in the area. Frustrated commercial operators would refer to the
ham radio interference by calling them "hams." Amateurs,
possibly unfamiliar with the real meaning of the term, picked it up and
applied it to themselves in true "Yankee Doodle" fashion and
wore it with pride. As the years advanced, the original meaning has
completely disappeared.
Do I Have to Learn Morse Code?
Not any more! While many hams LIKE to use Morse code, it is not required
for your entry level license.
What are the Amateur Radio Bands?
Look at the dial on an old AM radio and you'll see frequencies marked from
535 to 1605 kilohertz. This is one radio "band." There are other
bands of radio spectrum for amateur, government, military and commercial
radio uses. If you could hear the many different bands, you would find
aircraft, ship, fire and police communication, as well as the so-called
"shortwave" stations, which are worldwide commercial and
government broadcast stations from the U.S. and overseas. Amateurs are
allocated 26 bands (i.e., specific groups of frequencies) spaced from 1.8
Megahertz, which is just above the broadcast radio frequencies, all the
way up to 275 Gigahertz! Depending on which band we use, we can talk
across town, around the world, or out to satellites in space. Hams can
even bounce signals off the moon!
How Much Does it Cost?
Basic study materials for passing the FCC test and getting your initial
license usually cost less than $40. There are also classes held by many
local groups for people who want more interaction. If possible, taking
part in one of these classes is the best way to go, but there's even an
online course you can take if your personal schedule is too hectic. Once
you have your first license, most hams find it best to start with simple
equipment and grow over time. It usually costs less than $200 to get your
own first radio and start saying Hello. Many ham radio flea markets are
held all over the country that sell good used equipment for even less.
What is the ARRL?
Founded in 1914, the 150,000-member ARRL - The National Association for
Amateur Radio is the national association for Amateur Radio in the USA.
Other countries also have their own national associations. The ARRL not
only reflects the commitment and many enthusiasms of American hams, but
also provides leadership as the voice of Amateur Radio in the USA, whether
in dealings with the Federal Communications Commission, the World
Administrative Radio Conference, the International Amateur Radio Union, or
with the general public. The ARRL is the primary source of information
about what is going on in the ham radio world. It provides books, news,
support and information for individuals and clubs, special operating
events, all sorts of continuing education classes and other benefits for
its members. Being a member of the ARRL is important for hams!
How Do I Get More Information? contact
us
The best ways to learn about Amateur Radio is to talk to hams
face-to-face. Hams take pride in their ability to "Elmer"
(teach) newcomers the ropes to get them started in the hobby.
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