Ham Radio Information and Resources

Ham radio, most commonly referred to as amateur radio, is a form of radio communication much like the public radio stations you listen to at home or in the car. The ham radio signals are sent on open-air frequencies (under 30MHz for high frequency bands and over 420MHz for other signals) using an assortment manufactured and/or homemade (“homebrew”) components. Automated relay stations around the world, called repeaters, allow signals to be carried over long distances. Access to amateur satellites via a transceiver extends the reach of a single radio operator’s signal to include other operators around the world. Proper licensing is required for ham operators.

The primary difference between commercial radio stations and ham radio is that ham radio operators use their own equipment to communicate with other operators without any form of financial benefit. These operators not only communicate for fun and enjoyment, they also provide a valuable service in emergencies when other communications are limited or fail completely. Many amateur operators, called “hams,” find challenge in building their own systems and reaching other operators as far away as possible. Other operators simply want to meet other hams and provide valuable emergency services to their communities should tragedy strike their area. The ability to combine computers and digital technologies like satellites with ham radios has tremendously increased the popularity of amateur radio in recent years.

Basic Ham Radio Information

• American Radio Relay League

  National Associate for Amateur Radio, information for beginners.

• KR4AD Amateur Radio

  Introduction to ham radios.

• HFRadio.org

  Introduction to amateur radios, including recommended books and websites for the beginner.

Equipment

• Hamtalk.org

  PDF document on choosing the right radio.

• OCARC (Orange County Amateur Radio Club.)

  Comprehensive list of suppliers and manufacturers of ham radio equipment, broken down by categories of components needed.

• Emergency Amateur Radio Club

  Links to user-submitted instructions for “homebrew” (homemade) ham radio equipment.

• Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum

  Museum dedicated to antique ham equipment.

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