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
Equipment
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