What is Ham Radio?

A friendly, high-tech hobby made up of a unique mix of fun, public service and technical learning and experimentation are the distinguishing characteristic of Amateur Radio. Although Hams get involved in the hobby for many reasons, they all obtain knowledge of radio technology, regulations, operating principles, demonstrated by passing an examination for a license to operate on radio frequencies known as the “Amateur Bands.” These are reserved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by hams at intervals from just above the AM broadcast band all the way up into extremely high microwave frequencies.

There’s something for everyone

• An Ohio teenager uses her computer to upload a chess move to an orbiting Ham space satellite, where it’s retrieved by a fellow chess enthusiast in Japan…
• Scouts on a campout learn to use hand-held Ham radios linked to a network of “Repeaters” to talk to other Hams all around the state…
• An aircraft engineer in Florida participating in a “DX contest” swaps call signs with hams in 100 different countries during a single weekend.

• With the help of Amateur Radio clubs, Ham-licensed International Space Station astronauts have been speaking over the airwaves while in orbit. They are talking directly with large groups of the general public, showing teachers, students, parents and communities how Amateur Radio energizes youngsters about science, technology, and learning.

The Serious Side

• September 2022, Coeur d’Alene. An ATV accident involving two teenage girls. Using a local Ham Radio repeater and simplex frequencies, a Ham was able to bring help quickly.
• September 2022, Florida. Hurricane Ian trapped a couple on the Sanibel Island. A Maryland Ham overheard the trapped woman’s sister mentioning her last communication was that the water was rising into their 2nd floor of their home. From hundreds of miles away, the Ham logged into the Florida Emergency Net and relayed location information ultimately resulting in a successful rescue.
• March 2000, Honduras. Pirates attempt to raid a sailing vessel moored off the coast of the Honduras.  A small boy is wounded in the attempt and Ham Radio is credited for the rescue.  A Ham operator on-board kept in constant communication with a Miami Ham….
• May 1997 Jarrell Texas-A tornado devastates the town. For several hours, Ham Radio was the only working communications and Ham operators rode with Fire, Police and EMS units providing critical communication capabilities.
• October 1983-The US invades Grenada. A US Ham/Student with special permission from the US State Department is the only civilian link to the outside world and subsequent rescues…