What Is Amateur Radio

Amateur radio, commonly called "ham radio", is a hobby enjoyed by many people throughout the world (as of 2004 about 3 million worldwide, 60,000 in UK, 70,000 in Germany, 11,000 in Sweden, 5,000 in Norway, 57,000 in Canada, 1400,000 each in South Korea and Thailand, 600,000 in Japan and 700,000 in the USA).

 A holder of an Amateur Radio license has passed required tests in his or her country and has been issued a call sign by its government. This call sign is unique to the operator and is often a source of pride. The holder of a call sign uses it on the air to legally identify the operator during all Amateur Radio communications. Amateur Radio should not be confused with CB radio, General Mobile Radio Service(GMRS) or Family Radio Service(FRS), which are limited to voice operation only, lower power limits, fewer frequency allocations, and are unlicensed in most countries.

According to the Federal Communications Commission, the agency that regulates radio and telecommunications in the United States, amateur radio serves the following purposes:

  • ·Promotion and enhancement of the Amateur Radio Service as a voluntary     noncommercial public communications service.
  • · Continual advancement of the art of radio communication.
  • · Expansion of the reservoir of trained radio operators and electronic experts.
  • · Enhancement of international goodwill at the grass roots level.
  • The full regulations from the FCC are found in Part 97 of the FCC regulations

    •  

    The Amateur’s Code

    The Radio Amateur is:

    CONSIDERATE...never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
    LOYAL...offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, and the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.
    PROGRESSIVE...with knowledge abreast of science, a well-built and efficient station and operation above reproach.
    FRIENDLY...slow and patient operating when requested; friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interest of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.
    BALANCED...radio is an avocation, never interfering with the duties owed to family, job, school or community.
    PATRIOTIC...station and skill always ready for service to country and community.
    --The original Amateur’s Code was written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928.

    [Home] [Storm Chasing] [WX  Tools] [Amateur Radio] [Q-Signals] [RST System] [APRS] [RACES/ARES] [HF Tools] [DXing] [Club Links] [D-STAR] [About]

    Copyright ©2006 N5PTW