Learn More About Ham Radio
Looking for a high-tech hobby that will allow you to meet new people from around the world? Have you wanted to learn more about how radios work? Digital signals? Talk to satellites? Look no further than the wonderful world of amateur radio.
Who gets involved?
People from all walk of life and all professions come together with the common desire to further their understanding and skills at using a radio to communicate. This communication includes voice, fax, data, mail, morse code, high speed digital, low speed digital, AM, FM, SSB (Single Side Band), digital voice and even television.
What does it take to get involved?
Well to transmit you do need a license from your country of residence. In the US this comes from the FCC. Tests are typically given by one of the local clubs and within several weeks the FCC will send you your license.
It is recommended you get involved with a local club or friend who can help "elmer" you in the the selection and use of the equipment.
What else do people do with amateur radio?
There are lots of places amateur radio is used to supplement or augment other radio services, especially in times of overload. These may include disasters (ie hurricanes, floods, fires, etc) as well as search and rescue and other emergency services.
May hams find it fun to just talk to other people. This includes the typically drive time talks which may be with someone in your town or someone from another country.
More information, References and Links
If you would like more information I would suggest you visit some of the sites listed below as well as on this site. If you are from the Buffalo/Rochester New York area we have links to just about all the clubs from this site. Enjoy and 73