Radio has evolved in countless forms throughout history. From an essential mode of communication to an advertising tool, it’s a vital landscape in history and everyday life. The radio may seem irrelevant in a world filled with computers, mobile phones, and tablets, but it’s the most expansive audience footprint. According to the National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL), it reaches 3 billion people globally and 256 million in the United States each week.
Though some types of radio are less popular than others, most have been around since the early days of communications and are more common now than ever. One of these is ham radio or amateur radio, a classic piece of communication that some view as an archaic technology, only applicable to the security forces for emergency communication and communication by movie stars and truck drivers. Amateur radio has numerous benefits and uses, is fun, educational, social, and can be a lifeline in times of need.
This guide goes through everything you need to know about amateur radio and amateur radio stations. It looks into its definition, history, the origin of its name, how some of the top handheld ham radios work, and the equipment required for set up. It also features how radio amateurs can use the technology, communication systems, licensing process, multiple types of licenses available, and the benefits of amateur radio.
What Is Ham or Amature Radio?
Ham or amateur radio is a radio service that uses several frequencies to receive and transmit messages without a mobile device or an internet service. They are operated by amateur radio operators called “hams,” who communicate over VHF and UHF frequencies that complement each other to transmit radio signals. Amateur radios are strictly used for non-commercial purposes such as exchanging messages on sports, weather, politics, emergency communication, private recreation, and wireless experimentation; services known as Amateur Radio Service.
Amateur Radio Bands
Amateur radios are allocated few frequency bands compared to regular radio stations. According to the FCC, ham radio bands range between the 1.6MHz AM radio band and 1240MHz. These bands transmit signals using various data communications modes ranging from voice, text, and data to images.
Amateur radios use short-wave bands, while TV and FM radio stations use line-of-sight bands. Line-of-sight bands are limited to about forty or fifty miles. Short wave bands’ ability to bounce off the ionosphere when traveling from the transmitter’s antenna to the receiver’s allows them to reach all the corners of the earth.
It’s advisable to use ham radio bands ranging between 15MHz and 27MHz for long-distance communication during the day. The ideal amateur radio bands at night should be about 1.6MHz to 15MHz.
Amateur radio frequency range includes two frequency bands; Ultra High Frequency(UHF) and Very High Frequency(VHF). Both radio frequencies have their advantages and disadvantages.
Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
Ultra High Frequencies range between 300MHz and 3GHz radio frequency spectrum. The amateur radio service is allocated frequency bands between 420MHz and 450MHz.
UHF frequencies have shorter wavelengths than their VHF counterparts. Their wavelength ranges from one-tenth of a meter to one meter. They are also more prone to disturbance or interference by solid objects, like buildings or even your body, on their way.
UHF radio frequencies allocated for amateur radios have wider frequency ranges than the Very High-Frequency bands. Additionally, their audio signal quality is top-notch, guaranteeing clear conversations compared to the VHFs.
Thanks to their short wavelengths, UHF radio bands allow ham radio enthusiasts in neighboring geographic regions to use similar frequency channels or pairs.
Very High Frequency (VHF)
VHF radio bands are found between the 30MHz to 300MHz frequency radio spectrum, with corresponding wavelengths ranging from one to ten meters. The Federal Communications Commission FCC reserved the 144MHz to 148MHz range for the amateur radio service.
Very High-Frequency bands promote simple communication, allowing amateur radio operators to have line-of-sight communications using their handheld radios. They are also reliable thanks to their low susceptibility to noise disturbances from other electrical devices.
History of Ham Radio
The origin of the ham radio technology dates back to the 1890s and early 1900s during the invention of radio communication. It began with Guglielmo Marconi sending the letter “S” in Morse Code from Cornwall in Great Britain to Newfoundland in Canada, across the Atlantic Ocean.
From a young age, Marconi was always interested in technology and even pursued technical studies in Leghorn. His academics involved exploring electromagnetic wave possibilities and physics.
After completing his studies in 1895, Marconi started experimenting with improving radio waves’ message coherence at his father’s Pontecchio country estate.
By 1896, Marconi sent Morse code radio signals for about four miles, concluding that radio waves could travel further than his predecessors had assumed.
Radio waves, capable of traveling long distances, are known as short waves. After transmission, short waves bounce off the ionosphere to reach distant regions, including marginalized ones with no cell phone coverage.
Marconi’s shortwaves discovery not only gave birth to the long-distance communication known as shortwave radios today but also to ham radios, which use these waves to transmit messages.
After their invention, ham radios’ use surged around the world. Currently, there are about 2,000,000 amateur radios worldwide. The United States alone boasts about 780,000 ham radio operators.
Why the name Ham Radio?
According to the American radio relay league, there are three speculations about the origin of the name HAM radio. They include:
- Ham is an acronym for the first ham radio station’s owners; Albert Hyman, Bob Almy, and Poogie Murray.
- The term “ham” was to mean “unprofessionally made,” hence describing ham radios as ordinary people, not professionals, made them, thus the rise of amateur radio societies.
- Ham comes from Oscar Hammarlund, who built a strong radio equipment brand in the early 1900s.
Due to the versatility of ham radio frequencies, the spectrum is divided into twenty-seven different amateur radio bands that bounce off from the transmitter onto the antenna.
What Equipment do you Need for a Ham Radio?
The equipment needed depends on your amateur radio license class and interests. Some notable options among these include a transceiver (handheld, mounted, or mobile), antenna, antenna tuner, power source, and repeaters. Other equipment you may need include; extra batteries, a charger, a headset with a microphone, a flashlight, and electrical tape.
If you are in the U.S, you should consider joining a community of amateur radio enthusiasts. One of the most notable entities on matters of ham radio has been the American Radio Relay League
American radio relay league: All you need to know
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio in the United States. Founded in 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim as The American Radio Relay League, ARRL is a non-profit organization that promotes interest in Amateur Radio and coordinates voluntary disaster communications response.
ARRL membership includes amateur radio operators of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Membership benefits include QST, the monthly ARRL membership journal; QEX, a bi-monthly experimental radio publication; access to online resources such as the members-only website, email lists, and discounts on ARRL publications, products, and services.
The ARRL also offers a wide range of education and training programs to help new and experienced radio amateurs alike. These include everything from entry-level licensing courses to Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) training and more.
Where Should You Set Up Your Ham Radio?
If you plan to use your mobile amateur radio in a vehicle, mount it on your dashboard or under the seat by attaching the antenna to the car on the roof, hood, or tailgate. Have a ham base station in one location like your home if you have a general license. Before setting up this station, have a space within your house that:
- Won’t disturb your neighbors
- You can install cable antennas
- Allows you to keep the optimum temperature required for all your equipment
- You can connect a power source for the ham radio equipment
How Do You Become an Amateur Radio Operator?
Though the technology needed to start using amateur radio is straightforward and possible to master through self-training, you may need to go through a learning curve to become a Ham. This includes understanding the federal communications commission (FCC) rules that permit you to operate and use the proper air etiquette.
You may also need to go through a licensing process. The first step is to study for and pass a written examination administered by the FCC. You will then need to pass a practical exam, which tests your ability to operate an amateur radio station.
Once you have your amateur radio license, you can use amateur radio to communicate with other hams worldwide.
What Are the Available Types of Ham Radio Licenses?
Operating an amateur radio without a license in the United States can attract a fine of between $7,500 and $10,000 unless you are in a severe emergency. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates amateur radio licenses in the Communications Act of 1934, and it has three license classes that vary in frequency, availability, and complexity. The class you choose will determine the frequency bands and modes you will be able to operate in:
Technician License
This entry-level ham radio license is meant for beginner amateur radio enthusiasts. To acquire this license, you must pass a test with 35 questions proving you know all the essentials of radio rules and regulations. Once you pass the exam, you receive your license and gain access to amateur radio services and frequencies above 30 megahertz.
General License
A general license is more advanced compared to a technician’s license based on its operating principles. You must pass the technician exam and take another 35-question exam to receive your general mobile radio service license. This license provides you with the same access as a technician’s license but has additional worldwide communications.
Amateur Extra License
After acquiring your General license, you must successfully pass an extra 50-question exam to get an amateur extra license. It gives you all United States amateur radio communications privileges on all bands and modes.
As a component of your amateur radio operator license, the regulatory body in your country assigns you a call sign such as KC9ANG. A call sign identifies you as the operator or the station and what you will use to identify yourself during communications within the amateur radio community. It consists of the following information using numeric and alpha identifiers:
- The country you are calling from and the license
- An identifier for that specific station
- The subdivision of your country
Most ham radio operators only hold a technician license, which serves their desired purpose. However, there is a limit on the maximum frequency you can reach and it requires you to use ham radio repeaters. For a more extensive reach, have a general license. After receiving your license, it will remain valid for ten years, after which you need to renew it. Also, check our more in-depth article on how to get any of the above ham radio licenses.
How Do You Use a Ham Radio?
Once you have your license, you can start using amateur radio to communicate with other hams worldwide, both as a hobby and during critical moments. There are a few different ways to do this:
Voice
You can use the ham radio to talk to other hams worldwide in real time. This is similar to a telephone conversation, but it doesn’t require an internet connection.
Data
You can use ham radio to send and receive data, including text messages, images, and files. This is similar to email, but it doesn’t require an internet connection.
The best way to get started in ham radio is to find a local club or group of hams who can help you get the basics. Several online resources can help you get started, including the ARRL website.
When communicating on amateur radio, speak clearly and at a natural pace- not too fast or too slow. Use appropriate codes to respond and carry on a conversation if someone replies. After your call, log your contacts and send a QSL card to the person you contacted in the form of written mail.
What Are the Uses of Ham Radio?
Ham radio is used for a variety of purposes. Most hams use it for personal communication as a family radio service, whether talking to friends and family worldwide or just chatting with other hams in their local area. The following are a few other popular uses for amateur radio:
Disaster preparedness: During global disasters, when it’s impossible to use the internet or smartphones, you may use amateur radio for emergency communications as it doesn’t rely on data grids or electricity.
International Space Station: As an astronaut, you can carry a handheld amateur radio to connect with your colleagues when flying through space.
Moon bouncing: You can use amateur radio to bounce radio waves off the moon. This bouncing increases amateur radio range and distance, allowing for communication with people worldwide.
Competitions: There are contests for hams that enjoy experimenting with amateur radio channels. A radio amateur can win awards, coupons, and cash prizes for having amateur radio frequencies-improving skills in the matches.
Distance dialing: You can collect frequencies and channels worldwide and showcase your skills online if you enjoy connecting with people in distant locations.
Digital data: With modern amateur radios, amateur operators can send digital signals globally as they enable you to send pictures and other information over the airwaves.
Overall, ham radios, across different bands, are used widely across various industries and organizations. Below are some of the most common uses:
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What Are the Benefits of a Ham Radio?
Efficient Method of Communication
During disasters such as floods, cell phones cannot make calls, text, or access the internet. In instances where traditional forms of communication are not helpful, you can rely on amateur radio technology to communicate.
Long-Hour, Long-Distance Communication
Thanks to its energy efficiency, you can use amateur radio for as long as possible, which is convenient, especially if you intend to use it for entertainment. You can also use it over long distances as distance doesn’t limit it.
Effective in Emergencies for amateur radio operators
Ham radio is perfect for emergencies due to its long-term usage, low power requirements, and long-distance reach. For instance, on 9/11, New York City agencies communicated using the Amateur Radio Service during the destruction of their command center when other forms of communication were ineffective.
Other essential benefits of ham radio include:
- Extensive range of frequencies, so they don’t get overcrowded.
- Easy to access; no longer need to know Morse code.
- Efficient way to communicate without reliance on cellular networks, especially true for some of the best mobile ham radio devices
- It has more power with a base station having up to 1500 watts; however, it can still communicate with operators with a power of fewer than 10 watts.
- It’s an affordable means of emergency communication with low start-up costs.
- It allows you to receive information about extreme weather and disasters directly from government agencies.
What Are the Drawbacks of a Ham Radio
- Although amateur radios are easy to use, you may face some challenges if you have zero skills in these handheld communication devices. The following are some notable demerits of ham radio.
- Amateur radios are relatively expensive compared to other regular radios. This is attributed to the high prices for VHF and UHF equipment, which are crucial for clear and effective amateur radio communication.
- Amateur radios can malfunction due to bad weather. These devices rely on airwaves for smooth signal transmission. Rains increase air humidity, interfering with the transmission.
- You must have an amateur radio license from the Federal Communications Commission FCC to operate a ham radio. This can be inconvenient when you need to communicate urgently and have no other option.
- For effective communication, you must carry a power source like batteries when traveling with a ham radio. This is in addition to other accessories like a laptop and radio equipment. Thus, you’ll always have bulky luggage when traveling with these devices.
Conclusion
Ham radio is a vital tool that enables us to connect with people we would never encounter in our day-to-day lifes. While becoming a licensed ham operator may seem a daunting process, it is well worth the effort. Once you have your license, you can use amateur radio to communicate with other hams worldwide.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your existing setup, understanding all the different components involved is critical to getting the most out of this powerful communication tool. While it’s not mandatory to have all the components, having a receiver, transceiver, and the antenna is essential for a successful ham radio setup.
Despite the advent of technology, ham radio operators enjoy a great deal of popularity and remain an important part of the communication landscape. This is all thanks to their long-distance reach and reliable transmission capabilities. With the right setup, ham radios are sure to remain a powerful tool for many years to come.
