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What is Ham Radio? (click here)
What is Ham Radio? Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need. You can set up a ham radio station anywhere! In a field... ...at a club station.... ...or at home. Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles,...
Why should I get licensed? (click here)
Why should I get licensed? Before you can get on the air, you need to be licensed and know the rules to operate legally. US licenses are good for 10 years before renewal and anyone may hold one except a representative of a foreign government. In the US there are three license classes—Technician, General and Extra. Technician License The Technician class license is the entry-level license of choice for most new ham radio operators. To earn the Technician license requires passing one examination totaling 35 questions on radio theory, regulations and operating practices. The license gives access to all Amateur Radio frequencies above...
Ham Radio History (click here)
In 1873, James Clerk Maxwell presented his theory of the electromagnetic field. In 1901 Guglielmo Marconi communicated across the Atlantic with a radio device using high power and giant antennas. To curb interference, Congress approved the Radio Act of 1912, which required amateurs to be licensed and restricted to the single wavelength of 200 meters. In 1914 the American Radio Relay League was founded by Hiram Percy Maxim, who found that messages could be sent more reliably over long distances if relay stations were organized. Transatlantic transmitting and receiving tests began in 1921 and by July 1960 the first two-way contact...
Your First Station (click here)
Your Amateur Radio station may change, but you have to start somewhere, right? Here are some fundamentals that all Amateur Radio stations have in common: Transceiver Power Supply Antenna System The Transceiver Selecting your transceiver will largely depend on how much you want to spend and what you hope to do. If you want to explore long-distance contacts on the HF bands, you’ll need an HF transceiver. If you are interested in chatting with local friends on the VHF or UHF bands, look for a VHF+ FM transceiver. Build Your Own Radio Most hams buy their radios factory assembled,...
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What is Ham Radio? (click here)
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Why should I get licensed? (click here)
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Ham Radio History (click here)
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Your First Station (click here)
Ham Radio History (click here)
In 1873, James Clerk Maxwell presented his theory of the electromagnetic field. In 1901 Guglielmo Marconi communicated across the Atlantic with a radio device using high power and giant antennas. To curb interference, Congress approved the Radio Act of 1912, which required amateurs to be licensed and restricted to the single wavelength of 200 meters. In 1914 the American Radio Relay League was founded by Hiram Percy Maxim, who found that messages could be sent more reliably over long distances if relay stations were organized. Transatlantic transmitting and receiving tests began in 1921 and by July 1960 the first two-way contact via the Moon took place on 1296 MHz.
Today we’re on CW, phone, SSB, FM, packet, TV, PACTOR, PSK31, RTTY, and other modes, bouncing signals off the ground, ionosphere, and the Moon. Hams are active in nearly every country of the world and from ages less than 10 years to more than 100. Read More
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American Radio Relay League | Ham Radio Association and Resources
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.-
Hurricane Oscar - Storm Updates
Saturday, October 19, 2024 8:00 PM Eastern Update:The following information was received from The Hurricane Watch Net:The Hurricane Watch Net will be activated this afternoon for Hurricane Oscar at 3:00 PM EDT (1900 UTC). This storm has developed quickly over the past 12 hours and it intensifying still. Hurricane conditions could affect portions of the southeastern Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Isl...
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ARRL Online Auction Open
The 19th Annual ARRL Online Auction sponsored by RT Systems Inc. opened on Friday, October 18, at 10 AM EDT. The auction continues through Thursday, October 24.This year’s auction features over 200 items and includes ARRL Product Review equipment, vintage books, new donations, ARRL Lab tested donations, and the ever-popular ARRL Lab “Mystery” boxes.Visit the auction website, register to bid, an...
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Results of the 2024 USA/IARU Region 2 Radio Orienteering Championships
The 23rd USA and 12th IARU Region 2 Radio Orienteering Championships, held October 5 - 13, 2024, brought together more than 50 competitors from 13 U.S. states, as well as participants from Canada, Australia, Uganda, and China.Set in the scenic parks and forests near Chelsea, Dexter, Pinckney, and Brighton, Michigan, the event was organized by the Southern Michigan Orienteering Club (SMOC), with...
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Jamboree On The Air Brings Scouts Around the World Together
The big weekend for Scouts around the world is here. Jamboree On - The - Air (JOTA) and Jamboree On - The - Internet (JOTI) is the world’s largest Scouting event. The three-day event runs from October 18 - 20, 2024 using amateur radio and the internet to connect Scouts worldwide for a full weekend of on-air and online activities that promote friendship and global citizenship. In 2023, JOTA/JOTI...
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ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology Impacts 85 Educators in 2024; More Planned for 2025
The ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology wrapped up up its final cohort for 2024. Eight educators from across the country gathered at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut, last week to learn how to incorporate radio technology into their lessons. Eighty-five educators have gotten hands-on with radio technology through the program in 2024.On Thursday, October 10, as Hurricane Mi...
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2024 Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award Recipient: Kees Van Oosbree, WØAAE
Kees Van Oosbree, WØAAE, received the 2024 Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Award during the ARRL Forum at the North Star Radio Convention / ARRL Minnesota State Convention held in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on Saturday, October 5, 2024.Van Oosbree is an active member of the radio community in Minnesota and at Iowa State University, where he is treasurer of the university's amateur radio club. He is ac...