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The Ham Radio Resource Guide
Ham radio is wireless means of radio communication that has been popular since the early 1900s. Amateur radio operators, called hams, typically use voice transmissions to communicate with people all over the world. While voice is the most common means of communication, Morse code is still widely used and recent technological advances allow ham radio operators to transmit pictures over television. Ham radio is an enjoyable hobby, but it also serves an important role during national and international emergencies when other means of communication have been disrupted. A license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is required to operate a ham radio.
Ham Radio Overview
- Getting Started with Amateur Radio: Amateur radio use during health emergencies.
- What is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service? Why amateur radio hams are called into emergency service when a crisis occurs.
- An Introduction to Emergency Communications: Events that might require emergency communications and skills needed by amateur radio operators when assisting during the crisis.
- Good Amateur Radio Practices: What to do and what not do when using a ham radio.
Technical Specs
- The United States Frequency Allocations: Chart of the radio spectrum, including amateur radio frequencies.
- Amateur Radio Bands: Popular High Frequency, VHF, and UHF bands.
Call Signs
- Table of International Call Signs: Call signs listed according to country.
- Call Sign Lookup: Call sign lookup for the United States.
Terminology
- Glossary of Ham Radio Terms: An alphabetical listing of common ham radio terms.
- Q Signals: List of three-letter Morse codes and their meanings. Codes are intended to speed communication.
Licensing
- Licensing: FCC licensing and examination requirements.
- Licensing Practice Exams: Online practice exams for each license type.
Equipment
- A Beginner's Guide to Repeaters: A repeater guide for beginners complete with diagrams and charts.
- Guide to Choosing Your First Radio: What to look for and how to stay within budget.
- VoIP for Amateur Radio: Equipment and setup for Voice over Internet Protocol use with amateur radio.
Organizations
- The International Amateur Radio Union: The IARU has been a watchdog for the amateur radio community since 1925.
- The National Association for Amateur Radio: The National Association for Amateur Radio in the United States.
- Young Ladies Radio League: Organized in 1939, the Young Ladies Radio League encourages young women to join the amateur radio service.