More than three million people enjoy ham radio hobbies, which is basically amateur radio. These enthusiasts create a network of people that enjoy communicating with one another over different frequencies. However, ham radio operators do use a variety of methods to communicate with one another.

The amateur radio operators are known as Hams, and they communicate with one another for fun, self-improvement, or even public service. These operators communicate by transmitting messages by voice, Morse code, or even messages through computers. There are some new ways that allow hams to communicate via television with pictures that are transmitted around the world.

Why is Ham Radio Used

There are people from all walks of life that enjoy this hobby such as homemakers, students, doctors, engineers, and drivers. All of these people have an interest and enjoyment in communicating with others through wireless technology. Many hams get together so that the younger generations can learn from those that have a lot of experience. Licensed hams actually communicate with one another from regional locations such as across town, across the country, although they can even communicate when they are across the world from one another if they so choose.

Hams have different reasons for participating. Many ham radio operators simply enjoy talking to friends, while others enjoy volunteering to help assist people in emergency situations, and are able to transmit messages if normal communications are not possible. Many hams are available to emergency medical teams, specialize in spotting severe weather, and disaster response. Ham radios can even be used to communicate with astronauts in outer space! Astronauts have communicated with many operators such as teachers, parents, and children while they have been in the space station and in orbit.

How to Become a Ham

If you are interested in getting a ham radio license, you’ll need to do so from the Federal Communications Commission, and this will require that you pass an exam. A volunteer licensed ham operator typically administers the exam. When you complete the exam your license will be mailed to you and you will be in business and free to use your ham radio whenever you want! Because the exam isn’t something most people can pass without some help, you might want to consider attending or becoming involved in local clubs, getting in touch with an experienced ham operator known as an elmer, or simply hitting the books and playing around with a ham radio so that you understand the basics.

There are benefits for each:

  • Local clubs will likely meet and will teach classes that will help educate you on the basic skills required to operate a ham radio. Many of these classes actually focus on what you’ll need to know when you take the exam, so you’ll get some very focused education that will really benefit you when it comes time to take your exam.
  • Working with an elmer can be to your advantage if you can get in touch with someone that is willing to help you learn the ropes. An elmer is the equivalent of Yoda, and can pass on some pertinent knowledge, tips for taking the exam, ham radio network, FCC regulations, and just answer your questions and make you feel more comfortable.
  • You can study by yourself to learn the ham radio basics. You’ll find that there are many books that can help you get started, but you should not pass up the opportunity to take some classes or work with an elmer if you have the opportunity of working with others and getting tips from those that are already in the business can be the difference between having the knowledge and confidence to pass the test or not.

You’ll find that the Internet is a great resource if you want to become a ham radio operator. If you visit ARRL or many similar websites you’ll find tutors and other training resources that will give you the best chance possible to pass your exam with flying colors.

More than 600,000 Americans have a ham radio license. Most of these hams will tell you that they have a dedicated area of their home for their radio and other equipment. This room is often known as the “shack” in ham slang.

Hams enjoy meeting one another and often hold organized events to get together and have a great time. These gatherings are usually called Hamfests, with the largest Hamfest gathering being held in Dayton, Ohio. This is always an exciting event for most ham radio enthusiasts because they get to meet other with similar interests, talk shop, and meet new friends.