Today is HAM RADIO DAY…
Amateur radio is a community of people that use radio transmitters and receivers to talk to each other. They are called ham radio operators, “hams” and even CB’rs. But, it’s more than just a high-tech hobby. Ham operators very often play a vital role in emergency communications. Ham radio has been used for years as a way to get messages out during national disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and other life-threatening incidents that happen when normal means of communication are lost.
Ham radio operators use their amateur radio station to connect with individual hams as well as participating in round table discussion groups or “rag chew sessions” on the air. In fact, some participate in regularly scheduled on-air meetings with other ham radio operators. Interestingly these meetings are called “Nets” (short for Networks). These meetings are generally moderated by a station referred to as “Net Control”
Many people start their involvement in amateur radio by finding a local club. Clubs can provide information about licensing, local operating practices and technical advice as well as educational programs. New operators can study independently by purchasing books or other materials, sometimes with the help of a mentor, teacher or friend. In addition, many countries have national amateur radio groups or societies which encourage newcomers and work with government communications regulation authorities for the benefit of all radio amateurs.
The oldest of these societies is the Wireless Institute of Australia(formed in 1910). Other notable societies include Radio Society of Great Britain, the American Radio Relay League, Radio Amateurs of Canada, the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters and South African Radio League.
Some Ham Radio Lingo you should know:
“Copy” indicates how well communications are received. “I have a good copy on you” also used as a question, as in “did you copy?” (means to understand all)
“Come back” means to say again or your turn to talk.
Hamfest is a ham festival, a social and commercial event at which hams meet to buy, sell, and swap equipment.
“Roger” or “Roger that” means “I understand that.”
“Handle” is someone’s personal or ham radio name.
“Mama Bear” ~ female police officer.
“Smokey (Smokey Bear)” ~ State police officer who generally wears a Smokey the Bear style ranger hat.
“73” is Best regards
“88” means Love and kisses
“807” is the ham radio operator’s term for beer.
For more Ham Radio Jargon visit http://www.ac6v.com/jargon.htm#C
To learn how Ham Radio Works, check out www.howstuffworks.com/ham-radio.htm
Check out this guide to new ham radio operators www.eham.net/newham
For a great Q & A on Ham Radio, visit www.hello-radio.org/hello/whatis.html
Even with the advent of the internet, skype, Facebook and Twitter, there are still more than 6 million ham radio operators in the world. Tie in with or become a Ham Radio Operator and you have a whole new group of people to share your knowledge, expertise and resources with.
Makes you want to say… “Time for an 807”
“73” for now.
Add comment April 7th, 2009