Also known as ham radio, amateur radio refers to the use of the radio frequency spectrum for non-commercial message exchange, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communications.
Amateur radio began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, following the invention of wireless communication by pioneers like Guglielmo Marconi and Nikola Tesla.
Early amateur radio operators were experimenters and hobbyists who built their own equipment and explored the capabilities of radio waves. By the 1920s, governments began to regulate amateur radio, issuing licenses to ensure that operators adhered to technical standards and avoided interference with other communication services.
The term "ham" originally had a pejorative connotation, used to describe amateur telegraph operators who lacked the skills of professional operators. Over time, amateur radio operators embraced the term, transforming it into a badge of pride and identity. Today, the word symbolizes the ingenuity and passion of those who contribute, and have contributed, to the growth of amateur radio.
Amateur radio operators engage in various activities, ranging from casual conversations with other "hams" to participating in contests that test their skills in contacting stations around the world. They experiment with different modes of communication, such as voice (phone), Morse code (CW), digital modes, and even satellite communication. Amateur radio also plays a vital role in emergency preparedness, with operators providing reliable communication networks during natural disasters or crises.
Field Day, an annual event organized by amateur radio groups, exemplifies the community spirit and practical application of the hobby. During Field Day, operators set up portable stations in outdoor locations to practice operating in challenging conditions and to showcase amateur radio to the public.
To become an amateur radio operator, individuals must pass a licensing exam that tests their knowledge of radio theory, operating procedures, and regulations. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issues three main classes of amateur radio licenses in the United States.
The Technician License is the entry-level license that allows access to local and regional communication frequencies. A General License provides expanded privileges, including access to international frequencies. An Extra License is the highest level, granting full access to all amateur radio frequencies and bands. Each license requires passing a progressively challenging examination. Study resources and practice tests are available through amateur radio organizations and online platforms.
For most newcomers interested in amateur radio, the path begins with joining a local amateur radio club. Clubs provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities to connect with experienced operators. Aspiring hams can explore introductory workshops, attend events like Field Day, and experiment with borrowed or club-provided equipment.
As a start, an affordable handheld transceiver (HT), such as a VHF/UHF radio, offers a practical entry point. As operators grow in skill and interest, they may invest in more advanced equipment, including HF transceivers for long-distance communication and antennas to specific bands.
Amateur radio equipment varies widely, from basic handheld radios to sophisticated setups with transceivers, amplifiers, antennas, and computer interfaces. Operators use different modes of communication depending on their interests.
Voice (Phone) offers real-time conversations using microphone-equipped radios. Morse Code (CW) is the traditional mode, requiring skill and precision. Digital Modes involve communication through computers, using software such as FT8, PSK31, or RTTY. Satellite Communication refers to connecting through amateur radio satellites for space-based contacts.
Amateur radio is regulated by government agencies, such as the FCC in the United States, to ensure proper use of frequencies and adherence to rules. Globally, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) sets standards for amateur radio operations. In addition to regulators, organizations like the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) represent the amateur radio community, offering resources, advocacy, and education.
Amateur radio is a hobby that ham operators are passionate about.
Topics related to amateur (ham) radio are the focus of this part of our web guide.
Recommended Resources
Amateur Radio Elmers are experienced ham radio operators who mentor newcomers in the amateur radio community. They provide guidance, technical support, and encouragement to help beginners navigate the complexities of ham radio. Elmers also play a vital role in fostering innovation, skill development, and community building within the hobby. Its website discusses its mentorship role and offers various resources for aspiring ham radio operators, including a radio index.
https://www.amateurradioelmers.org/
Amateur Radio Weekly is a newsletter tailored to ham radio enthusiasts. It provides a curated selection of the latest news, projects, technology, videos, and events related to ham radio. Sent out every Saturday, it aims to promote the hobby and foster community among radio operators. It showcases a variety of projects for ham radio enthusiasts, including packet radio setups, microcontroller experiments, and step-by-step guides for activating parks using ham radio.
https://hamweekly.com/
AARL identifies as the National Association for Amateur Radio because it serves as the primary advocate and resource for amateur radio enthusiasts in the United States. Founded in 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim, ARRL seeks to advance the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio through various initiatives like public service, advocacy, education, technology, and membership engagement. Membership information, licensing, education, training, and technology are featured.
https://www.arrl.org/
The Broadcast Archive, maintained by Barry Mishkind, is a website dedicated to the broadcasting history of radio. It offers broadcast software, including software packages that have been used in the past. The website also has a section dedicated to radio hardware, including studio equipment, transmitters, receivers, and so forth. It also provides information on international broadcasting history. Readers are encouraged to participate and contribute to the site.
https://www.oldradio.com/
The online community and resource hub for amateur radio enthusiasts offers various features, including user-submitted reviews of amateur radio equipment and services, a classified marketplace for buying and selling ham radio gear, discussion forums on topics like equipment, contests, and technical advice, and updates on amateur radio activities and upcoming events. Other resources include advertising opportunities, an introduction to the site's leadership team, and links to other online sites.
https://www.eham.net/
Dedicated to amateur radio enthusiasts, Ham Radio Planet offers a great deal of information about ham radio equipment, operating techniques, and community engagement. The website features guides on topics like frequency allocation, long-distance communication, and emergency operations. Readers can explore various modes of ham radio operation, such as AM, FM, SSB, and CW, as well as digital modes like PSK3` and voIP. Additionally, the site provides reviews of top ham radio brands and models.
https://hamradioplanet.com/
Ham Radio Prep is an online platform designed to help individuals prepare for their amateur radio license exams. They provide study materials for different license levels, including the Technician, General, and Amateur Extra licenses. The platform also features free practice tests and lessons to make studying more accessible and effective. Its courses and pricing are featured on the site, along with guides, and an online store offers ham radio merchandise and a gift card.
https://hamradioprep.com/
Ham Radio Prepper is dedicated to the emergency preparedness side of amateur radio. It covers a wide variety of emergency communications and preparedness topics, such as equipment and radios, current ham radio news, and emergency communications. The website also lists ham radio events, contests, and other activities. Reviews of amateur radio equipment are provided, along with articles like where to find a ham radio license exam and an overview of how ham radio helps during an emergency.
https://hamradioprepper.com/
Ham Universe is a website that provides information and resources for amateur radio enthusiasts. The website offers details about ham radio, including license information, study materials, practice tests, and various projects related to radio science. Additionally, it features content on antenna design and other technical aspects of ham radio operations, such as code practice, technical topics, shortwave listening, repeater technology, ham satellites, and legal information.
http://hamuniverse.com/
International Amateur Radio Union
The IARU is an international confederation of national organizations that provides a forum for common concerns for amateur radio operators worldwide and collectively represents matters to the International Telecommunications Union. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Newington, Connecticut, the IARU is composed of 172 national member societies. It is organized into three regions: Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3, which correspond to the ITU regulatory regions.
https://www.iaru.org/
National Amateur Radio Alliance
NARA is a central hub for amateur radio operators. Its website focuses on resources, engagement, outreach, and advocacy. To empower individuals and clubs and foster a thriving environment for amateur radio enthusiasts, the organization provides tools, knowledge, and opportunities to help operators grow and connect with like-minded people. Memberships, volunteer opportunities, scholarships, awards, contact information, and event schedules are available on the site.
https://amateurradioalliance.org/
RAC is the national association for amateur radio in Canada, representing all Canadian amateurs at all levels of government. The organization acts as a liaison with government agencies and advocates for amateur radio operators' interests on regulatory and spectrum issues. The not-for-profit association is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, and plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting amateur radio activities across the country. Its programs, memberships, and contacts are featured.
https://www.rac.ca/
Radio Society of Great Britain
The RSGB is the recognized national society for amateur radio operators in the United Kingdom. Founded as the London Wireless Club in 1913, it is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the world. The RSGB also acts as a parent organization to several smaller groups and societies that affiliate with it. Memberships and member services are highlighted, along with various publications and videos, a beginner guide, a directory of affiliated clubs, and contact data.
https://rsgb.org/
Designed for ham and shortwave radio enthusiasts, Radio-Hobbyist offers several resources, including articles on ham radio equipment, operating techniques, licensing, and emergency communications. The website also features guides for beginners, such as how to receive Slow Scan Television (SSTV) from the International Space Station and tips on setting up amateur radio antennas. Its main topics include Ham Radio, Shortwave, Scanning, and Antennas. Contacts are available.
https://radio-hobbyist.com/
This is a popular podcast and news magazine dedicated to amateur radio enthusiasts. It covers various topics, including news, events, and technical insights related to amateur radio. Readers can explore its content on its website or listen to episodes on platforms like Apple Podcasts and TuneIn. The website highlights headline news, along with a newsreel, current podcasts, an archive of past podcasts, a directory of news sources for amateur radio content, and contacts.
http://twiar.net/
