hamradio

Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is a hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People who use amateur radio are known as ham radio operators. These radio amateurs use their knowledge and experience to transmit and receive radio signals, communicate with other hams around the world, and often provide vital communication services during emergencies.

The hobby is regulated by government agencies worldwide, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, which issues licenses to qualified individuals. Licenses typically require passing an exam that covers technical knowledge and operating procedures. Hams operate on specific radio frequency bands allocated for amateur use. These bands range from very high frequency (VHF) to ultra high frequency (UHF) and even high frequency (HF) bands, allowing for communication over short and long distances.

Amateur radio operators engage in a wide variety of activities. Some enjoy ragchewing, which is casual conversation with other hams. Others participate in contesting, aiming to make as many contacts as possible within a set time. Many hams are involved in public service, providing emergency communications support for events or during natural disasters when regular communication infrastructure fails. Experimentation with radio technology, building antennas, and developing new communication modes are also popular aspects of the hobby. The international nature of ham radio fosters a global community, with operators connecting across borders and cultures.