H. Ward Silver - Ham Radio For Dummies

You can write software to create brand-new types of signals. Hams also develop systems that are novel hybrids of radio and the Internet. Hams developed packet radio, for example, by adapting data communication protocols used in computer networks to operate over amateur radio links. Packet radio is now part of many commercial applications, including your mobile phone.

The combination of GPS technology with the web and amateur mobile radios resulted in the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS), which is now used around the world. For more information about these neat systems, see Parts 3and 4of this book.

Modern radios are based on software-defined radio (SDR) technology, which allows the radio to adapt to new conditions or perform new functions, as I discuss in Part 4. Hams using design tools like GNU Radio ( www.gnuradio.org ) can experiment with all sorts of techniques to improve and customize their equipment. Digital signal processing (DSP) is a big part of ham radio and has created some very innovative designs, such as the FlexRadio Systems Maestro operating console shown in Figure 1-1.

FIGURE 1-1:The FlexRadio Systems Maestro combines traditional operating controls with the latest in software defined radio (SDR) design and display techniques.

Voice communication is still the most popular way that hams use to talk to one another, but computer-based digital operation is gaining fast. New modes (methods of communication) enable world-wide contacts without requiring high power signals. The most common home station today is a combination of computer and radio. Hams also repurpose commercial network equipment to create their own microwave data networks.

You can operate a remote-controlled station via a tablet or phone from anywhere in the world. All it takes is access to the Internet and some hosting software at the station. Most new radios are designed to support operation over an Internet connection. You can operate your home station while you’re away or, if you can’t have a station at home, use the Internet to access a station and keep on having fun!

Hams use radio technology in support of hobbies such as flying drones, model rocketry, and high-altitude ballooning. Hams have special frequencies for radio-controlled (R/C) model operation in their “6 meter” band, away from the crowded unlicensed R/C frequencies. Miniature ham radio video transmitters (described in Chapter 11) can beam back pictures and location information from robots, model craft, or portable stations carried by operators. Ham radio data links are also used in support of astronomy, aviation, auto racing and rallies, and many other pastimes.

Hams like to meet in person and online as well as on the radio. This section discusses a few ways to get involved.

Participating in at least one radio club or group is part of nearly every ham’s life. In fact, in some countries, you’re required to be a member of a club before you can even get a license. There are hundreds of online groups with a variety of interests in ham radio, ranging from hiking to public service to technical specialties.

Chapter 3shows you how to find and participate in ham radio groups, which are great sources of information, training, and assistance for new hams.

A ham radio tradition is to exchange postcards called QSLs (ham shorthand for received and understood ) with their call signs, information about their stations, and (often) colorful graphics or photos. If you are a stamp collector, you can exchange QSLs directly with the other station. There are online equivalents, too. Whether you prefer paper or electronic form, your QSL is your “ham radio business card” just like Ria N2RJ’s in the figure below. You can find more sample QSL cards and information about the practice of QSLing in Chapter 14.

Two other popular types of gatherings are hamfests and conventions. The traditional hamfest is a ham radio flea market where hams bring their electronic treasures for sale or trade. Today’s hamfests often include training or instruction opportunities along with commercial vendors for a complete “one-stop shop.” Some hamfests are small get-togethers held in parking lots on Saturday mornings; others attract thousands of hams from all over the world and last for days, an in-person complement to eBay and Amazon.

Hams also hold conventions with a variety of themes, ranging from public service to DX (see “ Radiosport — Competing with Ham Radio,” later in this chapter) to technical interests. An increasingly popular feature is the all-day “university” format focused on a certain type of operating, a technical specialty, operating training — or all three combined!

Hams travel all over the world to attend conventions where they might meet friends formerly known only as voices and call signs over the radio. There is no better way to enjoy travel than being assisted by local hospitality!

Hams don’t need a lot of infrastructure to communicate. As a result, they bounce back quickly when a natural disaster or other emergency makes communications over normal channels impossible. Hams organize as local and regional teams that practice responding to a variety of emergency needs. They support relief organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, as well as police and fire departments.

Summer and fall are hurricane and wildfire seasons in North America so ham emergency teams gear up for these potentially devastating events. Hams staff an amateur station at the National Hurricane Center in Florida (w4ehw.fiu.edu) and keep The Hurricane Watch Net (an on-the-air response group) busy on 14.325 MHz ( www.hwn.org ) when storms are active. During wildfire season, hams deploy in support of fire crews across the West. They staff camp communications and set up radio gear in the field, often in remote and difficult locations. Many hams also act as NOAA SKYWARN ( www.weather.gov/skywarn ) severe weather spotters in their local communities, assisting the National Weather Service.

After disasters of all types, hams are some of the first volunteers to help out, on the job providing communications at emergency operations centers and in the field. Hams trained as emergency response teams help government agencies by handling health-and-welfare messages, performing damage assessments, and providing point-to-point communications until normal systems come back to life. Ham radio also provides the hams themselves with personal communications in and out of the affected area. To find out more about providing emergency communications and public service, see Chapter 10.