What Is HAM And What I Need To Know?
Working at dedicated frequencies, costing a minor investment with no cost of operation and with a surprising two millions users in the world, a ham radio is definitely a unique and efficient means of communication and networking in a world thriving on internet. What is exciting is the spectrum of prospects offered by amateur radioing beginning with a good pastime to scientific research and contesting.
Amateur radio in a layman's language is a device which unlike the FM radio can both transmit and receive signals. An antenna intercepts and disperses the signals into space and a power unit controls the intensity of transmission determining the range. By tuning a ham radio like an FM radio one can intercept signals at a specific frequency and receive all the information carried by the signal waves. It uses different radio frequencies like the HF (high frequency), VHF (very) and UHF (ultra) for communication depending on the distance. If a FM wave is used one can transmit and receive voice signals, however the use of an AM wave permits a complete television signal. Every ham has a unique call sign and a special license to use a ham radio and transmit over the airwaves. At times using satellites equipped with ham kits one can even communicate with astronauts orbiting the earth.
Although most hams only communicate with other users there is a lot more to this hobby. Users involve themselves in communication during emergencies with rescue missions when other means of communication are damaged and helping new hams in blending with the established nexus through aired lectures. Those who practice radioing with a scientific purpose can involve themselves in designing better antennae, finding new means to lower the power consumption, developing compact yet efficient and affordable ham radios and studying the propagation of signals.
Many ham clubs, which are networks of ham users, organize competitions that include games like fox-hunting where hams use their radios to hunt for hidden transmitters, radio designing from scratch etc. When two hams make contact they exchange QSL cards which are sent through the mail to confirm the liaison. Collecting QSL cards is also a famous hobby amongst hams. The International Telecommunication Union in coordination with licenses distributed by governments control ham radioing across the globe. A ham license gives you the ability of a radio station except that the communication and broadcasting must be restricted to other ham radios only and should be non-monetary in nature. Also ham users must obey the power limits set over them to prevent spurious emission of radio waves that can damage nearby electronics and interfere with TV signals.
Everyone can avail a ham license after clearing an examination organized by one's government. A ham license comes with a unique call sign that identifies you in a ham network. In short a ham is hand held device which can keep you connected with others across the globe at no cost. With a better radio one might even renounce the use of costly telephones to communicate with friends using radios and engage in live video chats as well from even the most remote locations.