AMATEUR RADIO
Better known to most folks as "Ham Radio." We are the ones who, because we
love to talk (!), learn to send and receive Morse Code, study radio theory
and take tests on our knowledge to earn the right to use the air waves.
Some hams just like to "rag chew" (converse). Some are interested in
handling messages. Some are interested in emergency communications.
There are hams who work with amateur television. Some use satelites and/or
computers for sending and receiving signals. Building rigs (receivers and
transmitters, etc.) is mostly a thing of the past. Technology has moved
beyond the capabilities and equipment of most people.
Hams are truly AMATEURS. Even though each is licensed by the Federal
Communication Commission, they are prohibited from using access to the
airwaves for any pecuniary endeavor ... in other words, they may not charge
for any use of their radio. All message handling, whether routine or
emergency, is strictly free of charge.
When you read in your newspaper, or see on your television, a story of ham
radio operators working during a disaster, or some civic event, be aware
that each ham operator involved is donating his or her time and equipment.
Each amateur radio station has its own unique
Callsign. My Station
Callsign is KA4GFU. The "4" tells that the callsign was originally
licensed in the southeastern part of the United States. "KA" is issued to
stations in the United States.
The American Radio Relay League is the largest organized group of amateur
radio operators. Click on the ARRL Logo for more information.