R ogers C ounty W ireless A ssociation What is Ham Radio?

D irk K7QVD

What Is Ham Radio?  Ham radio provides the broadest and most powerful wireless communications capability available to any private citizen anywhere in the world.  Ham Radio inspires development innovation and experimentation with wireless communication.

What Is Ham Radio?  FUN (we call ourselves “hams” after all)  Emergency Communications  Storm Spotting  Public Service

What Is Ham Radio?  A unique mix of fun, public service and convenience is the distinguishing characteristic of Amateur Radio. Although hams get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination for the FCC license to operate on radio frequencies known as the "Amateur Bands."

Who's the Typical Ham?  Amateur Radio operators come from all walks of life – kings, movie stars, missionaries, doctors, students, politicians, truck drivers and just plain folk. They are all ages, genders, income levels and nationalities. They say Hello to the world in many languages and many ways. But whether they prefer Morse code on an old brass telegraph key, voice communication on a hand-held radio, or computerized messages transmitted via satellite, they all have an interest in what's happening in the world, and they use radio to reach out.

How Much Does It Cost?  Your Technician Test will cost $  The Book will cost $25.00  The Class is free.  Your first UHF/VHF Radio … ???  Your General Test will cost $14.00  The Book will cost $25.00  The Class is free.  Your firs HF Radio … ???

Emergency Communications  Telephones, cell phones, Internet, trunk lines, satellite phones – to get messages out they all have to go through many vulnerable choke points and need electric power. Even if the system is functioning, these systems can be overwhelmed by the number of cries for help and families seeking information about the friends and family in a disaster area.

Emergency Communications  While hams MAY use the internet or a repeater system, the do not HAVE to do so! Hams can operate just fine without public infrastructure. By selecting the right frequencies, hams can “Go Direct” across town or around the world.

Emergency Communications  Hams support their communities during various emergencies and natural disasters.  In 2003, rain shut down a point of presence site in Tulsa, which shut down the all cell phones, 911 lines, telephone lines, and internet communications in Tulsa and out lying areas. Hams stepped in to fill this void to provide emergency communications.  There are numerous other examples of hams supporting their communities. Hurricane Katrina is just one additional example.

Emergency Communications  Major Amateur Radio Emergency Organizations Amateur Radio operators have informal and formal groups to coordinate communication during emergencies. At the local level, hams may participate in local emergency organizations, or organize local "traffic nets.“ At the state level, hams are often involved with state emergency management operations. In addition, hams operate at the national level through the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), which is coordinated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and through the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), which is coordinated through the American Radio Relay League and its field volunteers.

Storm Spotting  Ham Operators provide the local Emergency Operations Centers, National Weather Service, and TV stations with eyes and ears in the field to report weather conditions.  Rogers County Wireless Associations members attend annual Weather Spotting Certification Training prior to deploying in the field during severe weather.

Storm Spotting  Weather Spotters help Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Managers and TV stations notify people in danger of being hit by sever weather.  Weather Spotters also help local EOC evaluate and determine the extent of damage, which helps EOC Managers deploy assets to help people.

Public Service  Amateur radio operators also provide communications for public events such as bicycle races, road rally check points.

Ham Radio is FUN!  Gain a fundamental understanding of electronics and electricity  Improves your understanding of physics and other scientific principles.  Ability to communicate around the world in different modes (i.e. voice, digital, cw, etc.)  Interaction with other people with similar interests.

Ham Radio is FUN!  Ham Radio is not restricted  Talk via satellites or talk to the space station.

So! Who wants to become a Ham!?!?!?!

Questions!?!?!?! Send to and we’ll see you get a