home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
HAM Radio 1
/
HamRadio.cdr
/
packet
/
packetcl
/
hamdexc.txt
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1979-12-31
|
7KB
|
148 lines
WHAT IS AMATEUR RADIO, YOU ASK...?
Amateur Radio (often called "Ham Radio") is a hobby and an
important public service authorized by the U.S. Federal
Communications Commission in Part 97 of the FCC Rules and
Regulations. It's stated purpose, quoted from SubPart A, Sec.
97.1 is as follows:
"...to provide [a] service...as expressed in the following
principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of amateur
service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial service,
particularly with respect to providing emergency
communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven
ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
(c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur radio
service through rules which provide for advancing skills in
both the communication and technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur
radio service of trained operators, technicians, and
electronics experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique
ability to enhance international goodwill."
Licensed Amateur Radio operators are people of any age,
sex, profession, or nationality who are fascinated with
communication via two-way radio. Generally a skilled group,
they are required to pass examinations to receive the
authorization to operate an Amateur Radio station.
The typical Amateur has a variety of interests, and the
hobby provides for a multitude of individual preferences.
Amateurs engage in general chit-chat; emergency operations
(including participation in Civil Preparedness); sending,
relaying, receiving, and delivering free Radiograms for the
public; providing communication support for civic functions
such as local parades, marathons, etc.; making friends with
Amateurs in foreign countries; investigating the mysteries of
radio signal propagation; building, modifying, and designing
radio equipment, antennas, and accessories; winning awards for
operating proficiency in many areas; helping others prepare for
Amateur Radio FCC license examinations; and many more exciting
and valuable facets of the hobby.
The FCC grants five classes of licenses to operate Amateur
Radio stations, each requiring the candidate to demonstrate
progressive levels of ability and knowledge. The license
Classes are as follows (from lowest to highest), each
successively allowing greater operating privileges and access
to more usable radio frequencies):
For most persons, the initial license is Novice operator.
It requires the applicant to pass an elementary written test
and to demonstrate the ability to understand Morse Code when
sent at just 5 words per minute (wpm). Novices are authorized
to use the following radio frequency ranges, or "bands" (bands
are often referred to by their approximate wavelength, as well
as by frequency): 1.25 meters (222.1-223.91 MHz), 23
centimeters (1270-1295 MHz), 10 meters (28.1-28.5 MHz), 15
meters (21.1-21.2 MHz), 40 meters (7100-7150 KHz), and 80
meters (3700-3750 MHz) bands. The Novice license examination
is administered by two Volunteer Examiners (VE's). These may
be any Amateur Radio operators who hold a current General,
Advanced and/or Amateur Extra operator license. There is no
charge for taking the Novice class examination.
The second step up the ladder is the Technician operator.
Another written examination, Element 3(A) is required. This
license authorizes privileges on all Amateur bands from 6
meters (50 MHz) on up to 248 GHz, plus all Novice privileges.
The third step up the ladder is General operator. Another
written examination, Element 3(B) must be passed, as well as a
test to demonstrate the ability to understand Morse Code at 13
wpm. This license authorizes the use of designated portions of
all Amateur service frequency bands.
The fourth step up the ladder is Advanced operator.
Another written examination, Element 4(A) is required. This
license authorizes additional frequency privileges on Amateur
service high-frequency (HF) bands, from 1.8 to 30 MHz.
The final step up the ladder is Amateur Extra operator.
Another written examination, Element 4(B) and 20 wpm Morse Code
proficiency is required. This license authorizes ALL Amateur
Radio privileges and frequencies, including additional
frequencies in the Amateur service HF bands.
For all licenses above Novice operator, the examinations
are administered by at least three local Amateur operators
serving as Volunteer Examiners (VE's). They provide
information as to when and where examination sessions are being
held. Their efforts are coordinated by a Volunteer Examiner
Coordinator (VEC). The VEC makes public the questions used in
the written examinations. Study aids are available from many
Amateur Radio publications and equipment dealers. The
administering VE's may charge the candidate a fee as stipulated
by the FCC for certain reimbursable expenses incurred in
preparing, processing, or administering the examination
(currently $4.75 per exam session, regardless of how many
Elements are taken).
Many licensed Amateurs enjoy joining and participating in
local Amateur Radio clubs. These clubs provide comradeship,
coordinate special activities, support members via exchange of
information, and often have members who conduct free FCC exam
preparation classes for people interested in getting licensed.
There are currently over 430,000 licensed Amateurs in the U.S.A.
Amateur Radio is a versatile and flexible hobby. Some
people get on the air with minimal equipment, home-building,
borrowing, or purchasing used transmitting and receiver gear
for very low costs. At the other extreme, Amateurs can easily
invest tens of thousands of dollars in the latest transceivers,
antennas, towers, computers, accessories, and other gadgets
that reflect the top equipment from major manufacturers. Most
Amateur Radio stations fall somewhere between the two.
Amateurs tend to collect, swap, and sell gear and over the
years may accumulate an impressive setup for a relatively low
cash outlay.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with Amateur Radio
can find out more very simply by contacting the American Radio
Relay League (ARRL), 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111
(203-666-1541). This is the leading nonprofit organization
dedicated to Amateur Radio, and is made up of thousands of
members all over the United States. You can also look through
local hometown newspapers for listings of local Amateur Radio
club meetings; knock on the door of anyone whose home sports a
bizarre array of radio antennas; or contact me via telephone,
U.S. Mail, or BBS.
Amateur Radio is a truly unique and thrilling avocation
that can give years of unforgettable pleasure and allow you to
serve your community in a very distinctive way.
Written by......Brian Battles WA1YUA
P.O. Box 176
Colchester, Conn. 06415
(203) 537-0311
June 02, 1989
For further information on how to become an Amateur Radio operator,
contact the SYSOP of The Public Service BBS.