Chapter 1
Getting Acquainted with Ham Radio
IN THIS CHAPTER
Meeting hams around the world
Becoming part of ham radio
Making contact via ham radio
Contributing to science with ham radio
Ham radio invokes a wide range of visions. Ham radio operators (or hams) are a varied lot — from go-getter emergency communicators and radiosport competitors to casual chatters to workshop tinkerers. Everyone has a place, and you do too.
Hams employ all sorts of radios and antennas using a wide variety of signals to communicate with other hams across town and around the world. They use ham radio for personal enjoyment, for keeping in touch with friends and family, for public service, and for experimenting with radios and radio equipment. They communicate by using microphones, computers, cameras, lasers, Morse keys, and even their own satellites.
Hams meet on the air, online, and in person, in groups devoted to every conceivable purpose. Hams run special flea markets and host conventions large and small. Some hams are as young as 6 years old; others are centenarians. Some have a technical background, ...
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