Ham Radio - History

[Spiritwind]

I am studying a manual designed to prepare me to take a test to get licensed to operate a ham radio. Been wanting to do this for a long time. As I learn the ins and outs of using one, I will add to this thread. Our two hand held radios we ordered should be here next week, and a couple of friends are joining us on this adventure. The technology has come a long ways since it’s beginning. And, it can be a wonderful way to perform public service. Even keeping up on local fires in our area makes it a worthwhile hobby to get into.

Ham radio history

http://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-history

In 1873, James Clerk Maxwell presented his theory of the electromagnetic field. In 1901 Guglielmo Marconi communicated across the Atlantic with a radio device using high power and giant antennas. To curb interference, Congress approved the Radio Act of 1912, which required amateurs to be licensed and restricted to the single wavelength of 200 meters. In 1914 the American Radio Relay League was founded by Hiram Percy Maxim, who found that messages could be sent more reliably over long distances if relay stations were organized. Transatlantic transmitting and receiving tests began in 1921 and by July 1960 the first two-way contact via the Moon took place on 1296 MHz.

Today we’re on CW, phone, SSB, FM, packet, TV, PACTOR, PSK31, RTTY, and other modes, bouncing signals off the ground, ionosphere, and the Moon. Hams are active in nearly every country of the world and from ages less than 10 years to more than 100.


Much much more at this link:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/About%20 ... _Years.pdf

[Rob]

I am working the the HAM radio too, I have my radio up and running "sort of", I am now listing to my local "repeater", leaning some, they like to brag about what state they have talked to, and they like to talk about their radios and antennas, It even gets really technical, I will start small and be happy I have an emergency radio I can take with me when I travel.

Also got to listen to a local police station, very boring, but that is a good thing.

[Spiritwind]

Here is a site for programming your radio (we have the baofeng UV-5RTP). And, Rob, if you see this maybe you could post a link to the video you mentioned to me. I like to read, but also want to watch a video. Just want one that cuts to the chase. My first plan is to get a better antenna, and longer lasting battery capacity. Well, and get my technician license.

https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/20 ... eypad.html

Here’s another link:
https://baofengradio.us/blog/programmin ... -repeater/

[Aria Persei]

Thank you I am very interested to learn ! I remember my brother getting this ham radio, here in Belgium it's called CB.
Looking forward to be learning.

[Rob]

Here is a site for programming your radio (we have the baofeng UV-5RTP). And, Rob, if you see this maybe you could post a link to the video you mentioned to me. I like to read, but also want to watch a video. Just want one that cuts to the chase. My first plan is to get a better antenna, and longer lasting battery capacity. Well, and get my technician license.

https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/20 ... eypad.html

Here’s another link:
https://baofengradio.us/blog/programmin ... -repeater/

I can't find that video, I will look for another...

Thank you I am very interested to learn ! I remember my brother getting this ham radio, here in Belgium it's called CB.
Looking forward to be learning.

We have CB radios here too, but HAM is different, CB radio is AM radio and HAM is FM radio.

[Rob]

If anyone is interested in studying for their HAM license go to https://hamstudy.org .

[Spiritwind]

If anyone is interested in studying for their HAM license go to https://hamstudy.org .

That’s a great site, Rob. Here is another one I found with good information:

Emergency Communications Information Sheet
https://rainier-redoubt.blogspot.com/20 ... YNsc8gnWTk