Ham radio has a long and important history. As society and technology continue to move on to new things, a small segment continues to enjoy the hobby as well as to educate and help during disasters.

WHAT IS HAM RADIO?

Ham radio is the the term coined for amateur radio enthusiasts who learn to operate radios as a hobby or for practical use. Hams - as operators are called - can use various methods for transmitting messages including Morse code via telegraph, voice transmission via radio or messages through a computer. New methods of transmitting television allow for images to be received around the world by hams. Some hams have contributed to the development of new technologies for other uses.

The term ham has unknown origin although there are several theories.

WHO USES HAM RADIO?

Ham radio operators can be anyone - doctors, homemakers, truck drivers - who enjoys communicating with new friends. Hams can talk across town or around the world.

Ham radio was used by the military in the World Wars and by ships. The well known SOS is just one of the codes that operators use to relay messages to one another.

In emergencies ham radio operators volunteer to assist with transmitting messages when normal communications are unavailable.

So far, weve uncovered some interesting facts about ham radio. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Hams are all over the world - even in space! While in orbit or on the space station astronauts have spoken with other operators as well as children, teachers and parents. The program is called ARISS, Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.

Hams are young and old, men and women and of every background and occupation.