Ham Needs

Ham radio is a narrow term part of  Amateur Radio.  Amateur Radio encompasses a wide variety of communication methods and frequency bands. is a hobby that has intrigued people for decades.  It allows you to communicate with people from all around the world.  In fact, that becomes a major portion of the mystic.

Equipment ranges from a base station (which is the most powerful) to mobile and handheld applications.  Bands of communications and modulation types include FM, AM, SSB (Single Side Band), Shortwave and more.

Years ago you had to demonstrate proficiency in Morse Code to get your ham radio license.  Now days most of the ham work is done in audio and no longer has the Morse Code restriction.  You DO still, of course, have to have a license to operate this equipment.

Some ham operators still employ CW (Continuous Wave) for its improved signal to noise ratio for things link Earth - Moon - Earth communications.  (Talk about your long distance communications. )

Ham radio operators are often identified by their rabid appetite for new radio equipment and antennas that look like the local radio station!  Since part of the "game" is to connect with people across the planet, you are trying to get as many QSLs (reception report card) as possible and the further away from you that they are the better.  There are even contests happening all the time to see who can log the most QSLs of a certain type, continent or whatever.

There are a lot of technology improvements that have happened over the last decade or so.  It puts the fun into the hands of almost everyone.  There is still a lot to learn and it is a highly technical hobby.  A lot of amateurs take pride in building their own equipment.  I have known many engineers over the years who are almost obsessed with this hobby.

We are not going to try to explain the technical aspects of this hobby in this short introductory article.  There are many resources on the internet, the bookstores and in the library to help you learn all about this hobby.

One final thing I might mention.  One of the CRAZIEST places you might find yourself someday is something called a "Ham Fest".  This is basically a giant swap meet for radio equipment.  People get rid of their old equipment as they upgrade or simply buy new equipment.  Nowadays it is as much computer equipment as radio equipment.  That is because the amateur radio crowd was one of the early adopters of computers.  They embrace technology and love to learn.

I hope you find some equipment that you are looking for here on our site.