Amateur radio

Amateur radio, also called Ham radio, is a fun way to use special parts of the radio spectrum to talk and learn. It began in the early 1900s when many people were excited about radio. Unlike regular radio stations, amateur radio is just for fun, learning, and helping in emergencies.

Amateur radio station with transceivers, amplifiers, and a computer for digital modes. On the wall are awards, certificates, and QSL cards from foreign stations

The International Telecommunication Union makes the rules for amateur radio, and each country has its own rules too. People who use amateur radio need a special license and a unique call sign to talk on the radio. They can talk to people nearby, across a country, or even around the world, and sometimes to stations in space.

Many people enjoy amateur radio, with millions active around the world. They have helped learn important things about how radio waves travel. Amateur radio is supported by groups like the International Amateur Radio Union and national societies such as the American Radio Relay League.

History

Main article: History of amateur radio

An amateur radio station in Wales. Multiple transceivers are employed for different bands and modes. Computers are used for control, data modes, SDR, RTTY and logging.

Amateur radio, also called ham radio, began in the early 1900s. In 1909, a book listed 89 amateur radio stations in Canada and the United States. People who enjoy working with radio have helped advance science and engineering. Their work has helped save lives during emergencies and is used in schools to teach many subjects.

Ham radio

Main article: Etymology of ham radio

The word "ham" started as a rude way to describe radio operators who weren’t very good. Over time, amateur radio fans began to use it proudly, and it is no longer a bad word. Even though it’s not an acronym, some people write it as “HAM.”

Activity and practice

Amateur radio, also called Ham radio, is a fun way to talk, learn about technology, and have fun. People who use it, called operators, join contests, help during emergencies, and build or change their own equipment. They can talk using old methods like Morse code or new digital ways.

Operators often join groups to chat and have scheduled meetings called nets, led by a net control station. These nets can be for training, casual talks, or special topics.

Amateur operator with antennas in Åland

During big storms or disasters, when regular phone and internet stop working, these operators can still talk using batteries or generators. They also have contests to talk to as many stations as they can in a short time, and work on special awards like Summits on the Air, Worked All States, and Jamboree on the Air. They help with citizen science by studying how radio waves travel and support atmospheric science research.

Radiotelephony

People use amateur radio to talk in different ways. These ways are frequency modulation (FM), single sideband (SSB), and amplitude modulation (AM).

FM gives very good sound. SSB helps people talk over long distances. AM is still used by people with older radios.

Radiotelegraphy

Radiotelegraphy using International Morse code, or Continuous Wave (CW), is one of the oldest ways people in amateur radio talk to each other. It is still used on shortwave bands because it works well even when the signal is weak. It uses special codes that people all over the world understand, like the Q code. Some people enjoy building their own radio equipment at home (home construction), and CW radios are easy to make because they do not need much power.

In the past, people needed to know Morse code to use some radio frequencies. But now, in the United States, this rule does not apply anymore.

Digital and computer-assisted modes

Computers have made it possible to create new ways to send messages over radio. Radioteletype (RTTY) is now done with computer programs. Packet radio uses special rules like AX.25 and TCP/IP. New ways like PSK31 and FT8 help people talk on shortwave bands even when the signal is weak.

Radio over IP (RoIP) uses ideas from internet calling to connect radios. Systems like EchoLink and the Internet Radio Linking Project let people talk to others all around the world.

NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock using amateur radio aboard the International Space Station

Some special ways help when signals are weak. Automatic link establishment (ALE) keeps networks working on high-frequency bands, and tools like the WSJT suite can use things like meteor scatter and moonbounce.

Television and repeater systems

Fast-scan amateur television (ATV) uses regular video equipment to send pictures over radio. It usually works on the 70 cm band (420–450 MHz) but can also use higher frequencies. ATV usually works up to about 30–100 km (20–60 mi). Linked repeater systems can make this range much larger. Repeaters are often placed on tall buildings or towers and can be connected using other radio bands, phone lines, or the internet.

Space and atmospheric propagation

People can use amateur radio satellites to talk, sometimes with just a small handheld radio. Natural things like the Moon, the aurora borealis, and trails left by meteors can also be used to send signals. Astronauts have talked to people on Earth from the International Space Station through the ARISS program.

Licensing

Because radio signals can travel across borders, amateur radio is controlled by governments following international rules. Most countries require people to pass a test about electronics, radio signals, and rules before getting a license. Having a license lets people use more radio frequencies and higher power than regular personal radios like CB, FRS, or PMR446.

Tests often have different levels, each allowing more frequencies and higher power. In places like the United Kingdom and Australia, people also need to show practical skills to get the first license.

Each person with a license gets a special call sign. Some countries also allow clubs or groups to have their own licenses.

Licenses usually only work in the country that issued them or in countries with special agreements. Some places also need a license to buy or own amateur radio equipment.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gives out three types of licenses: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. Tests are given by trained volunteers. Higher license levels let people use more frequencies and higher power. The tests cover rules, how to use radios, electronics, and safety. Licenses last ten years.

Licensing requirements

People wanting a license need to understand electronics, radio equipment, antennas, how radio signals travel, safety, and the rules. Tests usually have multiple-choice or short-answer questions and can be given by officials, certified examiners, or other licensed operators.

Getting a license can be easier or harder depending on the country. In some places, tests are only offered a few times a year in the capital city and can be complicated. Right now, only Yemen and North Korea do not give out amateur radio licenses. Some countries, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, charge yearly fees that are too expensive for many people. A few small countries do not have their own testing and require people to take the test in another country. Countries with many license holders, like Japan, the United States, Thailand, Canada, and most of Europe, have many test opportunities in big cities.

Reciprocal licensing

Agreements between countries let amateur radio operators from one country use radios in another country without getting a new license. Sometimes, visitors get a special temporary license and call sign.

Rules differ between places. Some countries have agreements that make things easier, while others do not. Regional groups, like the Organization of American States, help by making treaties, such as the Inter-American Amateur Radio Service Convention.

Newcomers

A handheld VHF/UHF transceiver

Many people start learning about amateur radio on social media or by joining a local club. Clubs often share information about licenses, local practices, and technical help. Newcomers also study on their own using books or help from a friend or teacher. In North America, experienced operators who help beginners are called "Elmers". Many countries have national groups that support new operators and work with governments. The oldest group is the Wireless Institute of Australia, started in 1910. Other groups include the Radio Society of Great Britain, the American Radio Relay League, Radio Amateurs of Canada, Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication, the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters and South African Radio League. (See Category:Amateur radio organizations)

Call signs

An amateur radio operator uses a call sign to identify themselves on the radio. In some countries, the station’s call sign must always be used, while in others, the operator’s or the station’s call sign can be used. Some places let operators pick a special "vanity" call sign, though it must follow the country’s rules. Some countries charge for a vanity call sign; in others, like the UK, there is no charge. The FCC in the U.S. stopped charging for vanity call signs in 2015 but started charging $35 again in 2022.

The call sign structure set by the ITU has three parts, as shown with the example ZS1NAT:

The three parts together identify the station, and the call sign depends on the operator’s license. For commercial or club stations, the operator is a company; for amateur operators, the license holder lives in the country shown in the first part of the call sign.

Many countries do not follow the ITU’s rules for the middle number. In the United Kingdom, original calls like G0xxx, G2xxx, G3xxx, G4xxx were for Full (A) License holders, along with M0xxx calls from the City & Guilds exam group in December 2003. More Full Licenses were given to (B) Licenses with G1xxx, G6xxx, G7xxx, G8xxx and from 1991 with M1xxx calls. Newer Intermediate License holders get 2E0xxx and 2E1xxx, and basic Foundation License holders get M3xxx, M6xxx or M7xxx.

Instead of numbers, in the U.K. the second letter after 'G' or 'M' shows where the station is. For example, G7OOE becomes GM7OOE and M0RDM becomes MM0RDM when used in Scotland. Prefix GM & MM are for Scotland, GW & MW for Wales, GI & MI for Northern Ireland, GD & MD for the Isle of Man, GJ & MJ for Jersey and GU & MU for Guernsey. Intermediate license calls start with 2z0 and 2z1, where z is one of the country letters. For example, 2M0 and 2M1 are for Scotland, 2W0 and 2W1 for Wales, and so on. England uses 'E' only for intermediate calls, like 2E0 & 2E1, but not for foundation or full licenses.

Map of amateur radio reciprocal licensing agreements. CEPT members IARP members CEPT and IARP USA–Canada treaty, CEPT, and IARP

In the United States, for non-special calls, the number shows the area the holder lived in when they got their license. Before 1978, U.S. operators had to get a new call sign if they moved to a different area.

In Canada, call signs start with VA, VE, VY, VO, and CY. Calls starting with 'V' end with a number to show the region; CY is for islands. VA1 and VE1 are for Nova Scotia; VA2 & VE2 for Quebec; VA3 & VE3 for Ontario; VA4 & VE4 for Manitoba; VA5 & VE5 for Saskatchewan; VA6 & VE6 for Alberta; VA7 & VE7 for British Columbia; VE8 for the Northwest Territories; VE9 for New Brunswick; VY0 for Nunavut; VY1 for the Yukon; VY2 for Prince Edward Island; VO1 for Newfoundland; and VO2 for Labrador. CY is for operators on Sable Island (CY0) or St. Paul Island (CY9). Special permission is needed to visit these islands: from Parks Canada for Sable and Coast Guard for St. Paul. The last two or three letters are usually the operator’s choice after passing the test. Two-letter endings need the operator to have had a license for 5 years. Canada allows call signs to be requested for a fee.

Smaller areas may have the number in the second or third spot as part of the country ID. For example, VP2xxx is in the British West Indies, split into VP2Exx for Anguilla, VP2Mxx for Montserrat, and VP2Vxx for British Virgin Islands. VP5xxx is for the Turks and Caicos Islands, VP6xxx for Pitcairn Island, VP8xxx for the Falklands, and VP9xxx for Bermuda.

Online callbooks or call sign databases can be searched to find who has a specific call sign. An example is QRZ.com. Lists of famous people with amateur radio call signs have been made and shared.

Many places (but not the U.K. or Europe) give special vehicle registration plates to licensed amateur radio operators. The fees for these plates are usually lower than normal special plate fees.

Privileges

In most countries, unlike other radio users, amateur radio operators can build or change their own radio equipment without government approval. Licensed operators can use any frequency in their bands and run medium to high power, as long as they follow rules about signal strength, power, and avoiding unwanted signals.

Amateur radio operators can use frequencies all over the radio spectrum, usually picking a good frequency for talking across towns, countries, or the world. Shortwave bands work for worldwide talking, VHF and UHF bands for local or regional talking, and microwave bands for things like amateur television and fast computer networks.

In most countries, a license lets the holder own, change, and use equipment without government certification. This lets operators try building or changing their own equipment. They must still follow national and international rules about unwanted signals.

Amateur radio operators try to use as little power as needed to talk, to avoid disturbing other devices. Even though power levels are moderate compared to commercial use, they are enough for global communication. Lower license levels usually have lower power limits; for example, the lowest license in the UK (Foundation licence) allows up to 25 W.

Power limits differ between countries and license levels. For example, the highest license levels allow up to 2.25 kW in Canada; 1.5 kW in the United States; 1.0 kW in Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand; 750 W in Germany; 500 W in Italy; 400 W in Australia and India; and 150 W in Oman.

Power limits can also depend on the type of signal. In Australia, 400 W can be used for SSB signals, but FM and other types are limited to 120 W.

Where the power is measured can affect the signal: The United Kingdom measures at the point where the antenna connects to the cable, so the system may send more than 400 W to fix signal loss in the cable; the U.S. and Germany measure at the output of the final amplifier, which can lower the effective power with longer cables.^{[citation needed]}

Some countries let license holders use higher power for special purposes. For example, in the UK, some operators can use 2.0 kW (33 dBw) for experiments using the moon as a reflector (known as Earth–Moon–Earth communication) (EME).

Band plans and frequency allocations

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) manages the world’s communication frequencies, with each country’s regulators taking part. National regulators can limit access to these bandplan frequencies or add more, as long as they don’t cause problems for other countries. In some countries, certain types of signals are only allowed in specific parts of the spectrum, and in most countries, groups of International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) members follow plans to make the best use of the spectrum.

In a few places, regulators let amateur radio operators use frequencies outside the usual amateur bands. In Trinidad and Tobago, operators can use a repeater on 148.800 MHz, run by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for emergencies or testing. This repeater can also be used by NEMA staff and REACT members. In Australia and New Zealand, amateur operators can use one of the UHF TV channels. In the U.S., operators can use any frequency, including police and fire frequencies, when needed for immediate safety or property protection when normal systems aren’t working. In Alaska during disasters, they can also use 5.1675 MHz with some limits.

In the United States, operators can join the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS). After approval and training, they can use U.S. military frequencies to support the military with communications and messages.

ZS	The first part may be one or two letters (or a single digit followed by a single letter); it shows the country from which the call sign originates and may also indicate the license class. (This call sign is licensed in South Africa.)
1	The second part is always a single digit that appears as the second or third character, and always follows a letter; it normally gives the subdivision of the country or territory indicated in the first part (this one refers to the Western Cape).
NAT	The third part is a set of one, two, or three letters that immediately follows the digit in the second part (the digit in the second or third character); it uniquely identifies the holder of the license. (In the examples below, the third part is represented by "xxx".)

Modes of communication

Voice

Some of these ways let people talk to each other using their voices. These include:

Amplitude modulation (AM)
Amplitude modulation equivalent (AME)
Double sideband, suppressed carrier (DSB-SC)
Frequency modulation (FM)
Independent sideband (ISB)
Single sideband (SSB)
Phase modulation (PM)

Image

They can also send pictures using special radio methods such as:

Text and data

In the past, people used to send text and data by turning it into sounds and sending it through the radio. But since 2017, many have started using digital methods, like FT8, to share information.

Text-modes include: