Why is it called a ham radio?

The word “HAM” as applied to 1908 was the station CALL of the first amateur wireless station operated by some amateurs of the Harvard Radio Club. They were ALBERT S. HYMAN, BOB ALMY and POOGIE MURRAY.

What does the term ham radio stand for?

Amateur radio operators are also known as radio amateurs or hams. The term "ham" as a pejorative nickname for amateur radio operators was first heard in 1909 by operators in commercial and professional radio communities. The word was subsequently embraced by the operators, and stuck.

What makes a ham radio a ham radio?

So, what is ham radio? Often called “amateur” radio, ham radio is all about using radio frequencies for communication. The ham radio range is a specific part of your radio frequency. These lines are always open for communication and offer a place to get help in times of crisis.

What's the difference between CB and ham radio?

Ham Radio Power vs CB Power

CB is capped at 4 watts of power by the FCC. Ham radio is capped at 1500 watts of power by the FCC. Ham radio is literally, potentially 375x more capable than CB. Now, if you run that much power, you are going to need a good dual battery setup and a high output alternator.

Can a CB talk to a ham radio?

Can a Ham Radio Talk to a CB Radio? The short and quick answer to whether you can talk to CB radio with your ham radio is: Yes, you can. CB radios operate in the HF range on the 11m band. Ham radios can communicate in the HF range on the 10m and 12m band, both of which are pretty close to the citizen's band.

Why is it called Ham Radio?

What happens if you use a ham radio without a license?

Federal law generally prohibits radio broadcasts without a license issued by the FCC. Anyone found operating a radio station without FCC authorization can be subject to a variety of enforcement actions, including seizure of equipment, fines and other civil and criminal penalties.

Does anyone use ham radios anymore?

Popularity of Ham Radios Today

In the US, there are more than 750,000 amateur radio license holders, with this number growing at a modest 1% per year, according to the National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL), and over half of these people also hold a Technician license.

Can you play music on ham radio?

The reasoning behind this rule is that the amateur radio bandwidth is a scarce resource, and individuals trying to communicate can't compete with commercial broadcasters transmitting music. So commercial, broadcast, and music are all illegal in amateur radio, to preserve the spectrum for our use.

Is amateur radio FM or AM?

Frequency modulation, FM is used in many areas of amateur or ham radio, particular on the VHF and UHF bands as well as Ten Metres. Frequency modulation provides many advantages when used for amateur radio communications.

Why do hams say 73?

73 is an old telegraph code that means "best regards". 73, as well as 88 (which means "hugs and kisses") are part of the language of ham radio.

Why are amateurs called hams?

The word “HAM” as applied to 1908 was the station CALL of the first amateur wireless station operated by some amateurs of the Harvard Radio Club. They were ALBERT S. HYMAN, BOB ALMY and POOGIE MURRAY.

What is the range of ham radio?

Average ranges between two average base station radios: Ham: 18 miles. CB: 14 miles. MURS: 10 miles.

What is the most popular ham band?

20 metres – 14.0–14.35 MHz – Considered the most popular DX band; usually most popular during daytime.

What bands can a general transmit on?

Generals can transmit on two new longwave bands that are below the AM broadcast band, as well as 10 HF bands that allow worldwide communications in a variety of modes. Many hams who go for the General class license do so because they want those HF privileges.

Will ham radios work after an EMP?

The best option would be investing in a radio (short and long wave) like this CB radio here or a HAM radio, or both. Paired up with your more basic walkie talkie for short range communication, you should do just fine with communicating after an EMP.

Is Amateur Radio Legal?

Since 1912, a federal license has been required to operate a ham radio legally—a seemingly reasonable mandate since operators make use of public airwaves, which are under FCC regulation.

How much does a ham radio cost?

The lowest starting point is around $100. This will buy you a basic low power short distance radio and cover the cost of your ham radio license exam and study books. Second-hand equipment is perfect at this stage and a shortwave transceiver and a simple antenna could be less than $400.

How do I talk on ham radio?

On CW, you make a call to anyone on the ham band by sending the letters "CQ" as one word. To try to talk to someone, you must send "CQ" and hopefully another ham will hear your CQ and answer it. Don't be surprised if you don't get an answer. Try for about 3-4 minutes before changing frequencies.

Are ham radio operators weird?

Ham radio operators tend to be a little different than most folks. They do mundane things, such as talking to people around the county and around the world about the weather and normal life, but they also prepare for the worst that can happen.

Why is ham radio a hobby?

Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.

What can you hear on ham radio?

Ham radio operators use the 2-meter band for general conversations as well as for emergency communications. Ham radio operators are often the first called upon to assist in major disasters with communications between the public and emergency services such a law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services.

How hard is the ham radio test?

The Technician and General License exams each have 35 questions, and the Amateur Extra has 50. In order to pass the each test, you must get at least a 74%. For Technician and General, this means you must get 26 questions right out of the 35 questions.

Can walkie-talkies be traced?

2 way radios are difficult to trace. Two-way radios, also known as walkie-talkies, remain popular even after the advent of cell phones. Police and security forces, the armed forces, event managers, hunters and many others use them. Two-way radios are extremely difficult to trace.

How does ham radio work during disasters?

Amateur Radio operators have informal and formal groups to coordinate communication during emergencies. At the local level, hams may participate in local emergency organizations, or organize local "traffic nets" using VHF (very high frequencies) and UHF (ultra high frequencies).

How far can you talk on 80 meters?

The ionosphere's D-layer also affects 80 meters significantly by absorbing signals. During the daylight hours, a station in middle or high latitudes using 100 watts and a simple dipole antenna can expect a maximum communication range of 200 miles (300 km), extending to a few thousand miles or more at night.