HAMS ARE EVERYWHERE!

Amateur Radio is open and accessible to everyone. Hams are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and physical abilities who are part of a unique worldwide community of licensed radio hobbyists. These individuals come from all walks of life. Some are even well-known celebrities. They have one thing in common, however.

All find joy and excitement by experiencing radio communication and electronics on a very personal level.

Fig 1.1 — Sue Cook, AI6YL enjoys operating RTTY. She is shown here as P4ØYL, operating from the island of Aruba in the 2010 ARRL RTTY Roundup contest. (AI6YL photo)


How can you spot a radio amateur? Sometimes it’s easy. The driver of that car in front of you sporting an “odd-looking” antenna may be a ham who’s equipped his vehicle for mobile operation. Your neighbor on the next block with the wires strung between trees or, perhaps, a tower supporting what looks like a very large television antenna probably is one too.

Modern technology continues to make ham radio more accessible to all, including those on a tight budget or confronting physical challenges. People who are not as mobile as they’d like to be find the world of Amateur Radio a rewarding place to make friends — on the next block or around the globe. It’s possible for a ham to control a transmitting and receiving station via the Internet using a laptop computer, even if that station is thousands of miles distant.

Fig 1.2 — Ham radio contests or “radiosport” cross borders around the world. Here, David Hodge, XE1/N6AN and Ramon Santiago V, XE1KK operate during the IARU HF World Championships, held every year in July. (XE1KK photo)

For many radio amateurs, a relaxing evening at home is having a two-way radio conversation with a friend in Frankfort, Kentucky — or even Frankfurt, Germany. Unlike any other hobby, Amateur Radio recognizes no international or political boundaries, and it brings the world together as good friends.