Electromagnetic Spectrum
Electromagnetic Spectrum (Wikipedia)
Amateur radio as a hobby is centred around an exploration of aspects of the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light is only a small part of that spectrum. For radio amateurs, they typically operate on legally allocated bands (or frequencies) from 135.7 kHz to 250 GHz. In the diagram above, most amateur radio operators operated from microwaves to radio and TV. Shortwave or high frequency (HF) is very common for long distance radio communications. Very high frequency (VHF) or ultra high frequency (UHF) is commonly used for shorter distance radio communications.
40 Metre CW or Morse Code (Wikipedia)
There are many modes of radio communications. Voice (VOX) or telephony is the usual method of voice-to-voice communications. Morse code is a traditional method in amateur radio for communicating using dots and dashes. While it may seem archaic, it requires very simple equipment and not much power. Digital modes (RTTY, FT-8, Olivia, PSK etc.) are another method of sending text messages or even images and files over the airwaves. Some of these methods incorporated advanced mathematical methods such as forward error correction. This allows weak signals to be detected. These techniques originate from radio astronomy and the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI).
Somewhat Technical
Generally a very basic high school level of understanding of science is all that is needed. There is no age limit (lower or upper). Visually impaired persons can be accommodated and are quite adept at the use of Morse Code.
While a basic level of knowledge is necessary for passing the exams and getting licensed, one should not be put off by this.
Some might see "HAM Radio" as being archaic or old fashioned. It is not and the hobby incorporates computers, internet, satellites, advanced signal processing techniques and state of the art techology. Indeed many an IT professional has realized the allure of the hobby. Physics is physics regardless of its application in the amateur radio service or in its application in other areas...
A Hobby Limited by Imagination
The limits of amateur radio are only constrained by one's imagination. For many this hobby is a stepping stone into becoming a technologist or engineer or scientist. Here is a list of some of the activities that the members of the Yellowknife Amateur Radio Society have engaged in:
- contests (national and international);
- antenna design and construction;
- radio direction finding (Fox Hunting/ARDF) (cross between direction finding and orienteering);
- emergency preparedness planning and exercises;
- amateur radio astronomy and astronomy;
- observing atmospheric phenomena (RF propagation, solar noise, effects of aurora);
- computer programming;
- digital signals and modes of communications;
- very weak signals;
- study of the weather (thunderstorms, refraction of light in ice etc.);
- satellite tracking and communications;
- electronics, building of radios and test equipment, lasers, microwaves etc.;
- website design;
- bookkeeping;
- desktop publishing.
Going Global
To get a better flavour of the hobby, one might try any of the following:
- Radio Amateurs of Canada;
- Fédération des clubs de radioamateurs du Québec
- Radio Society of Great Britain;
- REF-Union (France);q
- American Amateur Radio Relay League;
- eham.net;
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
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What Is Ham Radio? How Amateur Radio Works (No Internet Required)