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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur Radio, also called "ham radio", is a non-commercial radio communication service whose primary aims are public service, technical training/experimentation, and communication between private persons.
Amateur radio operators are commonly called "hams". Hams often communicate with each other recreationally, but also provide communications for others at public events or in times of emergency.
Amateur radio is not the same as AM/FM radio. Besides other differences, amateurs don't "broadcast" to the general public or air music or commercials over their radios. As stated above, amateur radio is a service as well as a hobby.
While AM radio uses a "band" of frequencies around 1 Megahertz (MHz), and FM radio is around 100 MHz, ham radio has many different "bands". They are basically divided between VHF (very high frequency, 50 MHz and higher) and HF ("high" frequency, below 50 MHz) bands.
Morse code knowledge is no longer required for an amateur radio license.
Who can become a HAM?
In the USA, anyone who is not a representative of a foreign government may hold an amateur radio license. You do not have to be a citizen to obtain a license. You do have to pass an exam to get the license.
These requirements are similar in almost every country.
How can I join TriCounty Amateur Radio Club?
Joining is easy! Simply complete the on line application! (See the Club Membership link on the On Line Forms Menu - top left)
Membership in TriCounty Amateur Radio Club is open to anyone interested in Amateur Radio. A radio license is not required for membership however, voting members must hold a valid amateur radio license.
For more information, please contact one of our club officers or any club member.
What can I do with a HAM Radio License?
There are so many things, it's a difficult question to answer, but here are some ideas:
- Talk to people (local or distant) on your drive to work.
- Provide vital communication services to local Emergency Management organizations.
- Talk to people across the globe.
- Provide communications during parades or walkathons.
- Contact the International Space Station. (every Astronaut also just happens to be a ham!)
- Hook your computer to your radio and communicate by computers.
- Through Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS), track the location of your friends and other hams - live - with GPS.
- Collect QSL cards (similar to postcards, from other hams acknowledging radio contact with you) from all over the United States, foreign countries, or even remote islands. Receive awards for the number you collect.
- Earn points in QSL contests or Field Day events.
- Call for emergency help even when other methods fail (i.e. during a blizzard).
- Help members of the US military communicate with their families at home by joining MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System).
- Communicate with your friends and family - anywhere - without depending on a corporate network (like cellphone or internet providers).
- Participate in transmitter hunt games ("foxhunts"). Use the club's direction-finding antennas, or build your own equipment.
- Have someone to talk to on those sleepless nights at home.
- Receive weather pictures via satellites.
- Build your own radios, antennas, and more, learning some electronics and radio theory along the way.
- Continue your professional development in many fields, with a hands-on, fun hobby.
- Advance the state-of-the-art in a number of sciences - radiowave propagation, microwave research, electronics... the list goes on and on.
- Measure "space weather" and changes in radio propagation.
- Send and receive live television pictures.
- Meet other people who are interested in some of these topics; help other people to enjoy science and become hams themselves.
What can I NOT do with a HAM Radio license?
The most important thing you can't do is transact business of any kind over ham radio (under new FCC rules, some types of personal business transactions are now allowed, but there are still major limitations).
Interference to other hams or services, as well as obscene, profane or indecent language is not tolerated and is illegal. Music and broadcasting messages to the general public are not allowed on ham radio.
Some personal conversations may not be appropriate for amateur radio. Do you really want the whole world to hear about Aunt Mabel's arthritis? Remember that anything you transmit may be heard by others.
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