Amateur Radio: General Information
Ham Radio Operators are your neighbors young and old. Some speak into microphones, others "Pound Brass" (Send Morse Code), and now many connect their computers for Digital Communications. They operate their stations big and small, with equipment that sometimes resembles a small computer and calculator more than a radio. There are even Radio Amateurs that operate equipment powered with vaccuum tubes from the 1940s-50s. By contrast the International Space Station and orbiting Satellites are regularly contacted by many "Hams" that realize that the sky is not the limit. Make new friends a world or a neighborhood away, it is your choice. Please come to a meeting of your local radio club and learn more about this exciting, educational, and interesting hobby that serves your community.
AMATEUR RADIO OPERATION
- VOICE CONTACTS-Using Single Sideband, Frequency and Amplitude
Modulation
- MORSE CODE-Use a hand-key, semi-automatic keyer or computer keyboard
- COMPUTER-Fill your screen with Packet, FAX, and Surf Ham Radio Waves
on the Web
- SATELLITES-The Sky's not the limit with radio, Space Stations &
Shuttles too!
- REPEATERS-Local or on the road, a hand-held radio keeps you connected
- TELEVISION-Send images from your station, a model rocket, or a balloon
payload
- HANDHELD RADIOS-A complete radio station in pocket or purse
- MOBILE-From your car, boat, bike, airplane, or even a spacecraft,
radio is on the go
AMATEUR RADIO ACTIVITIES
- EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS-Prepare and Drill for Disaster Service
- COMMUNITY SERVICE-Help with Parades, Special Events and Educational
Projects
- TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE-Our hundred's of years of combined experience
can help you
- LICENSING INFORMATION & REFERRAL-We will help you get licensed
- MONTHLY MEETINGS-Come and meet people young and old with a common
interest
- AREA-WIDE MEETINGS-Electronic Swap & Sell, Seminars, Picnics and
Dinners
- CONTEST OPERATIONS-Local and world-wide contests, all modes of
operating fun
Amateur Radio licensing has undergone drastic changes and simplification in the last few years. Morse Code is NOT required for an entry level license now. Increased privilges with graduated levels of technical expertise will give greater radio privileges. The test questions are periodically revised and published for study, to reflect the various "elements" of the FCC exams that are used to determine license class. Various study guides and testing programs are being updated to reflect these changes. It has never been as easier to earn your Amateur Radio License!
A typical Amateur Radio Club's members comprise hundreds of years of experience. Someone at a radio club helped most of us get started, find new or used equipment, put up our antennas and answered our questions. They are waiting to help you get started too.
The Trinity County Amateur Radio Club will assist you in self-guided study, Internet Courses and periodic evening and weekend classes.
ARRL "Now YOU ARE TALKING" $20 Ham Radio License Book- NO MORSE CODE REQUIRED!
- ALL YOU NEED... Your Local Radio Club will help you.
Last Updated: January 7, 2005