Back to basics [033]
Greetings from Spain...
HERE
At time of writing there are 161 subscribers to this email. Judging by the post I sent out last week quite a lot of you are either shy or not sure how to visit the web page to join in the conversation. ;-)
Not to worry. There will be other opportunities.
As a number of you are either unlicensed and curious, or freshly qualified M7’s, or US entry level technicians licence, I thought I’d go back to basics. (That’s what my brain understands best.)
For this post I shall jot down some tips on how to get started, add a little introduction to the history, and mention recent developments. This is a wordy post as I’m struggling to upload images on my slither of Spanish data. Perhaps I should use SSTV?
So let us start with the tips…
To get started in Amateur (Ham) Radio, there are a few key steps you should take.
Learn the basics: Before you can start communicating, you'll need to understand the basics of radio waves, frequencies, and the equipment used in amateur radio. There are many resources available online that can help you quickly pick up the basics. Perhaps start with some of the YouTube videos and tutorials. Essex Ham got me started.
Find a local club: Joining a local amateur radio club can be a great way to meet other enthusiasts and learn about the hobby. Clubs often have regular meetings and events, and can also provide resources and support for new hams as well as those yet to be licensed. I visited my local club a few times before taking my first licence and found it a great learning resource. (I have added links to clubs at the bottom of this post.)
Get a license: In most if not all countries you'll need to obtain a license to legally operate amateur radio equipment. The process of obtaining a license varies depending on your country, but typically involves passing an exam that covers the rules and regulations, safety and a little theory connected to amateur radio operation. The first exam should be quite accessible and relatively easy to achieve. Prices for the UK amateur radio exams go up in April with the Foundation Licence exam costing - £32.50, Intermediate - £36.00, and Full - £42.00
Plus in the UK today we saw the first people sitting the straight-to-full exams. It costs £95 and takes 2.5 hours More details on pricing here.
Purchase equipment: Many people start with licence free gear like CB, PMR or GMRS and so have a grasp of how to chat on the air. But once you have a license, you'll most likely need to purchase different equipment to start communicating on the official amateur radio bands with your new legal power limits. This can include a transceiver (a device that can both transmit and receive signals), an antenna, and accessories such as a microphone and headphones. With new radio’s being produced all the time and a busy second hand market, this does not have to be as expensive as it sounds.
Start communicating: Once you have the basics down and have obtained the necessary equipment and license, you can start communicating on air with other amateur radio operators. You can do this by tuning in to specific frequencies, or by participating in organised events such as contests and local nets (regularly scheduled on-air gatherings of operators using repeaters or chatting simplex).
From emergency communication, SOTA, contesting, digital modes or just having casual chit chat, there are too many facets of Amateur radio to list here — but I can assure you there will be some element in the many avenues of this nerdy endeavour that will interest and enthral you.
Outside of connecting you with an international community of like minded individuals, I can safely say there is something for everyone in this fun and rewarding hobby.
So how did it all start?
My ability to research the hazy origins of amateur radio on a 2MB internet connection is frustrating at best, so I have instructed an A.I. chat bot to dig up some ‘facts’ for me. Let me know in the comments if these are in fact facts or a load of tosh.
In a brief summery, the origins of amateur radio can be traced back to the late 19th century, when scientists and inventors began experimenting with wireless communication. In 1894, an Italian physicist named Guglielmo Marconi began experimenting with wireless telegraphy, and in 1895 he succeeded in sending a wireless signal over a distance of one and a half miles. This breakthrough marked the beginning of the modern era of wireless communication.
As wireless technology continued to develop, the first amateur radio operators began to appear. In the United States, the first amateur radio station was established in 1909 by an amateur operator named Hiram Percy Maxim. The station, call sign 1AW, transmitted on the 40-meter band and was operated from Maxim's home in Hartford, Connecticut.
In the following years, amateur radio grew in popularity and the number of operators increased. The London wireless club (now the RSGB) started in 1913 and in 1914, the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) was established. Both organisations serve to promote the interests of amateur radio operators and to provide a platform for them to share information and resources.
During World War I, amateur radio operators played a vital role in providing communications support for the war effort. Many operators were recruited by the military to assist with communications, and many more volunteered their services. After the war, the military recognized the importance of amateur radio and supported its continued development.
In the 1920s and 1930s, amateur radio continued to grow in popularity. Many new bands were made available to amateurs, and new technologies such as voice transmissions and single-sideband modulation were introduced.
During World War II, amateur radio again played a vital role in providing communications support for the war effort. Many amateur operators were recruited by the military, and others volunteered their services. After the war, amateur radio experienced a resurgence in popularity as returning servicemen and women looked for new hobbies.
In the post-war years, amateur radio continued to evolve and grow. New technologies such as television and satellite communications were introduced, and the number of operators continued to increase. In the 1970s and 1980s, the use of personal computers and digital technology revolutionized amateur radio, making it more accessible and easier to use than ever before.
Today, amateur radio is a thriving hobby as well as a service enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. With over 3 million licensed amateur radio operators worldwide, the hobby is more popular than ever. Radio operators continue to make important contributions to society, providing communications support during emergencies and disasters, and promoting international goodwill through on-air contacts with other countries.
There have been several recent innovations in the field of amateur radio:
Digital modes: In recent years, digital modes such as PSK31, RTTY, and JT65 have become increasingly popular among amateur radio operators. These modes allow for more efficient use of the radio spectrum and can provide better quality audio and data transmissions.
Software-defined radio (SDR): SDR technology has become more widely available and affordable, allowing amateur radio operators to build and operate radios that can be programmed and controlled by computer. This enables greater flexibility and more efficient use of the radio spectrum.
Small satellites: The development of small, low-cost satellites has made it possible for amateur radio operators to design, build, and launch their own satellites. This has led to a growing community of amateur satellite operators and an increase in the number of amateur radio payloads launched into space.
Remote operation: Advances in internet technology and cloud-based services have enabled amateur radio operators to remotely control their stations from anywhere in the world. Allowing greater flexibility and opportunities for experimentation, as well as the ability to operate from locations where it would otherwise be difficult or impossible to set up a physical station.
Emergency communications: Many amateur radio operators have been trained and equipped to provide communications support during disasters and other emergency situations, and organisations such as the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and RAYNET-UK have been established to coordinate these efforts.
5G and IoT: The rise of 5G and IoT, has also prompted a renewed interest in amateur radio, as the technology allows for the development of new applications and services, including new forms of digital communication, the use of small, low-cost devices, and the ability to connect to the Internet of Things.
So as you can see, amateur radio has continued to change and adapt to new technologies and innovations. That intern has made it more accessible, efficient, and versatile than ever before. Even more for you to get your teeth into!
ONAIR
I’m considering including a section entitled ‘Things talked about on the net’.
This week featured the contents of your washing machine filter… £4.50 for one person vs 50p for another… Hospital appointments and lots of people starting statements “I shouldn’t really say this on air but…”
Also don’t let anything get in the way of you going for your licence. I’m mildly number dyslexic and struggle with maths under pressure. I still got my Full licence, albeit on my second attempt. And while mobile last week I got to chatting with Alan M7XLX on GB3EM. He told me he can’t read or write but thanks to a local club he was able to pass his M7.
Good luck!
ELSEWHERE
England’s first female amateur radio operators
If you are wondering why I’m in Spain I have another newsletter you can subscribe to here…
FINALS
Thanks for reading and I hope subscribing.
Please share this wherever you think it might resonate.
You are some of the more curious people in radio ;-) And I thank you.
I’m going to finish that bottle of wine that features in the top image and attempt to decipher some of the chatter on the local Spanish repeater in Valencia. I’ll be back in Blighty next week. Till then, don’t forget you can comment, ‘like’ or call CQ.
Over
73 de Christian G5DOC
