Amateur radio is a popular hobby which has been growing since it started over 100 years ago. Here in the United States, there are over 750,000 licensed amateur radio operators, more than any time in the past. There are basic reasons why this hobby is so popular today.
Be a Part of a Community
As an amateur radio operator, you’ll get to speak with lots of different people in lots of different ways who are in lots of different places.
The entry grade license (Technician Class) would give you access to VHF and UHF frequencies that are generally good for local and sometimes regional communications. You’ll get to talk with people in your local community whom are similar minded and possibly have similar goals to you with your hobby. You’ll likely be invited to a local club meetings or other social events. You’ll build a support network of local, like-minded people whom you learn from.
With an upgraded amateur radio license (General or Extra Class), you’ll have access to HF frequencies – otherwise known as “shortwave” to most people. HF frequencies offer the possibility of worldwide wireless communications. You’ll get to speak with people across all lands and all walks of life.
Learn and Explore Radio Technology
Radio technology these days is not just for listening to music and news! There are many new ways to use radio technology to communicate, such as:
- Still image transmission
- Digital keyboard to keyboard modes
- Semi-automated computer transmissions
- Using orbiting satellites specifically made for amateur radio
- Partially internet routed voice modes
- Full TV video
- TCP / computer networking over radio only
- Radio based email and messaging
There’s still plenty of amateur radio using older technologies such as standard analog voice transmissions and even Morse Code as well.
Communications without Infrastructure
The basic amateur radio setup involves a radio and antenna on each end of the conversation with nothing in between. This means there’s nothing to maintain in between the two stations.
There are many advantages to not depending on too much infrastructure. We’ve all experienced how useless our smartphones and other devices become when we don’t have a data connection to a Wifi hotspot or cellular tower. In amateur radio, being out in the wild doesn’t necessarily mean that you are out of touch, and there are no subscription or service plans or fees to pay for.
Emergency Communications and Public Service
When all else fails, amateur radio still works. Many amateur radio operators use their radios in times of need to keep themselves, their families and their community safe during an emergency. The low infrastructure, simplistic nature of most amateur radio modes lend themselves greatly in times of emergency when internet, cellular, A/C mains electricity, and other infrastructure and services are down. Most local communities welcome emergency volunteers whom are knowledgeable in radio technology, and hold amateur radio licenses.
There are also many volunteer opportunities that really need amateur radio operators, such as parades, bike races, triathlons and marathons. The Boston Marathon pulls in hundreds of amateur radio volunteers every year, helping communications for race events and even medical needs.