Amateur radio, also known as “ham radio” has been around since the introduction of the wireless telegraph. Governed by the FCC, amateurs are allotted radio frequencies in which to operate, facilitating the hobby and when needed, emergency communications throughout the effected communities. Radio amateurs are very diverse in nature, coming from all walks of life with a common goal, to participate in an exciting and ever changing field of communications that benefits their community.

It wasn’t that long ago in our county… the communications infrastructure in our surrounding communities was threatened by hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma, but through it all, amateur radio operators continued to communicate even when the power was out and cellular and land-line telephone systems had failed!

Some of you may remember the feeling of isolation for that period of time. Was there someone you wanted to check on and couldn’t? Did you need assistance and couldn’t summons it? Maybe you are self-sufficient and would like to fill the gap for those that fit these questions.

Wireless communications through amateur radio bridges the gap. It’s a vital hobby to local communications and one that all may take part in; it’s easy, fun and rewarding!

Let’s take a quick look at amateur radio, what it is and what it’s not. Over the past decades, with the marked increase in cellular, many have looked at amateur radio as a lost art… one that will soon fade into our history books

You may not know this but as recent as the last hurricanes, amateur radio logged numerous entries in our local history. While cellular communications prove invaluable to our daily lives, during times of emergency the infrastructure can become stressed or worse, fail. Amateur radio requires little to no infrastructure to operate and by nature, the operators, people just like you, are always prepared to make contact in any eventuality.

But what about Morse code, who needs it? Well, amateur radio is not Morse code; Morse code is only one aspect of the whole and one that is not required to become licensed to operate a radio. There are three levels of licensure issued by the FCC; they are Technician, General and Amateur Extra, none of which require Morse Code as of February 23, 2008. The entry level license, Technician class, is easy to attain and will offer local communications ability on the VHF and UHF bands or frequencies. General and Amateur Extra class levels require more advanced understanding of radio and electronics theory, for which you gain additional band or frequency privileges which will enable you to communicate all the way around the world!

Are you a parent? Amateur radio is a fun hobby for kids and one that, with your participation, can increase the amount of quality time you enjoy with each other. In many cases, amateur radio inspires a career path for kids as it opens the world of wireless and electronics to them. Best of all it’s free and there are no age requirements!

Visit the ARRL "Hello" campaign website to learn more about amateur radio and how to become a "ham"

Karen and I are members of the Martin County ARES/RACES, it’s an all volunteer organization tasked with facilitating local communications in the event of an emergency. As a group we offer our community, free classes throughout the year, including amateur licensing and emergency communications classes. You can email us here or contact the Martin County ARES/RACES for more information! Other member organizations that we belong to include the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), Jupiter Tequesta Repeater Group, Martin County Amateur Radio Association (MCARA) and Skywarn. Additionally, Karen and I are Volunteer Examiners (VE) through the ARRL VEC.

73 “Best Regards” K4OCD