Often called “ham radio,” the Amateur Radio Service is a worldwide community of licensed operators using the airwaves with every conceivable means of communications technology. It is made up of people who enjoy learning and being able to transmit voice, data, and pictures through the airwaves to others across town, around the world and as far as the International Space Station without depending on commercial systems. The amateur radio frequencies are the last remaining place in the usable radio spectrum where an individual can develop and experiment with wireless communications. Not only can hams build and modify their equipment, but they can also create new ways to communicate via the airwaves — and do it as a globally connected community. Many people in the hobby form lifelong friendships with people they wouldn’t have otherwise met.
Once you get your entry level Technician license you can start talking to people with your ham radio, provide emergency communications and use repeaters all over the world. The exam is a 35 multiple choice questions on basic electronics, regulations and safety.
It’s a pretty unique hobby, part science, part community and part preparedness.
