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Amateur Radio FAQ
This page answers a few Frequently Asked Questions about amateur radio.
What is amateur (ham) radio?
Is amateur radio still around?
What's the appeal of amateur radio?
How can amateur radio help in an emergency?
Do hams still use Morse code?
Do I need a license?
How can I learn more?
What is amateur (ham) radio?
More than a hobby, amateur radio is a multifaceted radiocommunications service practiced by self-trained individuals who engage in personal wireless communications and electronics experimentation on a strictly noncommercial basis. In addition to the numerous fun and diverse activities it offers, amateur radio has a more serious side of providing volunteer emergency communications in times of natural disasters or civil emergencies.
Is amateur radio still around?
Yes! There are over 650,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the US with about 6,000 in New Mexico. Amateur radio is alive and thriving.
What's the appeal of amateur radio?
World-wide communications without a cell phone or the Internet. Fail-safe communications in an emergency. Talk from your car across town or across the continent (no monthly fee or minute charges). Radio and electronics experimentation. On-the-air contests. Satellite communications (yes, there are amateur radio satellites in orbit). Contact the space station astronauts. Meet new friends. A life-long hobby!
How can amateur radio help in an emergency?
In a natural disaster or civil emergency, cell phones and the Internet are often not available, or are so overburdened as to be useless. However, amateur radio operators can utilize a variety of different modes, frequencies, and techniques to get messages through when commercial means fail. Hams regularly train under simulated emergency conditions, including operating without commercial power. The Web site Emergency Radio further describes how valuable amateur radio can be when an emergency strikes, allowing you and your family to communicate with each other and the outside world.
Do hams still use Morse code?
Yes, Morse code is still a very popular mode with many hams, and a very efficient means of getting a message through under noisy radio conditions. However, you do not need to learn Morse code to get an amateur radio license.
Do I need a license?
Yes. All amateur radio operators in the US are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Passing a basic 35-question examination is the minimum requirement. As of February 23, 2007 when new FCC rules took effect, you no longer need to know Morse code to obtain any class of US amateur radio license.
How can I learn more?
There are many sources of information to learn more about amateur radio. On the Internet we recommend the American Radio Relay League Web site as an excellent source of information.
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