Like many folks I have been interested in this subject lately – and with good reason it seems, as I hear more and more about the potential for insidious cyber-attacks.
If the world goes quiet – there will only be a few of us who may have the ability to communicate with emergency services – and other ham radio operators as well, or course. I thought it was time to start doing some research.
I found out the first ham station was operated by the Harvard Radio Club, way back in 1908. The names of the three gentlemen that started this station were Albert Hyman, Bob Almy, and Poogie Murray. HAM. I thought the name Poogie was interesting enough for me to continue my research.
So what type of people typically operate ham radios? Anyone and everyone! It is recommended that everyone should own at least a short-wave radio. Listen at first – no requirements at this stage to have a license.
There are 3 categories: hobbyists, gamers (who compete in local, national, and worldwide competitions), and preppers. I don’t have a love for electronics to be a hobbyist …nor the time or desire to join competitions…so I guess this makes me a prepper.
Ham radio works through the usage of radio waves. Radio waves are electromagnetic energy moving at the speed of light which are comprised or a wavelength and a frequency. These waves can be both transmitted and received by parties. Hence the term for the equipment: transmitters and receivers. In the case of the ham radio, it is invariably the same device that allow reception and transmission. This is called a transceiver.
Similar to AM & FM, basic ham radio is restricted to listening (receiving) only. Much like listening to the radio. One can transmit to others, but this would require a general ham license. How far your signal will reach is determined by a few factors. Equipment strength, antenna size, chosen broadcast frequency (think channels –like tv stations) and very importantly the topography of where you are. Mountains, hills, trees etc. block or prevent the travel of ham radio signals. This can be bypassed somewhat by choosing the right channel, and or antenna design and location. The most basic and affordable ham radio units will limit two parties’ communication to just a few miles with a with a direct line of sight between them — giving a maximum communication reach at approximately 6 miles between the two — although I still need some clarification on this as many sources mention larger figures here. Using more powerful ham radios, the direct communication distance between the two parties can increase to over 30 miles when there are no obstacles present.
Repeater stations are used to get ‘long distance calls’ going on ham radios. These are tall tower antennas and generally located on hilltops and mountains which overcome the limitations of obstacle blockages. There are thousands of repeater stations located throughout the US. Unfortunately, repeaters are powered by normal grid connections – which would not help me in a black-out situation.
To be able to communicate without repeaters, one needs to acquire longer-wavelength HF (high frequency) bands equipment. You will need a license.
There are mobile radio services – General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). I like this idea. But, of course, you will need a license for that as well. Bummer. Luckily we have individuals in the area that are highly knowledgeable in these areas of both equipment and licensing!
One of these ham radio aficionado types – Fred Stark – will be speaking at ArkLight April 28th 7-9pm – during their regular Thursday potluck. If you have any interest in ham radio like myself – this would be a great opportunity to learn more about it!
- Heather Wentworth