Greg Molloy - Ham Radio

Ham Radio

From Beginner to Badass

By Greg Molloy

Introduction

A lso called amateur radio, this fascinating hobby puts together various skillsets that can connect you to your locality, the country, the world and even the depths of outer space.

Interestingly, it operates on some very basic radiofrequency communication principles. Other ham radio practitioners that tune in on your frequency will pick up your casts and share messages with you.

This manual will take you from a complete beginner to a passionate expert. From getting started to troubleshooting issues on your own, you will learn everything there is in between.

One good thing about this hobby is that it also serves as a great communication tool in times of need. In an age where most communication is done via satellite or internet, ham radio is an age-old classic that remains relevant because of its independence from conventional technologies.

You dont have to worry about deep technical terminologies and engineering principles. This guide will fill you in without having to earn yourself a degree in communications engineering.

Please enjoy this book and this interesting hobby!

Copyright 2016 by Greg Molloy All rights reserved.

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Chapter 1 Ham 101

B efore questioning the relevance of pork slices to radio communication, its best to have an understanding of what ham radio is and why its still a popular hobby for most people.

WHAT IS HAM RADIO?

Imagine your favorite radio station. Have you visited their broadcast site? What does it look like? Have you seen live video casts during their on-time? Did you notice the various machines that are there?

Take that mental picture and crop out the image of your favorite DJ with nothing against them and plaster your face behind the microphone.

That is ham radio in a nutshell. Its setting up your own broadcast site with which you communicate to other ham users all over the world. No, youre not competing with your favorite station. Youre merely setting up your own channel, which functions over a set amount of frequencies that other ham radio operators use. Its like the internet without the Wi-FiWi-Fi or DSL connection at home, of course sans the browsing as well.

Think of it as a large network of other users that have also set up their own stations and frequencies.

WHY WOULD I WANT THAT?

In todays internet-dependent society, almost everything you do requires either a mobile phone or a computer with internet access. Ham radio doesnt need that. To communicate with other operators, you just need your radio. You can do that from your basement or at the top of an isolated mountain.

One of the biggest appeals of ham radio comes in the form of public service. When hurricane Katrina struck, ham radio operators banded together to help save lives and deliver critical information and data when phone lines and the internet went down.

On top of that, ham radio is a great way to meet interesting people. With over a thousand radio clubs that communicate over great distances, you never know whom youre going to meet!

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

Do I have to be an engineer?

Not at all. The thing with radio communications is that the tools and knowledge used to operate them are within reach, such as this manual. Although a deep technical knowledge of radiofrequency technology is a plus, a degree is not really necessary.

Do I have to spend a fortune?

Not a fortune, but you will have to spend money to get started. Its not just with the equipment, but you will also have to get a license to be allotted a unique broadcast call sign.

For a complete beginner, you can get started with under $100. This guide will show you how. However, quite a few long-time ham radio operators have invested thousands of dollars in the latest gear so they can have a wider audience. This manual will help you get there as well.

Do I have to understand Morse code?

It used to be a prerequisite to getting a license, but the ARRL has removed this section from their licensure exams.

One of the things you can do with ham radio is send messages in Morse code to other ham users. When microphones and speakers are down, Morse code was the only way to get messages across during times of emergencies.

It isnt really difficult to learn Morse code. Think of it as another way to appreciate the alphabet. Although its not necessary, this guide will also help you master Morse code as part of being an expert ham user.

Will I get in trouble with my neighbors?

Not at all. Take note that youre not operating on the same frequency as other popular FM stations. Youre on a different plane through which you communicate. One common problem that ham users face are neighbors that dont understand their machinery and blame them when their satellite TVs and internet connections go down. Youre not going to be a pest.