HAM radio? What's the big deal?

[Stormstaff]

Ok, honestly, I haven't researched it to see what it's all about but what is it all about?

Is it just for shouting out to folks in far off lands without having to use phones and such?

Sorry for sounding dumb but this is one subject that I can say with all honesty that I'm truly dumb about.

Thanks!

[Quill]

They work where cell phones don't. If there is a major disaster they don't use cell phones for emergencies. Plus repeaters are set up by dedicated people who keep them going. Armature radio people are as dedicated as bush crafters.

[Panzer]

HAM played a big role in Katrina and other natural disaster. Messages where relayed by HAM operators all over the US and the world letting people know they where all right or what supplies where needed. My SAR team uses HAM as our primary communication. Plus it's allot of fun being able to talk to people all over the world.

[dwightp]

When the world comes to a grinding halt one day and NOTHING is working......cell towers, electricity, water, gas, power, computer lines, phone lines, etc., etc., HAM radio operators will still be talking to each other throughout the world. It doesn't take much imagine to see how vital that will be.

[OnTheLambWildman]

An M.D. I used to work with is a big time HAM. He loves it. I regret not taking him up on his offer to show me how to build one from scratch and all of the details about them. He builds them and sells them for fun. Funny you bring this up today. I ordered the Level 1 book from ARRL about two weeks ago so I can get my license. I started thinking of it more if I ever build my dream cabin in the bush. Still the best way of communicating from out there. I think HAM radio pertains to what I call "Modern day bushcraft". Thanks for bringing this up. There should be a sub forum on here dedicated to all the HAMS and people interested so they can get together.

[Panzer]

ham test online is a great resource for getting your ticket

[Buckskin]

Ham operators are used often in emergencies and various activities. For example, Amateur Radio operators provide the primary communications for the OKC Marathon.

Like may have said when all else fails Amateur Radio is there with people standing by to help.

Until then it sure can be fun talking to people from all over.

[traversing]

Amateur radio is another tool for your tool box of emergency preparedness. You can talk with folks far and near, individuals and public safety monitor specific bands for emergencies. Been a ham for about ten years, used it for storm spotting, and call for emergency assistance in the mountains of Colorado.

[SIXFOOTER]

Yep, all the above. I was one of the first on the street several times after a couple disasters and let me tell ya, folks were glad we were there. I was the guy on the radio talking to the dispatcher when the plane crashed at DFW, we passed each other in a cow pasture, he went to use the rig in my car to bring up up the RACES net because he couldn't hit the repeater with his HT. I was the first guy rolling through the street when the tornado went through paris texas, helped get the FD and Police to where they needed to be. I was also one of the first on the street here in S Fla after Wilma. Hams are almost always first on scene and last to leave and we make a difference.

[Buffalo37]

My Dad,Grandfather and Grandmother were all HAM's Granddad used to do phone patches for the guy's stationed at Cape Christian in the Baffin Islands all the time...I remember him being on there for hours talking to other HAM's around the world...I have a QSL card he got from King Hussein of Jordan...back in the day HAM radio was the Sh!t!!!...still does a great service!!!