About Amateur Radio
How do amateur radio operators communicate?
How do amateur radio operators communicate?
Amateur operators have several options at their disposal, including:
- VHF and UHF communication - Typically, hams communicate using voice in this mode. People are most familiar with the idea of "walkie talkies" or mobile radios such as you would see in a police car or taxi cab, and these are the types of radios used by hams in VHF and UHF. Hams can communicate directly radio-to-radio by transmitting and receiving on the same frequency (simplex mode). Consumer-grade FRS/GMRS radios, such as the popular Motorola Talkabouts, operate in this manner. However, amateur radio operators also can use repeaters to extend their signal. A repeater is a radio system that receives a signal on one frequency and transmits it on another frequency at a much higher power, sometimes as much as 50 watts or more. This enables amateur radio operators to use small, 5 watt walkie talkies (what we call handheld transceivers, or HTs) on two frequencies to communicate over distances of many miles.
- DX - DX stands for "distant communications." It involves the use of high-frequency (HF) bands to communicate around the globe.
- CW - CW stands for "continuous wave." It is more commonly known as Morse Code. CW is often understandable in circumstances where voice traffic would be lost in background noise.
- Digital Modes - This is quickly becoming a popular area of amateur radio. Amateur radio operators can connect computers to their radios and send emails or other computer files over-the-air from one radio to another radio, where the information is downloaded by another computer. This is all done without any use of the Internet, so even when all communications and commercial power are down, amateur radio operators can continue to send information back and forth.
- Amateur Television - With the right equipment, amateur radio operators can send video files over-the-air, which can be particularly helpful in circumstances such as wildfires, natural disasters, and so on.
Amateur radio is NOT:
- Citizen's Band (CB) - limited to 4 watts; vulnerable to atmospheric conditions
- Family Radio Service (FRS) - limited to 500 milliwatts; detachable antennas not allowed; UHF band
- General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) - limited to 5 or 50 watts, depending on channel; UHF band; requires purchase of an FCC license
- Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) - limited to 2 watts; VHF band
- Business band or public safety band radios - practical and legal considerations dictate use of radios in these frequencies; limited to particular frequencies by FCC licenses
Amateur radio operators are thoroughly familiar with all of the above modes of radio communication. They often own radios for each of the services above and may use them in their work to support the public. Amateur radio, however, is significantly broader than any of these options due to its flexibility of operating modes, use of high power and higher quality antennas, and the vast radio spectrum available.
How can amateur radio support your agency or non-profit organization?
How can amateur radio support your agency or non-profit organization?
Warren County ARES can provide:
- Trained amateur radio communicators
- Portable or fixed-location communications capability (we provide all of our own equipment)
- Coordination with amateur radio operations in surrounding counties
- Tested and reliable VHF/UHF radio communication from anywhere within Warren County, and the ability to link to amateur radio systems in other surrounding counties
- Communication that is independent of the power grid (through use of batteries and generators)
- Relief on strained public service channels through the use of varied amateur radio frequencies and modes
What is the cost?
What is the cost?
Services are always provided free of charge. FCC rules prohibit compensation to amateur radio operators for their work.
How can I find out more?
How can I find out more?
To learn more about Warren County ARES and:
- how amateur radio can provide a primary or secondary communications link for your nonprofit event or public safety agency;
- how Warren County ARES is organized and members are trained; or
- how amateur radio works,
contact Brad Proctor, Warren County ARES Emergency Coordinator, at kd0wfx@gmail.com.