Amateur Radio

Over the years our family has been involved in Ham Radio or Amateur Radio Communications. Jonathan received his license at the age of 13 around the same time that Andrew took his exam. Jonathan recently upgraded his license to a General from a Technician. Jordan and Josiah received their licenses earlier this year.?

In order to become an amateur radio operator, you must pass an exam given by a group of licensed radio operators.?Amateur Radio is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Communications Act of 1934. It is also subject to international agreements. In order to use an amateur radio the operator must be licensed. There is no age restrictions on obtaining a license.?

There are many reasons that people obtain a Ham Radio license. Some join to meet others both on the radio or through local club meetings, talk with people around the world or maybe they enjoy building things. Some people get involved with Ham Radio in order to use the skills in a time of emergency need. During Hurricane Katrina many Ham operators were on the ground in Louisiana helping people, coordinating supplies and medical assistance.?

Ham operators have fun as well! Over the years the boys have participated in Field Days and attended Ham Swaps (big ham radio garage sales). In our home the children receive a radio that Dad purchases them when they are old enough to pass the test and obtain their license.?

Other activities in the Ham community include:

• DXCC - Contact 100 countries or more
• WAS - Work all states - Contact every state in the US
• DXing - Make distant contacts
• Field Day - Set up communications in the field
• Fox hunting - Locate hidden transmitters

Ham Radio is a wonderful family activity. If your family is interested in Amateur Radio, you can find a local club or contact us for more information.?

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Source: http://www.ourfullhouse.com/18-daily-life/848-amateur-radio.html

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