Not only is Amateur radio (or HAM) and enjoyable hobby, the skill is invaluable during an emergency. The community could use more HAM operators, so we are including this page with information on what it is and how to become licensed.
Ham
radio or ''Amateur radio''' are titles used to describe the use of designated
radio frequency for purpose of exchanging messages, emergency communication
and/or private recreation,. The term "amateur" specifies operators
interested in radio technique solely for personal or community purpose rather
than for commercial broadcast such business, police, fire etc.
Demonstrating
a proficiency in Morse code was for many years a requirement to obtain an
amateur license but following changes in international regulations in 2003,
countries are no longer require Morse code. Modern personal computers have
encouraged the use of digital modes such as radioteletype and real-time,
low-power communications on the shortwave bands. For example, Echolink using
Voice over IP technology, that enabled amateurs to communicate through local
Internet-connected repeaters and radio nodes.
Amateur Radio in Times of Emergency
In times of crisis and natural
disasters, amateur radio is often used as a means of emergency communication
when Landline, cell phones and other conventional means of communications
fail. Unlike commercial systems, Amateur
radio is not as dependent on terrestrial facilities that can fail. It is dispersed throughout a community without
the "choke points" that cause such services as cellular telephone to
become overloaded.
Recent
examples of Amateur Radio involvement include the September 11 attacks on the
World Trade Center in Manhattan in 2001, the 2003 North America blackout and
Hurricane Katrina in September 2005. During Katrina, more than a thousand
amateur radio operators coordinated disaster relief activities when other
systems failed. Subsequent Congressional hearings highlighted the Amateur Radio
response as one of the few examples of what went right in the disaster relief
effort.
In all countries that license citizens to use amateur radio, operators are required to display knowledge and understanding of key concepts. This is usually done by passing an exam; however some authorities also recognize certain educational or professional qualifications such as a degree in electrical engineering in lieu. Amateurs are required to pass an examination to demonstrate technical knowledge, operating competence and awareness of legal and regulatory requirements in order to avoid interference with other amateurs and other radio services. There are often a series of exams available, each progressively more challenging and granting more privileges in terms of frequency availability, power output, permitted experimentation, and in some countries, distinctive call signs. Some countries have begun requiring a practical training course in addition to the written exams in order to obtain a beginner's license, called a Foundation License.
Amateur
radio licensing in the United States award different levels of amateur radio
licenses based on technical knowledge. Three sequential levels of licensing
exams--Technician Class, General Class and Amateur Extra Class are currently
offered, which allow operators who pass them access to larger portions of the
Amateur Radio spectrum and more desirable call signs.
Amateur Radio Operators in Pine Valley:
Amateur Radio Operators in Pine Valley:
- Gerald Schiefer KE7OID
- Gene Phillips W1EEP
- Frank Davie N7CTD
- Herman Nordbruch KI7ARP
- Helga Love KG7EGJ
St. George, Utah, North Stake Radio Net check is the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month at 8:30 a.m. Frequency is 146.580Mhz Simplex
Regional ERC Net check: Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. Frequency is 145.590 Simplex
Regional ERC Net check: Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. Frequency is 145.590 Simplex
Links To Learn More About Ham Radio:
http://www.arrl.org/ares
http://www.arrl.org/ares
Ares
Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Federal
Communications Commission (licensing)
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