LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Ham Radio: Amateur Radio
built 208 days ago
Amateur radio, commonly referred to as "Ham" radio, is popular among the yachting and small boat community as a means of providing communications and receiving weather information. Amateur radio can be operated nearly worldwide... certain restrictions may exist and advanced permits may be required when operating within the territorial limits of another country. Within the U.S., amateur radio is regulated by the FCC. Information on licensing and all other aspects of amateur radio may be obtained by contacting the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) at 860-594-0200.
Source:
[D]on't you have to pass a Morse code test to get a ham radio license? The good news is: THE MOST POPULAR CLASS OF HAM RADIO LICENSE REQUIRES NO MORSE CODE TEST! That class of license is the Technician. To get it, you have to pass an exam consisting of 35 multiple-choice questions. If you answer 74% or more correctly, you're a ham! As of February 2007 the Morse Code requirement was dropped for ALL amateur license levels.
Source:
Local clubs - For those that like a structured approach, many clubs organize meetings and classes to teach the basic skills of radio operation and prepare people for their ham radio license test. Getting started in Amateur Radio has never been easier. First, locate a radio club in your area. Some radio clubs offer ham radio licensing classes, or they can find a club volunteer to answer your questions. You may even be invited to attend a local radio club meeting.
Source:
The best ways to learn about Amateur Radio is to talk to hams face-to-face. Hams take pride in their ability to "Elmer" (teach) newcomers the ropes to get them started in the hobby. There is probably an Amateur Radio club near you that will welcome your interest. To find out who to contact in your area, click here.
Source:
Among the many aspects of amateur radio, "Hams" operate several maritime "nets" where information of common interest to mariners, such as weather, is exchanged. These nets are extremely popular in areas of the world which have a large yachting population and where weather is dynamic, such as in the Caribbean. Weather reports are typically exchanged in voice via single sideband although the popularity of digital modes such as SITOR/AMTOR, radioteletype (RTTY), PACTOR I, PACTOR II, PACTOR III, PSK31, and e-mail exchanges, such as the WinLink 2000 Global Radio Network (includes an option to download more than 450 graphic and text-based worldwide weather products), are growing rapidly . Information on amateur radio maritime nets may be found by contacting the ARRL or using an Internet search engine to search on such topics as "ham radio nets", or "maritime amateur radio". Click here to visit a webpage listing many of these nets.
Source:
On a great side note, McDowell recently tested for and passed his entry level Ham Radio test and is now a Technician with the call sign of KI4QIS. He is very excited and enthusiastic about radio and learning more about it. When asked about how he felt about passing the test Bruce beamed and said "It feels great." Indeed Claiborne County Hospital and especially some of its employees "get" Amateur Radio.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Amateur Radio