1. What is Amateur Radio?

Amateur, or Ham Radio, is a form of two-way communication for recreation and community service. Most people are more familiar with Citizen's Band (CB) radio. CB and Amateur Radio equipment is similar, but otherwise they are very different. "Hams", unlike CB operators, must be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). But their extra effort is well- rewarded! While CB stations can only communicate within a few miles of their location, Amateur operators can make contacts worldwide, and even with astronauts in space!

2. Who are Hams?

Hams come from all walks of life, which is partly why Amateur Radio is so exciting. Jordan's King Hussein, Senator Barry Goldwater, the treasurer of Disneyland, and Astronaut Jay Apt are all Amateur Radio operators; but generally, hams are ordinary people, ranging from four to 94 in age, with a common interest in communicating, experimenting, and serving their communities.

3. What are call signs?

Each ham radio operator is designated a callsign, a unique combination of letters and numbers which hams use to identify themselves on the air. Examples are WB2UDC, N2WST, and KB2IGG. Callsigns tell you what country (and oftentimes what part of the country) a ham is operating from. They can also be good indicators of an operator's license class. Most hams have cards made up with their callsigns (QSL cards), which they exchange to acknowledge a contact. There are awards for collecting certain QSL cards, such as one from each of the fifty states.

4. How do Amateur Radio operators communicate?

Morse code is still a very popular mode of communication among Amateurs, but there are many others, including voice (which is probably predominant), packet, and ATV. In packet radio, Amateurs connect their equipment to computers, enabling them to have conversations via computer, receive messages to a mailbox (similar to e-mail), and download files on the most recent ham radio developments. In ATV, radios are connected with video cameras to transmit live pictures!

5. What do Hams talk about on the air?

Just about anything- except business. It depends on who you're talking to. If the other station is operating from an exotic location, you're going to want to know more about the way of life there. On the other hand, if the operator lives a few blocks away from you, you might talk about local event. But remember--you already have something in common with any operator, regardless of his or her location--a common interest in communicating and technical experimentation. Comparing equipment and license exam experiences have been known to start many good conversations. And if both operators are interested in building equipment, or perhaps using Ham Radio with remote-controlled planes and boats (a growing sub-hobby), they might exchange ideas and advice. There are many nets, or regular meetings on the air of Hams with common interests, that you can get involved in.

6. How are Amateur Radio operators involved in community service?

Many hams own portable, handheld equipment. But fixed Amateur Radio stations can be operated off generators when necessary, and hams practice doing so every year on Field Day. Their mobility makes hams invaluable to events such as the March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon, the Special Olympics, and the New York City Marathon. But Hams have their most important role during natural disasters and national crises, when they are often the only means of communication between victims and their families', and the sole information source for news stations. The Gulf War, Hurricane Andrew, and the Oklahoma City bombing are some recent situations hams have been involved in- always free of charge. It's easy to see why they are often called "a natural resource".

7. How can I become an Amateur Radio operator?

By passing either the Novice or Technician (No-code) license exam. The Novice exam has two parts:a 30 question multiple choice test on rules and regulations, operating procedure, and very basic electronic theory--and a Morse code exam, which requires you demonstrate proficiency in copying Morse code at 5 words per minute. The Technician exam consists of the same 30 question multiple choice test--plus a second 25 question test on additional regulations and theory. (These exams are much easier than they sound.) The difference between the two licenses is in operating privileges. Novices can make contacts worldwide using voice, Morse code, and some data modes. Technicians can use voice and digital modes, including packet and ATV, but are for the most part limited to short range contacts.

8. Why should I become a Ham when there are telephones and e-mail?

Because Ham Radio is a sport! With telephones and e-mail, you're guaranteed to reach the other party. On the air, whether you make a contact or not depends on the atmosphere, your equipment, and most importantly, your operating skill. In fact, many hams operate low power equipment (QRP) just for the challenge of competing for contacts with larger stations. Other hams like to operate equipment they've built themselves (homebrew). But most operators just enjoy the idea of not knowing who they'll meet each time they get on the air- maybe the United Nations, the Johnson Space Center, or just a new person who's also trying to upgrade to a higher class license.

9. What are the goals of the Cooper Union Amateur Radio Club (CUARC)?

The CUARC has a very exciting year planned. With a station capable of long range communications (and possibly packet), club members will be contacting stations across the world. On-the-air contests and guest speakers are among the events we have planned, but our main goal is to help new people get their licenses, by providing Morse code practice and free (hopefully) study manuals. The possibilities for projects and special events are numerous; what we do will all depend on members' interests. So if you're interested in communications and/or electronics, join us!

10. Why are Radio Amateurs Called 'Hams?'(From Florida Skip Magazine -1959)

"...The word 'Ham' as applied to 1908 was the station call of the first amateur wirelesss stations operated by some amateurs of the Harvard Radio Club. They were Albert S. Hyman, Bob Almy and Poogie Murray. At first they called their station 'HYMAN-ALMY-MURRAY'. Tapping out such a long name in code soon became tiresome and called for a revision. They changed it to 'HY-AL-MU', using the first two letters of each of their names.

Early in 1909 some confusion resulted between signals from amateur wireles station 'HYALMU' and a Mexican ship named 'HYALMO'. They then decided to use only the first letter of each name and the station call became 'HAM'.

In the early days of unregulated radio amateur operators picked their own frequency and call-letters. Then, as now, some amateurs had better signals than commercial stations. The resulting interference came to the attention of congressional committees in Washington and Congress gave much time to proposed legislation designed to critically limit amateur radio activity.

In 1911, Albert Hyman chose the controversial Wireless Regulation Bill as the topic for his Thesis at Harvard. His instructor insisted that a copy be sent to Senator David I. Walsh, a member of one of the committees hearing the bill. The Senator was so impressed with the Thesis that he asked Hyman to appear before the committee. Albert Hyman took the stand and described how the little station was built and almost cried when he told the crowded committee room that if the bill went through they would have to closed down the station because they could not afford the license fees and all the other requirements which the bill imposed on amateur stations.

Congressional debate began on the Wireless Regulation Bill and little station 'HAM' became the symbol for all the little amateur stations in the country crying to be saved from the menace and greed of the big commercial stations who didn't want them around. The bill finally got to the floor of Congress and every speaker talked about the '...poor little station HAM'.

That's how it all started. You will find the whole story in the Congressional Record. Nation-wide publicity associated station 'HAM' with amateur radio operators. From that day to this, and probably til the end of time in radio: An amateur is a 'Ham'."

Page related sites:
• Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (main)
• Boston Amateur Radio Club Home Page
• OAK Software Repository
• The American Radio Relay League
• Declassified Satellite Photographs
• Ham Radio Outlet
• Computer Discount Warehouse
• EGGHEAD Sowtware
• YAESU USA RADIO PRODUCTS
• Kenwood
• ICOM America

Click on picture to visit ARRL

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Click here to download a very good DOS morse code practice program.

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This page is currently maintained by Robert Litman and was initially written by Brian Mills

If you have any questions, comments, and/or suggestions, send e-mail to

cuarc@cooper.edu