amateur radio
Licensed wireless hobby
Amateur radio is a hobby involving two-way radio communication using designated frequency bands.
Practitioners, called hams, build and operate their own equipment, experiment with antennas and transmission techniques, and communicate with others worldwide.
Licensing requires passing technical and regulatory exams.
During emergencies, amateur radio often provides backup communication when other systems fail: The hurricane knocked out cell service, but amateur radio operators coordinated rescue efforts.
Sensitive content alert
- Morse codeDot-dash signaling system
- HFTwo-letter chemical abbreviation
- VHFMid-range radio spectrum
- UHF300 MHz to 3 GHz
callsign · repeater · propagation · ionosphere · frequency · modulation · transmission · signal
Dual-function communication device
- antennaBroadcast signal receiver
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
- rigEquipment arrangement or vehicle
oscillator · soldering · circuit · resistor · capacitor · inductor · diode · transistor
Organization with membership
- netFinal amount remaining
- ElmerTraditional male given name
- field dayTime of great success
- contestingActively disputing or vying
Broadcast oversight agency
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
- permitOfficial written authorization
- call signsBroadcast identification letters
Text via radio waves
- ATVOff-road motorized vehicle
- DMRDesignated marksman rifle
- satelliteOrbiting celestial body
- moonbounceInflatable jumping enclosure
CW
Sensitive content alert
- Morse codeDot-dash signaling system
- HFTwo-letter chemical abbreviation
- VHFMid-range radio spectrum
UHF · callsign · repeater · propagation · ionosphere · frequency · modulation · transmission · signal · bands
transceiver
Dual-function communication device
- antennaBroadcast signal receiver
- receiverOne who accepts transmission
- amplifierSignal-strengthening electronic device
rig · oscillator · soldering · circuit · resistor · capacitor · inductor · diode · transistor · bandwidth
club
Organization with membership
FCC
Broadcast oversight agency
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- regulationsEnforced rules and standards
- permitOfficial written authorization
call signs · station identification · licensee · certificate · trustee
RTTY
Text via radio waves
- hobbiesknitting circles, skateboarding, model trains, write, writing
- radiocrystal set, AM, FM, news broadcast, AM/FM
- amateurshobbyist, nonprofessional, dabbler, novice, beginner
- local medialocal newspaper, local newspapers, city news, local news, regional TV
- tech hobbies3D printing, robotics, electronics, home automation, coding
- two-way radioswalkie-talkie, walkie talkie, transceiver, push-to-talk, PTT
amateur radiocommercial radio
Ad-supported audio broadcasting
commercial broadcasting · radio broadcasting · CB radio · citizens band radio · public broadcasting
amateur radioAM radio
Amplitude modulation broadcasting
FM radio · commercial broadcasting · radio broadcasting · terrestrial radio · public radio