What is Amateur Radio?
It's a way to talk with people around the world, or even orbiting the world; to send e-mail without any sort of internet connection and to keep in touch with friends across town or across the country. It is also a very important emergency communications system. When cell phones, regular phones, the internet and other systems are down or overloaded, ham radio still gets the message through. Ham radio is a “hobby” – that’s the fun part. But it's also a “service” – a vital service that has saved lives again and again when regular communication systems have failed.
What is the Appeal of Ham Radio?
Some hams are attracted by the ability to communicate across the country, around the globe, even with astronauts on the International Space Station. For some it opens the door to new friendships over the air or through participation in one of the many Ham Radio clubs across the country.
Others build and experiment with electronics. Hams are at the cutting edge of many technologies. Computer hobbyists enjoy experimenting in wireless digital communications, software defined radios (SDR), long-distance digital and image transmissions. ‘Off the grid’ power sources and other concepts undreamed of just a few years ago are common in the ham community.
While a Morse code key may still be on the desk, it is probably next to a modern, computerized radio communications system capable of operating, with or without supportive infrastructure, under the most extreme conditions.
RAC – Radio Amateurs of Canada (in Canada)
ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio (in the United States)
What is Ham
Radio? Watch this
YouTube video
And also this video
The Barrie Amateur
Radio Club holds classes each year, starting in early September,
teaching the material needed to pass the Basic Amateur Radio
Qualification Exam and obtain a Ham Radio license. The course consists
of approximately 35 hours of classroom instruction.
Contact the club
if you are interested in attending the next course.