Amateur radio: history, technology, and telecommunications applications

Amateur radio has long been a part of the American broadcasting landscape. Current advents in technology have changed in some ways, the manner in which people communicate through amateur radio. The purpose of this discussion is to examine Amateur radio as it relates to what it is, how it works, who uses it, the educational application and the telecommunications systems associated with the use of amateur radio.

What is Amateur Radio?

When most people think of amateur radio they envision an individual tinkering around with some home made contraption. Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, came about in the early part of the 20th century (Hilmes, 2007). Amateur radio began as two-way radio communication in which operators created radio sets with little more than wires, tubes and switches (Hilmes, 2007). Operators then used Morse code to communicate over the airwaves.

The author points out that in the decades since, changes in technology and shifts in the culture have diminished the romance of radio amateurs, but not their numbers. Today, they can still be found in basements and garages, logging distant contacts and keeping up with regulars on the frequencies that remain available to them (Hilmes, 2007; pg 103)."

Toto (2004) also explains that conversations on Amateur radio can usually be picked up by any individual with the proper equipment who accesses the frequency being utilized. However the majority of conversations take place between two people. Amateur radio operators have the ability to communicate with some one across the street or on the other side of the world (Toto, 2004).

The author also points out that even though diplomatic relations between the United States and other nations has been problematic in recent years, amateur radio operators seem to be able to communicate regardless of their country of residence (Toto, 2004).

How does Amateur Radio Work?

Toto (2004) asserts that amateur radio operators, utilize the frequencies of the radio dial that are not as well-known. Although the AM radio frequency ranges from 540 to 1600 kilohertz, the band surpasses these parameters. It is within these parameters that amateur radio operates. Toto (2004) contends that Ham Radio operators utilize nine groups of frequencies within the high-frequency range (between 1800 and 29,700 kilohertz) and seven bands in the super high frequency, ultrahigh frequency, and very high-frequency ranges. The author explains further that in most cases signals bend upward toward the stratum of electrically charged atoms in the Earth's atmosphere that expands from approximately 50 to 300 miles above the exterior of the earth; this is known as the ionosphere. The actual signals can land anywhere in the world there is no way to control where the signal bounces down (Toto, 2004). However, the quality of the signal can be controlled with a good antenna (Toto, 2004).

The author also explains that signal have even bounced of the moon prior to landing on the earth's surface (Toto, 2004).

Amateur radio is different from CB radio transmissions in that it provides more powerful frequencies and more channels (Toto, 2004). A good Amateur radio systems or kit is inclusive of a transmitter, antenna, and receiver (Toto, 2004). Some units combine the transmitter and the receiver into a "transceiver." used amateur radio system cost about $100 while the price of a new system can be more than a thousand dollars (Toto, 2004).

Who Uses it?

According to the national association for Amateur Radio there are many reasons why people become engaged with amateur radio ("What is Ham Radio?"). Most operators have a basic understanding of radio technology and the various operating principles associated with amateur radio ("What is Ham Radio?"). In addition, all amateur radio operators in the United States have to complete an FCC examination to get a license to use Amateur Band radio frequencies ("What is Ham Radio?").

Amateur bands are held in reserve by the FCC for use by amateur radio operators at "intervals from just above the AM broadcast band all the way up into extremely high microwave frequencies radio frequencies ("What is Ham Radio?")."

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts, cosmonauts and mission specialists also utilize amateur radio while in space. NASA explains that Ham Radios were first used in space in 1983 and since that time these radios have been used on more than 24 missions. NASA explains that many astronauts have been associated with the Space Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment (SAREX), which has allowed astronauts to communicate with thousands of school children while in orbit. In addition, NASA asserts that Ham radio has assisted in the development of space radio experimentation, as well as television, text messaging and voice communication (International Space Station Reference, n.d.). Russian astronauts had a similar program for the Russian Space Station Mir (International Space Station Reference, n.d.).

In fact when American astronauts were on Mir on their way to the international space station, amateur radio was used to communicate (International Space Station Reference, n.d.).

In addition, to utilizing Amateur Radio for the purposes of entertainment, education, and hobby, Amateur radio is also utilized as an Emergency Service; this is known as Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).

Hams that are members of ARES are licensed and have to be registered to use their equipment for communication in the event that an emergency occurs (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service). All licensed amateur can become a member of ARES regardless of whether or not they have memberships to other national or local organizations. They need only to have a license and have a desire to serve the public in this capacity (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service). Only amateurs can become members of ARES and although it is desirable that members of ARES have emergency powered equipment it is not necessary to become a member of ARES (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service).

The national association for amateur radio explains that the ARES has four levels: national, sectional, district and local. At the national level, the ARRL Field and Educational Services Manager oversee the coordination takes place at the ARRL headquarters (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service). The manager is responsible for advising all ARES officials as it relates to problems, maintaining contact with national officials and with carrying out regulations regarding emergency communications (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service).

As it relates to the section level, a Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) is chosen by the Section Manager and the coordinator works under the direction of the SEC. The article points out that some sections are extremely organized while other sections are unorganized. The amount of organization is usually dependent upon who the section manager is and their ability to organize (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service).

Districts come about when there are large sections, and coordinating these sections becomes problematic because of their size. To deal with this issue SECs have the authority to group their EC jurisdictions into districts. When this occurs District EC's are chosen to organize the activities of the local ECs within the district (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service).

Finally, the article explains that the local level is usually responsible for real or the most critical emergency organization. This is the case because the majority of crises occur at the local level, and as such a greater level of preparation and organization must be present. The local Emergency Coordinator is an important contact within the ARES. This individual is selected by the SEC, typically based on the suggestion of the District Emergency Coordinator (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service). In some instances, the EC may have authority over a small community or a large city. Regardless of the size of the jurisdiction, the Emergency Coordinator manages all ARES activities within the jurisdiction (the Amateur Radio Emergency Service).

Regardless of the manner in which Amateur radio is utilized it plays an important role in the sphere of communications. It serves as a fun way to communicate with individuals throughout the world and it also serves as a way to respond to emergencies. Although many people are unaware of amateur radio it has assisted in perpetuating the various types of communications. The next section of this discussion will focus on the educational applications of Amateur Radio.

Telecommunications systems

If one is interested in Ham Radio there are several systems that are utilized by ham operators to communicate with others. Of course voice can be used to communicate and Morse code was the initial means by which ham operators communicated and it is still utilized today throughout the world (What is Ham Radio?). Additionally, Packet Radio, Radio teletype (RTTY) and Phase Shift Keying (PSK) are also used by amateur radio operators (What is Ham Radio?). There are also telecommunications systems to transmit digital information and television is also utilized.

Morse code is an old technology that has been utilized in many different scenarios. Morse code was developed by Samuel Morse. The code was created by assigning different combinations of dots and dashes to the variousletters of the alphabet and the numbers. The author explains that over time

Experienced operators learned to "read" the code by listening to the sounds of the clicking electromagnet, without having to see the dots and dashes on the paper tape, thus giving rise to the simplest of all telegraph systems using a key, battery, line, and sounder... It is difficult to overestimate the value and importance of the Morse code. Not only did it provide the basis for a simple, robust, and easily operated overland line telegraph system, it also served for point-to-point and mobile (e.g., ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore) radio communication. For such applications the ability of the Morse code to be heard and interpreted by a skilled operator under conditions of high levels of radio interference and noise is of paramount importance, especially for distress calls. These are, no doubt, reasons why the Morse code continues in widespread use today (Bray, 1995, pg 39,40)."

The author also points out that the very idea of Morse code which encompasses transmitting information via coded groups of on/off signals has been the catalyst for the technological advances made since the inception of the code (Bray, 1995.

As it relates to Packet Radio, it appears to be a type of digital form of amateur radio that allows computers to link to one another (Jones 1995). When a packet is utilized a terminal node controller replaces the modem and an amateur radio transceiver replaces the telephone. In addition, the amateur radio waves serve as a replacement for the phone system (Jones 1995).

With this being understood, packet radio operates by allowing any data flow that a computer sends to be sent through the radio to another amateur radio station that is set up in a similar manner. According to the author, this type of telecommunication system is referred to as Packet because it transmits the data in small bursts, or packets (Jones 1995). This is the underlying concept behind Packet Radio Communications. Currently the new generation of Packet Radio is known as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and it supplies constant, higher-bandwidth data transmissions/Internet service (Emerging Technologies: Wireless Networks). It is often used in various types of mobile devices. Packet Radio is an example of a telecommunications system that can be utilized in different ways (Emerging Technologies: Wireless Networks).

In addition to Morse code and Packet Radio, Radio Teletype is also used by Amateur Radio enthusiasts. RTTY is a telecommunications system that links teletype machines through the radio as opposed to telegraph lines (Some Common Amateur Radio Terminology, 2002). RTTY is used because if makes possible flexible long distance communications at a low cost. The article points out that in addition to amateur radio operators -- governments, the military and news organizations also utilize RTTY (Some Common Amateur Radio Terminology, 2002).

As it relates to Amateur Radio operators, RTTY is an older technology that has been used in a myriad of ways. For instance, it has allowed operators to rapidly handle traffic because the machine could print and present a copy of the transmitted information. In some cases operators would have a "typing-reperf," machine operating simultaneously which placed incoming signal on tape so that they could be replied to at another time (Hoff, n.d.).

RTTY was also beneficial to traffic handling because it was feasible to "retransmit" the incoming data to a different frequency, and as such the signal was relayed instantly to the other station (Hoff, n.d.).

Another Telecommunications system is known as Phase Shift Keying or PSK. This telecommunications system involves digital communication in which the arrangement of a phase of a transmitted signal changes to express information (Phase Shift Keying). There are different types of PSK that can be utilized. The article asserts that binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) is the easiest type of PSK. BPSK involves the use of two conflicting signal phases. The article explains that the digital signal is divided into binary digits or bits. The condition of each bit is established by the condition of the previous bi t (Phase Shift Keying). The article explains that "If the phase of the wave does not change, then the signal state stays the same (0 or 1). If the phase of the wave changes by 180 degrees -- that is, if the phase reverses -- then the signal state changes (from 0 to 1, or from 1 to 0) (Phase Shift Keying)."

The article further states that Hams are most likely to utilize a particular form of BPSK or quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) referred to as PSK31. When PSK 31 is utilized, the rate at which data is transmitted is 31.25 baud, also the signal bandwidth is in the region of 31 hertz (Phase Shift Keying). The article asserts that the primary benefit associated with the use of PSK31 is that it has a superior signal-to-noise ratio. This is important because it permits clear communication in emergency situations (Phase Shift Keying).

Televisions have also been utilized by amateur radio enthusiasts. This form of telecommunications is often utilized to send pictures and now video (What is Ham Radio?). This mode has been utilized since the 1990's. In recent years Amateur Television has also developed as a result of Amateur Radio. Amateur television also known as Ham TV, allows anyone that is a license amateur radio operator to transmit images through a television to other operators. For many Amateur Radio operators this is a new and entertaining way to communicate.

As you can see there are various telecommunication systems that can be utilized with amateur radio. Voice communication and Packet Radio are amongst the most popular. Older systems such as Morse code and RTTY are still utilized but no longer as prevalent. It seems that many amateur radio operators are gravitating towards systems that provide clear and quick service.

Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to analyze Amateur radio as it relates to what it is, how it works, who uses it, the educational application and the telecommunications systems associated with the use of amateur radio. He research indicates that amateur radio is a form of two way communications that utilizes radio frequencies that most people are not aware of and that one must be licensed by the FCC to be an amateur radio operator. The research indicates that a broad range of individuals are amateur radio operators. These individuals include astronauts, hobbyists and teachers.

In addition the research indicates that education is one of the primary applications of Amateur radio. The literature insists that exposure to amateur radio sparks the interests of students as it relates to math, science and telecommunications systems. Access to amateur radio presents these students with the opportunity to learn about different subjects particularly as it relates to space orbit because many students have the ability to communicate with astronauts while they are in space.

Finally the report focused on the telecommunications systems used in Amateur Radio. These systems included Morse code, Packet Radio, Voice, RTTY and PSK. The research is demonstrative of the fact that many hams still utilize Morse code and RTTY but Packet radio is also popular amongst many Hams. The research also indicates that the use of Amateur television is growing in popularity. Overall it is apparent that there still exist a group of people that are fascinated by amateur radio and continue to utilize it as a mode of communication.