Q: Why do amateurs use morse code since it is so old?
A: There is a very good reason for this: because it gets through.
Morse code is still the most reliable method of communicating, even when
the conditions are very marginal. It also has the advantages that the transmitters
are very easy to build and morse code may be received by humans - thus
reducing the reliance on machines and giving the amateur more independence
from machine failure. The (rough) rank of methods most likely to get through
are:
CW (morse)
RTTY (text)
SSB (voice)
packet (computer data)
Q: What activities are amateurs involved in?
A: Activities include JOTA, WICEN, club events and ARDF. Every
year on a particular weekend amateurs team up with scouts and guides around
the world to create the Jamboree On The Air (JOTA). This allows these groups
to experience amateur radio for themselves. WICEN is a group of people
who assist during emergencies, emergency service exercises and community
events, using their communications expertise. Club events can include field
days, auctions and ARDF sessions. ARDF stands for Amateur Radio Direction
Finding and is a type of orienteering. Also called "fox-hunting" the aim
is to find the transmitter ("fox") in the shortest time possible.
Q: What on-air activities are amateurs involved in?
A: Probably the most common activity on the air is the net/sked
- they can range from a "private" sked with no more than 6 people, to nets
run by rare stations, which are often swamped by amateurs wishing to get
a rare contact or win an award. A net or a sked is just a pre-agreed time
and frequency to meet on the air. A net has a controlling station, however
a sked doesn't.
Awards are given out for a large variety of reasons. The DXCC award requires that the entrant has contacted at least 100 countries. There are also many "worked all ....". For example there is a "worked all VK" which requires that you have had at least a certain number of contacts from each of the states and territories of Australia.
Amateurs also participate in contests. The Novice contest is a very well patronised contest in Australia. The Remembrance Day contest also features prominently, with competition between the states being a major driving force. The Remembrance Day contest honours the radio operators that have been lost during war. There are too many other contests to name. Some require contacts with a certain geographical area, while others set specific limits on what stations can earn points depending on non-geographic criteria. For example the QRP contest gives higher points for contacts with stations operating at 5W or less.
Q: How do I get an amateur radio license?
A: To get an amateur radio license you would have to pass exams
on regulations, electronics and possibly morse code. More information is
available at getting your license.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: E-mail
me. Contact the ARRL, WIA, RSGB or other amateur radio organisation
in your country.
