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Understanding The Importance Of Radio Operators
In the time of an emergency, everyone is called on to help out where ever and however they can. One of the major things that needs to get back up quickly is communications.

During a real emergency, communications often go down because terrestrial communications fail and cellular networks are overloaded or destroyed. Too many people want to contact family members to let them know that they are alright and the network gets over loaded.

Fortunately, there are many people who take up amateur radio operation as a hobby and can help get communications back up. Amateur radios are constantly changing and becoming more advanced, but they have saved lives in many emergency situations.

These amateur radio operators are often referred to as 'ham' operators. These people can communicate things locally and around the world. Ham operators are supposed to get a FCC license and pass certain tests to make sure that they are qualified to operate these types of radios.

If they are qualified, they are awarded a station permit. As with many other things, there are different areas of emphasis that one can focus on within ham radio operation.

This hobby has become one of the most popular technological pastimes. When it is a time of no emergencies in the area, ham radio operators often enjoy talking to each other about normal everyday things.

This kind of conversation on the radio is called rag chewing. However, when an emergency occurs, rag chewing immediately ceases.

Even amateurs know to stop talking when an emergency starts. This is critical to communications during the time of emergency.

The discipline associated with these radios is amazing. However, the pride of earning the right to operate one of these radios, which is not easily done, may play a role in this.

There are many different types of groups who specialize in different types and ranges of communication that can be called upon in an emergency. Emergency communication procedures can be activated under severe storm warnings, but it can be used at time where communication is vital.

Practice sessions are held among the various groups during good times to ensue effectiveness during an emergency. One of the many radio groups is the ARES, which stands for Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

This group is part of the American Radio Relay League and Radio Amateurs of Canada. This group was critical to medical communications following Hurricane Katrina.

They were also very helpful during a series of blackouts and throughout other emergencies. Within the ARES, there are several different levels of operators.

For example, the Emergency Coordinators or ECs are responsible for local communications and for becoming leaders during an emergency. Assistant Emergency Coordinators or AECs are each assigned a different geographical area to provide communication to and are contacts during Skywarn operations.

District Emergency Coordinators or DECs, responsibilities include anything within a certain county or cities. Lastly, the Section Manager is the person in charge of all of the operations.

In the United States there are seventy one geographic administrative areas. Another group is the RACES, which stands for Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service.

This group began in 1952 and is considered to be the standby communications service for wartimes. During war, this group is considered to have more authority than the other groups.

It is under the United State's Army's Office of Civil Defense and the American Radio Relay League. If there is a threat to civilians, all those who are not part of this authorized groups are commanded to be silent.

Their services may be called upon during natural events, technological accidents, nuclear attacks, terrorist incidents and bomb threats. The Military Auxiliary Radio Service, or MARS, is also underneath the United States Department of Defense.

It is owned and operated by the Army, Navy and Air Force. Some of the radio operators are on active duty, reserve or National Guard units.

This group is one that deals with worldwide emergency communications. With 5,000 radio operators stationed strategically over the world, their motto is "Proudly Serving Those Who Serve."

This service is completely voluntary. MARS mainly reports to military, federal, civil and disaster officials during emergencies.

They can also help out with normal communications between service personnel on active duty, reserve, guard, or retired and federal employees when necessary as well. This group was heavily depended on following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11,2001 for a long period of time and were critical to the United State operations at that time.

ARRL American Radio Relay League AB1AI dropping off QSL Cards
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Tour of ARRL headquarters and the W1AW station. I even got a chance to operate

Amateur Radio Information & Resources

Article by Nick DAlleva

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is a hobby and service that millions of people throughout the world partake in. Various types of radio communications are used by participants, called "hams", for public services, recreation, and self-training. While some may think that the term "amateur" implies a lack of skill, the term amateur refers to the fact that the operators of the communication devices work outside of an official governmental or commercial position.

The practicing of amateur radio did not fully begin until the early 20th century, while origins trace back to at least the late 19th century. There are several different types of transmission by which participants communicate. Voice transmission is the most common form of communication amongst hams. Another form of communication, which dates back to the earliest days of radio, includes radiotelegraphy using Morse code, a system developed by Samuel Morse in the 19th century.

There are many countries that use amateur radio. All operators require a licensing exam in which participants display their knowledge and understanding of amateur radio. There are three different levels of an amateur radio-licensing exam: technician class, general class, and amateur extra class. In order to become involved the amateur radio world, it is best to start by looking for a local club. At these clubs, you can find licensing, operation, and technical information. Newcomers require independent studying by using books or receiving help from a teacher or mentor.

Call signs are a vital aspect of amateur radio. Operators must use specific call signs to legally identify themselves or their station in situations regarding national government issues. Radio amateurs may also modify any transmitting equipment without government permission or certification. As long as technical parameters are met, hams have a lot of freedom with the use of radio equipment.

For further information about amateur radio, visit the following websites:

ARRL (http://www.arrl.org): The American Radio Relay League, or ARRL, is the national association for amateur radio. On this site, information can be found regarding education/training, membership, and how to get involved. Philadelphia ARES (http://www.harcnet.org/aresindex): Philadelphia ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) is dedicated to serving the community with up-to-date when disaster strikes and to build a relationship with amateur radios from other counties. Membership and training is available for those interested in joining the ARES of Philadelphia. Ham Universe (http://www.hamuniverse.com): For all of you amateur radio needs, visit HamUniverse.com. Here you will find information regarding ham products, license studying, the different components of this high-tech hobby.

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