As a trained severe storm spotter (not chaser) I need to make accurate position reports when I make severe storm reports destined for the National Weather Service and the county Emergency Manager (usually at the 9-1-1 call center). By training we report the distance and direction from the nearest major intersection. This is where problems can enter the equation.

These reports are via a ham radio network. The assumption is that we clearly pronounce the names of the roads we are near for example. And that we know the difference between being on a street, road, avenue, etc.. That, of course, is as long as we can see the road signs in the pouring rain, darkness and winds that we drive through. Next consideration is the guess at the distance and direction from the nearest intersection. How accurate is that in a rain storm? Then comes the issue of map location. Does the map that the person you are reporting your location to have the level of map detailed needed to locate the roads you are reporting? More importantly, does everyone in the communications network have the same level of map details?

Introducing a nice solution - APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) Connected to a GPS sensor on one side and a ham radio on the other side a TNC (terminal node controller) transmits any ham radio operator's EXACT coordinates (within about 50 feet) to (effectively) a Google map on the internet. Anyone anywhere that has an internet connection (and many with just a ham radio station without an internet connection) can display the exact location, altitude and direction of travel (at least) almost instantly. Since Google maps are zoomable to various levels the desired level of detail is but a click or two away.

Travel path is also be automatically plotted. A nice bright blue line connects the red dots that represent the points of transmission of the APRS device. A quite nice feature of an APRS Google map (see an example at http://APRS.FI) happens when your mouse pointer hovers over one of the red transmission points. A separate red line pops up that indicates what ham radio station heard the transmission. With that information you can trace the route of the data from the GPS device into the internet.

Another nice feature of reporting data via digital data transmissions to the National Weather Service is that many people that have access to the internet Google map can view the information at one time.

As a side note, Facebook - the social network - now has an APRS application that makes these APRS maps of all of your friends available at the click of one button from your Facebook page! One possible application is to have the National Weather Service become friends for all severe storm spotters. Then they would have this data available at the click of one button!

By: Jon Kreski

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Getting Your Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) License

This is an exciting time for amateur radio. We have had so many changes due to technology. Our radio signals can be bounced off the moon back to the other side of the Earth, carried to very specific destinations over the internet, re-transmitted by satellites, carried with digital signals or simply transmitted and received the way they have been since the beginning with analog signals and simple radios.

Many people fear having to learn Morse code, but Morse code testing is no longer required for advanced licenses. The interesting thing, however, is that Morse code seems to be more popular than ever.

Here are some tips for getting your amateur radio license:

Contact a local Ham radio club. Many clubs will have members who can mentor or "elmer" you. Take advantage of that. Ham radio operators are always looking for someone new to talk to and share the hobby with so they will be glad to help you. Almost certainly, some member will be willing to let you talk on his radio and see if you like it. Read a good Ham License Book or go to classes provided by a club Download the appropriate question pool from the ARRL - The American Radio Relay League. Go take your test. Don't worry, it's really not that hard if you study the question pools. Once you pass the test, buy a radio and use it. Don't be intimidated. When you make contact for the first time, let your contact know it's your first time and he will probably help you along.

It's a great time to be involved in Ham Radio. Getting involved is easier than it has ever been and there is a huge supply of radios. Now it's your turn to get started in Ham radio today.

By: Brian Bilgere

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Amateur Radio or Ham radio is a hobby that radio control enthusiasts enjoy. It is a hobby and a service that uses radio communication equipment to communicate with other ham radio operators. Ham radio operation is a hobby that requires a license to operate. The first step to indulge in the hobby is to get a good ham radio device. It is better to take the advice and guidance of a person having the knowledge of ham radios whenever you wish to purchase the device. You should also be aware of the technical details and the local laws prevalent in respect of ham operations.

If you want to pursue ham radio operation as a hobby, you first need to get to know all about it. The Internet is a good source of information and will provide you with whatever you want to know. Other sources of information is reading through the books available on the subject or talking to other ham operators who can provide you with the insights on the subject. However, if you have no idea at all about ham operation but find yourself fascinated by it, then you need to learn about some of the technical jargon. Just a fascination or a wish cannot sustain a hobby. If you are indeed serious about ham radio operation as a hobby, you have to spend the time and effort to get to know about it and work towards your goal.

Ham operation is sometimes tiring, in spite of the modern equipment and it may be quite taxing to find communications from other radio operators. However, you are rewarded for your efforts because you can interact with other people, communicate with them and if the occasion calls for, provide emergency or disaster communication to help your community.

The selection of the ham radio equipment will depend greatly on how seriously you take your hobby and how much you are willing to invest in it. Reasonably priced ham radio equipment is available at stores dealing with it. It is advisable to speak to other ham operators, also visit the stores, and physically check out the equipment before buying. Radio equipment that can connect with long distances will cost much more than those that have a less range. The advanced equipment like digital voice transmission will be much more expensive than the simpler Morse code wireless telegraph models.

The next hurdle for a ham radio operator is to obtain a license to operate. Morse code proficiency is no longer needed for the amateur radio operator license exam. It was excluded at the World Radio Communication Conference held at Geneva in 2003. However, the test includes the knowledge of ham etiquette and knowledge of international communication laws. Once you receive the license, you are free to operate your ham radio within the allotted bandwidth. You are also allowed to modify or change the equipment within the specified limits.



By: Abhishek Agarwal

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If you are thinking about becoming an amateur radio operator, there are a few things you may want to consider before rushing out to purchase any used ham radios. First of all, you will want to read up on the laws and licenses required in order to become an official ham radio operator, because certain types of  ham radios may not be permissible for use in your country and you would not want to mistakenly purchase one of these even if the price is right.

Second, you will want to look into what type of frequencies and radio wavelengths that are accessible in your country and geographical region. Every region offers a different level that is accessible to ham radio operators and you want to make sure that you are looking at used ham radios that fit within the boundaries of the region you are in. After all, one of the worst outcomes that you can have when you look into getting a radio is purchasing one that does not pick up any signals in your area which will make it perpetually useless unless you move later in life.

Finally, you will want to contact your local ham radio club. Most clubs are willing to open their doors to newcomers and it is easy to find a mentor who will help you navigate between different types of ham radios. They can also help guide you through the laws and frequencies that are available in your area which will make it easier for you to figure out which ham radio is best for you.

By: Frank L Froggatt

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