Ham radio stations

What is Ham Radio?

Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones. It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.

You can set up a ham radio station anywhere! In a field...

ham-radio-station

...at a club station....

Although Amateur Radio operators get involved for many reasons, they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio technology and operating principles, and pass an examination for the FCC license to operate on radio frequencies known as the "Amateur Bands." These bands are radio frequencies allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by ham radio operators.

International Space Station

Operations

Callsigns

Russian: RS0ISS
USA: NA1SS
European: DP0ISS, OR4ISS, IR0ISS
Packet: RS0ISS-11 / RS0ISS-
Technician class frequency privileges in ham radio

When you're getting started, remembering where you’re allowed to operate is important. As a Technician licensee, you have full access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, but what about on the shortwave high-frequency (HF) bands? This chart helps you follow the rules. You can transmit with up to 200 watts PEP A band-by-band plan showing where to find different types of activity is available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).

Band Frequencies (In MHz) Modes You Can Use (200 watts PEP maximum power)
80 meters 3.525 – 3.600 CW
40 meters 7.025 – 7.125 CW
15 meters 21.025 – 21.200 CW
10 meters

28.000 – 28.300 CW and RTTY/data
28.300 – 28.500 CW and phone
Above 50 MHz All amateur privileges
General class frequency privileges in ham radio

Soon, if you haven’t done so already, you’ll be thinking about upgrading. You have many more frequencies to use on the high-frequency (HF) bands, as shown in the following table. A complete chart of the U.S. frequency and mode privileges for all license classes is available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).

Band Frequencies (in MHz) Mode
160, 60, 30 meters All amateur privileges
80 meters 3.525–3.600 CW, RTTY, data
3.800–4.000 CW, phone, image
40 meters 7.025–7.125 CW, RTTY, data
7.175–7.300 CW, phone, image
20 meters 14.025–14.150 CW, RTTY, data
14.225–14.350 CW, phone, image
15 meters 21.025–21.200 CW, RTTY, data
21.275–21.450 CW, phone, image
17, 12, 10 meters All amateur privileges
Above 50 MHz All amateur privileges
Common ham radio Q signals

Hams use three-letter Q signals on every mode and even in face-to-face conversation. Here are the Q signals most commonly used in day-to-day operation. Each signal can be a question or an answer, as shown in the Meaning column. A complete list of ham radio Q signals, including those used on nets and repeaters, is available via the AC6V Operating Aids web page.