Why Ham Radio?
Amateur radio is much more than talking on a radio. It can be a public-service tool, a technical hobby, a way to meet people around the world, or simply an excuse to learn something new.
The great thing about ham radio is that there isn’t just one way to enjoy it.
Emergency Communications
When normal communications are unavailable, overloaded, or otherwise disrupted, amateur radio can provide an additional means of communication.
Many amateur radio operators train specifically for emergency communications and work with organizations such as ARES to develop the skills needed to support their communities when communications matter most.
Community
Amateur radio is a worldwide community connected by a common interest in radio and communications.
You can talk with someone across town through a local repeater, meet operators through clubs and public events, participate in weekly nets, or make contacts with amateur radio operators across the country and around the world.
For many hams, the friendships and sense of community become as important as the radios themselves.
Experimentation and Learning
Amateur radio provides countless opportunities to learn and experiment.
Depending on your interests, you might explore:
- Radio and electronics
- Antennas and feed lines
- Digital communications
- Computers and networking
- Satellites
- Radio propagation
- Portable and off-grid operation
- Emergency power
- Software-defined radio
- Building, modifying, and repairing equipment
You can go as deeply into the technical side of the hobby as you want.
Public Service
Amateur radio operators frequently volunteer their time, equipment, and communications skills to support community and public-service activities.
These can include parades, races, weather events, community activities, special events, and other situations where additional communications can be helpful.
Public-service events are also an excellent way for newer operators to gain practical experience working with other hams.
Adventure and Portable Operating
Your radio doesn’t have to stay at home.
Many amateur radio operators enjoy taking portable stations to parks, campgrounds, special events, Field Day sites, and other locations.
A simple portable station can turn a camping trip, vacation, or afternoon outdoors into an opportunity to experiment with antennas, operate under challenging conditions, and make contacts from somewhere new.
Make Contacts Around the World
Amateur radio can connect you with people well beyond your local community.
HF radio makes it possible to communicate across the country and around the world without depending on the Internet or a commercial communications network.
Some operators enjoy casual conversations. Others chase distant stations, collect contacts with different countries, participate in contests, exchange QSL cards, or pursue operating awards.
There is always another station to find.
It’s Fun
Sometimes the best reason is the simplest one:
Ham radio is fun.
You might enjoy talking on a local repeater, experimenting with digital modes, building antennas, helping during community events, working distant stations, learning emergency communications, or spending an afternoon trying to figure out why something that worked perfectly yesterday refuses to work today.
There is room in amateur radio for all of it.
Interested?
You don’t need to own a radio or have an amateur radio license to come meet us.
Visitors and non-hams are welcome and encouraged at George County ARES meetings and public events. Come ask questions, see amateur radio in operation, and find out which parts of the hobby interest you.
Ready to take the next step?
Learn how to get your amateur radio license
George County ARES provides quarterly amateur radio examination sessions and does not charge an examination fee. Special examination sessions can also be arranged for shut-ins who are unable to attend a regular session.
Check the Calendar for upcoming meetings, nets, examination sessions, training, and special events, or Contact Us if you have questions.
Come see what amateur radio has to offer.