Novice Radio as an Emergency Preparedness Tool (1 of three)
Novice radio is a really versatile and highly effective communication possibility, particularly in an emergency. And there is extra good news: it is in all probability simpler to study and get entangled with than you suppose. On this and subsequent articles, I am going to stroll you thru the fundamentals, and present you the straightforward steps you may take so as to add a really helpful tool to your preparedness toolkit. It is easy, attention-grabbing, and if you wish to be realistically ready to take care of your self and your family, you completely want this data!
I’ve been concerned with newbie radio (aka ham radio) for just a few years now, and I’ve discovered loads. From the beginning, I took my Novice and Normal exams, after which a few 12 months after that, I took and handed my Further examination. (For me, Novice & Normal weren’t tough, however Further undoubtedly was.) I have been actively concerned in my native ARES (Novice Radio Emergency Services) workforce, speaking to pals on the radio, experimenting with digital modes, NVIS (extra on that in article #3), satellite tv for pc communications, and extra. It has been pleasant and academic. And there is one very attention-grabbing factor I’ve discovered throughout this course of, which can even profit you. A lot of the choices accessible do not make it very simple to ramp up. However not this time. My objective is to make a few of these ideas a lot simpler so that you can perceive. I’ll clarify issues not within the method of {an electrical} engineer, however like a daily man would. Let’s get began.
On this article, we’ll begin with the fundamentals, and provide you with some ideas for getting extra data. In subsequent articles, we’ll discuss particular equipment, applied sciences, frequencies, some attention-grabbing data on what’s actually allowed throughout an emergency, and extra.
Let’s begin with “What’s ham radio?” It is the time period used to discuss with newbie radio, a enjoyable passion for a lot of. However why “ham”? Some individuals speculate that it is as a result of sure individuals concerned in newbie radio again within the old days actually liked to speak, and would “ham it up”, telling lengthy tales to their buddies once they’d get collectively on the airwaves to speak.
How does ham radio work? The Federal Communications Fee (FCC) has put aside sure frequencies for individuals to make use of for non-business-related communication. To make use of a radio that works on newbie radio frequencies, you might want to take a easy check and get a license. The primary license, referred to as “Technician”, will not be tough to get, and there are a many books, CDs, and web sites (with free pattern assessments) accessible to stroll you thru the questions and solutions. As soon as you’ve got reviewed the fabric and really feel comfy, you may take a check and get your individual license. (Subliminal suggestion: Do it. It is easy.) Many ham radio golf equipment administer the assessments, and will likely be completely satisfied that will help you with the straightforward paperwork on the similar time. Quickly after, you may get your name signal from the FCC, and you will get on the air!
This hyperlink will present some extra, normal details about ham radio: http://www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio-1.
Why does ham radio matter? It does not take lots of creativeness to provide you with a state of affairs the place cell telephones do not work. You have in all probability been out of vary of a cell tower in some unspecified time in the future, and needed to make a name. However think about if there was no protection, regardless of the place you went…And a phone name might imply life or demise.
Other than being enjoyable to play with simply speaking with pals, newbie radio is a really efficient technique to talk throughout an emergency. With one thing so simple as a small, handheld radio, an operator can do this stuff along with voice communication 라디오 방송듣기:
- Transmit GPS coordinates
- Ship easy textual content messages
- Ship e-mail (with the assistance of your pc)
- Despatched small or massive quantities of knowledge straight (with out e-mail software program wanted, however utilizing a pc)
- Transmit any of the above straight (line of sight) for a number of dozen miles or extra (relying on antenna sort and peak, amplifier use, and so forth.)
- Transmit utilizing present, publicly accessible repeaters to realize long-range communications with a small, low-power radio
Through the use of a mobile radio (in a automobile) or base station radio (often on a desk), together with an applicable antenna, a ham radio operator can talk throughout nice distances, even throughout continents and oceans. This is an attention-grabbing instance: I listened to a ham radio operator as he transmitted after which moments later acquired his personal transmission after it bounced its method via the environment, all the best way across the earth!
What are you able to do proper now to get began? Go get your FCC Technician license. It is easy, actually. The FCC publishes the entire potential questions and solutions, and you’ll find good sources for observe assessments right here: http://www.arrl.org/exam-practice. It is a easy, 35-question check and in the event you move, your license is free and is nice for 10 years! (Be aware: License exams hosted by volunteers often cost a small payment, round $15, within the U.S.)
In upcoming articles, I am going to focus on UHF & VHF radio (usually used for native communications), HF radio (which can be utilized for native/regional in addition to long-distance communications), various things you are able to do together with your radio, antennas, and extra. Within the meantime, in the event you’re considering studying extra, do an Web seek for native ham golf equipment and ARES/RACES teams in your space, and get in touch with them. You may in all probability discover individuals in your space who would love to speak about what they do. All it’s important to do is ask!
