2024 – 2025 Long Range Ham Radio Guide for Newbies

By Robert D. Brown

Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this comprehensive guide is your ticket to mastering the art of ham radio operation.

Go into the rich history and evolution of ham radio, from its early beginnings during World War I to its pivotal role in disaster communications and beyond. Explore the fascinating world of electromagnetic spectrum, transmission modes, and the essential components of a ham radio station.

With step-by-step instructions and easy-to-understand explanations, you'll learn how to set up your own ham shack with confidence. Discover the different types of transceivers, antennas, and power sources, and gain valuable insights into operating procedures and call sign protocols.

Dive deep into the diverse bands and modes of ham radio operation, from VHF/UHF bands to digital modes and beyond. Master antenna theory and design, and learn how to optimize your setup for maximum performance.

But that's not all – "2024-2025 Long Range Ham Radio Guide for Newbies" also covers essential topics such as radio propagation, operating practices, emergency preparedness, and advancing in ham radio. With tips for troubleshooting and maintenance, as well as a wealth of resources for further learning, this book is your ultimate companion on your ham radio journey.

Whether you're interested in contesting, DXing, or simply connecting with fellow enthusiasts, this book has something for everyone. So why wait? Get your copy today and unlock the endless possibilities of amateur radio!

• Language: English
• Publisher: RObert D. Brown
• Release date: Apr 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224281688

Book preview

2024 – 2025

Long Range Ham Radio Guide for Newbies

A Simplified Approach to Setting Up Your Ham Shack and Passing the Ham Radio License Exams in One Sitting

Richard D. Brown

Copyright

2024-2025 Long Range Ham Radio Guide for Newbies

Copyright © 2024 Richard D. Brown

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

While the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication, neither the authors nor the editors nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.

Disclaimer

This book is geared towards providing information in regards to the topic and issue covered. The publication is sold with the idea that the publisher is not required to render accounting, officially permitted, or otherwise, qualified services. If advice is necessary. Legal or health professional, a practiced individual in the profession should be ordered.

Printed on acid-free paper.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One

Ham Radio

History and Evolution of Ham Radio

Ham radio during World War I

Ham Radio Operators’ Early Frequencies

Long-distance amateur radio communications in the 1920s

Ham Radio Operations in the 1930s

Hams Radio Operations in the 1940s

The Evolution of the Classes of Ham Radio Licenses Authorized by the FCC

Ham Radio Operations in the 1970s

Ham Radio Operators in Space and Volunteering Testing Start

Ham Radio Operation in the Early 1990s to 2000s

Ham radio Operation in Disasters

Importance and Benefits of Ham Radio

Licensing and Regulation in Ham Radio

Why Get Licensed?

Chapter Two

Basic Concept and Terminologies

Electromagnetic Spectrum in Ham Radio

Transmission Modes: Analog vs. Digital

Components of a Ham Radio Station

Chapter Three

Understanding Ham Radio Equipment

Types of HAM Radio Transceivers

Types of Antennas and Tuning

Power Sources

Ham Radio Setup Accessories

Chapter Four

Operating Procedures

Using Call Signs and Signals in Ham Radio

Ham Radio Call Sign Structure

Conducting Nets and Contests in Ham Radio

Amateur Radio Net Protocol

Contesting (Radio Sport)

Chapter Five

Ham Radio Bands and Modes

VHF/UHF Bands

Modes of Operation (SSB, CW, FM, Digital and More)

Exploring Specialty Bands and Modes

Chapter Six

Antenna Theory and Design

Common Antenna Theories

Basic Types of Antennas

Frequency of operation

Mode of Applications

Antenna Design and Considerations

Building and Installing Antennas

Installing an Outdoor Antenna

Mounting the Antenna

Antenna Tuning and Optimization Techniques

Chapter Seven

Radio Propagation

Factors Affecting Propagation

Signal Interference and Noise

Triggers of Ham Radio Interference

Preventing Ham Radio Interference

Helpful Tips

How To Lower Noise on Your HF Radio

Chapter Eight

Ham Radio Operating Practices

Contesting Strategies

Greatest Ham Radio Contesting Tactics

DXing (Making Long-Distance Contacts)

Ragchewing and Elmering

Ragchewer Awards

Digital Modes and Software

Chapter Nine

Emergency Preparedness and Public Service

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)

Setting up Emergency Stations and Networks

Joining Clubs and Amateur Radio Organizations

Chapter Ten

Advancing in Ham Radio

Specialty Operating Activities and Certifications

Building and Experimenting with DIY Projects

Chapter Eleven

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Best Practices for Station Setup and Maintenance

Chapter Twelve

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Antenna Maintenance and Inspection

Cleaning the Antenna

Protecting the Antenna

Adjusting the Antenna

Chapter Thirteen

Resources and Further Learning

Forums to Join

Ham Radio Events and Conventions

Glossary of Terms

About the Author

Introduction

Amateur radio, commonly known as ham radio, is a widely recognized hobby and service that connects individuals, electronics, and communication. Ham radio enables people to communicate locally, globally, or even into space, all without relying on the Internet or mobile phones. It fosters social interaction, education, and support, particularly during times of crisis. Setting up a ham radio station is feasible anywhere, whether at home, in a field, or at a club station. It's a licensed radio service that empowers individuals to establish communications with remote locations, including outer space, using their equipment.

Amateur radio is not just a hobby, but a vital part of technological advancement and emergency communications. With over 750,000 licensed hams in the United States alone, amateur radio plays a significant role in connecting people worldwide. These licensed hams can communicate with over 3 million operators globally, contributing to a thriving amateur radio community. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) determines frequency and wattage privileges for amateur radio in the United States, further highlighting its importance and regulation.

One of the key features that make ham radio appealing is its power and range. After obtaining a license, ham operators can use up to 1,500 watts of power in specific frequency bands. This makes it 750 times more potent than walkie-talkie radios, which operate at a mere 2 watts. Compared to CB radio, which is limited to four watts, ham radio is 375 times more powerful. Additionally, hams are permitted to use thirty times more energy than licensed operators using the GMRS service, enabling them to establish global communications with their personal equipment. This power and range give ham radio a unique advantage and potential for global communication.

However, power is just one aspect of what makes ham radio valuable. Amateur radio operators also have access to a wide range of frequencies, modes of operation, and freedoms that allow them to explore various activities, such as building their transmitters, sending emails via radio, and customizing antennas.

The term ham radio originates from the late 19th century when Guglielmo Marconi, the world's first amateur radio operator, made the first effective wireless radio contact using homemade equipment. Initially, professional telegraph operators referred to amateur radio operators as hams due to their perceived lack of skill. Instead of taking offense, amateur operators embraced the term, and it became synonymous with amateur radio. Today, both ham radio and amateur radio are used interchangeably, with amateur simply denoting the absence of compensation rather than unprofessionalism.

Chapter One

Ham Radio

Ham radio, or amateur radio, involves using the radio frequency band for various purposes such as non-commercial message exchange, radiosport, wireless experiments, self-education, personal recreation, contesting, and emergency communications. The term Amateur denotes an individual authorized by law, passionate about radioelectric practice, driven solely by personal interest, without financial gain, and distinct from commercial broadcasting and public safety services like police and fire departments or professional two-way radio services such as aviation, taxis, and maritime operations. National governments issue personal station licenses with unique identifying call signs for all transmissions, and they regulate the technical and operational aspects of these transmissions. Amateur operators must obtain an amateur radio license, which involves passing a government test demonstrating sufficient technical radio expertise and legal understanding of radio legislation. Ham radio offers versatility, allowing users to tailor it to their preferences. Whether communicating over the airwaves like amateurs of the past or embracing the latest digital modes, enthusiasts can stay technologically current while enjoying the comfort of their home or vehicle.

History and Evolution of Ham Radio

Amateur radio traces its roots back to the late 19th century, but its modern operational framework didn't take shape until the early 20th century. The inaugural Yearly Official Wireless Blue Book of the Wireless Association of America, published in 1909, documents an inventory of amateur radio stations, listing 89 such stations along with wireless telegraph stations in Canada and the USA. Like the broader field of radio, amateur radio found favor among numerous experimenters and enthusiasts. Hobbyists in amateur radio have made significant contributions to science, social services, engineering, and industry. During emergencies, research conducted by amateur operators has spurred the emergence of new industries, strengthened national economies, empowered nations, and saved lives. Moreover, ham radio serves as an educational tool, facilitating instruction in English, computer skills, map reading, geography, mathematics, and science in classrooms.

Accounts abound detailing Guglielmo Marconi's invention of the radio and his distinction as the first amateur to achieve transatlantic communication in 1901. Before this milestone, Marconi applied Heinrich Rudolf Hertz's theory on the existence of radio waves, constructing a communication system in the 1890s. Following the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912, a significant assembly gathered in New York City to honor the individual credited with the technology ensuring the survival of the ship's passengers. Though Marconi and his family opted not to board the ill-fated vessel, two of his co-wireless operators transmitted distress signals as the ship sank into the ocean.

Ham radio during World War I

In 1910, thousands of amateurs were broadcasting globally. However, the outbreak of World War I in 1917 halted amateur radio until the war's conclusion, after which operators resumed on-air activities.

Ham Radio Operators’ Early Frequencies

In the early days of radio, commercial, government and amateur stations shared the same radio bandwidth, transmitting Morse code through spectrum-consuming spark-gap transmissions. Amateurs, essentially non-professional operators, were involved in staffing both commercial and government stations. In 1912, due to significant interference issues, the government intervened to allocate distinct bands to each type of radio user. During this time, amateurs were restricted to frequencies above 1.5 MHz, which were considered inadequate for long-distance communication. With the onset of regulation, amateurs began using government-issued call signs in 1913, leading to a brief decline in activity. However, interest resurged, and by 1917, there were approximately six thousand (6,000) licensed hams. Nonetheless, World War I prevented hams from broadcasting until late 1919, as the Navy retained control over radio operations in the United States. The ban was eventually lifted after amateurs lobbied Congress to reinstate their on-air privileges.

Long-distance amateur radio communications in the 1920s

In 1923, the first transatlantic contact between amateurs in England and Connecticut occurred, marking a significant milestone for long-distance communications worldwide. These intercontinental connections spurred international conferences in 1927-1928, leading to the establishment of what is now recognized as the 80-/75-, 40-, 20-, and 10-meter bands, along with the introduction of country-specific call signs. Previously, hams would use their initials for identification during broadcasts. By the late 1920s, hams were granted bands spanning from 160 to 5 meters, with additional capacity on UHF at 400 MHz.

Ham Radio Operations in the 1930s

In the 1930s, the transition away from wideband spark-gap transmitters occurred with the advent of tubes, enabling hams to utilize Morse code over CW on designated frequencies. During this era, certain amateur radio operators began pioneering the transmission of voice over the airwaves. Although there was some initial interest in single sideband operation in the 1930s, it wasn't until 1947 that SSB experiments were conducted on ham HF frequencies. The onset of World War II disrupted amateur activities in Europe and Canada. In 1940, the United States government issued an order