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Ham Radio

I have been a licensed Radio Amateur (Ham Radio) since 1975 although my interest began in the mid '60's. I hold the highest license, Amateur Extra Class. I also hold a First Class Radiotelephone License, which is now also called General Radiotelephone License.   I also hold certifications in emergency communications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the ARRL.  Ham radio operators are the people who are trained to provide emergency communications during disasters and special events all over the world. When there are no needs for our special talents we enjoy communicating with other Ham operators in the far reaches of the world.

You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. Albert Einstein, when asked to describe radio US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)

From time to time I take the world of Ham radio to the masses. Here are pictures of one of those times.

Here are the Pack 10 Webelos 1 of Linglestown Pa.  I showed them a movie that was produced by the ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League). The movie shows how Ham radio is fun and educational. After the film we contacted fellow Hams on the air and even listened to the Space Shuttle. Some of the Hams that we heard were from as far away as Texas. This helped them earn the Communicator Activity Badge. From left to right Cameron Simmons, Daniel Cox, Wesley Rick, Matt Kurtyka, Brett Simmons, Rob Gordon, Barry Gordon and Terry Snyder

This is Charlie. His Ham call sign is W3CWT. Charley spoke to the Webelos on the Ham Radio from his car somewhere in Lebanon County. Charley told the Webelos about becoming a Ham and said "If I can do it, you can too".
	November 18th 2003 we took Ham radio to the Halifax Historical Society.  I was joined by hams Dennis (KA3BVJ) and Rindy (KB3KBL).  We started with a 6 minute movie on Ham Radio followed by a history lesson on Ham Radio.  We demonstrated with live contacts with other hams and a contact with Japan.

Paul Harvey has been heard on great radio stations for decades. Paul knows the value of clear communications.  He recently paid homage to Amateur Radio on his syndicated radio program.  Here is the excerpted portion of the program. Click this link to hear, or right click to save the file. Paul Harvey's comments about ham radio

Local Amateur radio clubs help in many areas where clear and reliable communication is needed. Here are a few links to the web sites of central Pennsylvania and regional clubs and organizations.

Central Pennsylvania Repeater Association. Harrisburg Radio Amateur Club Susquehanna Valley Amateur Radio Club East Coast Amateur Radio Service (ECARS)

R. J. Harris, W3HP, is the morning guy on WHP AM 580 in Harrisburg. An avid ham radio operator, R. J. recorded this tribute to Ham Radio. Air date was 6-22-2006. I think R. J. really covered what ham radio is and there is a great explanation of Field Day which happens during the last weekend in June. Follow this link to hear the 5 minute story. Field Day Report from W3HP

The local time is different all over the world. To find the time anywhere click this link. http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/full.html

Morse Code is no-longer required for the entry level (Technician) Ham License. Many will chose to remain Technicians.  To move up to a higher license Morse Code is required.  Here is a DOS program that I use to teach morse code. Download and unzip it to it's own folder. The sound will come from the PC's speaker and not the sound card. Click Here> DMORSE.ZIP

Make your own QSL cards on your computer, or create them and take them to the printer. Follow this link http://hfradio.org/wb8rcr/ for the free program. It's really easy to use. Local download CLICK HERE

I try to make myself available to show Ham radio to clubs and scouts or any other interested groups. Ham radio can be very educational and helps kids in school because it gives practical examples to lessons learned in school. Geography, Math and Science are directly linked to Ham Radio.  To learn more visit the ARRL at www.arrl.org .