What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur Radio is the hobby of using designated Frequency bands to communicate with other licensed Radio Amateurs around the world.
This can be for experimentation, training, or just a good chat with someone thousands of miles away! Amateur Radio also provides a
service, aiding emergency services with communication networks whenever need arises.
In the UK, access to radio frequencies for all users is controlled by Ofcom. Amateur Radio Licences issued by Ofcom allow us to
design, build, test, adjust and operate radio equipment - operating may include the use of Morse Code (yes - it's still used!),
speech, television and computer generated data.
For an interesting introductory video click here - it is from the USA,
but if you can make allowances for that, it has a lot of good information in it!
For more general information on Amateur Radio in the UK, go to Radio Society of Great Britain.
Who is it for?
Well for anyone really, who has an interest in aspects of communications, technical pastimes, experimentation, and self development.
The licensing structure in the UK is designed to support onward development, starting with a simple Foundation licence which allows
you to get 'on the air' quickly and then progress to higher levels.
It is particularly suited to young people as part of their education, and as a differentiator on CV's. Many young peoples organisations
have a badge or award based on communications - the Foundation Licence automatically achieves this award in the Scouts, Guides, Duke of
Edinburgh Award, ATC and Cadets schemes etc.
It is also well suited to those in middle and later life who may have some extra spare time, or are looking for something to get involved in as
they move towards retirement, or even as self training for career progression.
Why not come along to a club meeting to find out more.
Page Created 18 Jan 2012
Page Last Updated 19 Jan 2012
