Ham and Shortwave Radio
Amateur radio, commonly known as ham radio, is a regulated pursuit and public service in which licensed individuals use allocated radio frequencies to connect with fellow operators worldwide.
This is achieved via methods such as voice transmission, Morse code, digital protocols, or even satellite relays, primarily for recreational purposes, technological innovation, critical emergency support, and honing expertise in radio operations.
Put another way, Ham radio (or amateur radio) is a licensed hobby and service of using designated radio frequency bands to communicate with other enthusiasts worldwide through voice, Morse code, digital modes, or satellite, often for fun, experimentation, emergency communications, and technical skill-building.
This guide provides a step-by-step process for receiving SSTV signals using an SDR, covering both general amateur radio transmissions and specific events like those from the International Space Station (ISS). We’ll focus on RTL-SDR as it’s popular and cost-effective, but the principles apply to other SDRs. Slow Scan Television (SSTV) is a method used primarily … Read more
Thousands of hams and makers have already had their callsign appear on aprs.fi with the path “RS0ISS” or “ARISS” – meaning their packet was literally bounced off the ISS. Here’s exactly how you can join them. Every 93 minutes, a 2-meter radio station traveling at 28,000 km/h passes overhead and will happily relay your tiny … Read more
Here are the three big systems you need to know, how they actually work in a disaster, and exactly where/when to find them. When cell towers are underwater, the internet is dark, and power is gone for weeks, one thing still works: disciplined amateur radio emergency traffic nets. These are not casual ragchews—they are the … Read more
Coast Guard, Maritime, National Guard, and Military Channels This guide combines two critical areas: maritime frequencies monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for sea-based emergencies, and National Guard/military frequencies for land-based disaster preparedness and response. These tap into enthusiast scanning communities, emergency managers, and volunteers alike, paralleling systems like FEMA’s interoperability channels. Whether you’re … Read more
The National Weather Service’s NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) network is the fastest and most reliable way to get life-saving alerts directly from the source—24/7, no internet or cell service required. Readers should also consider reading- The Seven (and Only Seven) NOAA Weather Radio Frequencies All NWR stations in the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories … Read more