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.
When disaster strikes and cell towers, internet, and commercial power fail, two volunteer amateur radio organizations step in to provide the last line of reliable communication for served agencies (Red Cross, FEMA, state/local EOCs, hospitals, etc.): Many hams who belong to both groups usually share the same frequencies and nets in practice. Readers should also … Read more
These two numbers are the most famous QSL sign-off codes in the entire hobby — but what do they actually mean? If you’re new to amateur radio or just monitoring shortwave frequencies, you’ve probably heard operators end their contact with “73” or occasionally “88.” Here’s everything you need to know about 73 and 88 in … Read more
Finding local VHF and UHF ham radio repeaters is one of the first things most new (and traveling) hams want to do. Repeaters dramatically extend your handheld or mobile radio’s range, often letting a 5-watt HT talk 50+ miles. Here’s the complete modern playbook for locating them—no matter where you are. The Fastest, Most Reliable … Read more
For under $200 (often well under), you can now own a receiver that covers from a few kilohertz up to 1.7 GHz or more—something that would have cost thousands just a decade ago. Software-defined radios (SDRs) have completely democratized radio experimentation. Here are the best beginner-friendly SDRs you can buy in late 2025 that stay … Read more
So you’ve caught the radio bug, and you’re ready to get your ticket. Awesome. The good news? Passing the test has literally never been easier. The bad news? There are about a million study guides out there, and most of them will either bore you to death or leave you confused. I’ve been elbow-deep in … Read more