Radio amateur's corner

What is being a radio amateur?

Being a radio amateur involves the practice of using radio equipment to communicate with other people around the world. Radio amateurs, or "hams," use a variety of equipment and modes of communication to send and receive messages. This can include voice, Morse code, digital data, and even TV images.

In addition to communication, many radio amateurs also enjoy experimenting with radio technology. This may include building their own equipment, testing antennas, and exploring new ways of propagating radio waves.

It is necessary to obtain a license to operate in the designated frequency bands. To obtain this license, they generally must demonstrate a knowledge of radio electronics and telecommunication regulations through an exam.

Radio amateur roles

Communication: radio amateurs communicate with other radio enthusiasts around the world. This can be for fun, to make friends in different countries, or to practice communication skills like learning languages.
Emergencies: in these situations, radio amateurs can play a vital role in providing emergency communications. When regular communication systems fail or are overloaded, radio amateurs can provide an alternative communication network.
Competitions: there are amateur radio competitions, known as "contests", where participants try to make contact with as many radio stations as possible in a given period of time.
Education: many radio amateurs enjoy teaching others about radio. This can include training new radio amateurs, conducting demonstrations at schools and community events, or promoting amateur radio as a hobby.
Satellites: some radio amateurs specialize in communication with satellites of other radio amateurs and the International Space Station. This can include tracking satellites and communicating with astronauts.
Radio astronomy: they can make lunar bounce, also known as lunar Doppler effect, which is an observation method used in radio astronomy. This method has been used to confirm Einstein's theory of general relativity and to measure the distance between the Earth and the Moon.

Radio amateur shack

The radio amateur shack is a space dedicated to radio where enthusiasts keep their transceivers, receivers, accessories and computer equipment. This can include other devices related to the radio, as well as shelves and a large table where the communication systems are located.

The shack can be located anywhere from a room in the house to a separate building. It is designed to provide a safe and controlled environment for radio equipment, and often includes measures to protect the equipment from electromagnetic interference.

In addition to housing the equipment, the shack can also include a space for its repairs and maintenance, as well as an area to store the received Qsl's, diplomas, manuals and documentation of said equipment. It is also a meeting place with other radio amateur friends.