What is Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio is a service, it is controlled and operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and operated by individuals like myself.

Amateur Radio is public service. Following Hurricane Katrina hundreds of Amateurs banded together to provide communication services to bring relief. They were the first communications to mobilize. More recently HAMs assisted with response following Hurricane Harvey, Irma, and assisted following the tragedy that hit Puerto Rico.

Radio operators help their communities in good times and bad, through community events, disaster response, and various programs. Annually in the Quad-Cities local amateurs help coordinate communications for the Bix road race each year.

Millions of amateur operators in all areas of the world communicate with each other directly or through ad hoc relay systems and amateur-satellites. They exchange messages by voice, teleprinting, telegraphy, facsimile, and television.

Amateur Radio operators help to develop the art of radio communications, and build international goodwill. Our world is becoming increasingly wireless and a huge part of the Amateur service is experimentation that helps to drive this art into the future. It is a journey that started before the word Radio was in use in the late 1890’s and continues today.

The Radio Amateur is:

CONSIDERATE…He/[She] never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

LOYAL…He/[She] offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, the IARU Radio Society in his/[her] country, through which Amateur Radio in his/[her] country is represented nationally and internationally.

PROGRESSIVE…He/[She] keeps his/[her] station up to date.  It is well-built and efficient.  His/[Her] operating practice is above reproach.

FRIENDLY…He/[She] operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the marks of the amateur spirit.

BALANCED…Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.

PATRIOTIC…His/[Her] station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.

– adapted from the original Amateur’s Code, written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928