The Ham Radio is also known as the Amateur Radio. It is a hobby for people who use the radio frequencies to communicate with others. There is a spectrum that can be used for non-commercial porpoises. The uses include communication in case of emergency, training, contesting, holding experiments, and of course merely recreational porpoises.
The service of amateur radios is given by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union), who regulates which frequencies can be used. Each government has the local authority to regulate their transitions. They usually issue the necessary permits, breaking the radio frequency spectrum into pieces for each different use.
To become a Ham Radio hobbyist, you need to be aware of all regulations. In some places you need to pass a test not just to prove your awareness, but also the technical knowledge around RF communications. Depending on the sort of message you want to make, the procedure may change. For example, you could use Ham Radio to communicate in your city or country. In such cases, the awareness on your local rules is enough. However, if you want to engage on intercontinental or space communications, then you need further knowledge, equipment, and permits.
To learn more about Ham Radio as a hobby, visit the following links:
The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL): This is the association that all Ham Radio hobbyist should belong to. Their site is full of information about Ham Radio. They have not just news and general interest information about the hobby. The site is full of advice and procedures on licensing, training, and regulations in the United States. In addition, you will find advice about Ham Radio technologies.
How to Join a Ham Radio Emergency Organization by H. Ward Silver: The dummies series of books has extracted an interesting article about joining an organization related to amateur radios. This site is full of useful information.
The list of Amateur Radio Organizations at the Mount Diablo WC6X Amateur Radio Club: There are many listings with amateur radio orgs. However, this list is one of the most complete directories of international associations, conferences, and related conventions.
Amateur Radio Service site at the Federal Communications Commission: This is where the amateur satellite services are regulated. You can find everything about examinations and licenses, along with the corresponding regulations. Their FAQ section is of most use.
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU): This is a group of societies related to Ham Radio hobbyists around the world. It includes countries starting with Albania and up to Zimbabwe. If you are looking for an organization on a particular country, we recommend you to brows under their Member Societies section. In addition, there are news, events, and featured contests.
The list of Ham Clubs and Organizations at the DX Zone: This place holds a full directory of organization and societies perfectly organized. You will find 1762 registers just for North America, and 586 for Europe.
Vector Radio: Vector radio from Canada is an organization that operates in Vancouver. We have included it on the list because it is one of the most active non-profit organization that is working to organize emergency drills with the use of ham radios. If you are interested on this technology to address emergencies, this is a must visit place and a must contact society.
Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service: This organization in the United States is better known as RACES. They are devoted to emergency services with ham radios in the United States. Browsing in their site, you can learn about the emergency responses on particular disasters.
W6BB Amateur Radio Club: This is the Ham Radio club for the Berkeley university. They actively promote this hobby within the campus population.
International Space Station Reference: This is an illustrative article about ham radios published by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It includes a list of official organizations related to ham radio.
The Ham Radio University: If you are looking for education around ham radios, then this is the right place to go. There are plenty of forums and events with excellent information about ham radios. Their streaming video section broadcasts some of the events.
The American Legion Amateur Radio Club (TALARC): This club belongs to the American Legion, and is meant to provide an option for communications if everything else fails. The best of their site are the news that are updated regularly. In addition, you can check the upcoming events.
Ladies Auxiliary at the OMIX Amateur Radio Association: This is one of the few organizations with special focus on women. It is not an organization per se, but part of the OMIK Amateur Radio Association.
Sisterhood of Amateur Radio: On this site you will find very interesting information about ladies who are engaged on ham radios.