Amateur radio or how is commonly known, ham radio is an easy way of communication in real-time using the radio frequency spectrum no matter where you are. Not only will you be able to discover new friends in your area.
But also give you the opportunity to meet people and cultures from other countries. This tool makes it easy for anyone to learn, use and discover the potential of radio communications devices.
If you have an interest in this world, you will have to know a little bit about history, specifically, why is it called ham radio to amateur radio operators? To answer that question we have to go back in time to understand the first steps of this community.
It was in 1908 when the first radio amateur station was operated for 3 amateurs from the Harvard radio club. These 3 people were Albert Hyman, Bob Almy, and Peggie Murray. They decided to call the station “HYMAN-ALMY-MURRAY” due to their last names, however, this was a long name for a code considering that back then the short messages were the key to communication.
Time passed and the name was changed to “HY-AL-MU”, but once again at that time, there was a Mexican company with the name “HYALMO”, which was so confusing, and then they decided to use their initials “HAM” for the first radio station.
However, the hardest test that this amateur radio station had to face was in the year 1911. Before that year all the amateur radio operators were operating without regulation, as they do it today.
At the beginning of the radio amateur station, all the operators were able to choose their own frequency and at some time the signal was better than the regulated and commercial stations. For that reason, the congressional committee in Washington proposed a regulation bill for those “free” unregulated radio station with critical requirements, which mean that many of those stations would have to shut down, due is not accomplishing the bill.
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A great performance to save the HAM radio station
In face of the imminent bill proposed by congress and its consequences for amateur radio operators; Albert Hyman presented his thesis about Wireless Regulation Bill. The thesis was so controversial that Hyman´s thesis instructor insisted in sending a copy to Senator David I. Walsh, who was a member of the committee proposing the bill.
The thesis was so interesting that the senator invited Hyman to the congress, in order to present his research in front of the committee. Hayman explained to senators how he and his partners built the radio station, also he explained with a lot of sadness that if the bill gets approval they would have to shut down the radio station because they were not able to afford the license and accomplish with all the requirements.
After that great performance, the debate on the bill started and the HAM radio station was a symbol for all the radio amateur operators. At the end of the discussion, the bill was dismissed and everybody saw that little HAM station as the savior for all the radio amateurs in the country.
The name was well received and from that time to nowadays, is called Ham radio to every amateur radio operator.
That is how was defined the name of HAM radio from that time to date.
So in the future when someone asks you, why is it called HAM radio? You have a very interesting history to tell about.
Advantages of HAM radio from the beginning to current
We can use it in educational programs to stimulate children’s interest in communication.
During natural emergencies, this kind of communication is vital, because normally during a catastrophe the cell phone communication is overwhelmed and the Ham radio operators take the lead.
Once you get involved in the Ham radio community you will note that these groups of people have varied tastes. There are those who communicate by Morse code, those who communicate by the voice from one radio amateur to another, and those who send messages through computers, which are sent through satellites.
The golden rule is to meet new people, exchange ideas, experiment, and learn. No matter where you come from, not your race, not your gender; all are welcome within this nuanced community.
How important is HAM radio today?
Today’s world depends a lot on infrastructures that make telephones, computers and other technological devices work; so if these infrastructures fail for some reason, many systems will be left without service.
In natural disasters, there are a large number of volunteers who offer their time, knowledge, and equipment to help affected communities through this tool.
During natural or man-made disasters where electricity, telephone, and internet systems are damaged, affecting communications, Ham radio can take the lead in the communication line, providing voluntarily and quickly their practical and efficient communications system serving the affected community.
This is a big responsibility; you never know when you will be able to save the life of someone by calling for help when anyone else can’t do it.
Using your knowledge, time, and equipment, ham radio can operate and organize communication networks locally for the authorities or a non-commercial network for communication between affected citizens. This provides a vital public service in an emergency situation.
Summarizing HAM radio
You can use it as a hobby to connect with people around the world.
In case of an emergency, you will have an important role to communicate with the authorities.
It doesn’t matter the age, gender, or social status, this community will receive you with placer.
Always remember this; Why is it called ham radio? The answer is easy, it is called that way in honor of a little radio station built by amateurs, which stood up and save the community of radio amateurs when it was needed the most.
If you are a ham radio lover, this basic information is fundamental to involve in this interesting world, go for it!