Amateur radio (also called “ham radio”) is a license-privileged hobby and public service dedicated to education, communication, and technical advancements – not for profit.
Hams use a range of frequencies to talk locally, regionally, and worldwide using voice, text, and digital modes.
Many operators build or modify gear, learn about electronics and radio theory, and participate in public-service events and emergency response.

Basic concepts

• Radio waves: Invisible electromagnetic waves that carry information through the air. Different frequencies (measured in hertz, Hz) behave differently—some travel far, some pass through obstacles, some reflect off the ionosphere.
• Transmitter: Converts audio or data into a radio-frequency signal and broadcasts it on a chosen frequency.
• Receiver: Picks up radio signals and converts them back to audio or data.
• Antenna: Radiates the transmitted signal and collects incoming signals; antenna type and placement strongly affect range and quality.
• Modes: Ways information is encoded onto radio waves — common modes include voice (FM, AM, SSB), Morse code (CW), and digital modes (FT8, PSK31, RTTY).

Frequency bands and licenses

• The radio spectrum is divided into bands allocated for amateur use by government regulators. Each band has different propagation characteristics (e.g., HF bands for long-distance; VHF/UHF for local line-of-sight).
• Operators must pass an exam and obtain a license to transmit legally. Licenses typically set allowed frequency ranges, power limits, and privileges.

Typical station components

• Transceiver: Combined transmitter and receiver (common in modern setups).
• Power supply: Provides stable DC power for the transceiver.
• Antenna system: Wire dipoles, verticals, or portable antennas depending on goals.
• Feedline: Coaxial cable or balanced line that connects radio to antenna.
• Accessories: Microphone, Morse key, digital-interface cable, antenna tuner, SWR meter.

Propagation basics

• Line-of-sight: VHF/UHF signals travel straight and are limited by obstacles and horizon — good for local contacts.
• Ionospheric propagation: HF signals can reflect off the ionosphere and reach across continents and oceans; effectiveness varies with solar activity and time of day.
• Sporadic and tropospheric modes: Occasional extended-range propagation on VHF/UHF due to atmospheric layers.

Popular Activities in Amateur Radio

• Voice and digital contacts with other hams worldwide
• Contesting (making as many contacts as possible in a set time)
• Emergency communications and public-service nets
• Building and testing antennas and homebrew electronics
• Satellite and moonbounce communications
• Learning and using Morse code (CW)
• Experimenting with digital modes and software-defined radio (SDR)

Getting Started (quick guide)

1. Learn the basics. There lots of free online resource that help you prepare for your exam. Or get in touch with HARC at [email protected] for help.
2. Get your amateur radio certificate. In Canada, you need an amateur radio certificate issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
3. Buy or borrow a beginner transceiver (many start with a handheld VHF/UHF radio) and a simple antenna.
4. Practice listening, make your first contacts, and log them.
5. Upgrade equipment and skills gradually (antennas and propagation knowledge have the biggest impact).

Safety and Etiquette

• Follow licensing rules: identify with your call sign and respect frequency allocations.
• Keep power levels, antenna installations, and grounding safe.
• Use respectful on-air behaviour: listen, avoid hogging frequencies, and follow established band plans.