What is ARES?
A communications system that doesn’t depend on
phone lines or commercial power can be pretty handy
in an emergency or disaster when the power’s out and
the telephone system is either dead or overloaded.
ARES - the Amateur Radio
Emergency Service. Through ARES, Amateur Radio
helps local and state Emergency Management, the
Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other disaster
recovery and relief agencies by providing communications when and where no one else can.
How far can we talk?
That’s the most common question we hear. The answer is
a little complex. Of course, some of our equipment can
communicate worldwide. Mobile High Frequency radios are
used routinely to talk to hams in Europe and South America,
even as far as Australia. The handheld radios range is just a
few miles, but using repeaters - relay devices on tall buildings
or towers - we can use them to talk 50 miles or more. There
are over 20 Amateur Radio repeaters in South Central Alaska
area. Some are connected to the Internet for worldwide
communications
How Can I Become a Ham?
Anyone can become a ham. There is no age limit. While the
majority of hams have some interest in communications technology
before they enter the hobby, you certainly do not have to be an
engineer, or even have any technical training.
Before transmitting, every ham must earn a license from the FCC by
passing a test. The tests cover basic electronics, regulations, radio operation and safety.
Morse code is not required.
Several area Amateur Radio Clubs
teach ham radio classes throughout Alaska each year.
Where did the term “Ham Radio” come from?
Unfortunately, nobody
knows for sure. The term “ham” began before the dawn of radio, with the
railroad telegraph operators. It was a somewhat affectionate insult applied
to new operators on the ‘wire.’ Voice operation began in the ‘20s. How it changed from an insult to
a term the Amateurs proudly applied to themselves is lost to history.
For more information on WHAT IS AMATEUR RADIO?
HAM RADIO IN ALASKA Brochure
