What is Amateur Radio?
Amateur radio, often called ham radio, is both a hobby and a service in which participants, called "hams," use various types of radio communications equipment to communicate with other radio amateurs for public service, recreation and self-training.
[1]Amateur radio operators enjoy personal (and often worldwide) wireless communications with each other and are able to support their communities with emergency and disaster communications if necessary, while increasing their personal knowledge of electronics and radio theory. An estimated six million people throughout the world are regularly involved with amateur radio.
[2]The term "amateur" reflects the principle that Amateur Radio and its skilled operators are committed to helping communities without financial compensation; whereas Commercial Radio operates purely for profit. Though its origins can be traced to at least the late 1800s, amateur radio, as practiced today, did not begin until the early 1900s. The first listing of amateur radio stations is contained in the First Annual Official Wireless Blue Book of the Wireless Association of America in 1909.[3] This first radio callbook lists wireless telegraph stations in Canada and the United States, including eighty-nine amateur radio stations. As with radio in general, the birth of amateur radio was strongly associated with various amateur experimenters and hobbyists. Throughout its history, amateur radio enthusiasts have made significant contributions to science, engineering, industry, and social services. Research by amateur radio operators has founded new industries,Built economies,Empowered nations and Saved lives in times of emergency.
More Info About Us
- President KI4JZI Jeff
- Vice President KE4VQM Ronnie
- Sec/Tres KV4DS Debbie
- The Club Meets every 4th Monday at 7.00pm, at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Building in Madisonville everyone is welcome to attend.
- Check-in every Tuesday night at 7:00pm on the 145.250 repeater with a negative offset and a tone of 100, all Licensed Amature Radio Operators Welcome,Stop in and join us.
- For infomation on testing contact KI4JZI Jeff.Testing the first Satuday of the Month at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce at 9am by appointment only,1 to 2 weeks notice required.
- Please tune your radio to 145.250 located in Philadelphia TN. The Repeater has a Negative offset and a Tone of 100,and join in on the Rag Chewing !!
Some of the things we do
- Severe weather spotting
- Amateur radio emergency communications
- Communicating via amateur satellites
- Contesting, earning awards, and collecting QSL cards
- Designing new antennas
- DX communication to far away countries
- Hamfests, club meetings and swap meets
- Hand building homebrew amateur radio gear
- Low-power operation (QRP).
. The Monroe County Amateur Radio Club (WZ4V) held its 3rd Annual Cecil Ritchie - WZ4V/SK Memorial Field Day at Kefauver Park in Madisonville, TN. We had 12 participants and operated a 1A station on generator power with battery backup from 2 PM EST Saturday till 2PM EST Sunday and had 747 phone contacts on 20M, 40M, and 15M. We also operated a GOTA station for the benefit of public participation and had 250 phone & CW contacts on it. Food, fellowship, and lots of fun was had by all. -- K4EZK