About Ham Radio Equipment

Types

• There are two major, essential components to the ham radio station--the transceiver, the actual radio that creates the audio transmission, and the antenna, which broadcasts the transmission for reception by another ham. In addition, the ham can use a computer, headphones, amplifier and tuner.

Transceiver

• The transceiver is the piece of equipment that creates the audio transmission. It's made up of the microphone, radio and power supply. Hams can either use a handheld mic, or a mic more similar to those used in broadcast radio. The radio itself can broadcast on a number of frequencies, and is most typically designed for VHF, UHF, and HF frequencies. The power supply provides the radio with power.

Antenna

• The antenna is another important piece. It's connected to the transceiver with a piece of coaxial cable. When the ham makes a transmission, the antenna radiates his signal. Antennas can come in a variety of shapes, including the yagi, dipoles, verticals, log periodic and dish form. Typically, yagi and dipole antennas are used for HF, verticals for VHF and UHF, and dish antennas for the microwave frequencies.

Other Equipment

• There are other pieces of equipment that the ham may use. Hams use computers to keep track of their contacts, as well as decode and send digital transmissions. An amplifier may be used to make a signal stronger, allowing it to be sent greater distances. Headphones are sometimes used to block background noise to hear weak transmissions better, and a tuner helps the ham tune his antenna and radio for maximum power output.

Considerations

• Ham radio equipment is for the use of licensed amateurs only. Those who use the equipment without a license could be subject to fines, confiscation and possibly criminal penalties, depending on the laws governing amateur radio in their countries.

Misconceptions

• Modern ham radio equipment is not difficult to use. Most now include digital readouts, and much of the fine tuning is done by the radio itself. Older equipment may require some additional knowledge of radio operation in order to make it function correctly and optimally.