What is Amateur Radio (Ham Radio)? Amateur radio is an amazing hobby that links licenced operators locally and around the world via radio waves and other modes.
Licenced operators (in Australia at least) have access to the most frequency assignments, second only to the defence force.
The hobby has a wide variety of interests both in its use and construction (if one desires), such as, radio, antennas, electronics, beacons, repeaters, satellites, testing equipment, integration of computers, software, making ones own gear like
electronic boxes to perform certain tasks, constructing antennas and many other items required to get on air. Once on air, some like to call
anyone for a chat (QSO), or contact others using digital modes via computer, or compete in radio contests to see how many persons and countries
one can contact during a defined time period. Some like setting up portable on a hill top using batteries, radio and a wire antenna thrown over a tree.
Disaster emergency communications provided by hams assist authorities in times of need. There is something within the hobby that would take your interest for sure.
Hopefully this 'ham talk' will help understand some of the jargon and information contained in this website.
| TERM | EXPLANATION |
| QTH | My location |
| Grid square | The whole world is divided up into 2 degree Longitude by 1 degree Latitude blocks. Example Grid square: QG62. Example Sub Square: QG62mn. Example Extended Square: QG62mn40 |
| CQ | Means calling all stations |
| DX | Long distance communication. Outside of your country mostly. |
| Zones |
The world is divided up into different zones for use with Amateur Radio. There are 3 main zones. 1. CQ zone. 2. International Telecommunications Union Zone. 3. Regions 1 through 3. |
| ACMA | Australian Communications and Media Authority |
| Callsign | My callsign allocated to me by the ACMA and is VK4SN. VK4 is the prefix and MY suffix is SN. Each callsign is unique to all individuals and clubs etc. |
| VK | VK = Australia. All countries have special prefixes allocated to them. EG New Zealand = ZL |
| VK4 | The 4 indicates the state. 4 = QLD, 3 = VIC, 2 = NSW etc, in alignment with our postcodes |
| IOTA | Islands on the Air. Continents and islands surrounded by water have an IOTA number. VK = OC-001 |
| Station | A radio station owned by a club, group or single operator |
| Operator | A person licenced to use ham radio equipement |
| QSL | A post card sent between operators with contact information contained there-on. |
| eQSL | A website hosting the passing of QSL cards electronically between stations. |
| Repeater | Normally two radio's, one receives your radio transmission and the second re-transmits the same information on a different frequency. Used to extend the range of VHF and UHF transmissions. |
| Shack | A term used for the room where operators keep and use all their radio equipment. |
| WIA | Wireless Institue of Australia - The governing body of Amateur Radio in Australia |
| SSB | Voice - using the Microphone. Single side band = USB or LSB (Upper or Lower) |
| CW | Morse Code. (carrier wave) |
