What do amateur (ham) radio operators do?
Most often, “hams” just talk to each other via radio and generally have a virtual community “on-the-air”. They share tips on operating, but also make friendships that last for lifetimes. The primary purpose that the FCC created the amateur radio bands is for the education and training of radio operators and to assist during times of national crisis. Hams assist with communication in national disasters (Amateur radio was the only available communication for many days after Hurrican Katrina). The Red Cross and all Emergency Management Agencies have organized amateur radio operators — people just like you that help out during times of need. Hams also assist with community events like walk-a-thons, art festivals, and public concerts, by providing a distributed and efficient observation and communications network. Hams help with schools by hosting events for school children like radio “foxhunts”, setting up satellite communications, and talking with astronauts on the International Space St
