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Different Methods Used By HAM Radios
HAM Radios have a large variety of frequencies between which they operate. The non HAM Radios can listen on to a conversation between two HAM Radios but will not be able to participate in the conversation without a license. HAM Radios may operate from a frequency which is just a little higher than the AM/FM radio broadcast bandwidth to a frequency that is as high as the Microwave Range. Although this is the extreme ranges of bandwidth between which HAM Radios can operate, majority of the HAM Radios will be functioning between the AM Radio Bandwidth which is approximately 1.6 MHz to the Citizens bandwidth which is approximately 27MHz. There are a few bandwidths that are used only during certain times of the day.
These are bands which are known as "short wave" bands which are very different from the signals that are used by FM Radio Stations. The bands that are used by FM Radio stations as well as TV Stations use a different band which is known as line of sight bands which tend to only travel for about 50 miles. Short waves make use of airwaves to transmit the signal to the antenna of the receiver. It is important to remember that the higher is the frequency, the shorter will be the wavelength. Majority of the HAM Radios have transceivers which work on the principle of receiving signals on a certain bandwidth and then transmitting signals on a different one.
A lot of these FM Radio Stations use FM Repeaters which have been installed by radio clubs. These repeaters are mounted on large antennas which are used by the TV Stations to transmit signals. These repeaters basically use pairs of transmitters and receivers so as to pass on information to and fro. These frequency pairs are not randomly located and are setup by Radio Ham groups and are kept far away from each other so as to avoid interference. But nowadays with the technological developments a number of these TV as well as FM Radio stations have begun using satellites in order to transmit signals.
In earlier days, different types of tubes as well as electrodes were used to transmit and receive signals but now with us living in the digital age, very few HAM Radios tend to use tubes and electrodes. The old way was to use separate equipment to transmit as well as receive signals. The modern HAM Radios use transceivers which consist of one unit and can be used to transmit as well as receive signals. The HAM Radios that are used by professionals use two separate units with both having an antenna individually.
There are different methods that are used by individuals to communicate through the HAM Radios depending on preference. One method is by using a microphone that is fixed to a surface while the other method is to use a microphone that can be held in a one's hand. This hand held microphones will have buttons that will enable you to send out signals. Some HAM Radio operators use morse code to communicate. It is not necessary for you to understand morse code in order to obtain a license but it is beneficial that you understand it.