Amateur radio and Morse code have been around a long time and it is nice to know that we have been keeping up with technological advances. We are on the space station, we send television images, and now we even use the internet to talk to each other around the world. This can be done with a direct connection to an amateur radio, or it can even be done without any radio. This is one case where I am enthusiastic about an amateur radio activity and it doesn’t involve Morse code.
The computer program is called “ECHOLINK” and was developed by hams for the exclusive use of hams. In order to use the program you must be licensed by the FCC as an amateur radio operator. This must be verified and your call sign registered. Once this is completed you can download the free (all of this is free) software and get started. There could be some problems with some system firewalls but that can be overcome.
Some old timer hams say that this isn’t really radio, but I am an old timer ham and I say that it is a great program, a means of communication which is what hams do, and really a lot of fun to use. I sit there and talk to my computer and listen to stations worldwide. If you are interested, and already have your license, click on http://www.echolink.org to learn more.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Who Is Calling Me?
In the beginning when there were only a few operators sending Morse code they could be identified by their unique “fists” or particular sounds or techniques from each operator. Obviously, as communication increased, both by wire as in railroads and over the air for shipping and commercial usage, a system was needed to identify each sender or station.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has regulations which outline the basic principles used in forming amateur call signs. In the United States, The FCC oversees the assignment of American call signs in accordance with the ITU. Every U.S. amateur radio station call sign is a combination of a 1 or 2 letter prefix, a number, and a 1, 2, or 3 letter suffix. The first letter in the U.S. is always an A, K, N, or W. The number usually, but not always, designates the geographical area of the station. The FCC now allows vanity call signs to be applied for which can confuse the original intent of the system. Special event call signs are usually short and do not fit this pattern. My call sign, K8ASA breaks down to K = U.S.A., 8 = Ohio, ASA is my vanity for the Army Security Agency who taught me Morse code 50 years ago.
Your call sign is very important. It belongs to your station alone. You are required to identify yourself, either CW or voice, at the end of each transmission and also at intervals of not more than 10 minutes during a transmission. More call sign rules are covered in the ARRL Operating Manual.
This is one time when you can be proud to have been assigned an identifier by the U.S. government. Use it with honor and respect.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has regulations which outline the basic principles used in forming amateur call signs. In the United States, The FCC oversees the assignment of American call signs in accordance with the ITU. Every U.S. amateur radio station call sign is a combination of a 1 or 2 letter prefix, a number, and a 1, 2, or 3 letter suffix. The first letter in the U.S. is always an A, K, N, or W. The number usually, but not always, designates the geographical area of the station. The FCC now allows vanity call signs to be applied for which can confuse the original intent of the system. Special event call signs are usually short and do not fit this pattern. My call sign, K8ASA breaks down to K = U.S.A., 8 = Ohio, ASA is my vanity for the Army Security Agency who taught me Morse code 50 years ago.
Your call sign is very important. It belongs to your station alone. You are required to identify yourself, either CW or voice, at the end of each transmission and also at intervals of not more than 10 minutes during a transmission. More call sign rules are covered in the ARRL Operating Manual.
This is one time when you can be proud to have been assigned an identifier by the U.S. government. Use it with honor and respect.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
What Did You Say?
Once again there is an advantage to using Morse code for communications. When we use our voice, especially on the radio, we tend to either speak too rapidly or to slur the words. Radio call signs are particularly prone to being misunderstood. By their very nature, with letters and numbers, the sounds run together. “G” sounds like, “E” or “D” and “B” or “C” if they are spoken rapidly. Also, interference on the airways can cause difficulty with clear vocal comprehension. Static from storms or other noise is able to make voice practically unreadable. Usually the Morse code signal can break through all of this and be copied correctly.
Over the years of developing radio communications several phonetic alphabets have been used. This means that words are used to represent letters. Sometimes each division of the military uses its own alphabet and some countries have their own, naturally using their language. A generally universal alphabet had evolved and is in wide use today. When you spell out a word using phonetics you are assured that you are copied correctly. Again, the ARRL operation manual lists this phonetic alphabet or it can be found online.
My call sign would be Kilo 8 Alpha Sierra Alpha and my name would be, Juliet Alpha Charlie Kilo. If you plan to work single side band or voice in your amateur radio hobby, you should learn this alphabet. It is always nice to be understood.
Over the years of developing radio communications several phonetic alphabets have been used. This means that words are used to represent letters. Sometimes each division of the military uses its own alphabet and some countries have their own, naturally using their language. A generally universal alphabet had evolved and is in wide use today. When you spell out a word using phonetics you are assured that you are copied correctly. Again, the ARRL operation manual lists this phonetic alphabet or it can be found online.
My call sign would be Kilo 8 Alpha Sierra Alpha and my name would be, Juliet Alpha Charlie Kilo. If you plan to work single side band or voice in your amateur radio hobby, you should learn this alphabet. It is always nice to be understood.
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About Me
- Jack Stahl
- One of the wonderful aspects of using Morse code as a communications mode is that it is very indifferent as to the operator’s age. A good fist (one who sends well) can be ten years old or one hundred. I say this is wonderful because I am happily enjoying my sixty ninth year. I am new to the hobby of amateur radio, however, since I passed my technician test in September of 2006 and was awarded the license and call sign of KD8EJY by the FCC. I then passed my General exam in November and was granted my vanity call sign request of K8ASA by the FCC Although I am new to the amateur radio hobby, I am not new to Morse code. The ASA in my call sign refers to the Army Security Agency who sent me to a special school in 1956 to become efficient in Morse code. I was sent to Ethiopia for two years to give the army the benefit of my new skill. While back in those days my knowledge of Morse code was beneficial to our national security, 51 years later it now brings me pure pleasure. There has been a hiatus of fifty years between my army discharge and my becoming a ham and I do truly regret the fact that I missed out on all those years of enjoyment with the amateur radio hobby.
