Varsity Huddle - HAM Radios

Varsity Huddle April 2011 - HAM Radio and Scouting

Amateur radio (ham radio) is the licensed and private use of designated radio bands, for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication. Amateur radio, like other regulated radio services, operates under rules that limit the maximum power and the technical and operational characteristics of transmissions. Amateur radio stations are issued with a designated call sign to allow identification of stations. The power of amateur radio equipment is restricted, and operators must not cause interference to other authorized radio users. They may not broadcast to or communicate with the public with their equipment. They are only allowed to communicate with other licensed operators. National regulations governing amateur radio use are coordinated under international agreements since radio frequency transmissions can cross multiple national boundaries.

ARRL – Amateur Radio Relay League (www.arrl.org)

What is JOTA (Jamboree on the Air)? - When Scouts want to meet young people from another country, they usually think of attending a World Jamboree. But few people realize that each year more than 400,000 Scouts and Guides "get together" over the airwaves for the annual Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA). Modern technology offers Scouts the exciting opportunity to make friends in other countries without leaving home. JOTA is an annual event in which Boy and Girl Scouts and Guides from all over the world speak to each other by means of Amateur (ham) Radio. Scouting experiences are exchanged and ideas are shared via radio waves. Since 1958 when the first Jamboree-on-the-Air was held, millions of Scouts have met each other through this event. Many contacts made during JOTA have resulted in pen pals and links between Scout troops that have lasted many years. With no restrictions on age or on the number of participants, and at little or no expense, JOTA allows Scouts to contact each other by ham radio. The radio stations are operated by licensed amateur radio operators. Many Scouts and leaders hold licenses and have their own stations, but the majority participate in JOTA through stations operated by local radio clubs and individual radio amateurs. Some operators use television or computer-linked communications. (Usually held on the 3^rd weekend of every October every year.)

Welcome to DFW Radio Scouting! - DFW Radio Scouting (DFWRS) is a group of Scouting volunteers that are licensed amateur radio operators, also known as HAMS, organized to provide amateur radio operation as a program resource available to Scouts and Scouters alike. HAM radio is a vital part of emergency preparedness and often in the case of emergencies is the only means of communication. When all else fails radio gets through, across town or around the world! Our goal is to introduce Scouts and Scouters to the exciting world of HAM radio and all that this great hobby offers. We offer radio merit badge classes, HAM radio licensing classes and exams, Jamboree on the Air stations and other HAM radio related programs that Scouts are invited to visit and participate in. We encourage both Scouts and Scouters to get involved in HAM radio and obtain their licenses to operate. For more info on HAM radio visit http://www.hello-radio.org/ and visit http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Scouting/jotabrochure.pdf and http://www.arrl.org/jamboree-on-the-air-jota for JOTA specific info as well.