What is Ham Radio?
What is the excitement in
the hobby?
History of Amateur Radio
Why are Amateur
Radio Operators called Hams?
Various
modes of Communications
What is a Call Sign?
What are Phonetics?
What are Q Codes?
Exotic Ham Language
What are QSL Cards?
Equipment used by Amateurs
Public Service aspect
of the hobby
Eligibility Criteria to be a Ham
What is JNA Wireless Association?
Amateur Radio is defined as
"A service for the purpose of self training, intercommunication and
technical investigations carried out by Amateurs, that is by duly authorised
persons, interested in Radio technique, solely with a personal aim and
without pecuniary interest."
That the legalese. In other words it means that :
Both the persons should be Hams
Both should be licensed to operate
You should be interested in Radio techniques
You cannot use it to make money (No commercial messages)
You cannot handle third party traffic (No non ham messages)
You cannot arouse political, or communal animosity (obviously)
Only hobby governed by an international body i.e. International Telecommunications Union.
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What is the excitement in the hobby?
You might catch yourself excitedly calling (along with 50
other hams) a NASA astronaut,
Or a sailor on freighter in the Atlantic.
You could be linked with an Alaskan sled dog driver,
Or a ham operating abroad an ocean liner.
A soldier, a king, a Tamil film actor,
An Arab emir, a US legislator or a Hindi film producer.
Or some one who is building the same power supply as you are.
You could be having a friendly chat with someone from Salem,
Tamil Nadu or Salem, USA.
Amateur Radio knows no political boundaries and brings the world together as good friends.
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It is as old as radio itself.
It was in 1896 that Marconi demonstrated the system of radio waves. In fact 1996 was the centenary year of the hobby.
In 1897 Marconi sent signals over 14 Kms.
In 1906 first voice message over the Atlantic.
In 1909 the first Amateur Radio club was established in USA.
In 1925 the International Amateur Radio Union a federation of all national societies formed in Paris.
In 1931 first Ham license issued in India.
In 1940 Bob Tanna arrested for operating anti-British `Azad Hind
Radio' from Girgaum (his clothesline on the terrace was actually
the antenna).
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Why are Amateur Radio Operators called Hams?
The origin is lost in the mists of history.
One conjecture is that it stands for the initials of the scientists who developed Radio communications viz. Hertz, Armstrong and Marconi.
Another version is that amateur actors are called Ham actors hence all amateurs are Hams
Yet another version is that Amateurs used the Morse Key extensively and hence were `ham' handed.
Whatever the story, we at JNA believe that due to the public service nature of the hobby, HAM stands for Help All Mankind
(For JNA's role in public service see - What is the Scramble Team'?)
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VOICE - Speaking to one another.
MORSE CODE - Pounding the Morse Key
RTTY - Radio teletype
AMTOR - Amateur Teleprinting over Radio
PACKET - Digital using Computers. Technology similar to Internet.
FSTV/SSTV - Fast/Slow Scan TV
FAX - Including weather fax
OSCARs - Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio.
Yes, Hams have put up 14 satellites exclusively catering to ham bands.
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Along with the license every ham gets a unique call sign with which he identifies himself on the air.
The call sign is not duplicated anywhere else in the world.
All hams in India have their call sign beginning with VU.
A directory of all hams and their call signs are listed in a book called (what else?) a Call Book.
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A phonetical expansion of alphabets to be used on the air when spelling out difficult words. For example the alphabet `A' is always expanded as `alpha'.
This is laid down by ITU in order to avoid confusion.
All the phonetics are taught as part of the
course.
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Q codes are used to keep brevity and clarity in communications.
They are called Q codes because they are 3 alphabet codes invariably starting with the alphabet Q.
As an example, the Q code `QSL' means `I acknowledge receipt' and the Q code `QSO' means `contact'.
To know all of them is part of the syllabus of the course.
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As in any closely interacting group, Hams have evolved a colourful insiders language.
A few examples are
YL = Young Lady
OM = Old Man
73s = Warmest regards
(Ask a friendly Ham what 88s means)
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QSL cards are exchanged as a souvenir of one's QSO. It is final courtesy and an confirmation of one's two way communication with another ham.
Hams like to design QSLs cards differently so that it reflects their uniqueness. Collecting them is part of the fun of the hobby.
(To know what QSL and QSO means see `What are Q codes?')
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A wireless Transceiver (combination of a Transmitter and a Receiver).
Antenna for receiving and transmitting the signals
SWR meters to tune antenna for specific frequencies.
Computers attached to transceivers for digital communications.
Interested to know more? Contact
us and visit our club station
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Public Service aspect of Ham Radio
Ham Radio operators constitute a pool of technically trained persons capable of setting up wireless communications in natural disasters and calamities when normal means of communications are disrupted.
When the telephone lines are down and the cables are broken only a wireless signal will get you out of there.
There has been brilliant tributes to Hams for their
hard work done in public service.
A few examples
1911 Distress signals of `Titanic' was first intercepted by a ham.
1979 Morvi floods in Gujarat
1984 Bhopal gas tragedy
1991 Indian ham in Kuwait maintained communications during Gulf war.
1993 Scramble team of JNA were first to reach Khillari epicenter of the Latur earthquake.
1996 Ganesh Immersion at Mumbai
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You have to get the Licence by appearing for the Amateur Radio Operator's certificate examination conducted by the Wireless Planning and Co-ordination wing of the Ministry of Communications.
JNA helps you prepare well by conducting classes specifically tailored for the syllabus requirements.
JNA has over 8 solid years of experience behind it, having enabled over 125 hams to share the excitement of the hobby.
We are not in it for money and thus naturally our enthusiasm is far greater.
In fact we like to say that if you have the determination, we will do our best to make you a Ham.
Our successful students from earlier batches (some
were even visually handicapped) endorse our saying so.
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Become a Ham in Bombay
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You should be 12 years of age and an Indian national.
No specific educational background is necessary.
What's however needed is you desire and determination.
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Become a Ham in Bombay
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The syllabus comprises of three parts
Part 1.
Basic electronics such as Resistors, Capacitors, Simple circuits,
propagation etc. which is easy to grasp and learn. Not meant to make you
a electronic whiz kid. But enough to ensure that you operate the equipment
wisely.
Part 2.
Rules and regulations concerning your conduct on
the air. Look at it as learning the rules of the road when you get
your car licence.
Part 3.
Morse code. Its not obsolete yet. And in a pinch it is Morse
Code which will get your signals going. Very useful in the public service
aspect of the hobby.
Learning it requires regular practice like any other learned skill
such as car driving, cycling etc.
There are two Grades of the licence itself.
Grade 1 is the best grade to aim for since it entitles you to all modes of communications on international frequencies. You need to pass Morse at 12 words per minute. We train you to pass this grade.
Grade 2 requires you to pass Morse at 5 words per minute and allows you Morse on international frequencies and voice only on local frequencies.
The theoretical component (i.e. Part 1 and 2) is the same for both grades.
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Tuesdays and Thursdays
6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
With extra lectures on some Sundays for intensive exam preparations.
The classes are conducted at a school in the Nana Chowk area of Mumbai.
The exams are conducted by the officials of the Monitoring station, Mumbai at JNA venue.
The course duration is normally about 4 months.
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The course fees for the entire duration of the course is only Rs. 750/- (inclusive of class notes).
The examination fees charged by the Government is Rs. 30/-.
We also stock and sell various educational materials such as text books. Morse tapes, oscillator kits, floppies etc. This are extra and you may pay as you buy.
In order to provide an intensive practical exposure an optional field trip is organised on a cost to cost basis.
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The license fees payable to the Government are
For 2 Years 5 Years
Grade I 40 100
Grade II 25 60
Definitely very reasonable
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What is JNA Wireless Association?
JNA stands for the call sign of Jamshed N. Anklesaria a deceased Ham whose family gifted a vast collection of equipment towards the cause of promotion of the hobby.
The Association was appropriately named in his memory.
Only non profit volunteer driven organisation working in Mumbai for promotion of Ham Radio as a Hobby.
The activities of the association represents unduplicated efforts in Mumbai.
Over 9 years of continuos endeavour.
Duly registered with relevant statutory authorities.
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Membership of JNA is open to all persons who are interested in the hobby.
A ham license is not a pre-requisite and non hams can also avail of the benefits.
Of course only licensed Hams can operate the wireless equipment.
Membership of JNA gets you the privilege of accessing all the benefits
of the various activities
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What are the membership fee of JNA?
Members can discharge their financial obligations to the association in 2 ways.
Life Membership - A one time fees of Rs. 3000/-.
Annual Membership - An entrance fees of Rs. 250/- and annual fees of Rs. 250/-
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Activities of JNA
Being highly inspired our activity level is quite high. All of the
following are regularly conducted on a periodic basis.
A team comprising self motivated Hams for providing wireless communications during natural disasters and calamities where normal means of communications fail.
Constituted and self financed by JNA on its own initiative.
Team members are trained in various aspects of emergency communications.
Earmarked equipment set aside for immediate mobilisation.
Special tie up with
Colaba weather bureau for advance intimation of impending calamities.
Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. for use of satellite communications.
Importance of `Scramble Team'
Only means for disaster management when normal means of communications fail.
Additional channel to handle peak loads.
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Earthquake at Latur region at 4.40 a.m. on Thursday, 30th September, 1993.
Scramble Team ready to leave for Latur by 10.30 a.m. same day.
Hams from JNA first to reach Khillari - epicentre of the earthquake.
Communications established between all regions and Mantralaya, Chief Secretary's office.
First feedback to assess magnitude of calamity.
First time satellite communications in disaster control.
Thousands of life saving messages handled.
Continuos 24 hour vigil maintained for over 10 days.
The only reward - Appreciation all round.
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The Radio Amateur is:
Considerate ... never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
Loyal ... offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs and local clubs.
Progressive ... with knowledge abreast of science
Friendly ... slow, patient, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner.
Balanced ... radio is an hobby, never interfering with duties owed to the family, job, school or community.
Patriotic ...equipment and skills always ready for service to the country and the community.
(The original code was written in 1928 and is
still proudly upheld. It embodies the spirit of JNA and its
members)
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With the advent of Internet it is confused with HAM radio. The following are a few of the major differences :
1. Entry: Anybody with enough money sloshing in his pocket can get on the internet whereas for HAM radio you have to be duly licensed by appearing for an exam.
2. Purpose: A HAM radio can only be used for personal friendship. You become a Ham because you are interested in advancing your level of scientific knowledge. It cannot be used for trade and commerce. Whereas the internet on the other hand is more geared towards E-Commerce. HAM radio is purely a hobby.
3. Hardware: With a wireless set you use the nature's phenomena of electro magnetic radiation which carries waves through the atmosphere. In the internet you use the telephone lines which are laid down across the globe.
4. Content: The content of the internet is not subject to any censorship. Pornography of all forms is rampant. Whereas in HAM radio the content is controlled by the terms of licence. Most HAMs are gentlemen and interacting with them is a very pleasurable experience. Four letter words are strictly taboo.
5. Cost: The cost of going on internet is around Rs.1,00,000/- if you include the cost of licence fees to VSNL and a modern computer, etc. The cost of becoming a HAM is around Rs.50,000/- assuming you get the latest 'state of the art' Japanese transreceivers.
Registered Office and Club Station:
JNA Wireless Association,
C/o Swadi Automobiles,
Ness Baug, Petit Compound,
Nana Chowk,
Mumbai 400 007
India.
Logistics Support office:
3-A, Valmiki,
Near Pharmacy College,
Sunder Nagar, Kalina,
Mumbai 400 098
India
Telephone: ++91 22 613 3023
Fax:
++91 22 611 9083
EMail: vitalink@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in
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