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[[Manufacturing and Making]] - [[Electrical and Electronic]] - [[Tools and Techniques]] - [[Tips and Tricks]] - [[Stuff and Nonsense]] - [[Ham Radio Links]] - [[Other Links]] - [[Main Page]]
[[Manufacturing and Making]] - [[Electrical and Electronic]] - [[Tools and Techniques]] - [[Information Tables and Reference|Info and Reference]] - [[Tips and Tricks]] - [[IT Related]] - [[Emulation]] - [[Stuff and Nonsense]] - [[Ham Radio Links]] - [[Other Links]] - [[Main Page]]
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Ham radio has a community social aspect and also can be competitive with regular competitions to DX or make long distance connections. The community also offer emergency communication to remote areas or those affected by adverse weather or disaster.
Ham radio has a community social aspect and also can be competitive with regular competitions to DX or make long distance connections. The community also offer emergency communication to remote areas or those affected by adverse weather or disaster.
From a maker's perspective the advantage to being a licensed amateur is that it opens up legal ways to play with radio frequencies that are normally tightly controlled. From a technical hobby perspective there is a worldwide community of helpful well informed people who would be glad to share their knowledge and experience in RF, electronics and other disciplines.


==Regulation==
==Regulation==
In the UK Amateur licences are provided and regulated by the [https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/radio-equipment/online-licensing-service UK Office of Telecommunications (OFCOM)] in conjunction with the [https://rsgb.org Radio Amateur Society of Great Britain].
In the UK Amateur licences are provided and regulated by the [https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/radio-equipment/online-licensing-service UK Office of Telecommunications (OFCOM)] in conjunction with the [https://rsgb.org Radio Society of Great Britain].
 
===Ofcom Amateur Radio Pages===
Ofcom hosts several informational pages and documents on their website. Below, for convenience, is a small selection of direct links, for the main site please go to https://www.ofcom.org.uk
 
*[https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/radio-equipment/amateur-radio/ Ofcom's Amateur Radio Equipment Page]
*[https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/manage-your-licence/amateur/amateur_radio_licence_guidance_for_licensees.pdf?v=368087 Ofcom Amateur radio guidance document (pdf download)]
*[https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/spectrum/emf/emf-amateur-licence-terms-and-conditions.pdf?v=368354 Amateur License Terms and Conditions (pdf download)]


==UK Band Plan (FAT)==
==UK Band Plan (FAT)==
Line 18: Line 27:
There are a number of licence free bands defined (used for example by WiFi, PMR and LowRa), however to transmit on most parts of the radio spectrum requires a licence, for which conditions need to be met to ensure the spectrum is used appropriately.
There are a number of licence free bands defined (used for example by WiFi, PMR and LowRa), however to transmit on most parts of the radio spectrum requires a licence, for which conditions need to be met to ensure the spectrum is used appropriately.


*[https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/frequencies/uk-fat/ OFCOM UK FAT] (Frequency Allocation Table)
*[https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/frequencies/uk-fat/ OFCOM UK FAT] (FAT = Frequency Allocation Table)
 
==Band info==
*[[Amateur 70cm Band]]
*[[Amateur 2m Band]]
*[[Amateur 4m Band]]


==Amateur Licencing==
==Amateur Licencing==
In order to obtain an Amateur Radio Licence the operator needs to prove that they understand the basics of the hobby and the restrictions placed upon them by the license conditions. This is regulated by series of three exam levels that allow higher power and additional frequency use as the requirements to pass become increasingly demanding.
In order to obtain an Amateur Radio Licence the operator needs to prove that they understand the basics of the hobby and the restrictions placed upon them by the license conditions.  
This is regulated by licensing. Amateur licences are obtained by passing an exam.
 
There are three exam levels of increasing complexity which allow the licensee to use higher power and additional frequency allocations.
 
===Types of licence===
**[https://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/foundation/ UK Foundation Licence (RSGB)] - Also known as [https://www.arrl.org/getting-your-technician-license Technician Class License] in the US
**[https://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/intermediate/ UK Intermediate Licence (RSGB)] - Also known as [https://www.arrl.org/upgrading-to-a-general-license General Class License] in the US
**[https://rsgb.org/main/clubs-training/for-students/full/ UK Full Licence (RSGB)] - Also known as [https://www.arrl.org/upgrading-to-an-extra-licenseExtra Class License] in the US
 
===Training===
*[https://www.essexham.co.uk/train/foundation-online/ Essex Hams HamTrain]
 
===Exams===
 
Note: Although there is some correlation between UK and US license structures, licensing, training and even frequency band plans are different across the world and licenses and exams are not interchangeable. If you are training for a Radio Amateur exam, be sure to use information resources dedicated to your country's organisational body. See below to links for Radio Amateur Organisations around the world.
 
== Organisations==
*[https://rsgb.org RSGB] - The Radio Society of Great Britain
*[https://www.arrl.org/ ARRL] (orig. Americal Radio Relay League)
 
==Clubs==
There are a large number of regional Amateur Radio clubs in the UK. The clubs tend to be quite active and good places to meet other radio enthusiasts in person, learn new skills or work on your next level exam prep. Many hold events such as competitions and meets.
 
The RSGB website hosts a [https://rsgb.org/main/clubs/club-finder/ Club Finder tool] to search for a local club in your area.
 
===Other organisations===
*[http://amsat-uk.org AMSAT-UK] Open net every Sunday, 10am ‡3.780MHz and at 10.30am using Q0-100 on 10489.780MHz
*[https://www.BARTG.org.uk British Amateur Radio Teledata Group] Datacoms contests and awards
*[https://batc.org.uk/ British Amateur Television Club] Supporting all aspects of Amateur Television
*[http://www.BRARS.info British Railways ARS] Membership@BRARS.info
*[https://www.bylara.org.uk British Young Ladies Amateur Radio Association] Net Thursday, ‡3.688MHz, 6.30pm.
*[https://cdxc.org.uk CDXC] - The UK DX Foundation - For all interested in HF DX and contesting
*[https://www.essexham.co.uk/ Essex Hams] Online Club Supporting Amateur Radio in Essex
*[https://essexcw.uk/ Essex CW Amateur Radio Club] Encouraging the use of Morse Code on the amateur bands
*[https://fists.co.uk/ FISTS] CW Club - Supports the use, preservation and education of Morse code
*[https://www.gmdx.org.uk/ GMDX Group] The promotion of DX & other competitive amateur radio activity inScotland & beyond.
*[http://www.gqrp.com/ G-QRP Club] Dedicated to low power radio communications.
*[https://www.raibc.org.uk RAIBC] The charity working for radio amateurs with disabilities. Join online at . Helpline 0800 028 8660 - NR Zello: RAIBC
*[https://www.RAOTA.org Radio Amateur Old Timers' Association] MemSec@RAOTA.org
*[https://radioofficers.com Radio Officers Association] Membership: johnchalmers994@outlook.com
*[https://www.rsars.org.uk Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society]
*[https://www.raynet-uk.net RAYNET-UK]
*[https://www.rafars.org Royal Air Force Amateur Radio Society] membership@rafars.org Nets: 11am, 7.155MHz +/-. 6.30pm 3.715+/- MHz
*[https://microwavers.org UK Microwave Group] Focused on frequencies above 1GHz; contests, awards and regular newsletter
*[https://www.uksmg.org UK Six Metre Group]
*[https://www.wacral.org World Assoc of Christian Amateurs & Listeners] Richard Paul, G7KMZ, G7KMZ@wacral.org
*[http://www.worked-all-britain.org.uk Worked All Britain Awards Group]
 
==Personal Sites==
*[http://www.ko4bb.com/ KO4BB] Radio Ham and Electronics enthusiast personal site, Manuals, Microwave and a wiki.
*[https://w2eny.com W2ENY]'s Radio Accessory Web Page
 
==Other Information==
*[[Amateur Radio Q Codes]]
*[[Western Union 92 Codes]] - Wire Codes from Telegraphy where we get 73's from (meaning 'Best regards')
*[https://www.trbo.org/ trbo.ORG] Using Motorola trbo radios for Ham radio
*[https://pnwdigital.net/ PNW Digital]
*[https://hamfiles.co.uk/ HamFiles] UK Ham related forums
*[https://www.dxzone.com/ DX Zone] DXZone is the largest human created and maintained library of web sites dedicated to Amateur Radio
*[https://www.twowayradioforum.com/ Twpo Way Radio Forum]
 
==Databases==
*[https://www.qrzcq.com/ QRZCQ]
*[https://radioid.net/ Radio ID] DMR IDs
*[https://radioreferenceuk.co.uk/Radio Reference UK]
*[https://www.radioreference.com/ Radio Reference COM]
*[https://brandmeister.network/ Brandmeister Network]
*[https://aprs.fi APRS.fi]


*Types of licence
==Gateways and hotspots==
**[[UK Foundation Licence]] - Also known as Technician Class License in the US
*[https://www.pistar.uk/ PiSTAR]
**[[UK Intermediate Licence]] - Also known as General Class License in the US
*[https://www.sharkrf.com/ SharkRF OpenSPOT]
**[[UK Full Licence]] - Also known as Extra Class License in the US
*[https://mmdvm.com/ MMDVM]
*Training
*[http://xreflector.net/ X Reflector]
**Resources
*[https://www.dvmega.co.uk/ DV MEGA]
*Exams


==Modes==
==Modes==
Detailed information is available on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_amateur_radio_modes this] wiki page, however over time we will build some information resources on ideasplace. Temporarily below are placeholders while the articles are being written.
Detailed information is available on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_amateur_radio_modes this Wikipedia page], however over time we will build some information resources on ideasplace. Temporarily below are placeholders while the articles are being written.


===CW===
===CW (Carrier Wave) ===
*[[Carrier Wave]]
 
*[[Morse]]
*[[Morse Code]]


===Analogue Voice (AM, FM, SB)===
===Analogue Voice (AM, FM, SB)===
*[[AM]] (Amplitude Modulation)
*[[ham_am | AM]] (Amplitude Modulation)
*[[FM]] (Frequency Modulation)
*[[ham_fm | FM]] (Frequency Modulation)
*[[Side Bands]] (many types)
*[[ham_ssb | Side Bands]] (many types)
*[[Other Modulation Modes]]
*[[ham_othermodes | Other Modulation Modes]]


===Digital Audio===
===Digital Audio===
*[[DMR]] (Motorola & other professional radios)
*[[ham_dmr | DMR]] (Motorola & other professional radios)
*[[D-Star]] (Icom, Kenwood)
*[[ham_dstar | D-Star]] (Icom, Kenwood)
*[[System Fusion]] (Yaesu)
*[[ham_sysfusion | System Fusion]] (Yaesu)
*[[FreeDV]] (Open Source)
*[[ham_freedv | FreeDV]] (Open Source)


===Data===
===Data===
*[https://www.rtty.com rtty]
*[https://www.rtty.com rtty] Radio Teletype
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Packet_Reporting_System APRS]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Packet_Reporting_System APRS]
*[[AMPRNet]]
*[[ham_ampr | AMPRNet]]
*[[D-Star]] (Icom, Kenwood)
*[[ham_dstar | D-Star]] (Icom, Kenwood)
*[[WSPR]] Weak Signal Propagation Reporter.
*[[ham_wspr | WSPR]] Weak Signal Propagation Reporter.
*[[Facsimile]]
*[[ham_fax | Facsimile]]
 
*[https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/spectrum/emf/emf-amateur-licence-terms-and-conditions.pdf OFCOM Amateur Wireless Telegraphy T&C]
*[https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/spectrum/emf/emf-amateur-licence-terms-and-conditions.pdf OFCOM Amateur Wireless Telegraphy T&C]


===TV===
===TV===
*[[Amateur TV]] (Fast Scan)
*[[ham_amtv | Amateur TV]] (Fast Scan)
*[[Slow Scan TV]] (SSTV)
*[[ham_sstv | Slow Scan TV]] (SSTV)


===Internet===
===Internet based services===
*[http://www.echolink.org EchoLink]
*[http://www.echolink.org EchoLink]
*[https://zello.com Zello]
*[https://meshtastic.org Meshtastic]
*[https://meshtastic.org Meshtastic]
===Monitoring and Scanning===
*[http://websdr.org/ WebSDR] Web based SDR Receivers
==Amateur Frequency Bands==
Operating frequencies for Amateurs are limited and spread across the spectrum, slotted in-between frequencies used by professional and government entities.
The band plan does change over time and is quite complex with many restrictions on how, by whom and where the frequencies are used.
Because there are legal implications of misuse we have opted to not list further information here, please use the links below to access the information from the authoritative RSGB website
*The RSGB has a [https://rsgb.org/main/operating/band-plans/ Band Plan] page with resources detailing Amateur frequencies and their use restrictions.
*A very well laid-out and printable band plan document is available from Radcom magazine [https://rsgb.services/public/bandplans/docs/radcom_band_plans_march_24.pdf here.]
Equivalent resources are available for your location if outside the UK, please always check with the relevant authorities if you are unsure as your band plan may differ from the UK one.
=Equipment=
==Transmission equipment==
====Transceiver types====
*[[ham_handheld | Handheld]]
*[[ham_mobile | Mobile]]
*[[ham_basestations | Base Stations]]
*[[ham_qrp | QRP (Low Power)]]
*[[ham_repeaters | Repeaters]]
*[[ham_beacons | Beacons]]
*[[ham_scanners | Scanners and Receivers]]
*[[ham_lora | LoRA Systems]]
*[[ham_SDR | SDR]]
====Tranceiver Manufacturers====
*[https://www.yaesu.com Yaesu]
*[https://kenwoodcommunications.co.uk/comm/ham_radio/ Kenwood]
*[https://icomuk.co.uk Icom]
*[http://en.qsfj.com QUANSHENG]
*[https://xiegu.eu XIEGU]
*[https://www.wouxun.com WOUXUN]
*[https://www.baofengradio.co.uk/ BAOFENG]
*[https://www.anytone.net ANYTONE]
*[https://moonrakeronline.com MOONRAKER]
*[https://mfjenterprises.com MFJ]
*[https://www.inricosolutions.com INRICO]
*[https://rfinder.shop RFinder]
==Antennas==
More column inches have been written about the dark art of radio antennas than about any other subject related to Amateur Radio.
Anything we write here will only touch on the subject but there are a few basic types of antenna that are good to get started and can be divided into two basic functions:
====Omni Directional====
Antennas that radiate in all (useful) directions. Note: generally they don't radiate in ALL directions and have a distribution pattern based on their shape and configuration but generally omni antennas radiate in 360 degrees.
*A half wave dipole is the the most basic omni directional antenna that most people are familiar with or will use.
*Ground Plane antennas use a horizontal reflector to improve their distribution pattern.
*Slim Jim antennas are a type of folded dipole which can be made cheaply from simple materials. [https://m0ukd.com/calculators/slim-jim-and-j-pole-calculator/ M8UKD] has a calculator for frequency matching SlimJim and J-Pole antennas (and many [https://m0ukd.com/calculators/ others]).
====Directional====
*Yagi (Directional) (think TV antenna shape)
====Antenna Manufacturer====
*[https://sotabeams.co.uk SOTABEAMS] portable antennas and accessories (UK)
*[https://www.diamondantenna.net Diamond Antenna] (Jap)
*[https://www.bushcommantennas.com.au Bushcom] (Aus)
*[https://chameleonantenna.com Chameleon Antenna]
*[https://www.m2inc.com M2 Antennas]
*[https://www.wonder-wand.co.uk Wonder Wand]
*[http://newsuperantenna.com Super Antenna]
*[https://steppir.com StepIR]
*[https://www.sirioantenne.it/en/ Sirio Antennas] (It)
*[https://www.nagoya.com.tw/en/ Nagoya antenna] (Taiwan) - REUEX Industrial Co
*[https://www.buddipole.com Buddipole] Portable dipole antennas
====More information====
*The RSGB have a book entitled [https://www.rsgbshop.org/acatalog/The-Antenna-Notebook-2309.html#SID=37 The Antenna Notebook] which may prove useful.
''Contributions regarding Antennas are very welcome to enhance this complex and deep subject.''
==Peripheral Equipment==
*[[ham_pwramps | Power Amplifiers]]
*[[ham_vswr | VSWR/Power Meters]]
*[[ham_VNA | VNA meters]]
*[[ham_specan | Spectrum Analysers]]
*[[ham_noise | Noise reduction]]
==Amateur Radio Equipment Suppliers==
*[https://www.radioworld.co.uk Radio World]
*[https://www.hamradio-shop.co.uk LAMCO]
*[https://www.hamradio.co.uk Martin Lynch and Sons]
*[https://www.hamradiostore.co.uk Waters and Stanton]
*[https://www.nevadaradio.co.uk Nevada Radio]
*[https://thedxshop.com The DX Shop]
*[https://unicomradio.com Unicom Radio]
*[https://www.shortwave.co.uk Shortwave.co.uk]
*[https://www.thunderpole.co.uk Thunderpole]
*[https://www.radioworld.co.uk Radioworld]
*[https://www.haydon.info Haydon Communications]

Latest revision as of 16:10, 7 January 2025

Manufacturing and Making - Electrical and Electronic - Tools and Techniques - Info and Reference - Tips and Tricks - IT Related - Emulation - Stuff and Nonsense - Ham Radio Links - Other Links - Main Page

In development: These pages are very much in development and need much work - send any suggestions to us on the normal channels!

What is Amateur Radio?

Amateur (Ham) Radio is a hobby that combines interests in communications, electronics, digital technologies and other disciplines. Radio Amateurs use primarily radio based systems to talk or communicate with like minded people from all ages and walks of life across the planet.

Ham radio has a community social aspect and also can be competitive with regular competitions to DX or make long distance connections. The community also offer emergency communication to remote areas or those affected by adverse weather or disaster.

From a maker's perspective the advantage to being a licensed amateur is that it opens up legal ways to play with radio frequencies that are normally tightly controlled. From a technical hobby perspective there is a worldwide community of helpful well informed people who would be glad to share their knowledge and experience in RF, electronics and other disciplines.

Regulation

In the UK Amateur licences are provided and regulated by the UK Office of Telecommunications (OFCOM) in conjunction with the Radio Society of Great Britain.

Ofcom Amateur Radio Pages

Ofcom hosts several informational pages and documents on their website. Below, for convenience, is a small selection of direct links, for the main site please go to https://www.ofcom.org.uk

UK Band Plan (FAT)

Radio frequency spectrum is finite and its use is tightly controlled in the UK (as it is in most countries). OFCOM, the government organisation who controls how the radio spectrum is allocated and used in the UK publishes a reference document defining who can use which frequencies, under what circumstances and certain licence restrictions.

There are a number of licence free bands defined (used for example by WiFi, PMR and LowRa), however to transmit on most parts of the radio spectrum requires a licence, for which conditions need to be met to ensure the spectrum is used appropriately.

Band info

Amateur Licencing

In order to obtain an Amateur Radio Licence the operator needs to prove that they understand the basics of the hobby and the restrictions placed upon them by the license conditions. This is regulated by licensing. Amateur licences are obtained by passing an exam.

There are three exam levels of increasing complexity which allow the licensee to use higher power and additional frequency allocations.

Types of licence

Training

Exams

Note: Although there is some correlation between UK and US license structures, licensing, training and even frequency band plans are different across the world and licenses and exams are not interchangeable. If you are training for a Radio Amateur exam, be sure to use information resources dedicated to your country's organisational body. See below to links for Radio Amateur Organisations around the world.

Organisations

  • RSGB - The Radio Society of Great Britain
  • ARRL (orig. Americal Radio Relay League)

Clubs

There are a large number of regional Amateur Radio clubs in the UK. The clubs tend to be quite active and good places to meet other radio enthusiasts in person, learn new skills or work on your next level exam prep. Many hold events such as competitions and meets.

The RSGB website hosts a Club Finder tool to search for a local club in your area.

Other organisations

Personal Sites

  • KO4BB Radio Ham and Electronics enthusiast personal site, Manuals, Microwave and a wiki.
  • W2ENY's Radio Accessory Web Page

Other Information

Databases

Gateways and hotspots

Modes

Detailed information is available on this Wikipedia page, however over time we will build some information resources on ideasplace. Temporarily below are placeholders while the articles are being written.

CW (Carrier Wave)

Analogue Voice (AM, FM, SB)

Digital Audio

Data

TV

Internet based services

Monitoring and Scanning

  • WebSDR Web based SDR Receivers

Amateur Frequency Bands

Operating frequencies for Amateurs are limited and spread across the spectrum, slotted in-between frequencies used by professional and government entities.

The band plan does change over time and is quite complex with many restrictions on how, by whom and where the frequencies are used.

Because there are legal implications of misuse we have opted to not list further information here, please use the links below to access the information from the authoritative RSGB website

  • The RSGB has a Band Plan page with resources detailing Amateur frequencies and their use restrictions.
  • A very well laid-out and printable band plan document is available from Radcom magazine here.

Equivalent resources are available for your location if outside the UK, please always check with the relevant authorities if you are unsure as your band plan may differ from the UK one.

Equipment

Transmission equipment

Transceiver types

Tranceiver Manufacturers

Antennas

More column inches have been written about the dark art of radio antennas than about any other subject related to Amateur Radio. Anything we write here will only touch on the subject but there are a few basic types of antenna that are good to get started and can be divided into two basic functions:

Omni Directional

Antennas that radiate in all (useful) directions. Note: generally they don't radiate in ALL directions and have a distribution pattern based on their shape and configuration but generally omni antennas radiate in 360 degrees.

  • A half wave dipole is the the most basic omni directional antenna that most people are familiar with or will use.
  • Ground Plane antennas use a horizontal reflector to improve their distribution pattern.
  • Slim Jim antennas are a type of folded dipole which can be made cheaply from simple materials. M8UKD has a calculator for frequency matching SlimJim and J-Pole antennas (and many others).

Directional

  • Yagi (Directional) (think TV antenna shape)

Antenna Manufacturer

More information


Contributions regarding Antennas are very welcome to enhance this complex and deep subject.

Peripheral Equipment

Amateur Radio Equipment Suppliers

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