Your how-to guide to become a ham Ham radio, or amateur radio, is a way to talk with people around the world in real-time, or to send email without any sort of internet connection. It provides a way to keep in touch with friends and family, whether they are across town or across the country. It is also a very important emergency communication system. When cell phones, landlines, the internet, and other systems are down or overloaded, Amateur Radio still gets the message through. Radio amateurs, often called "hams," enjoy radio technology as a hobby, but are often called upon to provide vital service when regular communications systems fail. Ham Radio For Dummies is your guide to everything there is to know about ham radio. Plus, this updated edition provides new and additional information on digital mode operating, as well as use of amateur radio in student science and new operating events. * Set up your radio station * Design your ham shack * Provide support in emergencies and communicate with other hams * Study for the licensing exam and choose your call sign If you're looking to join a college radio club or just want to learn the latest tips and tricks, this book is a helpful reference guide to beginners, or those who have been "hams" for years. * Learn about ham radio and set up your station * Provide communication support in times of emergency * Prepare for and pass the new licensing exam The how-to guide for hopeful hams! Long before there was the Internet, there was ham radio-a way for people to communicate around the world in real time. Today's ham operators use both the Internet and radio, enabling them to chat with people from across town to hams on the other side of the globe and even on the International Space Station. And everything you need to know to start hamming it up is right here! Master the technology, build and outfit your station, discover on-air etiquette, learn how to prep for the new license exam, and connect with people everywhere. Inside ... * Understand the basic technology * Explore the ham community * Prepare for your license exam * Choose a radio and antenna * Create a comfy ham shack * Learn the lingo * Make contacts and join groups * Help out in a natural disaster