About

Welcome to my blog, Hamming It Up.  No, this is not a blog about stand-up comedy (although it might sometimes seem like that).  This blog covers to all aspects of amateur radio.

For those who might now know, the term “ham” grew out of the earliest days of amateur radio.  As the first amateurs got on the air, the “professional” wireless operators began calling them “hams” as a disparaging term.  However, in the good-natured spirit which has always accompanied amateur radio, the amateurs embraced the term “ham” and it’s stuck ever since, now being seen as a term of endearment– or even a badge of honor among some.  So this blog will “ham it up,” sharing all sorts of information related to amateur radio operations — from the lighthearted to the technical.

Amateur radio has a long history of public service in the United States.  While a “hobby,” amateur radio has a very serious side in public service.  With advancement of technology, the service of hams has become more important.  Most people don’t realize the communications systems we depend on in our daily lives is actually very fragile.  Just ask anyone in New York trying to use their phones in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 or ask any of the people in the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.  Normal communications were gone.  Amateur radio operators stepped in to provide communications.

Thanks again for visiting.  Your comments, questions and suggestions are welcome.