Not sure how many of you know this, but I’m a licensed HAM radio operator. I don’t regularly ragchew (that’s radio slang for talk) with the other HAM’s in the area because the 2 meters and 70cm repeaters aren’t that interesting, but lately I’ve been more than intrigued in the prospect of making long distance contacts on 20 meters.
Long distance contacts, or DXing, happen when radio waves bounce around in the layers of the atmosphere. That’s called HF propagation (high frequency). 20 meter long wavelengths tend to travel incredible distances because of the unique properties of the ionosphere which actually acts like an electrical conductor. It’s all based in some scientific principals which I don’t know well yet, but have to learn.
Here’s the thing. I hold a Technician Class License, which means I’m restricted to transmitting only on certain frequencies. 20 meters isn’t one of them. I can listen to whatever I like, but the license grants you the permission to transmit only on certain bands. So I’m currently studying for my General Class License, which will open most of the world of the HF bands to me.
Let me tell you, the General class stuff ain’t easy. The test is heavily infused with technical diagrams, electrical nomenclature (ohms, volts, amps, inductance, capacitance, anyone?), antenna theory, safety, compliance, and lots of regulatory laws. It’s pretty rough going and I’m barely keeping my head above water as I study. But I really REALLY want my General license.
I don’t have a radio or antenna capable of receiving 20 meters yet. I’m looking, with the help of my friend Gene at work, at a few models, but they are all pretty expensive. Not to mention I really need to devise some sort of antenna for my apartment. I don’t know how that’ll happen, but it will.
So I’m studying and dreaming of 20 meters. Geeky yes, but it’s pretty spectacular to think you can turn on a radio and talk with someone on the other side of the world.