Become a ham radio operator

Amateur radio is a fun hobby that allows you to break out of your comfort zone and make contacts all around the world.

So says Greg Maynard, committee member of the Sandton Amateur Radio Club, which recently moved to Robin Hills.

Amateur radio clubs such as this one offer courses to complete a radio amateur operator certificate, which allows one to become a ‘ham’ (amateur) radio operator.

Then, with an amateur radio, one can contact other ham radio operators all around the world.

Club member Graham Brusse has been a ham radio operator for two years. “My favourite part is going into the bush and installing a field station, and then seeing how many contacts I make,” he says.

He adds that amateur radio helps one step out of his/her comfort zone.

Maynard explains that although becoming a certified ham radio operator cannot help one become a professional radio DJ, it teaches technical skills that are sometimes useful in science and technology careers.

Ham radio has often been used in disaster management, such as the tsunami in Thailand in 2004, when other radio frequencies connected to the electricity grid fail.

Often when ham radio operators make contact they will send each other postcards.

One can also contact the International Space Station, which will send you a postcard.

Different ham radio organisations will present their members with awards for collecting so many postcards from different countries and continents.

Furthermore, signals can be sent from the earth to the moon and back.

The Sandton Amateur Radio Club is affiliated to the National Amateur Radio Centre.

Ultimately, one can design his/her own ‘ham’ radio.

Details: Sandton Amateur Radio Club Committee Member Greg Maynard 079 111 2850.