Ground Wave
TYPES OF OPERATORS
Hams come in all flavors, and many people fall into more than one category over time.
Ragchewers - Casual long conversations, often local or regional
Contesters (DXers) - Making as many long-distance contacts as possible, often in competitions
Preppers & EMCOMM - Focused on emergency comms and gear independence
Tinkerers & Builders - Design/build their own gear, antennas, power sources
Digital Mode Enthusiasts - Use keyboard-to-keyboard chats and digital software like FT8 or JS8Call
Morse Coders (CW Ops) - Love the elegance and precision of continuous wave communication
Satellite Operators - Communicate via orbiting satellites (including the ISS)
Public Service Volunteers - Provide radio support for events and disaster scenarios
HF vs. VHF/UHF: The Big Split
| Why it Matters |
VHF/UHF (Very/Ultra High Frequency) |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Frequencies |
3-30 MHz |
VHF: 3-30 MHz, UHF: 300-3,000 MHz |
|
Range |
Long-distance (DX), even worldwide |
Mostly local, 5-50 miles |
|
Propagation |
Bounces off the ionosphere; affect by solar activity
|
Line-of-sight or via repeaters |
|
Models Used |
SSB, CW, AM, digital modes (FT8, PSK31)
|
FM voice, digital (D-STAR, Fusion, APRS) |
|
Equipment Cost |
Usually more expensive and bulky
|
More affordable and portable options |
|
License Needed |
General or Extra class required for most bands
|
Technician class covers most VHF/UHF |
|
Use Cases |
Long-range comms, DXing, emergency HF nets
|
Local clubs, repeaters, mobile ops |
Types of Radios
handhelds (HT’s)
Examples: Baofeng UV-5R, Yaesu FT-65
Pros: Portable, cheap, battery powered
Cons: Limited range, no HF support
Great for beginners—VHF/UHF only
Mobile Radios
Installed in vehicles or on desktops
Pros: More power (typically 25–75 watts)
Cons: Need external power source and antenna
VHF/UHF mostly, though some HF mobiles exist
Base Station Radios
Used at home, often with towers or large antennas
Pros: Expensive but versatile
Cons: Require more setup and space
Full-featured rigs for HF, VHF, and UHF
Software-Defined Radios (SDR)
Use a computer for interface & signal processing
Pros: Compact and powerful (e.g., FlexRadio, SDRplay)
Cons: Can be complex for beginners
Great for digital modes, spectrum displays
Types of Antennas
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
|
Dipole |
Basic, effective HF antenna—horizontal wire
|
| Vertical |
Works for HF or VHF—good omnidirectional pattern
|
| Yagi Beam | Directional, long-range, used for contests and satellite |
Base Station Antennas
Mobile Antennas
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
|
Mag-mount
|
Easy to attach to a car roof—common for VHF/UHF
|
| L-bracket |
Mounted to trunk or bumper, needs proper grounding
|
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
|
Rubber Duck
|
Included with HTs; compact but low performance
|
| J-Pole or Slim Jim |
Better performance, often used on a tripod or mast
|
Portable / Handheld Antennas
Essential Accessories (Overview)
|
Accessory |
What It Does |
|---|---|
|
Power Supply
|
Converts AC to 13.8V DC for base/mobile rigs
|
| SWR Meter |
Measures standing wave ratio—tells you if your antenna is tuned
|
| Antenna Tuner | Matches radio output to antenna load—helps prevent damage |
| Coaxial Cable | Connects your radio to the antenna—quality affects performance |
| Mic / Headset | Voice input—some use desk mics, foot switches, or headphones |
| Logging Software | Track contacts (LoTW, Ham Radio Deluxe, N1MM) |
| Programming Cable | Connects your radio to a computer for setting channels |
| Battery Packs | Essential for portable operations, field day, and emergencies |