By Bo Min Zhou
Proudly calling themselves hams, radio amateurs are people who roam the airwaves in constant search for fellow enthusiasts to talk to, whether they are old friends or new acquaintances, hobbyists next door or from across the continent. In addition, Hams take special pride in using their communication skills for public service. They often volunteer their services for events such as parades and marathons. Their hobby has proved valuable in times of emergencies, especially when commercial communication facilities are damaged by disasters such as earthquakes and floods. In these situations, few hams would pass up their opportunity to prove themselves. They monitor the development of the disaster, solicit help, provide communications for the victims, and assist the Red Cross and other agencies in the distribution of food and medical supplies. Columbia has a radio club, the Columbia University Amateur Radio Club (CUARC), on the 14th floor of Mudd, although the club is not widely known on campus. It has a wide array of equipment, including a huge antenna on top of Mudd, and some of the experimental tools used by Edwin Howard Armstrong, the legendary Columbia alumnus who invented, among other things, FM Radio. Members have full access to the facilities at the club, and experienced members, like all hams, are eager to help beginners.
CUARC operates a major "traffic net" in our region. In a traffic net, hams gather to a specific frequency to relay messages. This method turns out to be an effective way to communicate because most people do not have access to e-mail yet. The CUARC members have participated in the 1993 and 1994 New York City Marathon. Also, during the severe 1994 winter storms, its Emergency Operations Team helped to provide emergency communications at a Red Cross shelter. A noteworthy point is that amateur radio communication is free. This is because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has allocated certain frequencies of the air wave especially for hobbyists. However, because of its non-commercial nature, no business can be conducted over the ham bands. In addition, the FCC requires hams to pass a license exam in order to begin operation.
There are five major classes of licenses. They are Technician, Novice, General, Advanced, and Amateur Extra Class. The more difficult ones entitle more privileges as to what one can operate. However, a Technical Class is sufficient for most purposes, and is the only one that does not require the knowledge of Morse code. License exams are given by Volunteer Examiners at various club sites.