Ham Radio

Nobody knows when Amateur Radio operators were first called "hams", but we do know that Amateur Radio is as old as the history of radio itself. In 1912, Congress passed the first laws regulating radio transmissions in the US. By 1914, amateur experimenters were communicating nation-wide, and setting up a system to relay messages from coast to coast.

I have been a "Ham" since 8th grade in 1982. My first Novice Class call sign was KA6VWY and I kept it until earning my Advanced Class license, while in my Freshman year in high school. It wasn't until after college that I finally increased my Morse Code speed in order to pass the 20 Words Per Minute exam that was required at that time. I then changed my call sign to my current Extra Class call, which is AC6IW.

This is a great hobby with a great community of helpful people worldwide, which provide needed communication help in all the world's great disasters. It is my desire that other people will see the value in this great hobby and service.

Amateur Radio Relay League
Federal Communications Commission