How to Choose Other Emissions for Ham Radio

Ham radio enthusiasts enjoy more than simply talking or sending Morse code. Many amateurs choose sophisticated modes of exchanging signals.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• SSTV Interfaces
• TNCs

1. Check glossary for definitions, because hams rely on acronyms to identify types of emissions.

2. Talk to a ham operating a different mode to learn its characteristics.

3. Be prepared to invest in more equipment.

4. Think about the time periods you have available for operating. EME, for example, sometimes requires operating late at night.

5. Consider the operating environment you prefer. SSTV frequencies are often more crowded than RTTY frequencies. Packet radio is similar to the Internet.

6. Set up the equipment you've chosen for your new mode.

7. Read manuals thoroughly.

8. Listen on the appropriate frequency.

9. Do not transmit until you understand the unwritten protocol and agreements.

Tips & Warnings

• It pays to operate a new mode at a friend's house before investing in expensive equipment.
• Operators using different emissions sometimes seem reluctant to accept newcomers. Most want to know the newcomer will abide by the "gentlemen's agreements" defining operating procedures among hams.