GW7ERI Ham Radio Main

Welcome to my Amateur (Ham) Radio main page. This web site is an on going project, and new sections will be added over time. Follow the 'Live APRS' link to generate a map showing local APRS activity in the region, or 'Satellite Tracking' to see the current position of APRS enabled Amateur Satellites. Check out the 'News' page for up to date information relevant to Ham Radio. You can also take a look at my 'Log Book' and see which radio stations I have had contact with. The 'Space' link shows how I contacted the MIR Space Station by radio! Visit the 'DXCC List,' to find out which countries I have contacted, and watch my progress towards the DXCC Award. This award is presented by the American Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) to stations who have had confirmed contact with 100 different countries or DXCC entities.

Once a radio conversation (QSO) has taken place, the contact is confirmed by the exchange of a 'QSL' card, which can either be sent via the 'bureau' (an Amateur Radio clearing house for QSL cards run by national radio societies,) or direct through the normal postal system. Collecting cards is great fun in its own right, and a fresh batch dropping through the letterbox always generates some exitement! Some Amateurs put a lot of work into the design of their cards with photographs of their localities or radio equipment, and cards can be quite collectable. There are many different 'awards' open to Radio Hams, and these can come in the form of a nice certificate, a wooden wall plaque, or indeed cups and trophies for outstanding achievements. Some of my operating awards are shown in the 'Awards' section.

A Radio Ham's station is available for use by the authorities in times of emergency, and many operators give up their free time to train for emergency situations. Hams have been activley involved all over the world at times of natural disaster, and have provided vital communication links when telephone networks and the like are inoperable. The main points are communication, cooperation and friendship. What could be better than a pleasant chat over the airwaves, perhaps with someone from another country or culture, someone who otherwise you would never meet or have never known...