'Ham' Radio Operators Invade South Shore:

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. -- Is anyone noticing stepladders aplenty, strange looking aerials going up and wire being carefully strung across back gardens along the south shore? Amateur radio (aka ham) enthusiasts are up and running with renewed vigour. In its initial stages in the late 19th century, the term "ham" was coined to describe amateur radio operators. While there are different opinions of how the term was derived, the most popular appears to be that professional radio operators perceived their amateur counterparts as unskilled and inept; however, nothing could be further from the truth. Ham radio requires an understanding of how radio waves operate and "bounce", as well as knowledge in electronic components, wiring, math and much more in order to be licensed. Although there is no longer a requirement to learn Morse Code many operators still undertake that daunting challenge. Transatlantic radio "listening" communication first occurred in 1922, followed by the first two-way radio communication in 1923 between the U.K. and U.S. Although amateur radio communication was suspended during the Second World War, the war emergency radio service was developed by the military and interest resumed after the war. Over the past century, amateur radio has evolved from being a way for individuals to communicate to being the most effective way to communicate with individuals and emergency crews in disaster areas. A cell phone and landline might be inoperative (like during 9-11) and the electricity might be off, but the ham radio operator will be receiving and sending information.

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