Hamming It Up:

eHam.net News – They’ll turn on their rig (radio), whether it’s homebrew (homemade) or purchased, state their call sign (identity) and communicate with someone on an alligator station (in the southern states) or DX (outside the continental U.S.). Ideally, the back and forth will involve an experienced ham (amateur radio enthusiast), and not a lid (unskilled operator). Each chat ends with a 73 (sign off). Sometimes, Carigon and Packard will actually even eyeball (hang out in person). Amateur radio involves using the radio frequency spectrum to communicate for recreational use and in times of emergency. Amateur radio is popularly known as ham radio, which originated as an insulting term to make fun of operators with faulty Morse code sending skills. Today, the “ham radio” moniker is proudly claimed as a respected title among amateur radio enthusiasts, including Carigon (call sign: N8MRC) and Packard (call sign: AC8RP). The 8 in their call signs signifies the nation’s Region 8, which encompasses Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Amateur radio is not only a fun hobby for the two men — it’s a critical skill in times of emergency.

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