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Programming Radios with RT Systems

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Today, HAM radios are used for everything from simple side hobbies to emergency situations. While using a HAM radio may seem like a relatively easy feat, trying to program a small handheld radio to do specific tasks using the buttons and knobs on the device can be a tedious process no matter how experienced you are. Not only can it be frustrating, but it may hinder you from getting the most from your handheld device by hiding critical features of your devices behind complicated processes. RT systems software allows you to program your radio with a much easier platform - your very own computer. If you’re looking for an easier, more efficient way to program and personalize your handheld radio, here are some things you can expect from RT systems software. An easy to use excel-like spreadsheet The RT Systems interface will essentially resemble the format of an excel sheet which makes it easy to see exactly what you’re telling your handheld to do. By creating this software in t

Will There Be a HAM Radio Resurgence?

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The dedication of hardcore HAM radio enthusiasts has helped keep the tradition alive with affordability playing an additional powerful role. But, is there a swelling of interest among the younger generation in radio communications? If you’re anything like the rest of America, you’ve seen, or at least heard of, the Netflix original show ‘Stranger Things’ that’s captured the heart of millions and kept them captivated by a world that embodies sci-fi, Stephen King, and killer 80’s music. The show follows a group of kids who become mixed up in some dangerous scientific experiments being conducted by a top-secret government agency. These courageous kids, the heroes of the show, are avid HAMs. They are part of their school’s A.V. club and often seen using the “Heathkit ham shack” on several occasions with their CB radios to stay in contact over the course of some terrifying situations. What started out as a fun hobby quickly escalates into a vital skill imperative to their survival. Thro

Why You Should Love Ham Radios

Ham and 2-way radios are used by people from all walks-of-life and in every corner of the world. Since the discovery of radio waves, their use has provided for the development of thousands of applications in industries ranging from farming to aerospace engineering and beyond. Radios provide a universal means of communicating that connects people together and is a technology that is ever evolving. So, we’ve put together a few of the more compelling reasons for getting involved with ham and 2-way radios. Affordable Ham and 2-way radios have only become more affordable as time has passed. Many parts are interchangeable, easy to find, and easy to fix. That old ham radio in your grandfather’s attic can be up and running with just a few new parts a little knowhow. While technology is quickly advancing, an affinity for classic radios keeps them alive and their parts inexpensive, as well as readily available. If any of your 2-way radio’s programming software becomes out of date, wonde

Ham Radio & Disaster Relief

Ham radio operators build and operate radios out of a love for science, engineering and the thrill radio communication provides. However, when a disaster hits, they become an indispensable link between communities, first responders and law enforcement. During natural disasters, the phone lines may become overwhelmed, power service disrupted, and roadways including bridges impassable. This makes the sharing of information extremely difficult and the spread if misinformation more likely, which can become a serious threat to public safety and security. With the use of ham radios, the right resources can be allocated where they are needed, quickly and efficiently. These scenarios have been playing out in real-time recently and the use of ham radios has resulted in countless lives saved. Many licensed amateur ham radio enthusiasts around the nation (and the world) have organized in an effort to maintain clear lines of communications during and after disasters. Many groups in the United

A Brief History of Ham Radio

Radio communication has been around since the late 1800s when Heinrich Hertz provided evidence for the existence of electromagnetic waves. This was picked up by Italian electrical engineer and inventor Guglielmo Macroni who helped spawn a revolution in telecommunications that allowed long-distance messages to be instantly sent and received wirelessly. These innovations provided the foundation for what would become the cherished hobby known as American Ham. “Ham” radio, as it’s called, involves the use of amateur radios to communicate for entertainment purposes, rather than for advertising or broadcasting. There is a designated frequency range reserved for amateur radio enthusiasts between 3 kHz to 300 GHz. There are no restrictions or regulations governing the purchasing of amateur radio equipment or the use of ham radios for listening purposes. However, in order to transmit on ham radios, an FCC license must be obtained. This differs from CB radios, in that CB radios do not requi