Amateur Radio as a Hobby

1. There are over 50,000 radio amateurs in Canada.

2. There are no age or nationality restrictions applying to candidates seeking a Canadian amateur radio license.

3. Every Licensed "HAM" has a call sign like VE3RAC.

4. There are Amateur Radio clubs serving almost every community, and a national organization - Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC).

5. Morse Code is no longer required in order to obtain Basic Amateur Radio Certification.

6. For more information about amateur radio try these web sites:
   • www.rac.ca
     
   • www.arrl.org
     
   • www.hamiltonarc.ca
   Or just look around, and ask the radio amateur living in your neighbourhood.

1. Education.

   Self education and Elmering, (helping another acquire skills and knowledge), are traditions in Amateur Radio. Once you have your "ticket" you never stop learning.

2. Experimentation.

   Within the legal framework of the Radiocommunication Act, amateurs have frequency allocations and license to experiment with new modes and techniques of radiocommunication.

3. Intercommunication.

   Amateurs practice communicating individually and in groups or "nets" on a regular basis to acquire practical skill in communicating "traffic" under all conditions.

4. Public Service.

   As a service to the community, amateurs provide communication during real or simulated emergencies, and for non commercial events.

5. Goodwill.

   Worldwide contact among amateurs on a cooperative, polite and friendly basis helps foster international goodwill.

1. Redundant System

   Amateur radio is a redundant system of communication independent of economic constraints and institutional agendas. This communication system is available at times when commercial systems fail.

2. Trained Personnel

   Amateur Radio Operators have each passed a government examination to ensure a minimum level of knowledge about radio propagation, apparatus and technique. Beyond that, the hobby develops practical skill in all aspects of radio communication including design and construction of equipment, assembly of stations, manufacture and erection of antennas, and operational procedures.

3. Flexibility

   Amateur equipment can be set up anywhere, and operate without dependence on the electrical grid. Amateurs operate cooperatively using commonly accepted procedures.

4. Privately Funded

   Amateur radio is a hobby, so, equipment and personnel are established and maintained and replaced at no cost to the public.