Announcing a New Club at Syria Shriners

The Vibrant World of Amateur Radio

Amateur radio, often referred to as “ham radio,” is a hobby and a service that brings together people from all walks of life who share an interest in wireless communication. For over a century, amateur radio has served as a bridge across cultures and continents, fostering friendships, technical innovation, and a deep sense of community. In today's digital age, the allure of amateur radio remains strong, offering enthusiasts a unique blend of tradition and modern technology.

What Is Amateur Radio?

Amateur radio is a voluntary, noncommercial radio service that allows licensed individuals to use designated radio frequencies for personal, educational, and emergency communication—all without financial gain. Unlike commercial broadcasters or cell phone networks, amateur radio operators—also known as “hams”—communicate directly with one another using a wide array of equipment, from simple handheld radios to sophisticated computer-linked transceivers.

We do not rely on commercial infrastructure to communicate in an emergency. All we need is an off-the-grid power source, a radio, and an antenna to stay connected!

The Appeal of Amateur Radio

What draws thousands of new people to amateur radio every year? The reasons are as varied as the operators themselves:

Global Communication: With just a modest setup, hams can talk to fellow enthusiasts across town—or across the world.

Technical Exploration: Many are drawn by the chance to experiment with antennas, transmitters, and digital modes, always learning and innovating.

Emergency Preparedness: Amateur radio plays a vital role in disaster response, offering critical communication when conventional systems fail.

Community and Friendship: Clubs, contests, and events create lifelong connections and camaraderie among operators.

Getting Started

Joining the world of amateur radio is easier than ever. To get started, prospective hams must pass a basic licensing exam covering electronics, regulations, and operating practices. Many local clubs offer classes and mentorship to help newcomers.

Once licensed, the possibilities are endless: voice communication, Morse code, digital modes, satellite contacts—even bouncing signals off the moon or speaking with astronauts aboard the International Space Station!

Modern Innovations

While the classic image of a ham sitting at a radio dial still exists, today’s amateur radio world is highly innovative. Digital modes enable low-power communication with incredible efficiency. Internet-linked relay units connect radio and web users across the globe.

Software-defined radios and mobile apps have also made amateur radio more accessible than ever. Anyone with curiosity and a willingness to learn can join this vibrant hobby.

Amateur Radio in the Community

Beyond personal enjoyment, amateur radio operators serve their communities in powerful ways. Whether during natural disasters, public events, or STEM education, hams are known for their spirit of service.

One such group is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), which supports both emergency and non-emergency communication needs nationwide. In the Greater Pittsburgh area, ARES volunteers provide communications for:

• The Pittsburgh Marathon
• The Great Race
• The T1D Diabetes Walk

ARES volunteers also supply real-time storm-spotting reports to the Pittsburgh National Weather Service office via the Skywarn program. This “ground truth” helps meteorologists refine their Doppler radar readings, improving the accuracy and speed of severe weather alerts.

ARES also partners with the American Red Cross to provide emergency communications when telephone and internet services are down. This partnership has been in place for more than 80 years, and in Pittsburgh, the two organizations conduct year-round joint drills and exercises to ensure preparedness.

The Future of Amateur Radio

Despite the rise of smartphones and constant internet connectivity, amateur radio continues to grow. Its rich history, adaptability, and welcoming community make it a rewarding and lasting hobby.

For anyone seeking adventure, learning, and connection, amateur radio offers a world of possibility—just waiting for you to tune in.

Amateur Radio and the Syria Shrine

Noble Robert Mente was recently granted approval to form an amateur radio club at the Syria Shrine. He is currently accepting both men and women of the Syria Shrine to join the new Syria Shrine Amateur Radio Club.

To learn more or join, contact Noble Mente:

Email: nu3q (at) nu3q.us
Home: (412) 279-9016
Cell: (412) 736-7385

Noble Mente is happy to help you earn your amateur radio license and answer any questions you may have about this exciting and meaningful hobby.

Fun Fact: The Aladdin Shrine in Columbus, Ohio, already has an active amateur radio unit—now it’s time for Syria to join the airwaves!