This film “This is HAM Radio” is produced and directed by award-winning Hollywood producer and amateur radio legend Dave Bell in cooperation with the American Radio Relay League circa 1970. Intended to inspire kids to become interested in amateur radio, this production targeted schools and encouraged teenagers to take up ham radio as a hobby. Various shots of radio usage by people in cars and homes play out with interwoven footage of two youths unraveling and passing wire through a window and assembling it to a radio while upbeat music plays in the background (00:07-01:43). Starting around 01:30, we hear a station identifier, WB6KPN, called out by numerous radio operators. At 01:48 we are introduced to young U.S. amateur radio licensee Matt, as well as Mexican amateur radio licensee Enrique. The Federal Communications Commission regulates radio hobbyists like Matt in the United States. Matt goes on to explain that he and his friends are connected via their ham radio hobby and introduces the reasons he got started (02:26-03:00). He breaks down some of the fundamentals of his amateur radio hobby, including how all contacts (QSOs) and conversations are carried on by Morse code when a hobbyist first gets on the air. The film shows Matt and his radio club friends meeting up outside to test their portable equipment for emergency conditions, as well as to improve operating skills and build their own equipment to further increase their knowledge and skill (03:35-04:15). Matt mentions that the FCC makes it easy for beginners to get on the air. He goes on to describe the classes he and his fellow amateur radio enthusiasts attend in order to pass tests to receive the highest class license available: the Amateur Extra (04:25-04:42). Footage shows Matt’s West Valley Amateur Radio Club in action as they operate. Real emergencies can often provide opportunities for amateurs to put their skills into action. Organizations like RACES, or Radio Amateurs Civil Emergency Service, can assist with evacuation announcements and other emergency communications (05:38-05:58). At 06:41, audio and visuals of Anchorage, Alaska after the disastrous earthquake using the vital rescue communication services of ham radio operators is shown. Matt outlines the basics needs to pass a novice test at 11:00. Building a transmitter or obtaining a receiver from a store can be done cheaply, the narrator states. The American Relay League’s own station, W1AW, and worldwide headquarters is located in Newington, Connecticut (12:40-12:47).
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communication. The term “amateur” is used to specify “a duly authorised person interested in radioelectric practice with a purely personal aim and without pecuniary interest;” (either direct monetary or other similar reward) and to differentiate it from commercial broadcasting, public safety (such as police and fire), or professional two-way radio services (such as maritime, aviation, taxis, etc.).
The amateur radio service (amateur service and amateur-satellite service) is established by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) through the Radio Regulations. National governments regulate technical and operational characteristics of transmissions and issue individual stations licenses with an identifying call sign. Prospective amateur operators are tested for their understanding of key concepts in electronics and the host government’s radio regulations.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
