Essex Ham is a non-profit website intended to provide information and advice to those looking to become an amateur radio operator, and for those new to the hobby in the Essex area.
The site has been created by Pete M0PSX, who became licensed in October...
On this page, we take a look at some recommended books about amateur radio. If you're able to suggest a good read on any aspect of the ham radio hobby, please let us know and we'll be happy to list it together with your recommendation.
Getting a licence...
The Essex Ham slogan is "Promoting Amateur Radio in Essex"... but just where is Essex? Good question...
Where in the world?
Thanks to Milo KF5GCF for the following comment:
"Given that the Internet is obviously world-wide, would it not be appropriate...
Got a question about Amateur Radio? Perhaps we can help.
Help get the ball rolling... ask us a question
This is a fascinating aspect of the amateur radio hobby, and one that you may want to explore once you have your licence.
There are a number of orbiting amateur radio satellites up above us - some transmit beacons that operators can tune in to, and...
Whether you're looking to get into the hobby for the first time, or looking to progress to a higher licence level, the best way is often to sign up on a training course operated by a local amateur radio club.
There are a number of courses offered...
With an amateur radio licence, "Going mobile" and talking to other amateurs is great fun. Using the network of 2metre and 70cm repeaters, it's possible to talk to other hams a recent distance away using a low-powered handheld / in-car rig.
The big...
Amateur Radio operators use a system called APRS to track their location. Some handheld and mobile radios come with APRS, or ham operators can use a computer or smartphone top update and share their location with other operators.
Essex APRS Map:
Here's ...
Amateur radio operators typically communicate with others in their local area using the 2 metre band (144 to 146MHz)- either from a home shack, a mobile, or a handheld. If you're able to access a local repeater, you could be able to get your signal ...
Amateurs in the Essex area will more than likely be aware of the Danbury 2 metre repeater GB3DA. What's a little less well known is its sister repeater, the 70cm repeater GB3ER
About GB3ER
The Danbury 70cm UHFrepeater sited at the Danbury Church Green...
On this page is our calendar of events of interest to Essex amateur radio operators.
You can subscribe to our news and events feed using an RSS reader, or by following us on Twitter
Regular Events
Want to learn Morse code? Morse training...
Essex Ham Podcast?
First off, note that we don't offer a full regular audio podcast dedicated to amateur radio.
We've considered making a regular podcast, but at the moment, feel that the space is well catered for by the ICQ Podcast - they produce...
Looking to kit yourself out with some Essex Ham merchandise? Here's what we have to offer:
Essex Ham Clothing:
The following high-quality polo shirts and t-shirts are available, embroidered with the ESSEX HAM logo:
Essex Ham: Gents Winter Polo...
The Monday Night Net was launched in October 2011, by Pete M0PSX and Jim 2E0RMI to give a group of recent M6 Foundation licence holders someone to talk to.
It's now extended to be a regular get-together for newly-licensed hams as well as experienced...
As something of an experiment, Essex Ham launched its first newsletter in January 2013, and following positive feedback, issue 2 was released in February.
Essex Ham TX
That's the not-very catchy name we've given to the newsletter, and it's available...
The Essex Ham website launched in 2011 to help promote the amateur radio hobby in Essex. The site offers information on upcoming events and training courses in the area, as well as coverage of amateur radio activities in Essex.
Here, you'll find a...
Here's a list of the main content pages that you'll find on the Essex Ham Website:
If you're considering getting into the amateur radio hobby, then there is one book that is pretty much a "must-have"... "Foundation Licence Now".
Essential Reading:
This is a low-priced training book that covers the Foundation syllabus in the right...
If you'd like to get in touch, have a question, or want to comment on the site, please use the form below:
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In December 2012, Pete M0PSX and Tom 2E0TNC presented a talk on how to get started in the various digital modes, such as WSPR, RTTY, PSK31, JT65 and Packet. Here's a summary of the basics on how to start out operating the amateur radio digital modes.
Why...
Amateur Radio Clubs and Organisations in Essex:
Essex Repeater Group - Support your local repeaters, including the popular GB3DA in Danbury
Essex CW Club - Encouraging Morse Code on-air in Essex
Essex Raynet - Emergency Communications Voluntary...
Although not strictly an amateur radio activity, playing with, and tracking balloons using radio is a rather novel and fun thing to try.
Around the world, enthusiasts get together to let off helium-filled weather balloons with a payload of cameras,...
Assuming you've passed your Foundation Exam, you'll need to get an amateur radio licence and your callsign from Ofcom before you can start transmitting. Here's a summary of how to get your licence:
You'll need your Candidate Number from your Exam "Candidate...
Years ago, anyone interested in becoming a radio amateur were required to take complex tests involving electronics theory, radio construction and in most cases, learn morse code.
Things have changed here in the UK, making it considerably easier for...
Just passed your Foundation course? Congratulations!
This page is for those that have passed their Foundation course and have their licence. Passed your exam, but not yet got your licence and callsign? See our licence process section.
When you've...
This short article was inspired by the following email from Rob:
" I've just purchased a Baofeng uv5r plus, and I'm a complete novice but really want to get in to ham radio, I cannot seem to pick anything up on my radio.
I've tried to set ...
Essex Ham Live Video Feed
As an experiment, we're testing out a live streaming video feed. Nothing to get excited about... yet!
Our last live stream was on Friday the 27th of April 2012, during operations from the LV18 Lightvessel.
Live Feed
Here ...
Want to try to contact the ISS?
See my guide on Working the ISS
Received my signal via ISS Packet?
Please add a comment below to let me know you've received me!
How I track the ISS
I use the excellent PC app Orbitron :
Check...
"Dah-dit-dah-dit Dah-dah-dit-dah"
Morse code no longer forms part of the amateur radio exams, but at Foundation-level, candidates undertake a Morse appreciation practical - Morse is an important part of radio's history, and it's still very active 100...
What is PSK31?
PSK31 is a data mode. You need to connect your radio to a computer to get this to work. Once connected, you can have a real-time text-based conversation over-air.
The following screenshot shows PSK31 in use. At the bottom of the screenshot...
QSL is one of the three-letter Q codes used by licensed radio amateurs. It means "confirm receipt of transmission"
On this page, we're asking for any radio amateurs in Essex to check in and let us know you've seen our site.
If you're an Essex...
Looking to program your rig from your computer? Here are some handy files for you to download:
Repeater Config Files
We've made a small collection of files available for download. You'll need to download these to your computer, then use the appropriate...
By using or contributing to this website, you agree to be bound by the usage terms outlined on this page. We reserve the right to change these Terms and Conditions from time to time as may be necessary.
Disclaimer
Content appearing on this...
What is an SDR?
SDR stands for Software Defined Radio. Commonly, this relates to a piece of radio hardware that controlled via a computer.
On this page, you'll find some information on SDRs, and our team's experiences of ham radio and SDRs...
80...
SSTV stands for Slow Scan TV . In the amateur radio world, this allows you to send images as data to each other.
To send and receive messages, you need to connect your amateur radio rig to a computer, and then use software to send and decode images.
Pictures...
Although not directly related to amateur radio, this page is dedicated to using a scanner to pick up radio signals.
On this page, you'll find answers to a few questions we've been asked.
Is it legal for me to use a scanner?
This is a tricky one,...
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The Essex Ham website is dedicated to Amateur Radio in Essex. Here, you'll find all sorts of information on what the hobby has to offer, how to get started with amateur radio, and how to explore new aspects of the hobby.
About Essex Ham:...
Amateur Radio, also known as "ham radio", has been around for over 100 years, and allows enthusiasts to transmit to other amateurs, and experiment with all aspects of radio. If you have an interest in any aspect of radio broadcasting or electronics, then...
What is Echolink?
Echolink combines amateur contacts using RF (radio) with the Internet. There are many situations where it's not possible to make contact with another amateur using radio, when only the Internet will do. Echolink bridges that gap allowing...
The Essex Ham website launched in 2011, and was created by Pete M0PSX
The site was originally launched as a service to help new M6 Foundation licence holders to get on-air, but thanks to the input from many Essex-based amateurs, has been expanded to...
