The amateur radio community has grown into a large organization today. Tens of thousands of people are actively involved in research, considering it to be a highly valuable field. The health and prosperity of this organization not only serves its own interests but also provides a unique academic treasure that is admired internationally – the QST (Quarterly Science and Technology) magazine for amateur radio operators. Furthermore, military organizations such as the Army, Navy, and Air Force have sought assistance from amateur radio operators to develop their communication systems, and ordinary people rely on amateur radio to help them in emergencies. This demonstrates its capabilities everywhere, which is why it has been recognized by countries around the world as one of the key institutions in radio technology. It also played a special role in the drafting of the International Radio Regulations.
More than thirty years ago, there was no such thing as amateur radio, and its name didn't really have much meaning. Looking back at the history and development of radio, which began in the 20th century, its period of rapid development was very short. Here is a brief overview of its development:
Before the advent of wireless telegraphy, young people generally experimented with "the marvel of transmitting messages through the air," setting up electric motors and water-powered generators to power a Wimshurst machine, constructing an antenna and telegraph wire for experimentation.
After Marconi announced that he could transmit the "S" signal over long distances without using wires, and after this fact was confirmed by many respected scholars, young electrical experimenters began to study the phenomenon with great interest. They wondered how it was possible for a signal to travel so far without any physical connection. They were eager to understand the underlying principles that made this possible.
The development of amateur radio is not driven by commercial interests or the pursuit of profit. Instead, it stems from individuals' personal interest in this field and their inclination to dedicate spare time to research. Initially, this phenomenon was observed among countless young people in the United States, who were fascinated by this new and intriguing science. On one hand, it provided them with a source of personal enjoyment and intellectual stimulation. On the other hand, it facilitated communication and collaboration among individuals, leading to rapid growth and development.
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact period when amateur radio began to develop widely, but 1901 can be considered as a significant year, often referred to as "Amateur Radio Day" in the United States.
The progress made in the first ten years was remarkably slow, and the equipment available was crude. There were few books on this subject that were written for a general audience, and even fewer publications dedicated to it. At the time, amateur radio enthusiasts built their own transmitters and receivers, often out of necessity. The "golden age" of the "one-corner radio shop" came in the following twenty years, when only a handful of stores in the United States were selling a few types of radio components. However, even then, progress was slow. It wasn't until 1912 that the range of available equipment began to expand, and amateur enthusiasts could listen to stations over distances of several hundred miles. Even then, most amateurs were not satisfied, and they continued to experiment with their own equipment in an attempt to improve its performance. Eventually, they were able to use their radios to communicate with stations in even more distant cities. One thing that is worth remembering about this period is that the government had no regulations governing the use of radio. Anyone could use a radio transmitter, and they could choose any frequency, call sign, or wave length they wanted.
By the end of 1911, there were over six hundred radio stations in operation. At that time, the total number of military and commercial radio stations accounted for only about 25% of all radio stations.
In 1912, representatives sent by the U.S. government to attend the International Wireless Conference in London returned and, as a result, regulations were developed for managing this new industry. Amateur radio operators became subject to the following restrictions: all amateur radio stations had to obtain licenses, with limits on the power they could use (no more than 1 kilowatt) and the wavelengths they could operate on (no more than 200 kHz). This gave the Navy and commercial radio stations their rights back, and also gave them priority. All amateur radio stations were required to use the officially designated call signs for their respective stations. Furthermore, those using frequencies between 375 kHz and 425 kHz had to obtain special licenses.
With this announcement, amateur radio operators were initially startled but quickly regained their composure. This was because, in practice, besides obtaining a license and adhering to the primary obligation of serving government and commercial radio stations, there was no need to follow all other instructions. The range of operation, which could extend up to 250 miles or 375 miles, was sufficient. Furthermore, operators did not have to fear government restrictions. In summary, while certain rules existed on that day, they were not necessarily enforced, regardless of whether the operator was an amateur radio enthusiast or belonged to another group. In this favorable environment, amateur radio gradually flourished. By early 1914, there were over 2,000 amateur radio operators, and the range of operation had increased to approximately 450 miles for larger stations. The vacuum tube, which was previously a limiting factor, was now used by many advanced radio stations as a receiver, and in terms of technology, it could still maintain its original functionality.
In the early years of 1914, there was a group of enthusiastic amateur radio enthusiasts led by Mark Xing Shi, who were considered leading figures in the field of amateur radio without electricity. They decided to establish a short-range wireless telegraph station from their home in Haddington and transmit messages to the springfield local radio station in Manchuria. Although their transmitter had a limited range that could not directly reach Springfield, they successfully used the Wendel Tower radio station located in Kangleke Province to relay the message.
This system of relaying is very beneficial, so foreign ships also utilize the principle of relaying to transmit communications from one ship to another. Previously, amateur operators were limited by the range of their equipment and could not transmit communications beyond that range. However, they can now use this relay method to transmit their communications.
This method, in itself, has no particular significance. However, once it becomes widespread, it can bring special benefits to the world. After several months of consideration, Mark Xing was eager to establish a nationwide amateur radio organization. However, he lacked both motivation and support, which led him to be unable to achieve this goal. Nevertheless, considering the American concept of "group cultivation," if an amateur organization has already been formally approved, it would not only be officially recognized but also address other complex organizational issues with determination, otherwise, it would fail to materialize.
After successfully transmitting from Hadfield to Springfield, Mark Xing reflected on the previous night's success and began to consider the idea of an amateur radio organization for the public. He wondered if there was a way to solve this problem.
However, those with determination eventually achieve their goals. Those who were previously filled with anxiety and uncertainty are now facing a favorable future, and the organization aimed at developing nationwide amateur radio communication networks has been established. Its purpose is to promote the widespread use of these networks, allowing amateur radio operators in one location to transmit signals over hundreds of miles, and enabling other operators to receive signals from distant coastlines.
However, within a week, this new organization quickly gained prominence and attention. After another month, it began to operate smoothly. In May 1914, Mark Higgins and a representative of the Hadeford Company, Douglas, drafted the constitution and organizational outline for the American Amateur Wireless Telegraph Association, and notified the government-issued directory of registered amateur operators. Subsequently, they announced the formation of the association and began recruiting members.
Applicants flooded in, and requests to join the society arrived in droves. In early summer of 1914, the Wireless Telegraphy Association published its first publication, which included a blue-covered directory containing the names, addresses, call signs, power range, subscription rates, working hours, and price (five cents per copy) for all three hundred members.
Through radio and postal advertising, the organization's reputation quickly spread throughout the country, leading to a rapid increase in membership. In January 1915, due to the lack of a fixed business location, the association was reorganized as a non-profit entity according to the laws of the Calmette province. By March of this year, the second list of call signs was issued, and the number of members had reached over six hundred. Soon after, through radio communication or correspondence, a chain of connections was established for the purpose of the alliance, which was destined to succeed.
During the late summer of this year, a particularly difficult situation arose that requires special attention. The main challenge was to inform new members about the society's plans and procedures, which could only be communicated through letters, making it extremely cumbersome. There was a need for a more efficient method of communication, but the society lacked funds and its members were free, so creating and distributing call sheets would have been costly.
In October 1915, a solution was reached: Mark Xing and Du Si Jia would privately raise funds to print a sixteen-page magazine, named QST, as the official publication of the alliance. Each member received a copy, and those who wished to subscribe for the entire year had to pay one dollar in foreign currency (likely US dollars), but the association did not require any other membership fees. As a result, QST continued to be published on a bi-monthly basis, serving as the mouthpiece of the alliance, documenting all activities and events of its members. Amateur radio enthusiasts were compelled to contribute their efforts, and each member could submit articles about inventions or improvements made to their equipment, which would be published in QST within one month. The benefits were immediately apparent. The magazine also included advertising space, providing retailers with a new opportunity to reach the amateur radio community. Furthermore, this provided an opportunity for manufacturers to create devices specifically tailored to the needs of amateur radio enthusiasts.
In February 1916, the first nationwide radio experiment was conducted. It began with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Washington held at the 9XE station in Ava Province, followed by a telegram sent from Colonel Li Ke-sheng of the Rock Island Arsenal to governors throughout the United States, which took only 55 minutes after being transmitted from 9XE. This was achieved even when reaching the Atlantic coast, it only took 60 minutes. Other locations, such as New Orleans and Canada, took around 20 minutes. While this experiment wasn't a complete success, it demonstrated remarkable ingenuity.
During the summer of this year, a local amateur radio operator named Charles in Huisfeite, Sichuan Province, recorded broadcasts from the German neutral radio station, "Color Exter," and provided these recordings as evidence to the government.
That year, two manufacturers created a specialized amateur receiving set. A unique feature of this set was its ability to increase sensitivity and reception range. Shortly after its release, it became widely used for shortwave communication across the ocean.
In 1917, with the first light of dawn, amateur radio had already crossed national borders. On January 27th, a station belonging to Brother Seffole at太平岸 (Tai Ping Shan) began transmitting three signals at high speed through three intermediate stations, eventually reaching IzM station owned by Mr. Mark. This level of communication was impressive, as it overcame the limitations of larger stations. On February 6th, another message was transmitted from the east coast and received on the west coast, with a record time of twenty minutes.
In the same month, a significant change occurred within the American Radio League. Charles Mark and Douglas Davis had become self-appointed president and secretary, respectively, and had been in these positions for three years. In 1917, the league was gaining momentum and appeared to be on the verge of becoming an organized body. On February 28th of that year, most amateur radio enthusiasts gathered at Mark's invitation, and after a two-day meeting, they had drafted a constitution and organizational outline, specifying the election of department staff. The entire country would be divided into six districts, each with a district chief and deputy to oversee them. In addition, twelve directors and four assistants were elected to the Radio League.
The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), having achieved success in establishing long-distance communication before, continued to thrive through its strong organization. It eventually succeeded in convincing manufacturers to produce equipment needed by amateur radio operators, and soon began offering regular service to users along various lines. Shortly thereafter, reports emerged of a station on the West Coast being able to directly receive broadcasts from stations on the East Coast. This success led to the ARRL membership growing to over 4,000 people, demonstrating that amateur radio organization could be successful.
In this rapid development, within just two years, in April 1917, the United States declared war on Germany. Simultaneously, the U.S. government announced a ban on all amateur radio equipment. As a result, amateur radio antennas were forcibly dismantled, and amateur transmitters were also shut down. Consequently, the use of various receiving sets ceased.
However, shortly thereafter, a representative from the Navy met with President Mark Xing and Vice-President Hao Bo at their New York offices, requesting that they employ amateur radio operators from the "Secret Radio League" as instructors and communication personnel during wartime. They were to be used to assist in communications, but initially, they needed 500 people, so they immediately hired them.
The final broadcast announcement from the alliance was received, but within ten days, all five hundred reporters in Hapu had gathered!
From this point forward, the members of the organization were forced to seek refuge within the armed United States military. While the organization's core principles had been shaken, they continued their efforts to support the interests of both older and younger members, while also striving to attract individuals in good health who could contribute to their work. They made every effort to carry out all of the tasks within their scope. In 1917, when a hoped-for savior finally appeared, the military order prohibiting experiments with wireless telegraphy was lifted, but it remained forbidden to openly install antennas. However, this did not prove effective. Shortly thereafter, another order was issued that strictly limited the use of all types of wireless equipment. This order had a particularly devastating effect on the organization, and the QST magazine, which had been published for several months, ceased publication in September 1917.
During this period of progress, the records were intermittently lost and recovered, sometimes continuing for a while and then being interrupted. One notable event was the transmission of a message from Hartford to Los Angeles in just six minutes, and also to New York City. The 6ZK station in California, as well as the 9ZN station in Chicago, could receive this message, and the 2RK station in New York could also communicate with ships in Gibraltar. With the establishment of relay routes, the efficiency of receiving and transmitting messages gradually increased. The position of "Traffic Manager," which was previously unpaid, became a salaried position. The League gradually cleared its debts and began to accumulate surplus funds in banks. They adopted the diamond symbol as their logo, which is still used today. Following requests from amateur radio operators in Canada, the American Radio Relay League expanded its operations into Canadian territory, leading to the establishment of four regional divisions within Canada. The Washington Standard Station collaborated with members of the League to conduct nationwide radio experiments. In 1921, approximately 400 amateur radio operators from various countries met in Chicago.
The characteristics of amateur radio, which enable the rapid implementation of business operations, have many merits that deserve recognition. While I will not delve into specific details, one notable example is the use of continuous wave transmissions by American amateur radio stations to replace spark-gap transmitters, marking a new era in wireless communication.
However, experiments using continuous-wave vacuum tubes for power generation had begun during the war in 1919, but were limited to a small number of results. At that time, vacuum tubes were not yet commercially available products, and obtaining such important wartime vacuum tube supplies was rare. Those who could obtain these tubes would likely have done so through illegal means.
The most intriguing invention created by the experimenter, which was difficult to prove, involved using low-power electricity to cause a vacuum tube to emit continuous waves over the longest possible distance. It was claimed that these waves were both sharp and free from interference or distortion, and could also eliminate static interference.
These advantages should not be overlooked. Therefore, by 1921, vacuum tubes had become a commercially viable product, and the American Radio League strongly advocated for amateur radio operators to adopt this continuous wave system. This transition led to a significant slowdown in the progress of radio technology. While many amateurs were already using vacuum tube transmitters, which had proven their superiority, there remained a considerable number who favored spark-gap transmitters. However, it was clear that these practical devices would soon become widespread.
In October 1921, there were actually thirty amateur radio stations in Europe that could be listened to! Did their influence make the world amateur radio widespread? It was not accidental. Of these thirty stations, only three were funded by the League of Radio Clubs and sent American amateur operators to England. The equipment used was American, and this was because they did not doubt that Britain had good facilities for receiving signals, but rather feared that they would lack experience in 200 meters. So, Paul Godley, who was based in Scotland, built an antenna on the desolate coast, worked for ten days in the harsh weather, and set up his receiver in a tent, then sent out signals to all American amateur operators he could hear. After conducting experiments, it was confirmed that regardless of the time, 200-meter amateur signals could reach across the Atlantic.
To other successful experiments, there are many, and more than two-thirds of the signals that cross the Atlantic originate from continuous wave radio stations. This is the only thing worth noting; it should not be dismissed lightly. After further investigation, the skeptical faction, who believed in the "faith spark" theory, were forced to reconsider their position and began to examine the technical specifications of continuous wave devices. From this point forward, one can confidently predict the future development of air traffic control communication, which is limitless.
If further evidence of continuous wave performance is desired, the transatlantic experiment in the following year provides proof. On the European side, there were 315 American calls that were successfully received, with a particularly high number being picked up by one French and two British radio stations. Unexpectedly, communication between the two sides in Europe had become possible.
When the year 1923 began, amateur radio operators in New Zealand were receiving reports from various US stations. In the summer of that year, Australian amateurs also reported being able to receive signals from US stations, but there was no mention of signals coming from the eastern coast. At the same time, several ships operating in Chinese and Japanese territorial waters had also reported receiving signals from amateur radio operators on the west coast.
"Inertia" is a commonly used term in physics, while "factor" is an essential element in mechanical problems. However, both of these concepts are fundamental and cannot be ignored in any situation. This is especially true for amateur radio, where Marconi chose to use long waves when he began his experiments. This was because existing spark-gap transmitters already utilized long waves, and at the time, there were naturally occurring disturbances that interfered with shortwave communication.
In 1912, the London Conference had successfully developed long-range communication signals using long wavelengths. However, since the usable frequency range was reduced to below 100 meters, the need for allocating frequencies in this range became very limited. Furthermore, U.S. law restricted amateur radio operators to a maximum wavelength of 200 meters, which many people believed stifled the development of amateur radio.
However, over the past two decades, laws have undoubtedly provided some leeway for amateur radio operators regarding their livelihood. Nevertheless, amateur radio enthusiasts are determined to find a way to support themselves, believing that they need long-distance communication.（DX）While the effort to shorten wavelengths was not solely for practical purposes, and even after regulations in 1912, many amateur radio operators continued to use their 240-meter equipment. The success of transoceanic communication in 1923 effectively dominated the wireless field. However, if the claim is that the success of transoceanic communication depends on shortening wavelengths, then it must be said that this is not entirely true. While transoceanic communication was indeed successful using shorter wavelengths, there are also other reasons for its success.
As a dedicated amateur radio enthusiast, he poured his heart and soul into the work, constantly striving to achieve success in transmitting on wavelengths suitable for use at depths of up to 200 meters. His efforts were finally rewarded: in early 1922, he published an article titled "Successful operation at 130 meters between Boston and Hartford" in the QST magazine, demonstrating the potential of shortwave communication. In early 1923, under the guidance of technical staff from the League of Radio Engineers, a systematic study was conducted to determine whether communication using wavelengths around 100 meters was feasible. The results were disseminated throughout the country through three radio stations, each operating according to a predetermined protocol. Starting at 200 meters and decreasing by 10 meters in increments, experiments were conducted until reaching 90 meters. Each station recorded its findings for reference. One of the most remarkable aspects of this experiment was the observation that as the wavelength decreased, the quality of the transmitted signal improved, leading to a widespread promotion of the article "The Possibility of Shortwave Transmission" in QST magazine.
On November 7, 1923, the first amateur transatlantic communication was successfully completed. At that time, Schnel and Rienatze's IXMA, along with Deloy's 8AB, were able to operate for several hours. This achievement was made possible by the fact that all three stations used a wavelength of approximately 100 meters. Of course, this success was initially seen as a lucky coincidence. However, as more and more stations adopted a wavelength of 100 meters, it became clear that this was not just a fluke.
In the early years of 1924, the Hoover Radio Conference designated the amateur bands for use as 20 meters, 40 meters, and 80 meters. However, the performance in the 80-to-100-meter range was not satisfactory, leading to widespread doubts among many people. Shortly thereafter, several European countries were also able to use these frequencies for transmission and reception.
Subsequently, I switched to using the 40-meter band, and it was indeed a very short wave. Readers should be aware of its effectiveness. What was once considered impossible is now achievable. I quickly switched to the 40-meter band, and I was able to communicate with locations in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The development of shortwave radio has reached a point where further progress seems unlikely. Most people believe that the 20-meter band is too short to be practical, but in reality, there are always unexpected successes. In this case, it was possible for stations on the Atlantic coast to directly communicate with stations on the west coast, which was a dream come true for amateur radio enthusiasts. A year later, bands of 100 meters and above had become readily available to amateurs.
From its early days to the present, amateur radio has developed significantly. However, compared to professional radio, it is still far behind. Shortwave radio, with its valuable properties and widespread use, has led to a surge in activity across countries. As space became increasingly chaotic, the need for standardized communication protocols became apparent. This led to the establishment of an international agreement, which the Amateur Radio Association (ARA) began implementing by issuing "WAC" licenses to amateur radio operators worldwide. These licenses have been issued in large numbers.
Several years earlier, representatives from the American amateur radio league traveled to Paris to discuss matters with their counterparts from twenty other countries. On April 17, 1925, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was established, bringing together national amateur radio societies from various countries into a large organization. This marked the first time that amateur radio had become a globally recognized activity.
However, attempting to incorporate recent developments and further improvements would be extremely difficult. This goal can ultimately be achieved by attracting a large number of amateur enthusiasts who join each year after being "defeated" by nature, as improvements and development are gradual processes.
In the general perception, it was believed that in 1921, spark-gap radio had reached its peak of development, and no technology could conquer it. However, less than a year later, the prospect of vacuum tube transmission emerged, inspiring endless hope for researchers. By the time we achieved continuous wave transmission up to 100 meters, it was already considered a breakthrough. However, even pessimists believed that without successful experiments at 80 meters, 40 meters, and 20 meters, 100 meters would be the limit.
Currently, a wavelength of 20 meters represents the shortest usable wavelength for reliable long-range communication, but this is still insufficient to limit dedicated amateur radio operators who wish to explore higher frequencies. However, given the needs of amateur radio operators, the International Wireless Telegraph Convention of 1927 designated a narrow band of approximately 5 to 10 meters for them.
The 5-meter band, demonstrated in trials in 1924, was declared to have practical value for long-distance communication. This type of communication, using only horizontal distances (horizon range), could be received, but amateur radio operators quickly found ways to overcome this limitation. The construction of 5-meter equipment (particularly the 6-meter shortwave radio) began to increase rapidly, and it was used for short-range communication, avoiding interference from atmospheric conditions and other radio waves. This made the equipment practical, and in 1932 and 1933, thousands of amateur operators across the country were using 5-meter equipment, which led to the development of new receiving and transmitting devices specifically designed for this purpose. These devices used ultra-high frequencies to communicate, and they are considered the precursors to modern shortwave radio.
Therefore, those who previously exuded confidence and natural superiority, can now be seen as simply lacking in intelligence. However, the course of history provides us with ample evidence that there is no such thing as a definitive or ultimate truth.
Establishing laws is often a major problem for amateur enthusiasts. If the legislation had not been enacted in 1922, the initial and devastating threat would have disappeared.
The obstacles to the World War I, until 1927, had not resulted in the establishment of an international treaty. However, as disputes related to the treaty arose within the United States, there was a growing sense that it was necessary to enact legislation. This was partly due to technological advancements and the fact that Congress was already considering such measures. However, if we were to list all the proposals and summarize their progress, it would be too lengthy and tedious for readers. Instead, let us focus on the key developments since 1914, when the American Wireless Association began advocating for radio legislation.
During the years 1926 and 1927, another form of intimidation was displayed by amateur radio enthusiasts, namely, the municipal government's intention to create local regulations to restrict the use of wireless radios by local amateurs. This prompted two provinces' amateur radio operators to oppose these proposed local ordinances. After six months of intense lobbying, they succeeded in obtaining a court ruling in 1927 that invalidated the city government's authority and restrictions on the use of amateur radios.
In 1932, the International Wireless Conference was held in Madrid. All amateur radio operators believed that since the London conference of 1912 and the Washington conference of 1927, this would be the first truly international gathering of amateur radio operators. However, due to the impact of World War II, the conference had been postponed for several years. This conference was particularly important because it addressed the issue of amateur radio regulation, which had become a major concern for operators. The annual International Conference had been disrupted by the war, but this year's meeting was seen as a crucial opportunity to resolve outstanding issues. While some countries were still hesitant to support amateur radio, others, such as the United States, had already made significant progress in regulating the activity. However, even in the United States, there were challenges. The American delegation was outnumbered by representatives from other countries, and they were not always able to get their proposals adopted. Despite these challenges, the conference was a success. Amateur radio operators were able to make their voices heard, and they were able to secure some important concessions from the government.
However, aside from radio, has it now escaped all legal constraints? No, not yet. The Madrid Conference was the year after.（1933）The Washington plan, along with many prevailing regulations, and the unique benefits of using radio, have provoked intense opposition. We understand that amateur radio representatives will continue to work diligently at their annual meetings and other technical conferences held every two years to expand their field and enhance their advantages.
Regarding the Washington Conference, which saw a newcomer achieve unprecedented historical recognition and gain a position in international communications, despite subsequent attempts by other parties to restrict its activities, it is undeniable that it existed.
Hobby radio, a popular pastime, is not solely responsible for its recent gains in international forums and the support it has received from representatives of the United Nations. While its demonstrated skills in both naval and land forces during wartime have long been recognized by these two sides, other factors contributing to its popularity include its contributions to public service.
During the war, approximately 350 amateur radio operators contributed their skills to the American military. This is what I know about it, and at the end of the war, the relationship between the US military and these amateur radio operators became even stronger. In 1914, the American ship Shenandoah (Shenandoah) traveled across the country, and the amateur radio operators regularly contacted it. In 1925, the American fleet patrolled Australia, and the Navy wanted to test shortwave communication for future use. All of the high-frequency equipment used in the tests was managed by a business manager on the S.S. Seattle.
In particular, the relationship between the government's naval and land forces and amateur enthusiasts was established in 1925. That year, both the naval and land forces expressed their willingness to cooperate through the League, leading to the proposal for the Radio Naval Reserve (Radio Naval Reserve) and the Army Amateur Net (Army Amateur net).
The most glorious historical collaboration between amateur radio enthusiasts and the military began in January 1930. At that time, at the request of the War Department, the Amateur Radio League organized a communication network to facilitate contact with the Army's first Patrol Group, specifically their Arctic patrol flight aboard the "Arctic" aircraft, which originated from cities like Missoula, Spokane, and Washington before returning. In 1931, the Air Corps held a large demonstration involving 600 aircraft, during which amateur radio played a crucial role. Several aircraft were tasked with flying over New England, requiring them to remain airborne for up to three days. At the time, the War Department's communication system was not widely available, and there were no radio stations in all the areas where the Air Corps operated. Therefore, they had to rely on the Amateur Radio League to establish a communication network. As a result, when the Air Corps flew over New England, the 24-hour communication was fully realized, which was made possible by the amateur radio network. The achievements of the Amateur Radio League and the "Arctic" aircraft were highly praised by the War Department and the Air Corps.
Amateur radio operators who serve the public, this is indeed a glorious history. However, their tasks can be broadly divided into two categories: emergency response and expeditionary missions. Due to limited space, I would like to briefly describe the amateur radio operators' contributions to these two types of missions, but unfortunately, I cannot provide a detailed account. Instead, I will present a summary of their achievements for each category.
Since 1919, amateur radio operators have been instrumental in communicating emergency information about domestic events such as floods and storms. Some of the most notable examples include the 1926 Florida hurricane, the 1927 Mississippi River flood, and the New England floods.
In 1928, the California riverbank collapse and the second Hurricane of Florida, as well as the 1931 Nicaraguan earthquake, the Labrador Viking mine explosion, and the floods in Caliente, California, and the upper Texas Guadalupe River basin, all presented significant challenges. Amateur radio operators played a crucial role in providing assistance during these disasters, and amateur radio was widely recognized for its superior effectiveness compared to other communication methods.
One of the main tasks of the military amateur radio network was to provide self-sufficiency, meaning that there was also another organization of amateur radio operators dedicated to domestic disaster relief and other emergency situations. In addition, organizations like the Red Cross were in contact with nearby amateur radio stations in each state of the United States as part of their emergency service plans.
Looking back at the history of cooperation between amateur sailors and expedition teams, starting from 1923, the "Conn" (a member of the Bristol Sailing Club), along with Don Mix and McMillan, used two small boats, the "Bowdoin," to explore the Arctic. The radio equipment on board was operated by Don Mix, allowing them to communicate with amateur sailors in Canada and the United States. This success was a natural consequence of their ability to connect with these amateur sailors, regardless of where they traveled, as long as they had shortwave radios and companions among the amateurs.
Consequently, other explorers, inspired by Mackay's success, followed suit, demanding that the League provide them with similar equipment for their expeditions. In 1924, another expedition team succeeded through collaboration with amateur radio enthusiasts. Similarly, in 1925, three more explorers achieved success with the help of amateur radio. Throughout the year 1928, the number of expeditions supported by amateur radio reached nine. From this point forward, the League Headquarters (League Headquater) continued to receive numerous requests for assistance from amateur radio enthusiasts. By today, over one hundred expeditions have benefited from the support of amateur radio, demonstrating that it remains the primary means of communication for explorers venturing to the most remote and dangerous corners of the world.
When the Byrd expedition reached the North Pole, three of the radio operators were amateurs. This meant that amateur radio stations in the United States were fulfilling a significant portion of the communication needs for the expedition, which would otherwise have been handled by professional operators.
Specifically, in the field of aviation, the contributions of amateur radio enthusiasts were significant. They facilitated travel to both the Arctic and Antarctic regions, supported Wilkins's flights across North America and his expeditions to Antarctica, and even transported a fellow amateur radio operator to the polar regions. The communication during these trips, including sending and receiving telegrams, was entirely handled by amateurs. Furthermore, their activities involved tasks with slightly different purposes: providing equipment for the National Air Races in Rushcutters Bay and Cleveland three years ago, facilitating communication between the judges' stand and distant pylons to verify pre-race aircraft, reporting on winners and disqualified participants, providing emergency assistance, and offering a wide range of other public services. All these activities were carried out by amateurs without expecting material compensation. As a result, amateur radio became an essential part of American life.
Hobby radio has firmly established itself in today's world of radio, and it certainly deserves the title of "a shining star among stars." Its achievements and contributions are remarkable, but hobby radio enthusiasts also adhere to strict regulations. This essay will provide a brief overview of the origins and development of hobby radio, which readers can use as a starting point for further exploration. While there may be some omissions, it is important to note that hobby radio enthusiasts are united in their pursuit of truth and excellence, and they work tirelessly towards this goal. They are not motivated by fame or fortune, but by a genuine desire to make a difference. This spirit of dedication and perseverance is what we call "the amateur spirit."
United Radio League of America, United Radio League, Inc.（A.R.R.L.）Today, it represents not only its national amateur radio community but has become the world's largest amateur radio organization. Its nature is neither commercial nor a corporation; its members are owners of A.R.R.L. and QST.
The organization's purpose is to represent the interests of amateur radio enthusiasts, promote communication and experimentation among them, and explore advanced radio technology using amateur radio equipment. Its aim is to maintain high ethical standards and foster friendly relationships within the community.
Its primary task is to guide amateur operators, enabling them to recognize and emulate the high standards of experienced individuals, serving as a model for the entire community. For example, the League operates a network of standard frequency stations across the United States and Canada, using modern precision measuring equipment and sending regular time-synced signals. This allows amateur operators in each region to accurately calibrate their equipment. The League's communication areas are divided into three regions: the United States and Canada, with QST or Radio Direction Finder providing information on which region an operator belongs to. The League is governed by a Board of Directors, elected every two years by members of the US region, and every two years by members of the Canadian region. Additionally, the Board elects a President and Vice-President from among its members, who also serve as permanent board members. Individuals seeking to profit from the sale or manufacture of radio equipment are prohibited from being members or employees of the League.
The positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary, (Treasurer), and Communications Manager for the Association, as well as other positions such as (Secretary), are to be elected or appointed by the Board. All members of the Executive Committee should be established to handle all affairs between departments, with each member having specific responsibilities.
The League Society publishes the QST magazine, which is issued monthly. Members receive one copy each, and it serves as a publication to promote all activities within the league organization. More importantly, it provides a platform for members to exchange ideas and foster a sense of community. While its technical articles are well-known, the QST magazine is considered by many amateur radio enthusiasts to be their "bible" and one of the oldest and most respected magazines in the world dedicated to amateur radio. The revenue generated from the magazine is used to support the league's activities, as well as to cover member dues and subscription fees for QST.
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