HAM TRIVIA
- Amateur Radio is the oldest radio service
- Anyone can become an amateur radio operator
- Hams contact other hams around the world
- Hams exchange “postcards” with other hams whom they’ve contacted
- Many different modes of communications are allowed (Morse , telephony, AM, FM, SSB, CW. Hams can even send TV pictures across the country or around the world ! All forms of digital communication are used as well, computers have become a communication tool used by many of the hams today.)
- Hams can communicate through satellites
- Hams also communicate with Astronauts aboard the International Space Station
- Many operators use low power (QRP) to communicate.
- Many hams provide emergency communications when needed.
- Certificates can be earned for various operating events (in contests)
ORIGIN OF DX
DX is an early telephone term for distant exchange. “This is correct. In the 1960s I worked in many telephone exchanges around the United Kingdom. On the old-
ORIGIN of 73
In 1859, Western Union standardized on the “92 code” in which the numbers from 1 to 92 were assigned meanings. It was in this list that 73 got its present meaning. Later more numbers were added. Here’s a partial list:
1 Wait a moment
2 Important Business
3 What time is it?
4 Where shall I go ahead?
5 Have you business for me?
6 I am ready
7 Are you ready?
8 Close your key; circuit is busy
9 Close your key for priority business (Wire chief, dispatcher, etc)
10 Keep this circuit closed
12 Do you understand?
13 I understand
14 What is the weather?
15 For you and other to copy
17 Lightning here
18 What is the trouble?
19 Form 19 train order
21 Stop for a meal
22 Wire test
23 All copy
24 Repeat this back
25 Busy on another wire
26 Put on ground wire
27 Priority, very important
28 Do you get my writing?
29 Private, deliver in sealed envelope
30 No more (end)
31 Form 31 train order
32 I understand that I am to …
33 Car report (Also, answer is paid for)
34 Message for all officers
35 You may use my signal to answer this
37 Diversion (Also, inform all interested)
39 Important, with priority on thru wire (Also, sleep-
44 Answer promptly by wire
73 Best regards
88 Love and kisses
91 Superintendent’s signal
92 Deliver promptly
93 Vice President and General Manager’s signals
95 President’s signal
134 Who is at the key?