Amateur Radio, also known as ham radio, describes 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.”

Why not enjoy the delights of internet propagation and its ‘crossing-over’ into natural propagation? Why not try some of the delights of being a 21st Century radio user? Network radios» is a new concept in hamradio. No matter where you go, you can still be in touch with your ham friends. All you need is to connect to the IRN – International Radio Network, that functions as a gateway to the live RF world. The IRN offers a plenitude of channels across the world and it is free to use. However, you are required to hold a valid hamradio license if you want to transmit on hamradio channels, as your transmission will be heard on live repeaters. To make things more exciting, like in the old days, manufactures started to build Android Transceivers, where you can install apps like TS3, or Zello, that offer connectivity to the IRN. Such net transceivers, or network radios, come with a nice PTT button, so you just operate them as any conventional radio. But… Is this hamradio? Read this article. lets have some logic applied here, if you desire to be classified as a radio amateur go sit an exam its easy enough these days, or alternativly get on network radio and enjoy without the need for a license. simple. The screen on these devices is a tad small at 2.4 inches. But its a trade off against battery life and you will find you don’t really need too much screen real estate.

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In this thought-provoking new feature, Chris Rolinson offers us an introduction to the idea of network radios, looking at internet propagation, technical aspects and potential uses for this new form of communication. Network radios have a much longer battery life than a smartphone. Our tests show that network radios running Zello can operate for up to three days before needing a charge, an important feature when the power is out or when there isn’t convenient outlet access. Using Network Radios with Zello to Improve Workplace Communication

The screen could do to be a little bigger other than that brilliant it is just one of those radios you got to have This I am using to try and understand why some clubs seem quite reluctant and ‘set in their ways’, while the average age of members keeps rising. However, you can listen around to your heart’s content and get a feel for how it all works without having those privileges. Then join in! As the saying goes, the water’s lovely! There are lots of folk around here. You could even meet the likes of me or Tim G4VXE who writes columns for both RadioUser and Practical Wireless. These units win over your mobile in various ways. Firstly, if you are in the middle of a QSO and your phone rings then you can kiss goodbye to that VK3 you are talking to. The phone will take over and dump Zello. Start using Zello heavily on your iPhone and watch that battery go. The T320 takes it in its stride. Also you can assign Amateur only apps to your Inrico. Having APRSDroid running 24/7 causes not a bump in the battery life. Also it’s a really nice platform to have things like RepeaterBook and other Amateur apps running on.

The Model One Digital Generation 2 looks for all the world like a "normal" radio, complete with fabric grille, antenna and real-wood finish, but don't be fooled. At its core, the Tivoli is a wi-fi radio, with DAB+/FM taking the reins and now, Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth connectivity its valuable passengers. It is correct to state that Network Radios are 'not HAM radios' as they do not operate on frequencies allocated for licensed amateur operation and fall outside the scope of Amateur Radio licensing but they are real radio communications devices that do use RF. Many workplaces can benefit from adopting network radios with Zello push-to-talk. In addition to the cost and dependability of these devices, they provide a dedicated walkie talkie for workplace communication that can be shared between shift workers, enabling seamless team communication.

Network Radio’ is the name given to two things. The first is a type of transceiver. The second, a selection of channels that are used by enthusiasts. In his first regular column on network radios for RadioUser, Chris Rolinson G7DDN offers hints and tips that will enable you to participate today in this rapidly-moving area of radio. Finally, there is a camera at the bottom left of the screen. This is a unique feature on a mobile network radio and while the three of us were pleasantly surprised by this, the potential scenarios for its use, arguably, remain to still be discovered. The next step is to create an account. If you do have a callsign, it is a very good idea to use that and maybe your first name too; ‘G7DDN Chris’ for example. What brings me to network radio? Curiosity, technological advancement, computers crossing into the RF world, the link with mobile technology, portability, being on the cutting edge – all these things, really.I entered the transmitting world via ‘legal’ FM CB in 1981 and was also a huge enthusiast of 934MHz CB too, before sitting my RAE in 1988 and receiving the G7DDN callsign. Although You will hear some people stating that network radios are 'not real radio' or 'not using RF' they are indeed mistaken. However, the word internet radio also refers to the device that is capable of receiving and playing radio streams. Another common name for these devices is WiFi radio. People licensed and unlicensed, are coming together to enjoy communicating with one another. Internet propagation is ideal for this because it is open to everyone, with no need for an exam, a callsign or a license. The term internet radio is used for different things. Internet radio or web radio can be used to describe a station that broadcasts via streaming over the web instead of using the conventional FM frequencies.