Introduction to Radio Communication

Radio was first invented by Marconi in the year 1896. It immediately turned into a medium for transmitting messages across long distances, both in Europe and America. Initially, only simple telegraph transmissions were broadcasted on the radio. It was only around 1920 that radio stations started broadcasting sound for its audience. Radio soon became a part and parcel of every European and American household. Eventually, it spread the world over, and it remains an indispensable form of communication to this day.

Functioning

• Radio waves are electromagnetic waves, which, unlike sound waves, travel in a vacuum. You hear sound from the radio because of the radio station transmitter converting sound waves into electromagnetic waves. This is then encoded on electromagnetic waves, generally in the radio frequency range of 86 to107 MHz for FM and 500 to 1600 kHz in the case of AM. Radio electromagnetic waves travel long distances in the atmosphere and do not get attenuated by absorption or scattering.

Uses

• When tornado sirens blare and the power supply goes off, it is the battery-powered radio that provides weather information, updates and warnings. Radio keeps its audience constantly updated about weather, stock market, sports, pop culture and, of course, general news. Radio signals reach even remote corners conveniently; therefore, such places depend solely on radio for news. Since radio is an inexpensive device, it is within the reach of the poor. Moreover, it is safe to use radio even while driving.

Navigation

• Ships were the first to use radio. In the past, the ship radio system was operated by radiotelegraphy technique, in which Morse-coded messages were sent and received over wireless transmitters. The first federal radio legislation was passed in 1910. According to 1910 wireless ship act, a vessel carrying 50 or more passengers must be equipped with a radio communicating equipment of certain capabilities. For example, the radio system must be capable of conveying messages over 100 miles. Even today, the ships that are not equipped for satellite communications depend on an old wireless telegraphy system for communication.

Ham Radio

• A radio enthusiast fascinated by wireless technological communication plays the part of ham radio operators. The radio offers a way of communicating directly with other people all over the world. The simplest form of ham radio includes a transceiver and a dipole antenna. Many ham radio operators use very low frequency codes as well as computer-controlled Morse code called QRSS. Ham radio communication has the capacity to provide the emergency communications required to save lives and property.

Radio and Television

• The late 1950s saw the arrival of television, and it was thought that radio would soon become obsolete. However, the new technologies appeared in radio communication have improved its performance over the time. Radio remains the most powerful and influential means of mass communication and information. Today, radio is also the most popular form of entertainment after television.