This is a Yaesu FT-250 FM handheld transceiver. Yaesu is the ham radio division of the Vertex Standard company and makes some of the highest quality radio equipment. The maximum transmitting power of this small device is 5 watts, enough power to cover several miles depending on terrain. This small radio sends and receives on what is known as the 2-meter band, which is between 144 and 148 mhz. I have a slightly larger radio mounted in my car which has 60 watts of power. To transmit on the 144-148 band, one is required to hold an amateur radio (also known as a ham) license, which I have had for about five years.
The radio spectrum is considered to be a public resource. To prevent on-air chaos, countries establish agencies to govern the spectrum's use. In the United States, this agency is the Federal Communications Commission. Licensees are expected to adhere to both FCC regulations and more informal "rules of the road" to make radio use a pleasant experience for everyone. Amateurs are prohibited from accepting fees for our services, our payment is our enjoyment of the hobby.
Hams are call themselves members of the Amateur Radio Service. During times of disaster or crisis, when commercial telephone and internet services are rendered inoperable hams jump into action, providing important communications capability, both traditional radio and digital. We assist hospitals, emergency management offices and NGOs such as the Red Cross. Many of my fellow hobbyists provided life saving communications in Louisiana and Mississippi in the days immediately after hurricane Katrina, by setting up radio stations that were the only means to get information in and out of effected areas . Being hams doesn't mean we are expected to do all this, and not all of us do. Those of us who do take part in disaster communication do it simply because we are into this sort of thing.
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