Ham Radio Operating Modes
When I got my novice license back in the late '50s I was limited to one operating mode, CW. And you had to pass an FCC supervised code test at 5 words per minute to get a license. To use a mic and transmit voice you had to get the general class license which required passing a 13 WPM CW test, also at an FCC facility. Then the AM voice operating mode was opened up to you. Other modes at the time included RTTY a for-runner of the many digital modes in use today. SSB was still for the "rich," requiring much more sophisticated rigs. Then along came things like slow scan TV and finally the digital modes that we enjoy today. All part of the endless variety of modes and other activities that one can pursue under the general heading of Ham Radio. The following pages will focus on some of the modes I have played with beyond CW and SSB.