5 ms·
What's dangerous about ham radio?
by eh_why_not 2y ago
What's dangerous about ham radio?
- simonw 2y agoIf you're broadcasting at higher powers (to send over longer distances) there are risks from high RF exposure and electrical hazards. The HAM radio license exams focus on these safety issues quite a bit.
- Aloha 2y agoRF exposure at the frequencies involved are basically non-harmful.
- giantrobot 2y agoRF exposure on the ground from an aerial are likely non-harmful. Right next to the antenna can still give burns. There's also issues of arcing, lightning, and other electrical issues when dealing with high power radios. Electricity is unforgiving and a lot of the safety rules in licenses above Technician try to instill that fact.
- pclmulqdq 2y agoSounds like you have never had an RF burn before. The sensation is a lot like a sunburn, but is hard to get if you are electrically close to the ground. Higher frequencies can still give you RF burns when you're standing on the ground.
- pbj1968 2y ago[flagged]
- dghlsakjg 2y agoLots of people hurt themselves when falling off a ladder trying to put up an antenna. Joking aside, there is a minor risk of RF burn if you do really stupid things that you have to learn not to do to get a license. I can’t really imagine someone getting hurt by the radios themselves.
- kragen 2y agodepends on the transmission power and the equipment. any tube set can kick like a mule
- ja27 2y agoHeart attack from arguing with OM on 75m
- JR1427 2y agoYou can also easily cause interference, which might not be directly dangerous, but can certainly be problematic if you're causing problems on important communication channels.