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-====== Amateur radio basics ======
-Amateur radio combines communication, experimentation and learning. Operators use radio to make local and long-distance contacts, develop technical skills and explore propagation.
-===== Frequency and wavelength =====
-Frequency describes how quickly a signal oscillates and is measured in hertz (Hz). Common units are kHz, MHz and GHz. Wavelength describes the distance occupied by one cycle of the wave.
-In free space, a useful approximation is:
-  wavelength in metres = 300 / frequency in MHz
-This connects band names to frequency. Antenna dimensions also depend on their design, materials and surroundings; the free-space wavelength is a starting point rather than a finished construction plan.
-===== What makes a contact? =====
-A radio contact, often called a **QSO**, involves stations exchanging information over the air. A **callsign** identifies a licensed station or operator. The operating mode determines how information is carried: voice, Morse code and digital data are familiar examples.
-===== Where to go next =====
-  * [[bands:start|Understand bands and propagation]].
-  * [[operating:start|Learn how to make and log a contact]].
-  * [[reference:glossary|Look up unfamiliar terms]].
-===== Further reading =====
-  * [[https://www.iaru.org/|International Amateur Radio Union]] — the international federation of amateur radio societies.