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32 | LIFE IN SOLERA | AUGUST 2022 | The History of Radio The Solera Radio Club (FCC License KC6SRC) is exploring the interesting evolution of the "Radio." Our series started with the creation of the radio and the subsequent reliance on the little noise box. Last month we mentioned World War II and how amateur radio operators, or "hams" were affected. When wartime operations ended in 1945, hams resumed VHF operations until all HF bands were restored for use in 1946. The 2.5- and 5-meter bands became the 6- and 2-meter bands, and the availability of war surplus VHF gear saw a rise in new activity above the HF bands. The late 1940s also saw the development of amateur RTTY, or radioteletype, again because of war surplus availability. In the 1950s, the old Class A, B and C amateur licenses were renamed Advanced, General and Conditional, while the Federal Communications Commission created even more new classes: Novice, Technician and Extra. Novice licenses were issued for one year and could not be renewed and offered operation on two HF band segments as well as voice on 2 meters. Those early Technician licensees were restricted above 220 MHz. Novices and techs were required to take a Morse code test of 5 words per minute, while the other classes required a code proficiency of 13 words per minute. TRIVIA ANSWER FOR JUNE: Question: What was the name of the first regular radio network service, formed on Jan. 4, 1923? American Telegraph & Telephone (AT&T) formed the commercial radio service network to entertain the masses. AT&T began broadcasting on July 1, 1923. It was here that the first network program, 'The Eveready Hour', was broadcast. When AT&T decided not to remain in the broadcasting business, the network was sold to the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in 1926. The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) formed in December 1923; Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) in 1927. TRIVIA QUESTION THIS MONTH (Answered next month) Why do well over half the AM radio stations go off the air or reduce their signal power at night? This article was brought to you by Ray C. Gayton-Jacob (N6KZM) of the "SOLERA RADIO CLUB." Club members are poised to provide communications options when critical communication systems become inoperable. "When All Else Fails – Think Radio Communications." RADIO CLUB