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Amateur SETI is a hobby and an avocation that uses various types of microwave equipment to search for extraterrestrials.

There are relatively few amateur SETI stations mainly because of the difficult problems associated with the relatively large antennas required.

Amateur SETI operators usually require a knowledge of electronics, computers and software, and a basic understanding of astronomy. It is estimated that over the last thirty years there has been as few as 5 amateur SETI stations that have been actively involved in searching.

The term "amateur" is not a reflection on the skills of the participants, which are often quite advanced;

History
Though its origins can be traced to at least the late 1800s, amateur radio, as practiced today, began in the 1920s. As with radio in general, the birth of amateur radio was strongly associated with various amateur experimenters and hobbyists. Throughout its history, amateur radio enthusiasts have made significant contributions to science, engineering, industry, and social services. Research by amateur radio operators has founded new industries, built economies, empowered nations, and saved lives in times of emergency.



Activities and practices
Radio amateurs use various modes of transmission to communicate. Voice transmissions are most common, with some such as frequency modulation (FM) offering high quality audio, and others such as single sideband (SSB) offering more reliable communications when signals are marginal and bandwidth is restricted.

Radiotelegraphy using Morse code remains popular, particularly on the shortwave bands and for experimental work such as Moonbounce, with its inherent signal-to-noise ratio advantages. Morse, using internationally agreed code groups, also facilitates communications between amateurs who speak different languages. It is also popular with homebrewers as CW-only transmitters are simpler to construct. For many years, demonstrating a proficiency in Morse code was a requirement to obtain amateur licenses for the high frequency bands, but following changes in international regulations in 2003, many countries have now dropped this requirement (the United States Federal Communications Commission did so in 2007).

Modern personal computers have led to a boom in digital modes such as radioteletype, which previously required cumbersome mechanical equipment. Hams led the development of packet radio, which has even used protocols such as TCP/IP since the 1970s. This has since been augmented by more specialized modes such as PSK31 to facilitate real-time, low-power communications on the shortwave bands. Echolink using Voice over IP technology has enabled amateurs to communicate through local internet-connected repeaters and radio nodes, while IRLP has allowed easy linking together of repeaters. Other modes, such as FSK441 using software such as WSJT, are used for weak signal modes including meteor scatter and moonbounce communications.

Communication satellites called OSCARs (Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio) can be accessed, some using a handy-talkie (HT) with a stock "rubber duck" antenna. Hams also use natural satellites such as the moon and the ionized trails of meteors as reflectors of radio waves. Hams are also often able to make contact with the International Space Station (ISS), as many astronauts and cosmonauts are licensed as Amateur Radio Operators.

Typical SETI station consist of these main pieces of equipment

Newcomers
Many people start their involvement in amateur SETI by affiliating with the SETI League.

Popular culture
Amateur radio can be found throughout popular culture as a plot device. A classic example would be the "Radio Ham" episode of 1960s British comedy series Hancock's Half Hour.