Yes, ham radio is trackable. Even though it is easy to use a ham radio, it does not offer any security features. That is why it is vulnerable to tracking.
In today’s world, many different types of communication can be tracked. The question is, will someone take the effort to track the communication?
The answer is no, in most cases. Theoretically speaking, it is possible to track a ham radio. We will highlight how one can do so below.
How to track ham radio?
Location triangulation is one of the easiest ways to track a ham radio. This method requires multiple directional finding stations. After that, you need some basic navigational skills to track ham radio.
In most cases, you need multiple mobile radio stations. Once you have such mobile stations, you have to be in the range of the signal. After that, you have to move in the direction in which the signal is strongest. If multiple persons are using multiple stations, it becomes easy to triangulate the exact location.
The point where all the mobile stations intersect is the location of the ham radio. Ideally, you need 3 portable radio stations to triangulate the location with precision. When you have 3 stations, you can converge on the source of the signal from all sides. That reduces the probability of finding an erroneous location.
While in theory, it might seem simple, but actually, it is pretty time-consuming. Only when one actually takes the effort to triangulate the location from all sides can you locate the ham radio.
If the ham radio you are tracking has a weaker antenna, the signal’s overall area reduces significantly. Consequently, it becomes easy for you to track the ham radio. The boundaries from where you have to start the triangulation process are much closer to the ham radio.
Thus, location triangulation is the method through which you can track ham radio.
Should you be worried while using ham radio?
The answer is no; you shouldn’t be worried while using a ham radio. There are quite a few reasons for the same.
1. In reality, no one will take such a lot of effort to triangulate the radio. That is because, in most cases, only amateurs use ham radios. The communication which is carried out through ham radios is not that significant either.
2. It is not easy for an individual to have 3 mobile stations to triangulate the ham radio in real-time. While it might seem easy to do, but the person who is triangulating the location might not know the time and date of transmission. That is why it becomes tough for any individual to triangulate the location.
3. The triangulation method works if the weather is completely clear. In case of monsoons or any other inclement weather, there can be dispersal of the signal. When there is a dispersal of signal, triangulating the location of the ham radio is not easy.
As you can see, it is not that easy to triangulate the location of the ham radio.
The next thing to ponder over is, can you take certain precautions to protect yourself?
How to protect your location while using ham radio?
There are a few steps which you can undertake.
1. You should use the ham radio only for short and intermittent communications. It will ensure that no one has the time duration to track your location. Even if they intercept the signal, the transmission will be lost by the time they reach closer to you. They will not have the signal to move forward in that case.
2. Secondly, you have to use powerful antennas. In that case, the area over which your signal will be spread will be on the higher side. No one can triangulate your exact location in that case.
3. You should use the ham radio only for informal communication. In that case, tracking your location down will not be of any value to anyone.
So, the answer to the question, can ham radio be tracked? is yes. However, you shouldn’t be worried about the same. There are also a few extra steps which you can undertake to protect yourself. Using our guide above, it will become easier for you to use the ham radio without any worry
