Introduction
One of the first things you will notice when you tune the low end of any VHF band is that most QSOs include an exchange of "grid squares." What are grid squares? Well, they're more like rectangles and are just a way of dividing up the surface of the Earth. Grid squares are a shorthand means of describing your general location anywhere on the Earth.
Although probably the most valuable area on this page is the Web Links section, the article, "Lab Notes -- Where Am I?", explains how grid squares came to be and how they are determined. The other article shows you how to convert latitudes and longitudes to grid squares.
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- The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications
- The ARRL Operating Manual
- The ARRL Grid Locator for North America
- ARRL Map of North America--this large laminated map has grid squares
- The ARRL World Grid Locator Atlas
- ARRL Oscar Locator Map
The ARRL has an extensive catalog of books and materials related to Amateur Radio.
- The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications
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The ARRL Lab maintains a page on Grids Squares. The Contest department also has a page at Grid Locators and Grid Squares.
Yes, the ARRL offers the VHF/UHF Centrury Club Awarde for working 100 Grids Squares on either 6 or 2M, though getting the award is rather difficull on 2M if you live on either coast of the USA. But, those living on the coasts find it much easier to obtain microwave Grid Square awards. Details can be found on our VUCC web page.
