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Does anyone have any suggestions on getting more into the amateur culture? So far it seems like if you aren't in, it's hard to get in. and I don't know anyone else into it so it's even more complex. any ideas? Thanks! Aaron
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Re: Ham Radio
Wed, October 29, 2003 - 10:14 PMi think on the whole amateur radio recognizes the problem it has with recruiting new people. commonly people get interested, pass the test, fiddle around a bit, learn a bit about the equipment, but then sortof fade out without every really getting into it. (i am no exception.)
so i guess i'm saying i dont know the solution to this problem. it can really help to find people in your geographic area who have experience but barring that, amateur bands are there for your use - maybe you could just start making contacts.
in my limited experience, the people who have been around the block are not snooty to newcomers. they are prone to using slang and technical terms like any niche group, but they are even more eager to explain themselves when asked.
ok, lame answer, but maybe it will help.
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Re: Ham Radio
Wed, November 5, 2003 - 11:02 PMThe best advice would be to get active in
some aspect of ham radio that is of
interest to you, e.g., FM, DX, CW, VHF,
kit building, antennas, etc. Attend local
radio club meetings. Find an "Elmer"
(mentor) who is willing to show you the
ropes. Most hams are friendly people,
and are more than willing to share their
hobby with anyone who shows an interest.
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Re: Ham Radio
Thu, November 6, 2003 - 7:14 AMHello all, I haven't been on the air much myself over the last few years but I can remember feeling the same way about it. Of course I did drag a bunch of my friends along when I got my license and that helped.
I think if you are looking for a local community UHF and VHF repeaters are a good thing to check out. There are usually nets and whatnot and most like to have new callsigns check in. ARRL can be a good resource to finding local clubs and events. Things like Pacificon and the ham swap as well as T hunts are nice to check out and I think one of the best opportunities is probably field day. Many of the local clubs participate and it's a great way to actually get out and meet people in person.
As flapjack and loren have said, radio amateurs like any other group, love to explain themselves and their hobby so asking questions never hurts.
Just a few ideas,
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Re: Ham Radio
Tue, March 22, 2005 - 10:59 AMso there is some interest. but can we go back to the basics? why ham?
i've noticed that emergency services and some trucking uses it for dispatch.
what else is it used for? -
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Re: Ham Radio
Tue, March 22, 2005 - 11:17 AMWell, what is it not used for? trucking should not be using it for dispatch.... but anyway, its just a hobby, like building model cars for some people, others (like myself) use it to learn/ test the limits of wireless communications. "Ham" should not be used for any commercial reasons, such as truck dispatching. Its against the law. They use CBs different freqs. And yes, it is used as a back up emergency systems. I suggest looking into... well I wanted to suggest some books, but I can't remember the names of them right now, they are in my office. Anyone else know of a good book off the top of their heads? Or websites? Hope I was informative/helpful. -
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Re: Ham Radio
Tue, March 22, 2005 - 11:20 AMI should also note, that cell phones are not phones at all, but more wireless radios. We have these "phones" thanks in part by the ham radio guru's of the past.
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Re: Ham Radio
Fri, March 25, 2005 - 10:59 AMWensites: Start with www.arrl.net. Join the league and read their monthly magazine. Look for a local group (and, yes, meet a mentor). -
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Re: Ham Radio
Sat, April 2, 2005 - 4:37 AMRE: cel phones.
It disturbs me that the technology that was invented by Hams is now being SOLD to people for commercial usage. I feel the airwaves are a natural resource and should be available to everyone. Instead, the corporations are carving up the spectrum and SELLING it to people for a monthly service fee. Now, even Ham Radio is being threated by BPL..."commercial usage".
I don't think the average person even realizes that they have a right to use the airwaves "free of charge" as Hams do. I find that sad. -
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Re: Ham Radio
Sat, April 2, 2005 - 5:57 PMI believe there still may be that awareness--if Citizens Band (CB) radio
still exists. But it quickly degenerated into utter chaos. Ham radio
is not for everyone. The one great gatekeeper is the requirement
that people pass licensing examinations.
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The cellular telephone system is nothing more than radio repeater
technology, with the added features of a dialing plan and no further
qualification other than being able to pay monthly bills.
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Amateur radio is losing licensees to cell phones, WiFi, and other
communications media which seem to be more technologically advanced.
At a time when we are still debating the pros and cons of CW, the
rest of the world is passing us by.
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Also, the lousy QRN band conditions on HF make ham radio seem like
a losing bet. Who wants to invest big bucks in radio equipment, and
find the HF bands dead with white noise for most of the day and night?
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VHF FM is virtually a more civilized version of CB. At least everyone
is licensed, and most people follow the rules rather than break them.
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About the only bit of suspense and mystery left in ham radio is the
big question of the FCC's regulatory restructuring of ham radio
licensing. Will it reinvigorate ham radio? Or drive yet another nail
in its coffin?
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