Amateur Radio -- The Real Problem:
Clinton Herbert (AB7RG)
on
July 12, 2000
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AMATEUR RADIO - THE REAL PROBLEM:
So, you want to complain, argue, and say that Amateur Radio is going to die out in a few more years huh? Typical gloom and doom forecasts that you hear not only in Amateur Radio, but in many other hobbies as well. I believe that SWL'ing was going to be "dead" back in the late 70's. Sure seems alive and well to me. Okay, so what is "killing" Amateur Radio? It's because of a lack of interest by young people you say. And this blasted Internet. What, it's because of the Morse code testing requirement? Somehow I don't think so, there is a real problem, but we've yet to deal with it... Read on, finish reading this with an open mind, and then tell me there's not a real problem.
If people are complaining about the CW test now (still after it's has been lowered to a single 5 wpm test), what will they do if say it is dropped? (Like in WRC 2003 possibly?) What will they complain about next? The written tests? Say that they are too hard, and that it is what is keeping people away? Say drop it, make it easier before ham radio dies out in a few more years because of it? Maybe push for one license class? Drop ALL of the requirements next, and become a new form of CB? Maybe if they had to go to an FCC Field Office, and had to take their written test, with no multiple choice, have to draw out the schematic, add the values, show what each component does, it's values, do all of the formulas without a calculator, and have to score 90%. Then, take your code test, including a sending test. Not to mention having to get at least one minute of solid copy, both in receiving, and sending. Maybe that would make people realize just how easy that we really have it... (Even before restructuring.) These could be viewed as problems facing Amateur Radio today, but even those are not the real problem that is facing Amateur Radio and its operators today...
What we, as Amateur Radio Operators, who are supposed to be providing a SERVICE should do: Give a demonstration about Amateur Radio to a bunch of school kids. Show them how Morse code can be a neat/fun thing. Kids of that age would probably love doing that, thinking that it's some sort of "secret" code and they would enjoy learning it. They would probably pick it up really fast too. If we, as Amateurs got together and started doing this, that would eventually end the CW debates. It wouldn't be looked upon as some sort of torture but rather a neat form of communication. I sure wish that when I was in say the first grade, that a few Amateurs would have shown this to me... At that age, I did think that Morse code was some sort of secret code known only to spies, and maybe some of the top military personnel, and was used by ships, submarines, and the like. That's all that I knew about it. Yes, it would have been very nice indeed if I would have been showed that, at that age, and I would have been an Amateur Radio Operator going on 20 plus years, not going on six. I'd have gotten that Novice ticket, and enjoyed Ham Radio, and two solar cycle peaks, (plus this one), already. I missed out on a lot because I was never shown Amateur Radio, and hadn't even heard of it until 1995. I wonder how many kids out there today are missing out on it, all because they haven't even heard about it? I guess that there are too many of us sitting on our duffs, not doing anything to help out, only complaining and talking of doom and gloom in the years to come.
It's really too bad for most kids today, more than ever before, because of either a lack of interest by today's Amateurs in helping, or well, I can't think of another good reason... Some would blame TV, the Internet, video games, etc. I would be willing to bet that if you took 20 second-graders from one school, and showed them all about Amateur radio, that most, if not all would get into Amateur Radio before the year was up. Most would stick with it as well. I'd bet money on it!
I blame a lack of willing volunteers for the lack of new so-called "brilliant young minds" in Amateur Radio today. You see, today's Amateurs are for the most part more concerned about the Morse code requirement, getting it dropped, the restructuring debate, and fighting with each other than they are concerned about the REAL future of Amateur Radio. They will have no one to blame but themselves in the end...
So, how about doing your part; start really providing a SERVICE to Amateur Radio, and For Amateur Radio? Start up an Amateur Radio class. Teach about its history, the different bands and modes, yes including Morse code. It's a part of it, just as packet, AM, FM, SSB, satellites, PSK31, and the other various digital modes are. You would truly be amazed at the looks on most young kid's faces when they hear a satellite QSO via Amateur Radio, or talking to the Space Shuttle. How about P3D when it finally goes into orbit? There's also the ISS. But right now there is a host of satellites just waiting to be worked. It wouldn't be that hard to schedule an "Amateur Radio Day" at your local grade school, junior high, or high school now would it? Especially not if you get the backing of your local Amateur Radio club. How about proposing this at the next meeting that you go to, especially when everyone is setting around complaining about the current state of affairs and how Amateur Radio is dying or has gone down hill since "the good old days". After everyone has said their peace and complained enough, get up, and say something like; "Okay, now that we've discussed the problems, let's see what we can actually do about solving them. Any ideas?" Wait for the blank stares that you will get, then submit your idea of an "Amateur Radio Day" at one of the local schools. I would bet that the school would be more than willing to cooperate and participate in it, and you would probably get a few members of your club to go along and help you. Go out there and make a difference. Show them that you care. Show everyone that you care not only about the future of Amateur Radio, but about the future of kids today. YOU CAN make a difference, and maybe some other true Amateur Radio Operators will follow your lead. This is my challenge to you. Go out and be an "elmer" to someone, perhaps a group of people. You can do this, or you can set there, blow this article off, and do nothing but complain about the current state of affairs, how things keep going down hill, and how Amateur Radio is "dying" due to a lack of interest and new blood into it...
I've made my decision, I'm going to try to help out, and make a difference. I'm through with debating the issues. I'm through with the bickering, whining, and complaining. For me, and everyone else who really professes to care, it's time to put up, or shut up. Actually, I've been doing this for some time now, or at least trying my very best. Well so now you know what I feel is the real problem in Amateur Radio today. It's not a lack of interest, but rather a lack of promotion. So, at least try to make a difference -- help out, and quit complaining... Be a part of the problem or be a part of the solution. There's an old saying: "Those that can DO, those that cannot DON'T." I plan on DOING, now how about YOU?
Sincerely,
Clinton Herbert AB7RG
Member: ARRL/ARES
V.E. ARRL/W5YI
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
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Teach about Bands or Brands?
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Anonymous post on July 12, 2000
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Good luck! You should be commended for your efforts to ensure Amateur Radio's future and the future of our children.
To this end, it would be very prudent for ALL amateur radio MANUFACTURERS/SELLERS to offer incentives to ALL schools sporting genuine Amateur Radio programs. 20 licensed kids at your school? Instant transceiver. Free qsl cards. You get the idea.
Without the financial backing from those most likely to profit from Amateur Radio's growth, Amateur Radio in the schools will flounder due to lack of funds. Schools are dropping every non self-supporting program on the books and the future looks bleak, especially in the public schools.
There's no doubt Amateur Radio is fun and would attract the attention of elementary kids. The key is making the transistion from 'just passing a test'...to actually graduating to 'getting on the air'...and eventually building up a home station. School clubs stocked with NEW HF/VHF equipment from the manufacturers are necessary to make your vision a reality. After class is over, don't forget to spread the gospel among the lords. For they hold the key to your success, the children's success, and Amateur Radio's success.
Add backing from Kenwood, Yaesu, Icom, TenTec, HRO, AES, MFJ, etc., to your equation and you might just change the tide. Without toys to play with, Amateur Radio is just a quick stop-over on the way to something else. Make sure your efforts are rewarded -- go make your pitch to the Amateur Radio industry!
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AR: TRP
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Anonymous post on July 13, 2000
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Blame looks backward; responsibility looks forward. Oh, these are the good old days of amateur radio. Walk, with no shoes, 3 miles up hill (both ways)in the snow to school lately? Just think of the frequency spectrum that the fcc could auction if it was not cluttered with the "code as the last best chance to hold off the barbarians at the gate" and "I remember when we had to mine our own copper for antennas" refrains.
Whine less, do more. Numbers are not everything. I'd rather have 3 qso's with interesting, active people than 30 599 signal report "contest" exchanges.
Now flame away at the anon post.
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AR: TRP
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Anonymous post on July 13, 2000
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Blame looks backward; responsibility looks forward. Oh, these are the good old days of amateur radio. Walk, with no shoes, 3 miles up hill (both ways)in the snow to school lately? Just think of the frequency spectrum that the fcc could auction if it was not cluttered with the "code as the last best chance to hold off the barbarians at the gate" and "I remember when we had to mine our own copper for antennas" refrains.
Whine less, do more. Numbers are not everything. I'd rather have 3 qso's with interesting, active people than 30 599 signal report "contest" exchanges.
Now flame away at the anon post.
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What we are up against
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Anonymous post on July 13, 2000
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Before 1950, the only electronic device in most homes was a radio. That is all electronic experimenters could "play with" so amateur radio was a natural attraction. Television was added in the '50s, but even in the '60s, radios and TVs were all there was. There was no other "competition" for the electronic experimenter's interest and dollars.
The '70s brought the CB craze. Nobody needed a license to get on the air. Furthermore, TVI/RFI from illegal amplifiers didn't win us any friends, since there was usually no distinction between hams and CBers.
By the '80s, computers, cordless phones and cheap walkie talkies made their appearance, and by this time there was nothing at all "magic" about radio. Experimenters could spend their dollars in myriad ways, and building a computer from parts (before Apple and IBM) was a real challenge.
In the '90s, along came the Internet, gameboys, PDAs, fancy home theater setups, digital cameras, low cost cell phone service, pagers, etc. etc. Wireless communication was now so commonplace that most users didn't even realize that their cell phones were remarkably complex, full-duplex UHF transceivers.
So where does that leave amateur radio? If you get the chance to explain it or even demonstrate it to a younger person, it just doesn't spark any interest. The decline in the licensed ham population has begun, and I don't think it can be reversed.
By the way, I have tried elmering my friends and work associates. The only successful recruit has been a man my age (late 50s).
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RE: What we are up against
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by W0VNE on July 13, 2000
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I've spoken to kids in two different circumstances. One my 10 year old daughter who loves Ham Radio and that awfull rotten barrier to everything good and wonderful CW.
I the other I pulled out a code practice osc at a Civil Air Patrol Meeting as the cadets said they wanted to learn S O S. After a few minutes of that they wanted to learn more and got up to a dozen letters at a pretty fair 16 wpm. *Note even I was surprised. The secret "code" was fun for them. The world wide communications didn't amaze or excite them as much as it does older folks what with Internet Phone etc. All in all I found most of that group interested enought to go to an introduction to Ham Radio class over a weekend. The original poster said we should go to local schools. Good idea! How to accomplish this however. Any ideas?
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Radio in School
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by KC2FNB on July 13, 2000
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Great article! I'm only 13 right now, but I remember in first grade there was one kis that pretened to know morse code and because of that he was one of the "coolest" kids in class.
If you don't get kids early all but a few will find that computers are much interisting. I even tried to get a radio program started in school...Can you guess what the principal said. He said "Oh you mean CB radio, no thats too complicated for kids, and who cares, the school has all kinds of computers now, whaddya need that old junk for." Okay maybe that was a bit of a dramatization but that basically it.
A great place to go to get kids into radio is the Boy Scouts, this is where you need to look. The kids in Scouts are the kind of people we want more of on the air. The scout camp that I go to actually got me interisted in Amateur Radio. There is a ham shack there with a nice tower and triband yagi. One of the leaders in the troop took me to the shack and I heard one contact to Cuba, WITHOUT WIRES, imagine that! From then on I have been hooked.
If you want to know more about how to get more young operators, talk to young operators. It really makes sense!
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Amateur Radio has a stigma
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by N9DSW on July 14, 2000
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Unfortunately for us in Amateur radio, there is a stigma that goes with this hobby. That stigma is "Geek, old men, CB'ers, hicks, funny license plates, too many antennas on our cars, ugly towers in our yards, interference"..etc, etc, etc.
When I tell new friends that I have my amateur radio license I get strange looks, women hide their children, and dogs run away. Instantly people tell me I am the cause of interference on their TVs and phones, cause deformed plants and produce strange noises coming from my house.
Those that I know, I try and get them interested, I show them how to work DX on CW, or phone. I show them APRS...the wifes like it, because they say they can now keep better track of their husbands. Some seem interested, other cast a weary eye on me.
Could you imagine if Amateur Radio had the power of the computer industry. Imagine the ads we would see on TV, beautiful people using Kenwoods, and Yaesu radios, print ads with Cindy Crawford taunting us with a Cushcraft tri-bander.
Ten years ago computers where as geeky as amatuer radio has been for the past 80 or so yrs. The geek factor has all but left computers, and that is because they have become as common in everyday use as toilet paper.
Amateur Radio will always have this stigma that will never go away.
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Amateur Radio has a stigma
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by N9DSW on July 14, 2000
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Unfortunately for us in Amateur radio, there is a stigma that goes with this hobby. That stigma is "Geek, old men, CB'ers, hicks, funny license plates, too many antennas on our cars, ugly towers in our yards, interference"..etc, etc, etc.
When I tell new friends that I have my amateur radio license I get strange looks, women hide their children, and dogs run away. Instantly people tell me I am the cause of interference on their TVs and phones, cause deformed plants and produce strange noises coming from my house.
Those that I know, I try and get them interested, I show them how to work DX on CW, or phone. I show them APRS...the wifes like it, because they say they can now keep better track of their husbands. Some seem interested, other cast a weary eye on me.
Could you imagine if Amateur Radio had the power of the computer industry. Imagine the ads we would see on TV, beautiful people using Kenwoods, and Yaesu radios, print ads with Cindy Crawford taunting us with a Cushcraft tri-bander.
Ten years ago computers where as geeky as amatuer radio has been for the past 80 or so yrs. The geek factor has all but left computers, and that is because they have become as common in everyday use as toilet paper.
Amateur Radio will always have this stigma that will never go away.
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RE: Teach about Bands or Brands?
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by N5XM on July 14, 2000
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A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of doing a Ham Radio demonstration for my then 5th grade son's elementary school class, and it was a wonderfully rewarding experience. He will be entering the 8th grade this year, and I want to try to do another demonstration for his science class, if possible.
Every part of this experience was positive. I took a few hobby magazines, particularly ones with pictures of young Hams in action, and this really brought smiles to their faces. Each child in the class said a few words to a Ham friend who was in the school parking lot on a 2m handie talkie, and this brought the entire classroom to life.
The teacher was totally co-operative, and helped "loosen" the class up to a stranger, which I was, except for the fact that they all knew my son. There was plenty of blackboard space to do a little elmentary teaching, such as drawing the Earth and explaining about all the layers in the aptmosphere, and showing them how a signal can get all the way around the world. Not a single child seemed disinterested.
So, as far as the perceived problems of our old, but wonderful hobby, I will say that each of us is either part of the problem, or part of the solution. Do what you can to be a posiive influence on things, and don't worry about the things over which you have no control. If Ham Radio ended tomorrow, and it won't, I will have great memories of the many fine Hams I've had the pleasure of meeting, and those who have unselfishly helped me along the way, particularly my Elmer, kf3l, R.C. Thompson, truly the finest Elmer on God's Earth. I will have the memories of those I've helped Elmer, or even just encouraged to keep after it so they could obtain a license.
I'll have my memories of many wonderful QSO's, both phone and CW. I'll have the pride of my VE experiences, knowing that at least I tried to give something back to the hobby. The most pleasing thought is knowing that I have years and years to add memories to my Ham portfolio, and other, hopefully better Solar Cycles to enjoy and increase my country count.
Yes, there are a few problems in the Hobby, but other than the loss of spectrum, I am of the opinion that most of them are in our imagination, but hey, that's human nature. Enjoy our wonderful hobby and don't take yourself too seriously. What we need more than anything is more genteel behaviour and respect for one another as human beings ...basically the Amateur's Code.
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RE: Teach about Bands or Brands?
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by N4GDO on July 16, 2000
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CSS does offer free copies of Pacterm '98, PKterm '99 and Logwindows to school clubs with a valid callsign. Also, Timewave is offering to fix any PK-232 (or any AEA TNC) for the school clubs for no charge.
This way, the kids get the interest, since it combines something they already know about (Computers) with Amateur Radio.
And yes, I hope other manufactures will do the same as we did.
Rick Ruhl
N4GDO
http://www.cssincorp.com
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Young Hams
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by KF4UUJ on July 17, 2000
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Instead of "supposing" you know the reason why there are
so few "young" hams, ASK the newest hams what draws them to
the art and craft of radio. There are hams in our are (Richmond VA) as young as 11 and several in high school, we cannot have a universe of hams, but we can make the new hams welcome.
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RE: It's a tougher battle than you think...
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by K1YZ on July 17, 2000
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It's not as simple as showing 20 2nd graders a morse code key. Even if half showed an interest, my guess is that maybe 1 would actually follow through and get licensed. The reason? Amateur Radio is difficult with very little reward relative to today's baseline technology. Why work to set up an antenna (which no one wants you to put up anyway), get the swr adjusted, and re-adjusted, figure out why your transmitter has a hum in the audio and all the other problems that typically arise. When you can call a cable company and get 300 channels of video, a high speed internet connection that makes our digital modes look silly, or pick up a phone the size of the palm of your hand and call anywhere in the world, anytime, all without a single license!
As much as I love this service/hobby, it doesn't surprise me that I'm a dying breed, all at the age of 39. Not everyone climbs mountains either, but that's ok.
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Attracting New Blood
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by K1BG on July 20, 2000
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I agree with much of what you have said, but have some important comments to make.
First, each one of us has a resposibility to give something back to the hobby. I hear lots of comments about the need for "more contesters", "more DXers", more "traffic handlers" and the like. What we need is to get more people into the "funnel" and let them decide on what they want to do with this gift of a hobby. I view half of our problems being of the fundamental marketing type - we individually need to promote this hobby better. If we each attracted just one new ham every year, we would double our numbers every year.
Second, every year, twice a year, I open up my shack to local boy and girl scouts. The are typically filled with excitement and wonder (just as I was) when I hand them the microphone and let them talk half way around the world. They have no preconceived or influences opinion about the morse code, and they want to learn. It used to be very easy to license these kids, get them on the air with simple equipment, and "sink the hook". Some became passionate about the hobby, some lost interest. But for the ones that were hooked (myself included), the faster code and the tougher licenses were not a problem. I was motivated!
Unfortunately, and this is purely my opinion, much has changed since I got my novice licence in 1968. First, because phone privaleges were offered to the novice class in the late 80's, the entry level requirements are somewhat more difficult than they used to be (and with the elimination of the novice, the first rung is much harder). There is lot's of talk about the "dumbing down" of the hobby, but the only level that is more difficult - far more difficult - is the first one.
Let's face it, the novice license was unintentionally killed in the late 80's. The novice didn't die for lack of interest, it was put out of reach for many young people interested in the hobby. If you were young (early to mid teens), it became difficult enough that many students just lost interest. If you were older and found the testing easier to handle, the tech became the license of choice. Additionally, elmers such as myself gave many a kid thier test at their kitchen table, it was convenient. 20 questions and a thin slice of spectrum with CW only privaleges did not result in many fraudelent licences being issued.
If you compare a 1970 edition of "How to Become a Radio Amateur" with today's entry level study material, you will see where I'm coming from. When I bring out "Now You're Talking", kids choke. "I have to learn all that?" HF, Phone, SSB, repeaters, packet - lot's of questions, lots to study.
The best thing that EVER happened to amatuer radio in the US was the introduction of the simple novice license in 1953. You will find that the vast majority of hams licensed before the late 80's came into the hobby this way, and the numbers started increasing dramatically after 1953. (And this has nothing to do with CW requirements, I can see a 5 WPM novice and a no code general coexisting). We need a basic, 10 question, HF only, CW licence class for young enthusiasts. Pure and simple. This will get young people in the hobby.
But I am not "down" on the future of amateur radio. More people sail boats than ever before, even though massive power boats are everywhere. Riding horses is very popular, so is woodworking and a hundred other hobbies that were once considered cutting edge that are still very enjoyable, relaxing, and still work great during emergencies. Amateur radio will continue on.
I've rambled on long enough. Any feedback is appreciated
73.
Bruce, K1BG
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Amateur Radio -- The Real Problem:
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by K1BG on July 20, 2000
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I agree with much of what you have said, but have some important comments to make.
First, each one of us has a resposibility to give something back to the hobby. I hear lots of comments about the need for "more contesters", "more DXers", more "traffic handlers" and the like. What we need is to get more people into the "funnel" and let them decide on what they want to do with this gift of a hobby. I view half of our problems being of the fundamental marketing type - we individually need to promote this hobby better. If we each attracted just one new ham every year, we would double our numbers every year.
Second, every year, twice a year, I open up my shack to local boy and girl scouts. The are typically filled with excitement and wonder (just as I was) when I hand them the microphone and let them talk half way around the world. They have no preconceived or influences opinion about the morse code, and they want to learn. It used to be very easy to license these kids, get them on the air with simple equipment, and "sink the hook". Some became passionate about the hobby, some lost interest. But for the ones that were hooked (myself included), the faster code and the tougher licenses were not a problem. I was motivated!
Unfortunately, and this is purely my opinion, much has changed since I got my novice licence in 1968. First, because phone privaleges were offered to the novice class in the late 80's, the entry level requirements are somewhat more difficult than they used to be (and with the elimination of the novice, the first rung is much harder). There is lot's of talk about the "dumbing down" of the hobby, but the only level that is more difficult - far more difficult - is the first one.
Let's face it, the novice license was unintentionally killed in the late 80's. The novice didn't die for lack of interest, it was put out of reach for many young people interested in the hobby. If you were young (early to mid teens), it became difficult enough that many students just lost interest. If you were older and found the testing easier to handle, the tech became the license of choice. Additionally, elmers such as myself gave many a kid thier test at their kitchen table, it was convenient. 20 questions and a thin slice of spectrum with CW only privaleges did not result in many fraudelent licences being issued.
If you compare a 1970 edition of "How to Become a Radio Amateur" with today's entry level study material, you will see where I'm coming from. When I bring out "Now You're Talking", kids choke. "I have to learn all that?" HF, Phone, SSB, repeaters, packet - lot's of questions, lots to study.
The best thing that EVER happened to amatuer radio in the US was the introduction of the simple novice license in 1953. You will find that the vast majority of hams licensed before the late 80's came into the hobby this way, and the numbers started increasing dramatically after 1953. (And this has nothing to do with CW requirements, I can see a 5 WPM novice and a no code general coexisting). We need a basic, 10 question, HF only, CW licence class for young enthusiasts. Pure and simple. This will get young people in the hobby.
But I am not "down" on the future of amateur radio. More people sail boats than ever before, even though massive power boats are everywhere. Riding horses is very popular, so is woodworking and a hundred other hobbies that were once considered cutting edge that are still very enjoyable, relaxing, and still work great during emergencies. Amateur radio will continue on.
I've rambled on long enough. Any feedback is appreciated
73.
Bruce, K1BG
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Amateur Radio -- The Real Problem:
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by K1BG on July 20, 2000
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Mail this to a friend!
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I agree with much of what you have said, but have some important comments to make.
First, each one of us has a resposibility to give something back to the hobby. I hear lots of comments about the need for "more contesters", "more DXers", more "traffic handlers" and the like. What we need is to get more people into the "funnel" and let them decide on what they want to do with this gift of a hobby. I view half of our problems being of the fundamental marketing type - we individually need to promote this hobby better. If we each attracted just one new ham every year, we would double our numbers every year.
Second, every year, twice a year, I open up my shack to local boy and girl scouts. The are typically filled with excitement and wonder (just as I was) when I hand them the microphone and let them talk half way around the world. They have no preconceived or influences opinion about the morse code, and they want to learn. It used to be very easy to license these kids, get them on the air with simple equipment, and "sink the hook". Some became passionate about the hobby, some lost interest. But for the ones that were hooked (myself included), the faster code and the tougher licenses were not a problem. I was motivated!
Unfortunately, and this is purely my opinion, much has changed since I got my novice licence in 1968. First, because phone privaleges were offered to the novice class in the late 80's, the entry level requirements are somewhat more difficult than they used to be (and with the elimination of the novice, the first rung is much harder). There is lot's of talk about the "dumbing down" of the hobby, but the only level that is more difficult - far more difficult - is the first one.
Let's face it, the novice license was unintentionally killed in the late 80's. The novice didn't die for lack of interest, it was put out of reach for many young people interested in the hobby. If you were young (early to mid teens), it became difficult enough that many students just lost interest. If you were older and found the testing easier to handle, the tech became the license of choice. Additionally, elmers such as myself gave many a kid thier test at their kitchen table, it was convenient. 20 questions and a thin slice of spectrum with CW only privaleges did not result in many fraudelent licences being issued.
If you compare a 1970 edition of "How to Become a Radio Amateur" with today's entry level study material, you will see where I'm coming from. When I bring out "Now You're Talking", kids choke. "I have to learn all that?" HF, Phone, SSB, repeaters, packet - lot's of questions, lots to study.
The best thing that EVER happened to amatuer radio in the US was the introduction of the simple novice license in 1953. You will find that the vast majority of hams licensed before the late 80's came into the hobby this way, and the numbers started increasing dramatically after 1953. (And this has nothing to do with CW requirements, I can see a 5 WPM novice and a no code general coexisting). We need a basic, 10 question, HF only, CW licence class for young enthusiasts. Pure and simple. This will get young people in the hobby.
But I am not "down" on the future of amateur radio. More people sail boats than ever before, even though massive power boats are everywhere. Riding horses is very popular, so is woodworking and a hundred other hobbies that were once considered cutting edge that are still very enjoyable, relaxing, and still work great during emergencies. Amateur radio will continue on.
I've rambled on long enough. Any feedback is appreciated
73.
Bruce, K1BG
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Intrest
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by KG4ILB on July 27, 2000
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I myself am a new ham, and I can tell you what got me interested. I was interested in the service side of the hobby. I love the feeling I get when I get a chance to help someone out. What I see as a problem in getting new ham's is the lack of interest, and the image blazed into the publics mind. I myself am 18 years old and just got my license about 2 weeks ago. I have been trying to convince my friend to get a license, but he doesn't want anything to do with it.
I have another friend that has it burned into his mind at all radio's are just like CB. Every time I try to explain to him why ham radio needs a license, he just asks me why I didn't just go out and buy a CB radio. My dad also has the same problem with seperating the two. And keeps showing me ads for CB radios asking me why I didn't buy that instead of my $100 HT.
Also one thing that needs to come down is the price of the equipment. Right now I am faced with the problem of not having enough money to spend on equipment. All I could afford was a small 2-meter HT, and that drained me of all my money. With all the things that people my age could spend their money on, it's probably not going to be a radio to talk to some people, if they can just go to their computers and talk to anyone around the world in a few seconds on a chat room.
When I was first researching ham radio, I was almost scared away by the doom forecasters. I though, "I don't want to get into a dying hobby like this one." From what people were saying, I thought things would be dead around here, and no one would talk to me at all. I only learned how active people were when I picked up a scanner and listened to some repeater frequencies and decided to stop by a local ham radio club meeting.
I was absolutely shocked by the amount of people who were there. By what I read on the internet, I expected maybe a total of 10-11 people, but the 50-60 people in attendance finally convinced me to study up and take the test.
Personally, I think that if equipment was more in people price range, and if people are caught early, they can be easily convinced to become a ham operator. It's just the question of how active local clubs want to be.
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problems
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by KC8PCE on August 14, 2000
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The real problem is the Family radio system {FRS} People say "NO LICENSE REQUIRED" They don't know one thing about HAM RADIO.Why take the test when u don't need a license. So they go to radio shack and buy FRS. The second problem is kids/teenagers, I'm 13 i have my license but to other kids thats not cool. They think its CB or something. What ever happen to hams visiting schools or other events teaching people about ham radio. I tried to get my best friend to get his license but he didn't want to.I tried to show him some of the stuff he could do with a ticket beside talk into a HT. I know there are hams out there doing their best to help ham radio, and i give them credit but there are some who rather sit at home and do nothin. Then they complain about the well being of ham radio
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RE: Teach about Bands or Brands?
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by K3FT on August 21, 2000
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Having been at this game for 30 years and having been exposed to, or operated most of what we have to offer, I can tell you this..
What's the difference between Amateur Radio and CB? Simply YOUR ATTITUDE and PASSION for it. Enthusiasm sells the sizzle which makes the customer want to stop and see what's cooking.
If you get a real zing out of Amateur Radio (no matter what the facet) you'll sell that part. Be it public service, packet, computer via satellite, Emergency communications, antennas, contests, whatever. Sell the sizzle that you were attracted to. Show off your stuff and be passionate about it! Don't denigrate the CB'er.. many came from that sector.
The intangible sizzle? The personal contact between people. The personal success at mastering something that is a challenge. The thrill of knowing a 'secret code'. The thrill of being part of a unique group of people who talk around the block, country, world when they want to.. where they want to.. and with their OWN stuff.
Especailly with kids... Have you ever seen a kid's eyes light up when they ACTUALLY do something that is a bit challenging and they succeed? You can't keep them off after that! It doesn['t take much, believe me! Just dangle the bait that you like. Don't expect them ALL to bite, not all fish like worms. But I tell you this much.
Learn something about the history of Amateur Radio. Learn something about the people who did and do what we do. Learn a few historical facts and 'war stories' to share. Discover some famous people who were/are hams
(Did you know we have had a Senator or two as Hams? Barry Goldwater K7UGA/K3UIG. Baseball players (Pee Wee Reese for you seasoned folks) Music - Joe Walsh, Famous inventors.. Hiram Percy maxim- Inventor of the Maxim Silencer for firearms AND active in the automobile industry. Son of a president - Herbert Hoover Jr.
Collins radio.. Art Collins of Collins radio fame. Just to name a few.. there are others contemporary to today.
Helping folks? Amtrak train disaster, WTC bombing, hurricanes, tornadoes, war duties, science into cutting edge all the way from early days of radio up to the 'now' stuff. Zillions of things.
Learn something.. sell it.. YOu have the sizzle.. give 'em a taste.. some will come and see.. other's won't. What you choose to demonstrate is limited only by what YOU choose to enjoy learning and sharing.
73
Chuck K3FT
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Amateur Radio -- The Real Problem:
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by WB8NUT on January 14, 2001
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Talking to the public about CW es what ham radio used to be is killing it. We need to talk about the digital modes (PSK, SSTV, Packet) and show demonstrations of these modes. How about the exciting things of using sats and talking to the space station and the like. Too many old guys talking about things that are not interesting to the uninformed. Talk about the fun stuff!
Oh, why do so many people on e-ham post anonymously? What the heck are people afraid of?
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Amateur Radio -- The Real Problem:
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by KF4DEW on April 14, 2002
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Don't like morse code, never have,never will. It's ok for people who do, have a good time with it knock your self.73's
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Amateur Radio -- The Real Problem:
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by R0TER on May 9, 2003
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CLINT is dead on here. To be an ELMER is noble.
Too be a compain drain, is a pain. I outlived many that I elmered. Many left the hobby. Some decided that doing DX in the brain was safe. They got on the COBAIN TRAIN! A few died on the job.
Talk is cheap. Some will simply refuse to ELMER a CB person!
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