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Is Ham radio your hobby or your obsession?
Posted: Feb 23, 2007 (2174 votes, 66 comments) by VK5LA

Survey Results

Just a Hobby...	41% (897)
Obsession...over!	12% (267)
Somewhere in between...	46% (1010)

Survey Comments

The Good Ole Days
I have been a ham since 1958 and always pretty active. I especially liked the era of home brew and scrounging parts or modifying old surplus equipment. 80 meters was always a rag chewing band and I used to talk to 100s of people about 100s of things. Now it seems home brew is dead, Ham Radio magazine doesn't exist, rag chewing seems to have gone by the way side. I miss the "Good Ole Days" Posted by WA6IAV on November 24, 2007

I have always enjoyed amateur radio, but I would rather spend more time playing golf and staying active as I get older. Too many hams have gotten to be 300+ pound lard asses by not being active, and spending all their time sitting on the radio. Check out the next hamfest you go to...it's disgusting how many morbidly obese hams there are. Posted by WB4TJH on July 18, 2007
Great Hoppy
I've been a ham for 32yrs. and enjoyed the up cycles on 10 mtrs. and the start up of AMSAT the DXing and the rag chewing great times and great contacts and I hope to enjoy many more years behind the mic and to meet many more interesting hams and enjoy the fellowship. VE3GFM Grant, QTH Sudbury Canada Posted by VE3GFM on March 16, 2007

Hello "NL". Be happy to cw QSO you when you get your ticket again. I was QRT for nearly ten years (always renewed) but back again. Age 67. Rich Posted by W2RDD on March 16, 2007

I was very young when I was born, the rest? 10 meters. Posted by KB2SEO on March 15, 2007
Just started over again!
Stopped 30-years ago, due to to much work. Now I'm 70 years old and retired. Trying to pickup my old "love" again. It is not easy, because a lot has changed. But I will my licence back and start again. 73's from NL7748 Posted by NL-7748 on March 15, 2007
Part of life
30 years passed since i got my license, after years of building electronic stuff the interest in taking part of the noises on H.F. led to taking the exams, bit different here also as nowadays... No real DX er, no contester, just the occasional chat all over the world, building things, modifying the gear i use, but the transcievers are on from morning till late in the evening.... ;) 73, Cor Posted by PA5COR on March 15, 2007
Part of life
30 years passed since i got my license, after years of building electronic stuff the interest in taking part of the noises on H.F. led to taking the exams, bit different here also as nowadays... No real DX er, no contester, just the occasional chat all over the world, building things, modifying the gear i use, but the transcievers are on from morning till late in the evening.... ;) 73, Cor Posted by PA5COR on March 15, 2007
Errrr!
Have also to deal with XYL. And some friends think I am an alien ! But in the end everything goes fine. Posted by F6IQA on March 14, 2007
Continuously Licensed Since 1959
Continuously licensed since 1959 at 15-yrs. old, this is, at least, the world's greatest hobby, For Sure! Had seven different Call Signs over the years. Have operated around the U.S. & world as Fixed, Mobile, Portable, Aeronautical Mobile, DX-peditions. Used CW, SSB, FM, AM, Digital, Slow&Fast Scan TV, RTTY. Am now on TheFarm in Texas. After 48-yrs. this is Definitely More than a hobby & bordering on an obsession... 73 es God bless, murf/wv4r. Posted by WV4R on March 13, 2007
Amateurradio IS!
It´s just the greatest hobby in the world... 73´ss Posted by DJ7EC on March 11, 2007
free
in france i decided to become outlaw...been for 30 years cause deny to french authorities the right to tax the air waves they dont own..........f6hfe Posted by F6HFE on March 10, 2007
Go with rules!!
Rules have changed, us hams didn't make the changes, world opinion and our FCC made the critera we see today. I have been around long enough to have seen these upgrades/downgrades. We hams won't have the power to change what has occured in todays society of ham radio. The influx of new hams should (hopefully) enhance the "hobby". Having taken tests when they were conducted at the FCC level, today we have a possible new generation of radio operators. I have to admit, I would have been an Advanced class for the rest of my life. Rules changed, now an Extra Class. But:I predict in the future, as others have stated, the future license for ham radio will be "Amatuer Radio License". The CW/Data portions of our frequencies will be opened for phone communications. My opinion only. Not much incentive to have the top licence in todays times. Still, enjoy what we still have, next step will be to sell the bands to commercial "big bucks" Ain't is great......73 all Duane W7HW Posted by W7HW on March 10, 2007
I made it!
Since the age of 14, I have been building mainly audio equipment. My dream was to become a Ham someday. WELL< I got my Tech License last March, 2006 and received my General On Feb. 28,2007. Posted by K1JAS on March 9, 2007
Older than dirt....
Well, almost. There's a short lapse (about a year) in my status due to taking a little while to upgrade when my Novice expired, but I used to look at the old geezers in the QCWA meetings at hamfests. It'll be 50 years for me in 2008 if you ignore that break. That's 2X QCWA. I don't think I'm an old geezer, although I've got an upper plate now. (I sure don't look as old as those guys did....) It's just fun. I've been nearly off the air for a long time, but every once in a while.... (Which is to say that there's an HT handy all the time, and an FT-1500M in the car. Regards, Stu K8LEA Posted by K8LEA on March 8, 2007
Before and Now
Used to be an obsession. Now a hobby. Posted by W2RDD on March 8, 2007
Hobby
I'm still learning every day and it feeda my hunger to do more. I just starting up and come us any help someone would send my way. 73's Posted by KE4HHN on March 8, 2007
Oh Yeh--Obsession!
It's been an obsession for 48 years and counting - CW forever! Roger C. K7QQH Posted by K7QQH on March 6, 2007
Maybe a hobby
I have been off the air since the 89 quake, where politics over emergency communications and taking credit for other people's work, was the norm. Now that I have considered coming back to the hobby, I see that it has changed. The license requirements are a joke. No code and very little theory compared when I tested for my license. My local ham club was giving congrats to people that have upgraded due to the lowering of the standards...This has even given me a worse taste in my mouth. I do not believe that the ARRL is looking out for the better good in ham radio. I believe that they want to keep their numbers up to make the ARRL a viable business. So is it a hobby for me...not now and maybe never again. What a waste of an advanced class license. Posted by KB6QXM on March 5, 2007
Maybe a hobby
I have been off the air since the 89 quake, where politics over emergency communications and taking credit for other people's work, was the norm. Now that I have considered coming back to the hobby, I see that it has changed. The license requirements are a joke. No code and very little theory compared when I tested for my license. My local ham club was giving congrats to people that have upgraded due to the lowering of the standards...This has even given me a worse taste in my mouth. I do not believe that the ARRL is looking out for the better good in ham radio. I believe that they want to keep their numbers up to make the ARRL a viable business. So is it a hobby for me...not now and maybe never again. What a waste of an advanced class license. Posted by KB6QXM on March 5, 2007
It Depends
Working as a broadcast engineer full time, sometimes after a trying day at the office, I do not want to fire up on 40 meters! BUT After retire, I am sure I will persue Ham Radio with greater interest. I have been licensed for 45 years ! W4ZJ Central Virginia Posted by JBENNETT_EX_W4ZJ on March 4, 2007
6 Mtrs
Lifes too short for 6 metres & QRP jus kiddin about QRP ;o) Posted by G4OOC on March 4, 2007
6 Mtrs
Lifes too short for 6 metres & QRP jus kiddin about QRP ;o) Posted by G4OOC on March 4, 2007
In between.
I do, and have done a LOT of things in my (soon to be) 34 years of life. I'm a licensed ham radio operator (obviously), private pilot, certified horologist, a slew of certifications from Microsoft, RedHat, Novell, Cisco, blah, blah, blah... I'm a tinkerer, always have been. I like to know a bit more than 'average' level on a lot of things. I've taught myself to play eight musical instruments, and am currently teaching myself six foreign languages (not counting computer languages). Ham radio (and electronics) is a borderline OCD thing for me. I work digital stuff, mostly. Really love the stuff!!! Posted by KA4AAA on March 3, 2007
Hobby...
I was a Novice back in 1965/1966 but never upgraded as college and girls took all my time. In 2004, I returned and have enjoyed this hobby ever since. I am certainly not on the air as much as some so I guess this is not yet an obsession for me. In the last two months I rediscovered CW and except for a few 80 meter SSB chats with friends, that has been all of my on-air activity. Oh, and except for the road trip two weeks ago when I rang up about a dozen SSB QSOs on my mobile rig. But, I am thinking of mobile CW someday. Still in the future to experiment and play are digital modes, VHF weak signal, doing something with a satellite, and VLF is kind of interesting too (30 KHz to 150 KHz) though my interest right now is just the "science" of it. This is is a hobby with a lot of width and depth which makes it a good hobby. Posted by K7PEH on March 3, 2007
It Depends on how you look at it
I've been a ham since 1993. I became disabled in 2004 and it's been a great thing for me. When I can't get out it gives me someone to talk to. Lots of great hams here in SC on the PalsNet to chat with. 73 N2TMC George Posted by N2TMC on March 3, 2007
Getting worse
Started out as a kid looking in the Allied catalog and dreaming....then went to electronics school and started tinkering. Played with 11 meters back when you could talk to Europe on 5 watts. Life continued with electricity and electronics as a career....35 years as an Industrial Electrician.....computer programming, PLC's, lasers, robotics ect. Uncle and I got involved in ham radio when they opened up 11 to everyone and it went to hell. He went on to Extra class in the early 80's while I could never tackle the code. Two jobs, 60-100 hour work weeks, coaching kids sports teams, 15 years as a paramedic both as a second job and as a volunteer in the local fire department along with bad hearing I could never get pass the code. No code tech for years but was usually reserved for cold winter days. Now I am an AG and the interest is growing more every day I flip the power switch on my 847. Kids are older, (there have been 7 of them) some have married and moved away so the house is empty from 8:30am till 2:30 which gives me plenty of time to play radio. Losing a lot of sleep but having an awful lot of fun. I put somewhere in between right now.....check back in a month or so!! Posted by KB2UBH on March 1, 2007
Life-long activity . .
I've been interested in radio since my high school days and finally got my Novice ticket in 1976. Ham radio has been one of the consistant things in my life; cars, houses and people come and go but ham radio (in the form of CW) is always here. I have to say that it was also responsible for my main career as an electonic instrument mechanic for Chevron for 17 years. Now retired, ham radio continues to have a place in my life. Posted by W6FG on February 27, 2007
Always there!!
As corny as it sounds, when life gets me down, HAM radio is always there for me. That's why I chose "somewhere in between". While my wife and kids come first, my radios will never vomit on the couch, wake me up in the middle of the night, need help with their homework, demand gobs of money and get in a funky mood once a month!! (Hi hi) Posted by AF4KK on February 27, 2007
Just a hobby
To me, it's just a hobby where I meet new friends. Music is my obsession....I spend twice as much money on guitars/music equipment than on radios ....and I don't have to deal with the QRM....LOL ..... plus, the new audio DSP processing in pro audio gear is way ahead of Yaesu, Kenwood, and Icom....and much more cool to operate... Posted by RADIO123US on February 26, 2007
Hobby or obsession
an obsession for sure, over Posted by K6TXD on February 26, 2007
Hobby or obsession
an obsession for sure, over Posted by K6TXD on February 26, 2007
Hobby or obsession
an obsession for sure, over Posted by K6TXD on February 26, 2007
Interesting...
There are times when it is an obsession, and then there are times when I could care less. But it has always been a passion as I enjoy re-building and restoring vintage equipment. Bikeweek is quickly approching and my obsession will be to get on 2 wheels and ride! Being in Florida, its not the cold days, but the super HOT days that I like to stay in and play radio!! See ya @ Bikeweek! 73 de W4LGH - Alan http://www.w4lgh.com Posted by W4LGH on February 26, 2007
OOps
I was careful to only hit the submit button once. I don't know whay my post was tripled. Posted by KB9BIT on February 26, 2007
Great Hobby!
It will stop being an obsession for me when I finally reach 337 entities (or whatever the number is by then) worked. Every time I work a new one I want that next new one even more. At my current number, 217, I still have a lot of years left in this hobby. Posted by KB9BIT on February 26, 2007
Great Hobby!
It will stop being an obsession for me when I finally reach 337 entities (or whatever the number is by then) worked. Every time I work a new one I want that next new one even more. At my current number, 217, I still have a lot of years left in this hobby. Posted by KB9BIT on February 26, 2007
Great Hobby!
It will stop being an obsession for me when I finally reach 337 entities (or whatever the number is by then) worked. Every time I work a new one I want that next new one even more. At my current number, 217, I still have a lot of years left in this hobby. Posted by KB9BIT on February 26, 2007
Closet Bound
I get all sorts of good natured "grief" from my family, friends, and co-workers concerning my amateur radio hobby. They all call me a Geek. It certainly doesn't help that I'm a computer programmer too (extra Geek). Posted by KB1OCC on February 26, 2007
Not a obession
I would not call it an obsession. i do really enjoy the hobby and it has been a great way to pass the time. N3JBH/AG Posted by N3JBH on February 26, 2007
Obsessive Passion??
Have been a licensed ham for 12 years, I'm disabled, but that as they say is another story. This hobby has been both an obsession and a passion,yes it is a hobby too. But, being disabled, on days where I can't or wont go out of the house, and even on those days where I do get out there's a radio on and a mic in my hand. Be it on 2 meters or be it on 20 meters. You will find me with a radio near and a microphone in my hand. doc said I'm not allowed to ride any more so had to sell my bike. Got some nifty neat toys to play with indoors instead. Yea its an obsessive passion. 73 all thank you for reading my post. Mark AI4HO Posted by KI4CRA on February 25, 2007
In between
More than a hobby, less than an obsession. I'm very thankful for ham radio as it's not only been a very good hobby but also a way into a few excellent, rewarding careers. From my first part-time job in 1968 to my current career, ham radio has been in part responsible for every commercial success I've had. It's also a very non-intrusive hobby, most of the time. That is to say, it can be enjoyed without leaving the family behind. XYL and kids know I'm either in the shack or in the workshop if they need to find me! WB2WIK/6 Posted by WB2WIK on February 25, 2007
Used to be an obsession
Yeah radio was an obsession once upon a time now it has become something to do on rainy or cold days. No it is not the same for me but for others the obsession has just started. No I am not going to sell what I have but I am not going to buy any thing else either. Enjoy your radios I will when I turn it on. Other wise so many other things in life to learn and be obsessed with. Posted by AE4NR on February 25, 2007
It Makes my day!
It is because of Ham Radio that my career flourished, I became a TV Engineer, repaired laptop and desktop computers and taught Broadcast License courses (FCC). No matter what people say about Ham Radio, it is still an exciting hobby and I will always fight for Ham op's rights. WB9SFM-Morris Posted by WB9SFM on February 25, 2007

KE4OML: "Ham radio led me to commercial broadcasting" I wonder how many hams got their ticket, then went on to commercial broadcasting? Or vice-versa? I almost followed the same path. Pretty neat stuff, how close the follow each other! Posted by KI9A on February 25, 2007
Somewhere In Between
Similar results in Charleston, SC. The special Saturday testing session processed 29 applicants. Six were paper upgrades from Technician to General while twelve were new General tests to upgrade. I, myself, took the General last session and passed, tried Extra and missed by a couple without studying. At this special session, I passed Extra and upgraded straight from technician to Extra. What had always held me back was not knowledge of theory and oparating practice but, Morse Code. And Yes, I really did try to learn. And I polled myself and as "Somewhere in Between"! Dennis KG4RUL/AE Posted by KG4RUL on February 25, 2007
Somewhere In Between
Similar results in Charleston, SC. The special Saturday testing session processed 29 applicants. Six were paper upgrades from Technician to General while twelve were new General tests to upgrade. I, myself, took the General last session and passed, tried Extra and missed by a couple without studying. At this special session, I passed Extra and upgraded straight from technician to Extra. What had always held me back was not knowledge of theory and oparating practice but, Morse Code. And Yes, I really did try to learn. And I polled myself and as "Somewhere in Between"! Dennis KG4RUL/AE Posted by KG4RUL on February 25, 2007
Passion
SWLing got me started, TV broadcasting got me hooked, and working for VOA with BIG RF boxes, has confirmed what I knew all along>>>"Ham radio is not a hobby, it's a way of life". 73 es gud DX John WB9AUJ / N6VOA Posted by WB9AUJ on February 24, 2007
Me too!
Harley Road King, that is. But even it takes a back seat to sailing a lot during warm weather. I don't hunt much any more, so ham radio is a new hobby that will get most of my time in the winter. Moe Posted by AB8XA on February 24, 2007
New Hams
It appears Amateur Radio will become an obsession for a lot more people. Our local exam group had their first test today (Saturday) after the new rules went into effect. Typical turnout is between 10 to 20 (per month) but today there were 60+ taking exams including 3 or 4 kids. I was upgrading to General, missed one question so I'm not going to beat myself up too much over that. As usual, they were a great bunch of people. 73 Mike Posted by WG7G on February 24, 2007
PASSION not OBSESSION
Ham radio led me to commercial broadcasting. I got a ham license at age 15. I would say "I have to find a way to make a living at this". Now age 43 and have been a top 40 air personality having worked for all the major companies in large and small markets. Ham "hobby" became a "PASSION", not an "obsession". Obsession sounds like a bad drug addicton. Passion sounds like a love. I love radio as a hobby, career and art. Posted by KE4OML on February 24, 2007
Obsession, NO, Fun, Yes!
Been a ham since '78.. used to be all SSB, now 99.1 % CW... Love the feeling of putting my headphones on and listening for DX.. It mellows me out after a hectic day.. :) Posted by N5IVZ on February 24, 2007
You figure it out!
George Dowell >K0FF 6M DXCC, WAS, WAC, WAZ Only 160-6M DXCC in the Zero district #1 W0 6M DXCC #1 W0 to reach 336 countries 2M WAS, WAC, 35 countries First Class FCC Radiotelephone/Radar Life Member ARRL, AMSAT, NRA SETI Honor Roll#1 DXCC Honor Roll #1 @351 Posted by K0FF on February 24, 2007

When I was just starting out in 1978 it was an obsession. I haven't figured it out but it must have been during a good spot in the cycle. I was working all kinds of DX with a 15m dipole hung from my ceiling. Then life, and a new baby came along... end of obsession. In 2000 the bug bit me again and if I was home I was spending some time in "The Shack" Not a lot but at least a QSO a day. In 2005 I moved to a very Restricted Adult TRailer Park. I'm back to a Random wire hung from the ceiling and down to 20w out. I still turn it on everyday and once in awhile get to chat with someone. Waiting for the big swing. My XYL can't understand why I keep the radio on and occassionaly tune around just to hear the static. I guess to me its like hanging out with an old friend. 73, John - WB2TQC Posted by WB2TQC on February 24, 2007
Good bye ham radio.
. Ham radio at one time was an "Obsession" until the many new changes in the testing field. With the lowereing of the code and theory testing, I can now live without ham radio. Most of my ham radio gear is going to be up for sale and I will be a swl'er from this day on. No longer the fun that has been for the past 68 years of building , operating 100 percent of code and good old fashioned rag chewing. Keep your DX and contesting, the kid stuff and childish play. I am going back to my black and white developing and printing. .: Posted by W6TH on February 23, 2007

Ive been a ham for 29 out my 43 years. I enjoy contesting, Dxing, and plain old rachewing. What can be better?? 73-Chuck KI9A Posted by KI9A on February 23, 2007
A fallback
I've been in many facets of the electronics industry for over 30 years. During periods I was not working in radio specific positions Amateur Radio allowed me to maintain my roots.(trained in RF) Now that I'm back in RF engineering again my interest isn't as intense as it has been at times, but I find HF operations relaxing and still enjoy it a great deal. DX'ing and contesting helps to keep me coming back for more. '73 Tim N6DRA Posted by N6DRA on February 23, 2007
Man... it's FUN
I just plain ENJOY "PLAYING HAM RADIO" I always look forward to meeting and making new found, Friends. Best Wishes, Good DX God Bless Posted by N5JFJ on February 23, 2007
agree with KE4WLE
Next week with mark my 29th year as a ham. Like most everyone, at first it is an obsession, and I could not wait to get home and turn the rigs on. I go through spells of making multiple daily QSO's and then go for a few months with out turning anything on. Ham radio is sort of a bad weather hobby for me. If its nice outside, there is where I prefer to be. But I know the hobby will still be there if I'm gone for a while... Posted by WB4M on February 23, 2007
Hobby and Service
Amateur radio enables me to continue to use my professional career skills for my own pleasure and experiment as a hobby even into retirement. It also gives me the ability to give back to the community as a VE, as an Elmer, as a supporter of a repeater group, and as a member of ARES. In contact with hams outside the States, I help to spread good will and understanding. It is a wonderful way to combine technical and social endeavors all in a positive direction. For the most part, hams are great people the world over. Posted by AI2IA on February 23, 2007
Ham Radio
Ham Radio lead to my Air Force Career and after 31 years, working at Kennedy Space Center in the Electromagnetic Lab and later the Telemetry Lab. I am 99% active in MARS supporting FEMA and TSA plus Base Support Team for Patrick AFB and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. I'm on the air 15 hours a week and that includes HF, VHF and Packet. Thank God for Amateur Radio Jim/W5ZXO/AFA2BT 73.... Posted by W5ZXO on February 23, 2007
Hobby
No, it's a hobby not a Religion! Obsession....sometimes like during contests. Otherwise it's just plain fun to play radio eh? Posted by KL7YK on February 23, 2007
Comes and goes....
Depends on the time of year - a lot of things have changed in my life over the past 12 years since I got my ticket, but I've kept the interest in radio. Moving to Dayton and being so close to hamvention didn't hurt either ;-) Posted by KE4WLE on February 23, 2007
Hobby or obsession
In my teens and early twenties, ham radio WAS an obsession. This turned out to be a mixed bag. It lead to a lifelong career (good) but it also burned me out on ham radio and I didn't go near the passtime for almost 40 years (not so good). With my return to ham radio around 2001 I find that I've grown up a bit and keep my interest in perspective. Ther are many other interests in my life that take precedence over ham radio, but when time and resources permit I still enjoy tinkering with it, especially now that I'm retired and don't work with the stuff 8 hours a day. Posted by KB5DPE on February 23, 2007
A $0.25 Says
Somewhere through this, some chap is going to get all bent out of shape and yell "It ain't a hobby, it's a Service!" J C S Posted by N4CQR on February 23, 2007
It Depends
If it's warm outside, then my obsession is my Harley Road King. If it's cold outside, then I'm usually sitting in front of my radios. Oh, my grandkids rank up there pretty high too! :>) RIDE ON! Kelly K7SU www.K7SU.4t.com Posted by K7SU on February 23, 2007

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