Scott wrote:
Hi folks.
Please allow me to give a "newbies" view on the current state of amateur
radio, and also ask a few questions.
I recently took my Technicians License exam and passed with a perfect score.
(I bring up the score just to indicate that I studied hard, and took the
exam seriously). I am now studying to take the 5wpm mores code test. I have
not yet purchased a radio, or even been "on the air". More on this is a
moment.
Congratulations!!
I have also joined a local radio club, whose first meeting I attended last
night. This club owns and maintains the local 2m repeater, and even though
it is an open repeater, if nothing else, I feel as though by joining, I am
helping to support a service which I plan on eventually using.
But what disappoints me is the fact that I left this meeting knowing
absolutely no more than I did when I walked into the door. I had been led to
believe that one of the best ways for a new guy just becoming involved in
this hobby to get practical advice on things like your first purchase of
equipment, which bands are best for what, and the different applications of
amateur radio, was to join a club. Well, unfortunately, the majority of the
meeting I attended was, in my opinion, controlled by a group of 7 or 8 ham
"veterans" trying to impress one another with their technical knowledge.
Did you introduce yourself as a newcomer to ham radio? Did you seek out
any of these experienced hams for advice? Did you expect them to
automatically know you were a newbie with little experience and rush to
your assistance? I think basing your opinion of the club on only one
visit is a bit hasty. Continue to go to the meeting and get to know some
of the other hams before you pass judgment.
So, I guess what I would like to do here is give my views on what I have
seen so far, and invite anyone who is more informed on these matters to
correct me.
1) The Amateur Radio Service is not an essential element in our society.
Even in times of emergency, there is nothing you can do with a ham radio
that you can't do with an internet connection, fax machine, land line
telephone, or cell phone in similar circumstances. Ham Radio is a hobby, and
like golf, gardening, bird watching, or any other hobby, it could cease to
exist tomorrow, and nothing would really change.
You haven't participated in any disasters yet have you? What happens
when all power is down, phone lines down, cell networks jammed to the
point of being totally useless for any emergency. I will give you an
example.
In 1979 a mile wide tornado ripped through Wichita Falls, Texas taking
out the main power lines serving the city. The entire city was without
power, most phone lines were down. What few circuits were working were
so overloaded it was nearly impossible to get a call into or out of the
city. Little good the internet, fax machines, would have been. If there
had been cell phones like there are now, most of the towers would have
been down or damaged and what of the cell phone network might have been
working would also have been overloaded. Hospitals were on emergency
power, filling stations could not pump gasoline, most business were
closed, the area the tornado ripped through look like a war zone. Police
and fire and other emergency services antennas were down. The major
reliable communications came from amateur radio. Clubs from around the
area brought in VHF repeaters and HF stations, powered by generators.
Two meter base stations were set up at stratigic locations, such as
hospitals, police and fire departments, and the red cross. Hams with
handhelds accompanied emergency officials to provide communications.
Until some of the public services were restored, the major traffic in
and out of the area was handled by amateur HF communications.
In the 1980's an earthquake hit San Francisco with similar results. What
phone circuits were operative were so overloaded it was next to
impossible to call in or out of the city. Amateur radio provided
communications with VHF and HF capabilities.
Ask those who participated in the 9/11 disaster and you will hear
similar stories.
So saying that the internet, fax machines, cellsphones ect., will always
be able to handle communications in any disaster is ignoring the facts.
The Office of Homeland Security recgonizes the ability of amateur radio
to emergency communications and is incorporating that into their plans.
2) To me, the most appealing aspect to Ham Radio is the gaining of
knowledge. Learning the "in's and out's" of all that encompasses Ham Radio o
peration is the true fun, whether it is dx'ing, satellite, CW or whatever.
But, like building a boat in a bottle, or even doing a crossword puzzle, the
satisfaction comes in the steps taken to accomplish the task, not the end
result itself.
And you can get a lot of help in that area from fellow hams, but don't
expect others automatically know your needs and to stumble over
themselves to rush to your aid unless you seek their help.
3) From all accounts that I have heard, the number of new Amateur licenses
issued has been declining for years. This would tell me that the best way to
save the hobby was to open new Hams with open arms, instead of clinging
white-knuckled to the past (packet radio, morse code etc.) look to the
future, and make it fun.
Thanks for letting me rant folks. Now for some questions.
1) Can anyone point me towards any resources to assist someone brand new to
the hobby? (Stuff like recommendations on the type of equipment to get for
the first time buyer)?
Check your library, they usually have books on amateur radio and may
also have QST.
2) Also, any sources to purchase used equipment. I think I would rather buy
more functional used stuff, than new equipment that has less "bells and
whistles".
See the other rec.radio.amateur groups, particullarly the .swap groups.
Also check ebay.
3) One more thing...I am looking for information on antennas that is geared
to the novice.
Check you library for some of the ARRL antenna books, or the Amateur
Radio Handbook.
Good luck in your new hobby.
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