A different view of amateur radio

If a typical non-technical person were to drop in on some radio club meetings, he (or, as often overlooked by many, she) might think think that it was a group of techno-freaks. They talk about "Q," radiation patterns, modfying computers, or similar topics that sound incredibly complicated to outsiders. They welcome newcomers, certainly, but then tell you to get a book that seems to be full of mathematical formulas which you have to learn in order to pass an examination. Didn't that sort of stuff end when you got out of school?

It's no wonder that some people are interested in amateur radio but decide to stay with CB or FRS, where they can chatter away and not have to worry about all that frumpy stuff!

Neither one of us is afraid of technology. We use it a lot and are grateful for it. But neither one of us are "geeks" or otherwise technically inclined, although we're interested in scientific and technological developments and have a basic understanding of how things work. Yet we enjoy the hobby of amateur radio, often viewed as restricted to engineering types. So one of our goals is to point out how "average" people can manage the world of amateur radio.

The opening paragraphs of the Federal Communications Commission outline five purposes of amateur radio. Notice that there's a good dose of non-technical aspects:

(a) voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications (c) . . . advancing skills in both the communication and technical phases of the art (e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique ability to enhance international goodwill (47CFR97.1)

However, we have observed that this doesn't get a lot of attention in some circles. But as with many other hobbies, amateur radio offers wide possibilities. There's certainly room for techno-heads — and a need for them! And as is the case with other hobbies, there are a few people who have their favorite area and insist that it's the only way to participate in the hobby. Unfortunately, these people are often the most visible. If you are looking into radio as a hobby, don't let that sort get to you.

Amateur radio offers DX (long-distance) contacts, using satellites, creating television, talking with voice, using Morse code, or modern digital transmission to send pictures, e-mail, and other information, the opportunity to build, repair or modify your own equipment, participate in contests, learning history and collecting, engaging in public service, and probably several more aspects. All of these are open to people with technical backgrounds as well as people without such backgrounds. We have several interests, and as time goes on, there will be pages about them. We will probably develop new areas of interest, too. That's one of the great things about a diverse hobby. That's one of the reasons why a hobby that begins with exchanges with other people can be so lively — there is always someone new with a new set of ideas to talk to and learn from.

About us

In elementary school science fairs, Tim did things like building an electronic organ, weather station, and small radio. He had an interest in amateur radio, and did some work toward a license (at that time, the Novice), but the price of even modest equipment put any of it out of reach, so he let the study languish. As time went on, he moved from technical interests to the liberal arts.

Years later, while recovering from back surgery, he met some hams, and came back to that interest. Cost was still a problem, but some equipment was at least within reach. It didn't take long to get a license and start enjoying — finally — a long-time interest.

After meeting some of the local club members, hearing the chatter on the repeater, chasing storms, and realizing that we could talk to each other while shopping, taking pictures in remote areas, and so on, Sherrie took an interest in a Technician license. Building on Tim's suggestions (which formed the basis of the page on studying for the exams) and her own style, she passed the exam about three weeks after starting to work on it.

Elmers: in memory of KD5QXF

Bill, KD5QXF, was such a figure for us. We met him at the Richardson Citizen's Fire Academy, where he mentioned amateur radio. This re-awakened a long-time interest that Tim had, and Bill guided us both through getting our licenses. When Tim took the exam, Bill was first to call and tell him that the call sign had been issued. He could never do much with the suffix "URS" but Sherrie's "YBP" became Yellow Blooming Petunia. He guided us through purchasing radios, finding other good equipment, and always had a good story to tell.

Bill passed on to the radio station in the sky on September 22, 2009. We know he will be missed by many others, as well as by us.