Are you doing your part?

[KD4IFB]

I seen a post earlier on the subject of ham radios future. And I got to wondering, are we doing our part to help ham radio survive, or are we slowly killing the hobby weve grown to love..Just as all the hams before us we learned from them.. I didnt go to ham operators school. And dont even know of one! Most of my ham radio information and knowledge was absorbed from these individuals..Hams that have came and maybe even have gone before us. How much knowledge do you think you have retained about ham radio in your past,that has come from other hams while just having a ragchew! Theres something new going on everyday in all level of our hobby..
# You can think what you want, say what you want, but one things for sure..If ham radio is lost, its going to be our faults as a whole for not doing our part for the new hams, the older hams, supporting group activitys. And just plain sharing what we know. #If new hams cant learn from us then its all lost..And with all we know today and enjoy about our hobby, arent you glad there was good hams there for you when you first got started..But then again maybe the one lesson we didnt learn from them was the importance of preservation...I guess since they were helping us, they naturally probably figured we would understand it and pass it on...To all Ive witnessed on the air with the new folks, and to all those out there that are working towards a positive future for ham radio.My hats off to you! All the rest, and you know who you are.. You need to think this out for the long run for our hobby.. Its all up to us as a whole... Do we preserve it, or watch it die! # #So what do you think we could do? And where do you think it needs to be done?

[ky5u]

We don't have to do anything but sit back and let the new upgrades save us. All the technically inclined and youth will flock to Amateur Radio. That was the promise of the codeless movement. Well? We're waiting.

Seriously, you post was a good one. It is obvious that this "magic bullet" didn't work. So now we're back where we started and must actually do something to see our hobby survives. You said some true things but offered little in the way of suggestions.

There are alot of folks on QRZ who try every day to give something back. I am sure they need help.

[N0WVA]

Its all about getting it into the heads of kids in the early years ages 10 and up.

If we can figure out that procedure, then the problem will go away.

[N3ATS]

I do what I can to share my home brew ideas with others.

[KD4IFB]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ July 30 2007,19:14)]We don't have to do anything but sit back and let the new upgrades save us. #All the technically inclined and youth will flock to Amateur Radio. #That was the promise of the codeless movement. #Well? #We're waiting.

Seriously, you post was a good one. #It is obvious that this "magic bullet" didn't work. #So now we're back where we started and must actually do something to see our hobby survives. #You said some true things but offered little in the way of suggestions. #

There are alot of folks on QRZ who try every day to give something back. #I am sure they need help.
I guess I just left it open to think about..All of us as individuals know what we can do, and what we can not..but one things for sure, its a problem that in time will have consequences to Ham radio if we dont act positive....

[ky5u]

So what do YOU suggest?

[W5HTW]

Quote[/b] (KD4IFB @ July 30 2007,19:31)]Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ July 30 2007,19:14)]We don't have to do anything but sit back and let the new upgrades save us. All the technically inclined and youth will flock to Amateur Radio. That was the promise of the codeless movement. Well? We're waiting.

Seriously, you post was a good one. It is obvious that this "magic bullet" didn't work. So now we're back where we started and must actually do something to see our hobby survives. You said some true things but offered little in the way of suggestions.

There are alot of folks on QRZ who try every day to give something back. I am sure they need help.
I guess I just left it open to think about..All of us as individuals know what we can do, and what we can not..but one things for sure, its a problem that in time will have consequences to Ham radio if we dont act positive....
Sadly, your post may be about 18 years too late. I don't mean this in a nasty way, but I am not sure there is an awful lot left to save. Or at least, not as much as there once was.

Still, saving what does exist is a good goal, and I hope it is one that gets attention. But as we do that, you and others new into the hobby, they need to define just what they are saving. Ham radio needs redefining, not just from the users, but from the ARRL and the FCC. We honestly don't know who or what we are anymore.

And I don't fault individuals for that. A good bit of it is changing technology, and changing times. Is ham radio a technical hobby? No, it isn't, but it once was. Is it too late to return it to technical niche hobby? Yes.

Is ham radio EMCOMM? It has always been available to do that job, but it was never, until the late 1980s and early 1990s, redirected to SPECIFICALLY do that job.

Is ham radio a form of internet? Well, it is heading in that direction, definitely. Should it? Why? We already have an internet. Why do we need another one?

Is ham radio a spousy cell phone? We appear to be getting out of that dangerous rut, but we hold on with baited breath as to what the next "let's recruit more hams" technique will be.

Is ham radio multiband CB? No, not yet. When we say it is turning into that, the automatic assumption is that means it will be profanity and malicious interference. But I don't see it that way. I see it simply as a non-technical activity in which the only skill is pressing the PTT button. Maybe we are headed that way. Maybe not. We don't really know.

Is ham radio a hobby? Or must those in it be dedicated to public service?

What ARE we? We don't know anymore. Once it was pretty easy to describe. "A niche hobby for the technical hobbyiest interested in radio." That's no longer true, and it isn't about the Morse code.

We need to define amateur radio before we can decide what part of it we are saving, and for whom.

Ed

[KD4IFB]

We move into the future of Ham radio more positively,clear out all the negative ways of worrying about what people dont know and try harder to teach and show them the right way so they will know. Im no expert at this hobby but I enjoy it and love to learn everything about it I can..Just as New hams will. What do you suggest doing? AG4YO?

[KD0AEY]

I am new to Ham Radio,Wish I would have started as an Earlier post said "In the early years". I think by waiting I have truly missed a virtual plethera of knowledge from some of the older operators.I think the whole heritage of ham radio is important and should be shared with younger generations, I suppose one way to help would be to make presentations to grade school classes, I had my interest sparked years ago by a fifth grade classmate of mine who is still a ham operator to this day.I think...and this is very
unfortunate....that kids values are changing, as well as thier interests,and therefore the key might be catching them young and getting them interested in a hobby such as this.I take just as much pride in Amatuer Radio as I do in my profession and I hope that might reflect on a youngster to the point of inspiration some day.

[KE5FRF]

A guy at work today was asking me a lot of questions (he saw the latest issue of QST on the work bench)...I don't know this guy well, just been working with him a few months. He's a nice fellow, one of those guys who'll ask you lots of questions about yourself to be friendly but you get the feeling he really isn't all that interested but you tell him just the same.

He asked me about my antennas and if I talked on my radio like CB. I told him that I can and sometimes do use phone but that I mostly do Morse code. He asked me if I do it mobile and I explained that I HAVE done it mobile but mostly use 2 meters in the car (then I explained the nature of the bands). I told him my big antenna was a 7 Mhz antenna and that I could talk around the world with that band.

He asked a little more about Morse code and we joked that I must be one of the youngest guys out there doing it.

I told him how we "rustle up" a contact by calling CQ etc.

Anyway, I don't know why but I felt kind of uncomfortable telling him about it. As I said, I got the feeling he wasn't particularly interested but was being friendly.

He's not quite what I'd call the technical sort and had a glazed look in his eye when I got too specific with him.
He was interested in the pictures of the SteppIR antenna I showed him on the internet but just because it was big.

I guess the point of me sharing this is that I couldn't come up with a good way to tell him what ham radio is all about. He was amazed at Morse code, but I had to be truthful with him that most new hams aren't using it and that it is no longer a requisite. This is the point where he said, "so its just like CB?"

Then I told him about license testing and I pulled up the QRZ practice tests for Extra (I guess because I thought it might impress him) The first 10 questions were very simple with almost common sense answers and he seemed to get bored so I logged off. Nope, that didn't impress.

I tried like heck to come up with a reason why amateur radio isn't just like CB and about the best I could come up with is that we use Q codes instead of 10-codes. I don't think he saw a big difference.

Honest to God, this happened today. I was trying to do my part and educate someone about ham radio, but I guess the one who learned the most was ME. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ...so just what IS the problem ?

Any thing new that was not there yesterday / last week / last month / last year / last decade ?

Things are about as easy as they can ever be to become an amateur radio operator...folks that HAVE an interest are thankful that things are easier than it used to be...thanks to the almighty FCC ( who can do no wrong ).

Sorry if it sounds pessimistic or narrow minded, but for the most part , what IS stated is simple, accurate and to the point...whether you like to read it or not. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N2RJ]

Yes, I am doing my part. Have been and always will be.

I'm helping compile a FAQ (http://zrq.informe.com/viewforum.php?f=3) for new hams over at IOMH.

I'm also a VE and I am elmering people in my club.

[k5okc]

I'm sitting here naked, eating potatoe salad in front of my Ham Radio and talking about a shunt-fed Hartley Oscillator to a guy who probably delivered newspapers to Ralph Hartley...

[KD4IFB]

Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ July 30 2007,20:20)]Yes, I am doing my part. #Have been and always will be.

I'm helping compile a FAQ (http://zrq.informe.com/viewforum.php?f=3) for new hams over at IOMH.

I'm also a VE and I am elmering people in my club.
Good deal, Im glad to hear it..Its going to take going the extra mile to share with others and teach them what ham radio is, not what its going to end up being if we dont help.. The starting point with the new Hams is a great start. My hats off to you, sir!

[kn4ds]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ July 30 2007,23:16)]thanks to the almighty FCC ( who can do no wrong ).
Obviously, the Commission frequently has done, and will likely continue to do, less than a stellar job. In many areas, not just amateur radio.

Throughout these threads, I see one continuing theme... "someone has to do something! But not me, lordy no, I'm too busy, I can't be bothered! But somebody do *something* to save us from these untrained operators!!!"

OK, frustration boiling over time... I'm just a no-code Extra.. but dammit, I'm trying to make some little difference in my little corner of the world... how 'bout some of you know-it-all Generals and Extras step up to the plate and help out?

AG4YO started another thread suggesting VEs help newcomers get some elmering... and it's a great suggestion... but at the same time, he's really saying "something has to be done, but I can't be bothered to do it myself, I want the VE teams to do it."

None of us can do it ourselves. We *all* have to work together to effect change.

How 'bout you guys that're whining the loudest come on and help out those of us who do try? And quit givin' a whit when someone got licensed or under what set of rules?

Until y'all are willing to put your money where your mouth is, so to speak, there are those of us out here who will take all your criticisms with a box of salt.

[AB1FV]

As soon as our hobby goes strictly over to VOIP, then I'm calling it quits.

There is a thin line between science and technology.

Ham Radio= Science
VOIP = Technology

You COULD say Ham Radio is both, which you may be correct...to a point. New techology brings better radios and anntennas, but it's the science portion that puts all of it together.

My 2c
73
AB1FV

[KD4IFB]

Deleted gross humor provided by the potato salad eating individual..

[KD4IFB]

Quote[/b] (W5HTW @ July 30 2007,19:51)]Quote[/b] (KD4IFB @ July 30 2007,19:31)]Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ July 30 2007,19:14)]We don't have to do anything but sit back and let the new upgrades save us. #All the technically inclined and youth will flock to Amateur Radio. #That was the promise of the codeless movement. #Well? #We're waiting.

Seriously, you post was a good one. #It is obvious that this "magic bullet" didn't work. #So now we're back where we started and must actually do something to see our hobby survives. #You said some true things but offered little in the way of suggestions. #

There are alot of folks on QRZ who try every day to give something back. #I am sure they need help.
I guess I just left it open to think about..All of us as individuals know what we can do, and what we can not..but one things for sure, its a problem that in time will have consequences to Ham radio if we dont act positive....
Sadly, your post may be about 18 years too late. #I don't mean this in a nasty way, but I am not sure there is an awful lot left to save. #Or at least, not as much as there once was. #

Still, saving what does exist is a good goal, and I hope it is one that gets attention. #But as we do that, you and others new into the hobby, they need to define just what they are saving. #Ham radio needs redefining, not just from the users, but from the ARRL and the FCC. #We honestly don't know who or what we are anymore.

And I don't fault individuals for that. #A good bit of it is changing technology, and changing times. #Is ham radio a technical hobby? #No, it isn't, but it once was. Is it too late to return it to technical niche hobby? #Yes. #

Is ham radio EMCOMM? #It has always been available to do that job, but it was never, until the late 1980s and early 1990s, redirected to SPECIFICALLY do that job. #

Is ham radio a form of internet? #Well, it is heading in that direction, definitely. #Should it? #Why? #We already have an internet. #Why do we need another one?

Is ham radio a spousy cell phone? #We appear to be getting out of that dangerous rut, but we hold on with baited breath as to what the next "let's recruit more hams" technique will be. #

Is ham radio multiband CB? #No, not yet. #When we say it is turning into that, the automatic assumption is that means it will be profanity and malicious interference. But I don't see it that way. I see it simply as a non-technical activity in which the only skill is pressing the PTT button. #Maybe we are headed that way. #Maybe not. #We don't really know.

Is ham radio a hobby? #Or must those in it be dedicated to public service? #

What ARE we? #We don't know anymore. #Once it was pretty easy to describe. #"A niche hobby for the technical hobbyiest interested in radio." #That's no longer true, and it isn't about the Morse code. #

We need to define amateur radio before we can decide what part of it we are saving, and for whom. #

Ed
I do in alot of ways see alot of what your saying to be a fact..there is so many things that are so out of wack it seems its like where do you start first! I guess when you see it like that its just one of those pick a spot, and do what we can.

[KE5FRF]

That is DISGUSTING.

Can you do us all a favor and edit this and get it off of here? I'm all for a little humor, but that is just a little too much.

[K1MDC]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ July 30 2007,19:14)]We don't have to do anything but sit back and let the new upgrades save us. All the technically inclined and youth will flock to Amateur Radio. That was the promise of the codeless movement. Well? We're waiting.
What's different between now and before the code requirement drop? Oh yeah, there's slightly more whining now. What a winning strategy you've come up with.

[k9kjm]

Those very narrowminded hams who slam operations like Echolink and IRLP are driving nails into the ham radio coffin.
Reaching todays youth (Who ARE very interested in programs like Echolink) IS the future of ham radio. Like it or not.

Likewise those people who slam queries #asking simple questions with snide remarks that belittle the poster.

It is NOT the world it was in 1950. #Or even 1970!
Move with the changing world, Or get out of the way.

[w8znx]

the unwashed masses
cry out

MORE HAM OPS

same way

unwashed masses

think that more is better

todays new ham radio

quantity over quality

in the end we will have neither

mac

[K0HWY]

Moving with the changing world is a double edged sword and that approach should be taken with a little forethought.

I use Echolink from time to time and I like it. But I'll also be the first to tell you, Echolink is not ham radio. It's a neat little tool that can be used along with ham radio. However, hams who slam Echolink are not killing amateur radio. The FCC has already pretty well taken the lead on that one and if we're placing all our hopes in VOIP to save the hobby, we're in store for a major disappointment.

Ham radio will survive and there will be some young people interested in it for years to come. However, we've got to be realistic about things. Today's young people, as a general rule, are indeed interested in programs like Echolink. These include AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger, none of which require the unnecessary inconvenience of getting an FCC license. If we are to move with the changing world, we're going to have to accept that it's only natural to see fewer young hams entering the hobby or take down even more barriers in an ill-fated attempt to try to play the numbers game.

For my part, I've helped bring several new hams into the hobby in the past couple years. The biggest challenge I've seen is motivating them to move beyond 2 meter FM phone. From what I've seen, we lose a lot of new young hams because getting an entry level license is mega-easy and 2 meter radios are very cheap. New hams get on the air fast, quickly get bored with the limitations of 2 meters and lose interest. Going beyond this point requires more studying...which requires more of their time. And it requires even more money and possibly some manual labor. In today's world, that simply doesn't cut it. The fascination I and many other hams enjoyed in using a radio to talk across the country or around the world is gone. Try using that to sell the hobby and you're likely going to hear how they can do the same thing with their cell phone.

[KB1JCY]

Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ July 30 2007,15:30)][quote=ai4ep,July 30 2007,23:16]

How 'bout you guys that're whining the loudest come on and help out those of us who do try? And quit givin' a whit when someone got licensed or under what set of rules?

Until y'all are willing to put your money where your mouth is, so to speak, there are those of us out here who will take all your criticisms with a box of salt.
169% correct motorcycle. I keep preaching this on QRZ but nobody is listening. Thank goodness that I have my own choir to preach to.

[K0HWY]

Btw, one op (out of about 7) I helped get into the hobby is actually doing really well and is preparing to upgrade. He's really taken to experimenting with and building his own antennas and is constantly calling asking for advice either from myself or several other local hams. I'd say he's been bitten by the bug. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KI4NGN]

The only way to save ham radio, if it needs saving, is to use the airwaves.

Despite the negative comments like "quantity over quality", the fact is that the more ops there are on the air, the more long-lived the hobby.

If their are only a few thousand top notch hams on the air, or hundreds of thousands comprised of everyone from those top-notch to the appliance ops, from the technical geniuses to those who ask how to build a dipole, which set of circumstances do you think will keep the hobby alive?

The numbers mean a lot, and anyone who doesn't see that is kidding themselves.

If you accept that premise, then you can accept the directions taken to increase the numbers and maybe even think of others.

There has been a lot of discussion about the total number of hams going up and down over the years, but I've not seen any relating license numbers to the overall size of the population, which has done nothing but go up. We are becoming a smaller and smaller percentage of the population, which means that by definition, even maintaining license numbers, we are shrinking. I won't say we're dying, but surely there is some number line below which the FCC will consider the hobby dead.

You really have to ask yourself if it is preferable to stop complaining about the "dumbing down", get the numbers, and then welcome and educate the newbies as they come online? Or drive them away, prevent others from dipping there feet into the water, and then eventually having the hobby die from attrition?

Mike

[KB1JCY]

We need content creators as well as systems engineers for this medium (Amateur Radio) to work. It's the "appliance operators" that are the content creators (on-air activity) that give the network its utility. There have been scores of technologies that have failed in the marketplace due to lack of content. If we have nobody to communicate to, our rigs will be expensive paper weights.

Another thing to consider is network economics. The notion that the more nodes on a network, the higher intrinsic value that network has is true. Remember 10 years ago when the Internet reached critical mass? As content variety increased and the number of content creators and consumers increased, the value of the Internet increased.

Think about that.

[KA2P]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ July 30 2007,20:12)]A guy at work today was asking me a lot of questions (he saw the latest issue of QST on the work bench)...I don't know this guy well, just been working with him a few months. He's a nice fellow, one of those guys who'll ask you lots of questions about yourself to be friendly but you get the feeling he really isn't all that interested but you tell him just the same.

He asked me about my antennas and if I talked on my radio like CB. I told him that I can and sometimes do use phone but that I mostly do Morse code. He asked me if I do it mobile and I explained that I HAVE done it mobile but mostly use 2 meters in the car (then I explained the nature of the bands). I told him my big antenna was a 7 Mhz antenna and that I could talk around the world with that band.

He asked a little more about Morse code and we joked that I must be one of the youngest guys out there doing it.

I told him how we "rustle up" a contact by calling CQ etc.

Anyway, I don't know why but I felt kind of uncomfortable telling him about it. As I said, I got the feeling he wasn't particularly interested but was being friendly.

He's not quite what I'd call the technical sort and had a glazed look in his eye when I got too specific with him.
He was interested in the pictures of the SteppIR antenna I showed him on the internet but just because it was big.

I guess the point of me sharing this is that I couldn't come up with a good way to tell him what ham radio is all about. He was amazed at Morse code, but I had to be truthful with him that most new hams aren't using it and that it is no longer a requisite. This is the point where he said, "so its just like CB?"

Then I told him about license testing and I pulled up the QRZ practice tests for Extra (I guess because I thought it might impress him) The first 10 questions were very simple with almost common sense answers and he seemed to get bored so I logged off. Nope, that didn't impress.

I tried like heck to come up with a reason why amateur radio isn't just like CB and about the best I could come up with is that we use Q codes instead of 10-codes. I don't think he saw a big difference.

Honest to God, this happened today. I was trying to do my part and educate someone about ham radio, but I guess the one who learned the most was ME. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif


Ham radio is best enjoyed as an activity. You can't really describe how fun it is by showing somebody antennas and tests.

Fishing is a fun activity. In many ways much like ham radio. You wouldn't try to explain fishing to somebody...he'd just as soon ask you why you just don't go to the seafood section in the store.

Things are fun because they are challenging. When things become easy, people tend to get bored and move on to other interests.

When I talk about ham radio to somebody who I think might be interested in getting their ticket, I show them QSL cards and a map of the world. I tell them how fun it is to tune the radio in search of "fish" and how difficult it is to catch some of those fish. That leads to propagation and DXpeditions.

Continuing with the fishing analogy, I tell them we have the equivalent of fishing derbies where people get international recognition for doing well. I show them sites like dxwatch.com and explain to them how this is like a fish finder for radio.

I always dismiss the license as "just part of the process" like going to the DMV, and that you can have fun on a limited budget.

As I said earlier, ham radio is best demonstrated live. My mom is in town and I tuned 20 and 40 during the IOTA test. She said she felt like she had "traveled the world" I pulled up a map and showed her the places she was hearing.

And although my wife doesn't understand the code, she appreciates how effective it is and remarks how it sounds very much like AIM when two ops are exchanging contest info.

While it may be fun to ragchew or talk on the repeater, those activities are not going to impress anyone.

I suggest sticking to DX and contesting as the main lure.

KA2P

[N5PVL]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ July 30 2007,22:12)]A guy at work today was asking me a lot of questions (he saw the latest issue of QST on the work bench)...I don't know this guy well, just been working with him a few months. He's a nice fellow, one of those guys who'll ask you lots of questions about yourself to be friendly but you get the feeling he really isn't all that interested but you tell him just the same.

He asked me about my antennas and if I talked on my radio like CB. I told him that I can and sometimes do use phone but that I mostly do Morse code. He asked me if I do it mobile and I explained that I HAVE done it mobile but mostly use 2 meters in the car (then I explained the nature of the bands). I told him my big antenna was a 7 Mhz antenna and that I could talk around the world with that band.

He asked a little more about Morse code and we joked that I must be one of the youngest guys out there doing it.

I told him how we "rustle up" a contact by calling CQ etc.

Anyway, I don't know why but I felt kind of uncomfortable telling him about it. As I said, I got the feeling he wasn't particularly interested but was being friendly.

He's not quite what I'd call the technical sort and had a glazed look in his eye when I got too specific with him.
He was interested in the pictures of the SteppIR antenna I showed him on the internet but just because it was big.

I guess the point of me sharing this is that I couldn't come up with a good way to tell him what ham radio is all about. He was amazed at Morse code, but I had to be truthful with him that most new hams aren't using it and that it is no longer a requisite. This is the point where he said, "so its just like CB?"

Then I told him about license testing and I pulled up the QRZ practice tests for Extra (I guess because I thought it might impress him) The first 10 questions were very simple with almost common sense answers and he seemed to get bored so I logged off. Nope, that didn't impress.

I tried like heck to come up with a reason why amateur radio isn't just like CB and about the best I could come up with is that we use Q codes instead of 10-codes. I don't think he saw a big difference.

Honest to God, this happened today. I was trying to do my part and educate someone about ham radio, but I guess the one who learned the most was ME. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
No, this has been your attitude, all along.

I'd have to see some kind of concrete evidence on this sudden claim about you "learning something". #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[ab1ga]

Quote[/b] (KI4NGN @ July 31 2007,06:10)]There has been a lot of discussion about the total number of hams going up and down over the years, but I've not seen any relating license numbers to the overall size of the population, which has done nothing but go up. We are becoming a smaller and smaller percentage of the population, which means that by definition, even maintaining license numbers, we are shrinking. I won't say we're dying, but surely there is some number line below which the FCC will consider the hobby dead.
There have been posts about this in other threads, but usually as a result of topic drift, so they may be hard to find.

Roughly, there are 600,000 licensed hams and 300 million people in the United States, which works out to one fifth of one percent, or one in 500. The 600,000 number is the highest it's ever been, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of the population. I did the calculation once and I seem to remember that the fraction of Americans who were hams in the 50's was about half that, or one in 1000.

When you think about those numbers, you realize a couple of things quickly.

a. Ham radio is a niche hobby. I don't care if you double or triple the numbers, there will probably be more Americans playing bridge for enjoyment than pursuing ham radio.

b. The FCC hasn't killed the hobby yet, and won't if we stay cool. When budget cuts hit the FCC hard, they needed to trim activities. Ham radio is a small service, yet I don't remember the FCC even considering dropping ham radio. (Before anyone starts bleating about international treaties, let me mention that CB was not mentioned as a service in any treaty when it was created. It's existence was made possible by a rule which allows administrations to reallocate if it doesn't affect other signatories.) Instead, they allow us to draw up our own exams to standards we as a service set, and they allow us to police ourselves. All we have to do is not be a nuisance.

c. The mantra about having to grow ham radio in order to preserve the hobby is piffle, and I'm tired of hearing it. It may be in the interest to magazine publishers, equipment manufacturers, and membership organizations to increase the number of hams, but I'm not convinced it's better for the service. If there were half as many hams overnight, our numbers would be similar to the 50's, which I don't think anyone can call a stale period. More important is, are ham operators interested enough in the hobby to stay in it, and enthusiastic enough to instill interest in others?

d. At one in 500 or one in 1000 hams per capita, potential hams are a rare breed. So we shouldn't get discouraged if we can't find one at school, at work, or at any of our other clubs. We should also expect to have some attrition, particularly with kids as they experiment with a variety of interests. But I think the answer is not to try to convince anyone about anything about ham radio; instead we should just do what we love in a way in which lots of people can find out about it, and wait for the grid-dip needle to twitch.


We put down our hobby too much, saying that it can't compete with cell phones, Internet, etc. But we're looking at these technologies through the wrong eyes, i.e. our own. To people in their mid-20s and below the cell phone is a tool, or maybe a distraction; the biggest buzz is about a phone that can play music, for crying out loud. The Internet is a tool you go to when you want to get on MySpace or check out YouTube. What's hot? Robots. Why? Because you can -build- them. Then you can break them and fix them and break them again and on and on and on.

These are the young people ham radio needs, because they are the same breed as traditional hams were and still are. But we can't reel them in if they don't take the bait, and we're not showing any bait.

What's the bait? Field Day. Not someplace with good propagation and quiet surroundings, where hams can be hams and forget the outsiders. Parking lot, public park, in your face Field Day. And no $2000 rigs, or even $500 rigs. Homebrew and modified vintage. Without cases, with wires hanging out, and dials made out of index cards taped to the panel. Lots of duct tape. All modes, even the digital modes. You can do that on the Internet? Well, I can do it myself, without Verizon. Hundreds may walk by, dozens will stop and look, and maybe one will get bit.

Then he'll tell his friends, the ones just like him.



http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KC5SAS]

Quote[/b] (w8znx @ July 31 2007,01:13)]the unwashed masses
cry out # # #
#
# # # # # MORE HAM OPS # #

same way

unwashed masses

think that more is better

todays new ham radio

quantity over quality

in the end we will have neither

mac
Dude,
what
is
with
all
of
your
posts
being
squeezed
over
to
the
side?
Are
you hitting
the ENTER
key every few
letters
or what?

[KC5SAS]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ July 30 2007,20:12)]This is the point where he said, "so its just like CB?"
I tell people it's like GMRS. You apply for a license, get a callsign and use FM radios to talk simplex or through repeaters if available.

73,
Steve
GMRS call- WQBY447

[k0dxc]

Quote[/b] (KD4IFB @ July 30 2007,19:00)]I seen a post earlier on the subject of ham radios future. And I got to wondering, are we doing our part to help ham radio survive, or are we slowly killing the hobby weve grown to love..Just as all the hams before us we learned from them.. I didnt go to ham operators school. And dont even know of one! Most of my ham radio information and knowledge was absorbed from these individuals..Hams that have came and maybe even have gone before us. How much knowledge do you think you have retained about ham radio in your past,that has come from other hams while just having a ragchew! Theres something new going on everyday in all level of our hobby..
You can think what you want, say what you want, but one things for sure..If ham radio is lost, its going to be our faults as a whole for not doing our part for the new hams, the older hams, supporting group activitys. And just plain sharing what we know. If new hams cant learn from us then its all lost..And with all we know today and enjoy about our hobby, arent you glad there was good hams there for you when you first got started..But then again maybe the one lesson we didnt learn from them was the importance of preservation...I guess since they were helping us, they naturally probably figured we would understand it and pass it on...To all Ive witnessed on the air with the new folks, and to all those out there that are working towards a positive future for ham radio.My hats off to you! All the rest, and you know who you are.. You need to think this out for the long run for our hobby.. Its all up to us as a whole... Do we preserve it, or watch it die! So what do you think we could do? And where do you think it needs to be done?
Really buddy calm down. There are other people who worry about things like this as a job. Don't depress anybody more than they already are.

[k0cmh]

Well, lets see if I qualify for "doing my part":

Since being licensed in 2004, I have brushed up my knowledge and skills of electronics, antenna theory, code speed,etc. ( I had this back in the 1960 - 1970s).

I put on classes for my local club and ARES groups on subjects such as good operating practices, message handling, antenna theory, basic electronics, etc.

I have lent equipment to some of the "NCTs" who upgrade to general and want to get their feet wet before purchasing. I get to do "hands on, eye ball to eyeball" mentoring this way - how to measure,make and set up a dipole, how to get a match on a tuner, why/why not use a balun, make your own coax feed lines, coax or balanced and what is the difference, propagation theory and why choose a particular antenna style, etc., etc.

Yes there are a lot of No Code licenses that are only interested in talking, but I see a large number who want to know how and why all this works and want to also do it themselves (design and make their own antennas, know why and how a tuner works, basic antenna theory, etc.)

So I would not be so glum on the present and future state of Ham radio. I think that a lot of those that only want to talk will find it all to frustrating because every time they try to get new or better equipment, or need to fix a problem with their existing set up, they will need to get someone to "do it for them". That equipment will be up for sale sometime soon.

Those that are truely interested and want to be able to do it themselves will stay with us and will grow and be valuable members of our community. They are out there, learning and growing.

[NN4RH]

Great. Another "Ham Radio Is Dying And Here Is How To Save It" thread.

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (w8znx @ July 31 2007,03:13)]the unwashed masses
cry out

MORE HAM OPS

same way

unwashed masses

think that more is better

todays new ham radio

quantity over quality

in the end we will have neither

mac
Whoa there mac... I've always been an advocate of quality over quantity.

I certainly don't think the "numbers" are a priority!

I do, however, think that it is only the right thing to do to educate new hams instead of talking down to them and scolding them.

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (KI4NGN @ July 31 2007,06:10)]The only way to save ham radio, if it needs saving, is to use the airwaves.

Despite the negative comments like "quantity over quality", the fact is that the more ops there are on the air, the more long-lived the hobby.

If their are only a few thousand top notch hams on the air, or hundreds of thousands comprised of everyone from those top-notch to the appliance ops, from the technical geniuses to those who ask how to build a dipole, which set of circumstances do you think will keep the hobby alive?

The numbers mean a lot, and anyone who doesn't see that is kidding themselves.

If you accept that premise, then you can accept the directions taken to increase the numbers and maybe even think of others.

There has been a lot of discussion about the total number of hams going up and down over the years, but I've not seen any relating license numbers to the overall size of the population, which has done nothing but go up. We are becoming a smaller and smaller percentage of the population, which means that by definition, even maintaining license numbers, we are shrinking. I won't say we're dying, but surely there is some number line below which the FCC will consider the hobby dead.

You really have to ask yourself if it is preferable to stop complaining about the "dumbing down", get the numbers, and then welcome and educate the newbies as they come online? Or drive them away, prevent others from dipping there feet into the water, and then eventually having the hobby die from attrition?

Mike
There are a lot of ops on the air... Look at how crowded it gets during a contest.

We have low activity levels now because the sunspot cycle is at a minimum, and also because radio is so "been there, done that."

The bands have been an absolute dog lately, and I think that is seasonal variation. Also, people have better things to do with their summers than play radio - home improvement/repairs, vacations etc.

[ab1ga]

Quote[/b] (KC5SAS @ July 31 2007,07:53)]Quote[/b] (w8znx @ July 31 2007,01:13)]the unwashed masses
cry out # # #
#
# # # # # MORE HAM OPS # #

same way

unwashed masses

think that more is better

todays new ham radio

quantity over quality

in the end we will have neither

mac
Dude,
what
is
with
all
of
your
posts
being
squeezed
over
to
the
side?
Are
you hitting
the ENTER
key every few
letters
or what?
According to one

of his earlier posts,

Mac has a mild

form of dyslexia.

I suspect that short,

well spaced lines

make it easier for him

to compose messages

share his knowledge

which is extensive

and his love of the

hobby.

which is extensive.

to him getting the

message through is

the first goal.

like a true ham.

I look forward to the

narrow posts. they

are usually very good.

[KI4NGN]

Quote[/b] (ab1ga @ July 31 2007,05:39)]There have been posts about this in other threads, but usually as a result of topic drift, so they may be hard to find.

#Roughly, there are 600,000 licensed hams and 300 million people in the United States, which works out to one fifth of one percent, or one in 500. The 600,000 number is the highest it's ever been, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of the population. I did the calculation once and I seem to remember that the fraction of Americans who were hams in the 50's was about half that, or one in 1000.

#When you think about those numbers, you realize a couple of things quickly.

a. Ham radio is a niche hobby. I don't care if you double or triple the numbers, there will probably be more Americans playing bridge for enjoyment than pursuing ham radio.

b. The FCC hasn't killed the hobby yet, and won't if we stay cool. When budget cuts hit the FCC hard, they needed to trim activities. Ham radio is a small service, yet I don't remember the FCC even considering dropping ham radio. (Before anyone starts bleating about international treaties, let me mention that CB was not mentioned as a service in any treaty when it was created. It's existence was made possible by a rule which allows administrations to reallocate if it doesn't affect other signatories.) Instead, they allow us to draw up our own exams to standards we as a service set, and they allow us to police ourselves. All we have to do is not be a nuisance.

c. The mantra about having to grow ham radio in order to preserve the hobby is piffle, and I'm tired of hearing it. It may be in the interest to magazine publishers, equipment manufacturers, and membership organizations to increase the number of hams, but I'm not convinced it's better for the service. If there were half as many hams overnight, our numbers would be similar to the 50's, which I don't think anyone can call a stale period. More important is, are ham operators interested enough in the hobby to stay in it, and enthusiastic enough to instill interest in others?

d. At one in 500 or one in 1000 hams per capita, potential hams are a rare breed. So we shouldn't get discouraged if we can't find one at school, at work, or at any of our other clubs. We should also expect to have some attrition, particularly with kids as they experiment with a variety of interests. But I think the answer is not to try to convince anyone about anything about ham radio; instead we should just do what we love in a way in which lots of people can find out about it, and wait for the grid-dip needle to twitch.


#We put down our hobby too much, saying that it can't compete with cell phones, Internet, etc. But we're looking at these technologies through the wrong eyes, i.e. our own. To people in their mid-20s and below the cell phone is a tool, or maybe a distraction; the biggest buzz is about a phone that can play music, for crying out loud. The Internet is a tool you go to when you want to get on MySpace or check out YouTube. What's hot? Robots. Why? Because you can -build- them. Then you can break them and fix them and break them again and on and on and on.

#These are the young people ham radio needs, because they are the same breed as traditional hams were and still are. But we can't reel them in if they don't take the bait, and we're not showing any bait.

#What's the bait? Field Day. Not someplace with good propagation and quiet surroundings, where hams can be hams and forget the outsiders. Parking lot, public park, in your face Field Day. And no $2000 rigs, or even $500 rigs. Homebrew and modified vintage. Without cases, with wires hanging out, and dials made out of index cards taped to the panel. Lots of duct tape. All modes, even the digital modes. You can do that on the Internet? Well, I can do it myself, without Verizon. Hundreds may walk by, dozens will stop and look, and maybe one will get bit.

Then he'll tell his friends, the ones just like him.



http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Thanks for your response. I admit that I have not looked up the numbers from a historical perspective, but have relied upon what I have often seen posted on this site: that the number of hams has and continues to go down. If that is incorrect, then I stand corrected, and thank you for it.

Without a doubt it is a niche hobby and always has been.

I think it admirable when hams try to figure out how to get more members, but I would wager that far many more ops 'found' ham radio than ham radio found new ops.

How did most find ham radio? I would guess SWL and/or CB.

How many people SWL anymore? I did as a kid, and that was part of my path to ham radio. I did again as an adult, which was part of the impetus for getting back into ham radio. I'm not sure how many do anymore. Though there are quite a few, most of the modern offerings of SWL radios do not offer SSB reception, which means that many are not listening to hams.

I think far more come from CB than most people realize, or maybe just admit. This makes sad the fact of all of the derogatory comments made on this site about CB'ers. That is like insulting kids for being immature, which by definition they are going to be.

There used to be a lot more public awareness of ham radio because it was a relatively unique hobby: we talked to people around the country and the world.

I don't agree with the internet and cellphones being the reason that people are not interested in ham radio, but I believe they contribute to the lack of awareness of our hobby because what we do is no longer unique from the public perspective. Yes, I know it is different, but not to the uninterested eye.

Someone has to be aware of ham radio to discover an interest, so somehow, someway, there needs to be more public awareness of our hobby. Unfortunately many hams believe the way to do this is to push the ecomm perspective. That's going to attract some for sure, but is it attracting those interested in ham radio, or those interested in becoming some sort of amateur emergency responder?

I think our niche will forever be relatively small, and the best that we can hope for is to maintain enough activity to keep it alive.

We're certainly not going to accomplish that if we are always crapping on CB'ers, who, I believe, are and always have been a big source of new blood.

[wz0o]

If you want to build ham radio and improve It's quality then you need to become an Elmer (no not Elmer Fudd like sometimes post here). To make fun of someone who does not understand antennas, matching,SWR. or proper use of the ham bands without attempting to help is sad. This is what will kill ham radio.
Yes I am a no code extra but I am learning the code and will be happy when it becomes my main operation. As far as the rest I have a background in electronics that began in the 60s .
So lets help the new guys answer the questions without making smart remarks, and make them feel welcome to a great hobby. Make fun of them and they will go away and you will be left to wonder what happener to ham radio.
Bitch less and help more and watch our hobby grow.

[KI4NGN]

Quote[/b] (N2RJ @ July 31 2007,06:24)]There are a lot of ops on the air... Look at how crowded it gets during a contest.

We have low activity levels now because the sunspot cycle is at a minimum, and also because radio is so "been there, done that."

The bands have been an absolute dog lately, and I think that is seasonal variation. #Also, people have better things to do with their summers than play radio - home improvement/repairs, vacations etc.
Yes, I know there are ops on the air. I suggested that the way to keep ARS alive is to keep the airwaves in use.

Sorry if you misunderstood, I was not implying that the air is dead.

[KA4DPO]

Am I doing my part to insure ham radio's future?

I think so. I try to set a good example every time I get on the air. I try to be constructive and helpful to other amateurs and promote the hobby.

Not much but at least it's positive.

[KI4ODO]

When was the last time someone asked you "what are YOU doing to save golf?" or "what are YOU doing to save motocross?" or whatever the hobby of your choice may be.

Ham radio however is different. Much like hunting. If you don't get new blood in, teach them well about rules and how to be effective, the hobby/sport will die. If you get a bunch of new guys into hunting that don't follow rules, and are dangerous, the sport will die. However, when a new hunter comes in and doesn't know, we don't blast them and say "get out of our woods!" We help them to become better hunters, if not, hunters will simply grow old, die off, and that's the end of that. Much the same approach is what I try to bring to ham radio. Not only to learn for myself, but help others not only get started, but advance to become better.

[KD4IFB]

I put the thread youve probably veiwed on wire loop antennas.. Ive experimented a little bit with them,but was really never satisfied with the performance compared to my other antennas..around 18-20 hams have shared their experiences with the loops, and its all reall interseting stuff.. one of the operators even posted a website full of info. on the loops. Im trying it again! this time with a little more info. Over 600 people have viewed that thread..and now theres no telling how many loops could possibly be going up because these folks shared what they knew..Alot of new hams are coming into this hobby, there will be alot of questions and will be alot of mistakes made by them..But one things for sure, theyll never know if we dont correct them when they are wrong and share with them what we know. Remember the thread,18 to 20 shared, and possibly opened eyes to over 600+ hams on the subject of wire loop antennas..I would think that was one example of a real positive move..It was for me anyway..

[AE6IP]

Do your part:

1) Don't pretend ham radio is something it's not
2) Sell the nostalgia factor
3) Use plain english words like 'mentor' rather than off-putting, unnecessary jargon like 'elmer'.
4) Accept that language changes and that what is communicated is far more important than how it is sad.
5) Tolerate differences
6) Be patient
7) Judge people by how they behave, not by what test they took

[K4GUN]

I really think clubs are the ticket to "saving" ham radio. Clubs give a newbie a tangible way to see how it works. They provide concrete example of how radio is used for practical purposes, even if that means standing on a street corner during a civic parade. It provides a place for newbies to meet elmers. Its an opportunity to get something besides static.

Obviously, I'm basing this on personal and recent experience. The first club meeting I went to, I about died of boredom during the actual meeting. Before the meeting and during the break, several guys made an effort to greet me and make me feel comfortable. Conversation was easy. After the meeting, they invited me to the "meeting after the meeting" which is at a local pizza joint. This was a lot more interesting than the actual meeting and I learned a lot.

The club also has an informal lunch every Friday which is coordinated on the repeater. They also have a group the has breakfast every Saturday morning at the local McDonalds. Through all of this, there is plenty of opportunity to make genunie friends. Elmering is there for the asking. Different guys have different strengths and if you need to know about one aspect of radio, there's sure to be a guy who is expert at that.

The club has done a lot for me and I've done a lot to promote the club. If there is to be a future for radio, I think we can find it through well run clubs.

[KD4IFB]

Quote[/b] (k0dxc @ July 31 2007,06:08)]Quote[/b] (KD4IFB @ July 30 2007,19:00)]I seen a post earlier on the subject of ham radios future. And I got to wondering, are we doing our part to help ham radio survive, or are we slowly killing the hobby weve grown to love..Just as all the hams before us we learned from them.. I didnt go to ham operators school. And dont even know of one! Most of my ham radio information and knowledge was absorbed from these individuals..Hams that have came and maybe even have gone before us. How much knowledge do you think you have retained about ham radio in your past,that has come from other hams while just having a ragchew! Theres something new going on everyday in all level of our hobby..
# You can think what you want, say what you want, but one things for sure..If ham radio is lost, its going to be our faults as a whole for not doing our part for the new hams, the older hams, supporting group activitys. And just plain sharing what we know. #If new hams cant learn from us then its all lost..And with all we know today and enjoy about our hobby, arent you glad there was good hams there for you when you first got started..But then again maybe the one lesson we didnt learn from them was the importance of preservation...I guess since they were helping us, they naturally probably figured we would understand it and pass it on...To all Ive witnessed on the air with the new folks, and to all those out there that are working towards a positive future for ham radio.My hats off to you! All the rest, and you know who you are.. You need to think this out for the long run for our hobby.. Its all up to us as a whole... Do we preserve it, or watch it die! # #So what do you think we could do? #And where do you think it needs to be done?
Really buddy calm down. There are other people who worry about things like this as a job. Don't depress anybody more than they already are.
Its just something to think about, and those paid people your talking about need to get off their Butts and do something. what are they waiting for! The point of no Return! Its all about us as a whole, those paid people are most likely just drawing a check!

[KD4IFB]

Quote[/b] (KA4DPO @ July 31 2007,06:55)]Am I doing my part to insure ham radio's future?

I think so. #I try to set a good example every time I get on the air. #I try to be constructive and helpful to other amateurs and promote the hobby.

Not much but at least it's positive.
This is your part. Its positive and thats what it takes sir.

[VO1GXG]

Personally i only see one problem in amateur radio . That is the new licensee's don't know what they should know for the hobby .such as propagation , basic electrical theory etc.Its not all new licensee's just a lot of them .I for one am a new licensee but i know what i should know.

[KD4IFB]

Quote[/b] (VO1GXG @ July 31 2007,13:31)]Personally i only see one problem in amateur radio . That is the new licensee's don't know what they should know for the hobby .such as propagation , basic electrical theory etc.Its not all new licensee's just a lot of them .I for one am a new licensee but i know what i should know.
Well you didnt throw your study book away did you? The Internet is a great place to learn as well..You can take 2 hams that are extras, one for 25yrs and 1 for one yr. And they can both learn something new thing from each other..I dont believe no one will ever know it all. But together we'll all know alot...I have my General book and an Extra book for reference...and with help from other hams, its a great combination... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N0WVA]

Seems a lot of us got into ham radio because of shortwave listening.

If there were a good inexpensive receiver out there with band spread and upper/lower sideband , Id say that would make a great gift at Christmastime.

[kc9jqm]

nm

[KD4IFB]

Quote[/b] (kc9jqm @ July 31 2007,16:14)]Quote[/b] ]Are you doing your part?
To insure ham radios future!

Yes! I tell anyone who expresses an interest
in amateur radio to block access to QRZ
and eHam on their computer, otherwise
they would probably quickly decide that
sticking needles in their eyes wasn't
such a bad idea for a hobby after all.
Yea but that not what I meant..lol. Your here, and for a reason ,whatever it may be.. But here is a good place to bring large groups together... I admit its a make or break way of getting what you believe out! BUt not everyone actually makes posts.. and maybe someone might see something positive...73!

[wb6mmj]

Quote[/b] (KD4IFB @ July 30 2007,19:00)]I seen a post earlier on the subject of ham radios future. And I got to wondering, are we doing our part to help ham radio survive, or are we slowly killing the hobby weve grown to love..Just as all the hams before us we learned from them.. I didnt go to ham operators school. And dont even know of one! Most of my ham radio information and knowledge was absorbed from these individuals..Hams that have came and maybe even have gone before us. How much knowledge do you think you have retained about ham radio in your past,that has come from other hams while just having a ragchew! Theres something new going on everyday in all level of our hobby..
# You can think what you want, say what you want, but one things for sure..If ham radio is lost, its going to be our faults as a whole for not doing our part for the new hams, the older hams, supporting group activitys. And just plain sharing what we know. #If new hams cant learn from us then its all lost..And with all we know today and enjoy about our hobby, arent you glad there was good hams there for you when you first got started..But then again maybe the one lesson we didnt learn from them was the importance of preservation...I guess since they were helping us, they naturally probably figured we would understand it and pass it on...To all Ive witnessed on the air with the new folks, and to all those out there that are working towards a positive future for ham radio.My hats off to you! All the rest, and you know who you are.. You need to think this out for the long run for our hobby.. Its all up to us as a whole... Do we preserve it, or watch it die! # #So what do you think we could do? #And where do you think it needs to be done?
Today I talked on the phone with a person that lives near my house. He is studying to get his license. He needed some advice which I was more than happy to give to him. I also told him that any time he has questions to give me a call. This is a great way to bring someone into Ham Radio. I hope more of us can do the same thing for other new Hams.

[KI4ODO]

Quote[/b] (AE6IP @ July 31 2007,09:16)]Do your part:

1) Don't pretend ham radio is something it's not
2) Sell the nostalgia factor
3) Use plain english words like 'mentor' rather than off-putting, unnecessary jargon like 'elmer'.
4) Accept that language changes and that what is communicated is far more important than how it is sad.
5) Tolerate differences
6) Be patient
7) Judge people by how they behave, not by what test they took
Very, very good points, but number 2 in paticular. That is what got me into HF and CW. I love the nostalgia part of it. I think people are looking for that these days. Maybe not kids, but adults are looking for an "old fashioned" way of having fun. This would partially explain why hunting, fishing, and camping have stayed so popular through the years. It would also explain the on going appeal of short wave listening. Something different from what everyone else is doing. I think the nostalgia factor plays a good part in that. People like history, and when you combine a hobby, with a rich history, you've got something special.