Ham raido Dead?

Is Ham radio (sorry for the typo) dying
the avrage age of a ham in VK is over 60
we need to push ham raido tv ads ect
73's

[AE4TR]

Quote[/b] (VK4FQSY @ June 02 2006,03:44)]Is Ham raido dying
the avrage age of a ham in VK is over 60
we need to push ham raido tv ads ect
73's

# #So how many ads have you purchased? Or are you leaving that up to someone else?

[KI4NGN]

I've said this in several other threads. The general public is not even aware that we exist. I'm repeating myself, but I told an old friend that I had gotten my amateur radio license again after 36 years. Her reply to me was "That's cool. I didn't know that anyone did that anymore."

Many people who have an idea of what ARS is are not aware that it is still around, and most younger people have never even heard of it. How can any hobby attract newcomers when its existence is virtually unknown?

I can't afford advertising, so don't ask if I have, but that doesn't make it a bad idea. How about the ARRL? The equipment manufacturers supported by our purchases? What if instead of advertising in just amateur related publications, they advertised in some of the general media? Get at least some people wondering what ARS is and what it is all about. With some x-million licensed operators, some 1/2-3/4 million active, it's not exactly that small of a market to begin with, and building up new interest would certainly be in their best interests!

Mike, Raleigh NC

[G8ADD]

The thing about our many new Foundation License holders that I have noticed is that they are all either very young or getting on a bit, there are relatively few in the 20 - 40 age group, and there at least three older ones for each kid.

When I took my test 44 years ago the majority taking the test with me were in the older category, and when I joined a club there were few there that were in my age group (mid 20s.)

I think that there is something about amateur radio that makes it attractive to older people, this gives the impression that it is dying out.

With regard to advertising, the best possible advert is a well-run special event station, with people supporting the operators who can explain what is going on, a map display showing where contacts have been made to, and leaflets outlining what ham radio is all about and how you, too, can become a ham.

73

Brian G8ADD

[W2BBQ]

It just struck me that National Geographic magazine might be a good place to advertise.

[K8AG]

In my opinion, we need to design toys that use radio differently. Design and market some part 15 CW transceivers. Sell them in hobby shops and on line. Sell it as "secret communicators" for use by kids. Even sell voice and digital communication interfaces for them as accessories. Then, when they want ones to go farther and work better, introduce ham radio.

I have often thought about designing a set and seeing how it sold, but I haven't the time.

I really think you could sell this kind of toy.

My 2 cents.

73, JP, K8AG

[KE5FRF]

OK, I think there is a bit of a "myth" that ham radio is dying, but there is truth to it too.

The observation was made that the average ham is 60. OK, well, I am 33, but I am an exception to the rule. I am a tinkerer, I like to put my hands into electronics. The draw to ham radio for me is that there are very few avenues left for a tinkerer, because technology has moved quantum leaps ahead in the past 20 years and an average Joe can't produce gadgets nearly as cheaply homebrew as he can buy off the shelf. In the old days, a fellow could even buy TV kits and build his own set. The only avenue for this kind of stuff today is amateur radio.

SO....as I said, I am an exception to the rule because of my nature as a tinkerer. Mass production in the modern age has created a "what's the point" mentallity about building your own stuff, and it can be very expensive. People my age are generally far too busy with raising children and working themselves out of debt to find time for a hobby.....

THUS, it only makes sense that amateur radio would draw an older crowd of people nearing or in retirement. Financial security and freetime allow for it.

So, perhaps the belief that amateur radio is dying is a little bit of a stretch.

What we DON'T KNOWE is whether or not people MY AGE will seek licenses when they get into their 40s and 50s. Will people in MY generation even REALIZE that amateur radio is out there and appreciate it, and be drawn to it? I dunno. Only time will tell.


Having said that, there is an obvious lack of interest in the hobby in youth that will undoubtedly be a problem for us in the future. The proliferation of mass communications, cellphones, internet, and blackberries and such makes amateur radio look antiquated to some kids. Little do they know that much of that technology was pioneered by amateurs. Little do they know that much of it can be done WITH ham radio for only the price of the equipment.

OK, on a less serious note, here is the BIGGEST problem afflicting ham radio. HAMFESTS. I go to these events and a see a bunch of old grey/bald geezers wearing highwater pants and suspenders and fishnet style baseball caps decorated with a dozen pins with their callsigns and various other logos, and orange vest and an HT hanging from a hip holster with a short whip antenna strategically oriented somewhere on his body to increase gain. (Is this where the term "hamsexy" comes from?) Well, I am only half-jokingly mentioning this.. but a young person, even one with "geek" instincts, might be a little scared of this "image" that hamfests reflect.

Nah, a TV advertisement would be a great idea, one that I have emntioned before. I think this is ONE BIG WAY that the ARRL has dropped the ball with their responsibilty as the world recognized advocate for American amateur interests. Even if they only advertised on "The Discovery Channel", "SCI-FI", or "TLC" on cable...or EVEN THE WEATHER CHANNEL with ARES/skywarn etc....

[N4AUD]

I don't believe amateur radio is dying, but I would LOVE to see an amateur radio TV show. It would, of course, have to be on PBS or one of the subscription channels on cable or satellite. I did exchange emails with a PBS station manager who is also an amateur who was exploring the idea a while back. I may send him a message and see if he's had any luck.

[AB1FV]

I don't think Ham Radio is "dying".
It may not may as popular as it once was.

Take this example:
1960:
You: "Hey, I just talked to a guy in England over Amateur Radio!"
Your Non-Ham Friend: "Hey, that's pretty neat! Maybe I can take my Amateur test and talk to people all over the world too!

2006:
You: "Hey! I just just talked to a guy in England on my Amatuer Radio!"
Your Non-Ham Friend: "Big deal, I can do that over the Internet!"

An Amateur Radio Operator holds talent, knowledge, and skills, and is willing to pass these onto those who REALLY wants to learn and get involved in Amateur Radio. This portion will NEVER die!

My 2c
73
AB1FV

[WA5VQM]

Ham radio may be dead but if so the bands sure were haunted last weekend.