It’s far from dying my sailor friend. But by the same token, don’t fool yourself and think it is suddenly thriving either. Amateur radio is and has always been a niche hobby and it will continue to be for probably another 100 plus years. One “Home Depot” store is not going to change that, so don’t believe the hype, the masses are not going to suddenly start buying (as Mr. Hank would say) “hammy” radios and flooding the airwaves. Instead, chill out and enjoy the magic of radio, like many of us do here and the rest will take care of itself, just as it always has.
Vote here for the next location! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LHQM...IDU3LSf-uOF_qKZ3qkG2PpaUkxice1cW1O6iuV57V9VUk
Vote here for the next location! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LHQM...IDU3LSf-uOF_qKZ3qkG2PpaUkxice1cW1O6iuV57V9VUk
Vote here for the next location! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LHQM...IDU3LSf-uOF_qKZ3qkG2PpaUkxice1cW1O6iuV57V9VUk
Vote here for next location! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LHQM...IDU3LSf-uOF_qKZ3qkG2PpaUkxice1cW1O6iuV57V9VUk
I don't think any established out-of-state business wants to move IN to Commiefornia... and most can't get out fast enough. It's unfortunate, but a fact. And probably why that huge building is still empty... no business can afford to do business in CA anymore. However, a new GigaParts in Texas would be great!
The hobby is in a change, which many didnt realize until today. The hobby maybe will continue, but it will change the "face" in different ways. And AI will come, too. Whatever AI is for HAM-Radio in the future, it reached the broadcasting stations today. When radio presenters exchanged with the computer and only the editorial staff presents from the background, thats future and it works. https://www.radio.de/s/absolutradioai
Despite the naysayers, Giga should thrive. There has been a LOT of effort put into this endeavor. More than meets the eye. They have greatly diversified their product mix also. If you have a 'techie" hobby, be it computers, astrology, photography, gaming, treasure hunting, or makers supplies (including Ham Radio) there is probably something there for you. There will also be on-line seminars, and a bunch of great stuff. They are busy putting together a staff of online chat specialists (not AI), familiar with each product line group. A hint also about Amazon...... price a radio on Amazon, then compare buying direct from Giga......you might be surprised. These are the people who worked with QRZ with the Explorer HT for new hams. Who else is doing those things?
What? You guys have DX Engineering right in your backyard. Just 2 hours from Columbus, an easy same day round trip. I really know what it is like to be spoiled by the Candy Store close by as I used to live 8 miles from Ham Radio Outlet Atlanta and could drop by to get that connector or antenna for a new band at a moments notice. I now live in Forest, Mississippi and the closest Lowe's is an hour drive on I-20 to the East and the nearest Home Depot is an hours drive on I-20 to the West, forget about quick access to Ham Radio items for even Amazon Two Day Prime takes four days! Congrats to Gigaparts on the new location, now let's get out there and support them. Bought my last Handheld Transceiver and mobile from them.