Hello readers, Please see the article at this link, called "Playing with Radio" from guest author G5DOC. Christian tells how he first became interested in radio, through his Grandfather and then through biking and friendship. If you've got a comment or a similar thought or two, please add it to this forum discussion. I liked this guy's style and perhaps we'll see more from him in the future. Thanks, Dave W7DGJ
Absolutely charming piece that perfectly describes the childlike excitement that accompanies radio play. An evocative read, I must check out his blog.
Thank you Graham. I'll make sure that Christian gets to read this forum and the comments here. 73, Dave W7DGJ
A Shared Frequency: Then and Now Reading Christian’s reflections on "playing at radio" brings back a flood of memories from those teenage years when he lived just down the road from me. It’s clear that while the technology has shifted from analog dials to networked digital media, the "radio bug" we both caught back then is exactly the same one that drives us today. I remember my 'bike set-up' like it was yesterday. In fact, seeing these memories in front of me make my mind race with plans to re-build our childhood! (Not sure I have the time anymore!) Christian often says he is still "playing at radio," even decades later. That’s the core of it—the technology became more sophisticated, but the thrill of reaching out into the ether and connecting with someone, somewhere, remains just as potent as it was when we were kids - Albeit now, we have our own families to prioritize before radio time can take its place! "Phones can do almost anything, yet explain absolutely nothing... Radio, however, still feels like wizardry you can actually participate in." It’s heartening to see that after all these years, we are both still chasing the same signal. Great post Christian. 73 M3LEE
Lee! you've pulled me into the forum. (Never knew this existed Thanks for taking the time to comment. And being there all those years ago. Bicycles were the best for fox hunts. I remember, behind Jessops the camera shop, I climbed into a skip with my bike with just the antenna of my mini Midland sticking out. It was impossible for the cars to find me. Another win! Good times. Glad we still have enough braincells to remember back then. And that now licensed we can still have fun with the HT's. Hope to catch you on HF soon!
Cheers Graham. Thanks for taking the time to read it. I'm in the East over the way from you. Hope to catch you on the bands
This was a fantastic read, and I was brought back to my childhood days when a sleepover at a friend's let me to discover his Dad's bass station tube-type CB. We spent all night playing with it (this was in the mid 1960's when 11 meters was still pretty "gentle". After I arrived back home, my Father informed me that if I really wanted to "play" radios that Ham Radio was the ticket. The 11 year old me did not at that time have the patience to learn the code, but I became involved in very active shortwave listening, and FINALLY, in 1989 at the ripe old age of 33, I received my novice ticket and the fun really began. Ironically, CW is still one of my favorite ways to communicate! Thank You for allowing me to take a trip back to those childhood days when mysterious and magical rf modulation sparked curiosity that led to a lifelong experience of fun in a "deep" hobby!
Thanks for the compliment Jeff, I'm sure he's seen it. Stay tuned for more "radio origins" articles. Dave. W7DGJ
