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President's Message
Happy Real Millennium! Last year, as we all know, was just a rehearsal. The real start of the twenty-first century was January 1, 2001.
I'm fully aware that it's only by chance that I'm the one writing this. However, since someone in the future may decide to publish something from this issue of the Circuit, I'll try to make this an above average message.
If we look back to the beginning of the century, we find Marconi making the first practical commercial use of radio. Over the subsequent years, radio has saved lives, won (and lost) wars, and fundamentally changed the way we live. Think for a moment, how life would be without almost instantaneous worldwide communication. Morse (some say it was really Vail's work) code is still being used, over a hundred years after its invention, and was only commercially discontinued a few years ago.
Now, try to imagine how radio will change in the coming century. We already have a good start on a global network of wireless phones (even without Iridium and Globalstar). The next step appears to be high quality wireless networks. We already use a 2.4 GHz wireless LAN at work. Non-ham amateurs are building public, unlicensed, wireless networks in some high-tech areas. Will we see a Linux-like wireless infrastructure develop?
How does all this fit in with ham radio? Well, those wireless designers have to come from somewhere. The refrain over the past few years has been, "we're losing those kids to computers". In fact, the most valuable engineers in the coming century may be those who know both computers and radio. Take a look at the most popular methods of ham communication. Almost all of them use computers. And the two newest HF data modes, PSK31 and MFSK (see QST for January 2001) both use general purpose computers and sound cards to eliminate the need for a separate modem. Just plug the radio right into the computer. All the work is done with digital signal processing. The newer multi-mode cellular equipment uses DSP receivers, too. And people with computers want to network them, preferably, without paying an arm and a leg. Check out the web, and notice the interest in 2.4 GHz wireless networking cards and dish antennas.
Ham radio is alive and well, because there will always be curious, inventive people, who want to try something new. Marconi would feel right at home.
Happy New Millennium!
Peter, KA1AXY
This Month's Meeting
This month's meeting is a Show-and-Tell night. We haven't had one of those in a long time. If you have something of interest to the group, please bring it with you to January meeting and be prepared to say a word or two about it. Perhaps a cool ham radio holiday present you received? Maybe a homebrew project? Pictures? A "guess what it is" electronic part? An antique radio? Use your imagination. If you don't have something, just join us at the meeting....you never know what shows up on Show-and-Tell night!
This Could Be Your Last Circuit!
I'd like to remind those of you who haven't yet paid your 2001 dues, that we need to have them as soon as possible. That's so we can make sure you get your February issue of the Circuit.
And to those of you who have already paid, my thanks for your support. We wouldn't have such a great club without you!
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