What has happened to Amateur Radio?

By: Matthew Payne

I hear this question asked in many forms today, both on the air and off. Let's face it, activity on the amateur bands is declining, and it worries everyone. Everybody has their own theory on why amateur radio activity is dwindling, and what should be done to prevent it's demise. This is my answer. It may not be correct in your eyes, and I can respect that others may have different or conflicting views. However, each of us shares the responsibility of insuring that this hobby continues.

Weather Nets

This subject never ceases to amaze me. Never have I seen such a volatile subject. What on the surface appears to be a simple public service is in fact seemingly much more. The problem with weather nets seems to stem from an issue of control. Group X wants to control the weather nets, and will go to any extent to prevent group Y from having any say in the process at all. The Skywarn group in Indianapolis chooses to only take weather information from the group that they recognize as being legitimate, citing worries about conflicting reports. Of course the end result of all this bickering is that little actual weather related traffic is passed to NWS from my county, and another opportunity to provide a needed service is lost.

Is Skywarn RACES or ARES? Does it matter? Do we need to check ID's before we accept check-ins? Does it matter who the person is, or what type of station they are running, or which repeater they are using? Or should the weather information be passed along regardless of these factors. I agree that training is beneficial and necessary to the operation of Skywarn, but should you ignore or discount traffic received from stations that have not had the "official" Skywarn training? Who does that benefit really?

How old does a person have to be to participate in weather related activities? The FCC obviously does not care about a persons age when licensing hams. They issue the license based on a persons skill and ability, regardless of age. So why should weather reporting be any different?

So what can YOU do? Take an active role in Skywarn, and insist that all others be allowed to do so, as well. If the Skywarn program in your area is stagnant, I have some links that may be of help in gathering material to restart or rejuvinate your local group.

• This is the local Skywarn Page. It provides data on our local system.[dead link?!? - Was active on May 8, 2005]
• Indianapolis Skywarn repeater and frequency information.

In my county, RACES and ARES activity is at a standstill. So in fact is Skywarn. Everyone is so busy bickering, that nothing is being done. I hope NWS has another source of information from this county. For the time being, they are going to need it.

New Amateur Recruitment

This is something in which everyone can participate. Get out there and talk up the hobby! When someone asks about those antennas on your car, tell them about your hobby! Better yet, let them participate! Get someone on a local repeater and let them jabber away! Make an autopatch call for them! Use that mobile HF station to make a contact in another state or country! Almost everyone knows what amateur radio is. Imagine the impact that could be made by letting them participate, if only for a few minutes. When I was in 11th grade, (1991) I remember running into an amateur radio operator at the McDonalds in Washington Square. His callsign was WE7A. He demonstrated how he could use an HT to work repeaters and talk with people all over the city. I never forgot that demonstration, or his callsign. Don't underestimate your ability to recruit new amateurs.

Is there a local secondary school or college nearby? Don't overlook this excellent source of new amateurs. Drop off some literature, or even better, work to arrange a class or a testing session. Many churches, schools, and other public building are more than willing to host these, providing they have the space. Hint: It never hurts to mention the many benefits of amateur radio when asking for space to host a class or session.

Participation in Activities

Looking for something to do this weekend? Chances are, there is a group that needs your help. There seems to be a shortage of volunteers at most amateur radio functions lately. Blow the dust off that HT, and join in the fun! Another thing that never ceases to amaze me is the fact that the people griping loudest about the decline of the hobby are the ones that never work any special events. Special Events are a great PR boost for your local amateur radio club or group, and a positive statement about the hobby in general. If there are no activities in the near future, then set one up! Marathons, parades, and local athletic events seem to be good places to start in trying to coordinate an event. "Talking the event up" in local nets is a must, and planning ahead is vital. Most importantly, exclude NO ONE from participation. If someone can't get around well, make them net control. If someone does not yet have a license, pair them with someone who does, and let THEM operate the radio (see above).

Respect for Fellow Hams

Everyone has their favorite mode, and everyone has their least favorite. I personally have little use for CW, yet I have no problem with anyone else using it. In fact, if that is what they want to use, GREAT! Any activity is good, even if it is not something I choose to do.

I have heard much lately on being a "real ham". Subjects seem to stem along the following lines.

• They are not real hams, because they did not take a 20WPM CW test.
• People who do not operate _________ are not real hams.
• __________ is not a real mode of operation.

What do people hope to accomplish by being critical of other peoples modes of operation? Every callsign used, regardless of mode, means one more active amateur radio operator! This does not mean that you should not encourage your fellow amateur to try new bands. But an amateur is not determined by the mode in which they operate, or the licensing level they have achieved.

Summary

As I said in the beginning of this article, we all share a responsibility to this hobby. This responsibility can only be met if we can keep the hobby from ending with us. Your comments are always welcome. My email address is [email protected], and I look forward to hearing from you.