THE NEW HAM'S AMATEUR RADIO RESOURCE GUIDE FOR SOUTHERN
MARYLAND - Preface
Copyright© 1994-97 St. Mary's County Amateur Radio Association - All Rights
Reserved
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PREFACE
- The purpose of this booklet is to provide newly licensed ham radio operators in the
southern Maryland counties of St. Mary's, Calvert and Charles with a consolidated source
of local amateur radio information. It also should serve well as a reference guide to
those hams who are planning to or have just moved into the area from another location. As
a public service, it is being printed and initially distributed free of charge to these
folks by the membership of the St. Mary's County Amateur Radio Association. It is
available to all others at a nominal fee to help defray the cost of printing and
distribution.
Southern Maryland provides a wealth of opportunities for you to become involved in all
facets of the hobby. There are several very active organizations which provide guidance,
education and training, and social opportunities for the entire family. A number of
excellent voice repeater systems on all major VHF and UHF bands are in place which provide
good 2-way coverage throughout the region. The digital modes are well represented with an
outstanding AX.25 packet bulletin board system, linking nodes for message connectivity to
the rest of the world and experimental TCP/IP systems. There are hams in both counties who
have extensive expertise with many of the more exotic specialty modes of operation
including weak signal experimentation (moonbounce, troposcatter and meteor burst), amateur
satellites, HF contesting, Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking systems, amateur
television and much more! Others are more involved in the "traditional" ham
activities such as DX'ing for the rare countries, collecting old/antique radio sets,
teaching ham classes and acting as Volunteer Examiners, participating in
"foxhunts" (organized hidden transmitter hunts to develop radio tracking skills)
and supporting the various amateur radio public service activities held throughout the
year.
Whether you are just starting out in this fascinating hobby or are an "old
timer" who may be moving into the area, take a few minutes to review this booklet to
find out where the activity is taking place and how to join in. You are encouraged to join
one or more of the listed amateur radio organizations and contribute as much as you can
towards furthering the cause of this great hobby. Your active support will play a major
role in which direction this hobby takes in the next few years. Welcome aboard... Get
RadioACTIVE!
Pete Butt, WA3UMY
Resource Guide Editor
January, 1997