Fall 2003 Issue

Amateur Television on the Move
Keeping Ham Radio Rolling
for Future Generations

Richard Young, KB1JHM’s son Josh, who should be licensed by the time this article is printed, has recently completed his Boy Scout radio merit badge.

What first excited you about ham radio? Take a minute and think back to when amateur radio was something new to you. What aspect drew you into the hobby? Was it the ability to talk to someone in a far-off country? Was it the computer-to-radio interface of digital communications? How about the melodic sounds of Morse code coming over the speaker? I am willing to bet that the memories of your first moments of being involved in ham radio are combined with thoughts of the first person who introduced you to it.

How did that introduction take place? Was it a book that someone loaned you or was it a hands-on demonstration? Was it voice or data? At what point during the introduction did you realize that this was going to be something you wanted to do?

The reason I ask these questions is to put you into the frame of mind of the days when you were first introduced to the whole notion of amateur radio. Reliving what it felt like when you became interested in the hobby can bring back the excitement you felt with your first radio purchase or the pride you experienced the first time you overcame microphone shyness. This excitement is what we have to focus on when we introduce ham radio to others.

For many of us, the world is very different from when we first got our ticket. Our feelings of excitement about ham radio may not be the same for this new generation of possible hams. The youth of today have so many other interests to occupy their time. Computers, the internet, video games, and many sports are just a few of the activities in which the youth of today are interested. How can we, as a community, offer ham radio as yet another interest that will compete with all the other options for their attention and their time? In a word, activity.

We need to bring ham radio to young people in such a way that they will enjoy the experience and want to know more. We need to provide this education as a way to ensure that our hobby will continue for future generations. I know many of you agree with me, spending countless hours on projects and demonstrations. I applaud you for your participation and dedication. Presentations and education sessions in which there is something that participants can hold, manipulate, or examine (whether it be a 6-meter Squalo antenna or some time spent on the keyboard with the latest WSJT software) often generate the greatest interest from the audience. Participants seem energized when they can take an active role in the presentation.

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