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What? Are those Radio Hams still around?
AN OLD HOBBY? - Yes, in the sense that it has existed for
many years, and it was the first real technical hobby, But not in the
sense that it is boring or passe. No way! Amateur radio is alive and well.
In some ways, more than ever, since technology is now more affordable,
required training levels are lower, and more new technologies are
within grasp.
Imagine doing this:
- Connecting to other amateurs via the International space station.
Right out of your own basement, using a simple VHF radio and antenna.
- Sending and receiving ordinary email via radio, for instance
when your ISP is down.
- After learning to use 5 words per minute Morse code, talking to
amateurs the world over
- Even before that, regularly connecting with amateurs hundreds of
miles away on the 6 metre band
- Spending those long, dull traffic-jam hours usefully, talking
to friends all over your local area via VHF and UHF repeaters.
- Being able to ask for directions when you are lost.
- Making lots of new friends with the same technical interests.
Another reason ham radio is interesting is its emergency use. None
of us want energencies, be they chemical spills, terror attacks or power cuts,
but when they occur, radio amateurs are
on the scene immediately to help establish communications. And
emergencies do occur, from terrorist outrages to tornados, floods,
chemical spills and ice storms. In all these cases, radio amateurs
provide essential communications services.
If this sounds interesting, we at the Oakville Amateur Radio Club invite
you to come and join us at a club meeting or Saturday breakfast. Chances
are very good that you will never look back.
Denny Zidek VE3OKD
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