Don’t Forget What It’s All About !
Amateur Radio is different for everyone. And, that’s absolutely perfect! Sometimes we forget to remember that we are all as diverse as you could be when it comes to HOW we enjoy the hobby individually. Thankfully, amateur radio is a lifelong pursuit that accommodates all the different interests we all have along the way.
It’s really easy to forget that ham radio is supposed to be a bright spot in our life and not a reason for stress or strife. If we were being honest with ourselves we can all be a bit self-centered when it comes to sharing what we like about ham radio with others. Making room for all of the different aspects it can bring to the table can be extremely satisfying if we let it.
Facts, figures, clubs, events, fundraisers, and nets, all or in part, may be a small or large part of what attracts folks into the brotherhood (and sisterhood) of ham radio. For others it might be the smell of solder wafting through the shack from the workshop, or that feeling of accomplishment of dialing-in that perfect voltage or wattage on the latest project. Yet for others it might be catching that rare DX station in the middle of the night (or afternoon). Still, for others it just might be catching a cup of coffee with a like-minded bunch on the way to or from an event.
Permit me to be a bit personal. For me, none of this makes any sense if it doesn’t involve the “people” aspect. No matter how you look at it amateur radio involves people. People on the other end of the radio on the other side of town, the other side of the globe or right next door. Whether we consider ourselves introverted or outgoing in every way, there is room for all of us in the grand scheme of amateur radio. But, you just can’t get away from people.
Tonight was one of those nights for me! After tuning-in to one of our local VHF nets we heard all kinds of “people” checking-in from all over the place. The net controllers were doing a stellar job as their enthusiasm trickled through the airwaves. Guys we haven’t heard in awhile broke the usual monotony and set-off a spark. That catalyst led to several stations sharing that the International Space Station would be “flying” overhead in our northern sky just as the net was taking its last breath. Ham radio friends from all over town were chiming-in to note that they too had seen the station pass over our little town. The conversation led a bunch of us to slide on over to a favorite VHF simplex frequency. A completely spontaneous rag-chew of sorts followed. In a fun, light and respectful manner, each voice was heard and you could feel the delight of each station reporting on their day or whether or not they had witnessed the rare appearance of the space station gracing the sky.
As we’d all had very busy weeks, the last round of chatter involved sharing what our “tomorrow” was going to be like. Most hit the hay as soon as we hit the power switch. For others, tinkering in the shack til the wee hours of the morning was just getting started. Even as we all adjusted the power or tweaked our antennas during the night, I realized that I was happiest being around the “people” of amateur radio and the bond that is so special.
So, if you are of the curmudgeon-sort, and you feel as if the world is going to hell-in-a-handbasket, why not find some good “people” to surround yourself with, and remember what it’s all about. We may not be able to change the world overnight, as amateur radio operators, but we can certainly make a difference.
Don, N8IVJ, is the President of the Massillon Amateur Radio Club.