One of our favorite topics at OnAllBands is the future of amateur radio.
What lies in store for the world’s greatest hobby in an age of digital communication and rapidly changing technology?
Will the amateur bands be filled with activity or eerily silent 10, 20, 30 years from now? Will hams exhibit the same passion for DXing, contesting, satellite operating, EmComm, public service, and other activities? Our crystal ball says “yes,” but there are steps we can take today to make our predictions about what’s to come a bit clearer.
One of the ways to ensure a prosperous future is to help new operators (and there are a lot of them!) get off on the right foot. It’s why we feature many articles written by experienced hams under the title “Ham Radio: 101,” as well as advice from the team of active operators at DX Engineering. Troy Blair, AC80W, DX Engineering customer/technical support specialist, offered these insights based on his own early experiences in his excellent series of OnAllBands articles, “Mistakes New Operators Make”:
- “Begin by deciding what you really want to do in ham radio. You have heard me say before, this hobby has so many rabbit holes to run down. If you stick with the hobby long enough, you’ll have the opportunity to branch out in many directions throughout your lifetime, but for now, decide what is most important to you.”
- “In terms of amateur radio, it is extremely important to learn and understand what to expect from your gear. For example, when it comes to 2M/70cm radios, you need to understand that VHF and UHF is line of sight—either on simplex (line of sight from operator one to operator two) or using a repeater (line of sight from operator one to the repeater and from the repeater to operator two).
- “Over the years I have become familiar with the expression, ‘buy once, cry once.’ Too many times early on I would buy cheap hoping for high performance. I only wound up disappointed and wanting more. I would sell the inferior product for a loss and still have to buy the more expensive product to get the desired outcome. I hold to the adage that ‘you get what you pay for.’ As a new ham, it’s definitely something you should consider.”
- “Find a club with an Elmer attitude where you can both give and receive of your time and talent. Develop a relationship with experienced ham radio providers who can help you make the right purchase and are known for delivering technical support and customer service.”
For more kernels of operating wisdom for new hams, we turned to a recent post from the DX Engineering Facebook page that asked readers to impart their best advice to those who have received their Technician license and are looking for guidance as they take their first tentative steps on the air. Here are some of our favorite responses:
Two Ears Beats One Mouth
- Listen, listen, listen before you talk.” – Samuel Strongin
- “Listen for instructions from a DXpedition or a special event station before you start transmitting blindly. If you see a station being spotted you wish to work, listen first before you start transmitting.” – Jesse Jones
- “Find a local VHF repeater that you can hit. Then find out what club is running it. Then find out when they have their NET. Then tune in and listen, listen, listen.”
Master Your Equipment
- “Learning how to use your first piece of ham radio gear will teach you more than you would ever expect. Learning how to program it manually and by computer will allow you to enjoy all the features that interest you. Make sure you know who you can talk to for answers and insight. Knowing your equipment will open the door to enjoying the hobby and all it has to offer. HAVE FUN! Nobody gets it all in one day.” – Steve Fehlhaber
Follow Your Own Muse
- “Ask questions, operate the modes you enjoy, and don’t let anyone discourage you from trying new things or having fun.” – Aar Bear
- “Go at your own pace. You don’t have to operate every band or mode.” – John Henderson
- “Don’t listen to those that tell you what you should do; listen to those that will help you accomplish what you want to do.” – Jake Lemay
- “Be patient. Amateur radio is a lifetime of learning.” – Bob Lewis
- “KEEP STUDYING! A Tech license is like having a beginner’s driver’s license. Don’t cheat yourself out of a Great Hobby!” – Bill Williams
All About Antennas
- “Every dollar spent on radios, spend two dollars on antennas.” – John Schaffner
- “The biggest, most expensive radio is only as good as the antenna.” – Ernie Hillard
- “Worry about antennas. Even the entry level rigs like the Icom 7300 will do well with good antennas. Don’t get crazy over ‘I’ve got to have this amazing radio.’ That can come way later or never.” – Scott Robbins
Go Beyond the Local Repeater
- “Get into HF with a good used HF rig and a good antenna. Don’t be afraid to use the microphone…you will work the world. Oh, and learn to ‘work split’ and what it means when the DX station you are trying to work says, ‘Listening up 10.’” – Jeff Wielgos
Ten Solid Pieces of Advice
- Experience is king. Participate in as many contests and QSO Parties as you can.
- Study propagation. Use VOACAP, PBN, RBN, and PSK Reporter.
- Observe the DX Code of Conduct.
- Read the “The Complete DXer” by W9KNI
- Buy an antenna analyzer or VNA.
- Track down and eliminate local noise sources.
- Participate as a POTA hunter or activator.
- Learn to solder.
- Don’t get Topband disease.
- Support DX Engineering!
Kirk Brown
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Thanks, Kirk, and everyone for sharing your thoughts. Remember, the experienced operators at DX Engineering are only a phone call or email away if you’re looking for friendly, patient, and well-informed advice on the right gear for your station.
