On Becoming a Ham

The television of the 1950’s was rough enough, but when we started hearing a voice coming through the programs on the one channel we got, it was really annoying.  My father had the idea that it was someone in the neighborhood with a ham radio who wasn’t aware that he was interfering with tv signals, so he looked into it with several neighbors.  Sure enough, a high schooler just past our backyard was an amateur radio operator.

 I was a Junior High kid who was fascinated with science gear I had a Gilbert Chem Lab and Gilbert microscope, and so I got excited about the idea of a guy so nearby that could talk over the air with people all over the world.  Now, telephones were dial-style and you had to go through an operator to get out of your local area.  So, Ham Radio was like something out of science fiction to me.  My father called the father of the Ham and asked if I could come over to see the setup.  I was cordially invited over and struck up a friendship with Dave, the Ham.

 Years went by without my getting a license, but finally I took a weekend cram course with my wife and we got our no-code Tech tickets.  We keep in touch with the mobile dual frequency rigs in our cars.  I’ve gone on to get my General and Extra Class licenses.  I’m really glad to be a part of the SCARA and have the opportunities for service to the community that we have done as a club.

 Currently, I’m chairing the Pumpkin Patrol exercise for the night before, and night of, Halloween.  We put Hams up at bridges over I88 to monitor to make sure that no vandals toss anything over onto the cars below.  There have been some really tragic instances of that in the past and law enforcement agencies are pleased that Amateur Radio volunteers can help out in keeping travel safer in this way.  Last year every bridge over I88, Schenectady to Binghamton, was patrolled by members of Amateur Radio clubs.

 In addition, three other Hams and I are running a “CW Net” mornings at 8:30 on 80 meters, 3.542.  We don’t rush and no one minds re-sending something if you get behind in copying.  As a result of our participation all of our skills continue to improve.  Code is, of course, of historic significance to Amateur Radio, but it’s also a lot of fun using this “language” over the air.  And there are times when it’s the only way to “get through” in an emergency.

 Ham Radio continues to fascinate me, and it offers as much interesting territory for exploration as you could ask for.  I haven’t even started exploring building my own equipment.  All in all, I think it’s a great hobby, opportunity to serve, and way to keep the brain busy and sharp. 

 73, Bert KC2ABB

September 22, 2021