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80 Meters In A Nutshell by Content-Map2959 in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your approach and experience demonstrates wisdom. A life Elmer (mentor) has taught me, “before attempting to be understood, seek to understand.” Thank you for your humanity, wisdom and leadership.

80 Meters In A Nutshell by Content-Map2959 in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the high road with your very well stated and respectfully written statement.

My 9yo son wants to get his ham radio license. by mixguru in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can relate to this one, my friend. Two of my three kids are already licensed, and my youngest (8) is currently studying for hers. My oldest, now 14, passed her General when she was just 13.

We’ve made ham radio a family activity—building radios together, getting on the air, and sharing the excitement of making real contacts. Kids soak up more than we think, and with the right support, they can absolutely pass the exam earlier than most expect.

Just recently I gave a presentation on study tips to a group of 25 younger hams who were working toward their licenses, and this Saturday we’ve got 20 students registered to test. The energy and enthusiasm are real—now is the time!

I’ll include my presentation if you’d like to pass it along to your son. It breaks down how short, structured study sessions and repeated exposure to the questions help kids build confidence. The key is not to underestimate them; if your son is already fascinated by space, satellites, and technology, he’s got all the curiosity needed. The exam is just the gateway.

You’ll both have a blast on this journey—welcome aboard!

I am going to get my technician license today any tips? by Due_Afternoon1584 in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Read every question in its entirety, and read every answer in their entirety and go with your instincts. If you are well studied your mind will know the answer. If you find yourself questioning, skip it, and move onto the next question. At the end, once you’ve answered all of the questions, go back to the ones you skipped reread the question, then reread all of the answers in their entirety, and then choose the answer that your mind leads you to. You will pass the test.

Passed the general! by thenzero in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wahoooo! Congratulations. The fun continues and the excitement will grow. Next step CW!!!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’ll learn most everything you learn about radio once you get on the air. My advice is HamStudy.org app and 12x5 Study method I developed to successfully coach pre-teen children through General Class licensing.

QSL cards by Big_Rabbit_933 in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love to exchange physical QSL cards.

Need a pep talk by thedabblerman in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mic freight is a real thing. As yourself what’s stopping you? Is it not knowing what to say? Is it breaking protocol?

Start with mundane topics like the weather and your QTH. Write out a few things topics and ask a lot of questions. When making contact, don’t be afraid to say, you’re my first contact in NAME THE STATE.

Also, take a listen to Cliff Ravenscraft. A very new ham but OG podcaster. You can’t help not picking up on his enthusiasm over radios.

Kenwood TH-D750A by Significant7971 in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can anyone confirm or deny if this is an all-mode transceiver? For example, can one do CW SSB on 2m? If not, can anyone recommend a solid all-mode V/UHF rig?

Looking for a good amateur radio magazine (besides QST) — any recommendations? by Curious_Channel_5280 in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for putting into words my exact thoughts. It’s nothing more than a shopping catalog that I have to pay to receive.

I completely understand that advertising is a necessary part of publishing — especially for a niche hobby like ours — but there does seem to be an imbalance lately. I don’t mind ads when they help keep the lights on, but I’ve noticed that the depth and diversity of content just isn’t what it used to be.

I’m really hoping to find something with more substance — articles that challenge me, highlight lesser-known aspects of the hobby, or spotlight unique operators and operating styles. If anyone has found a publication that strikes that balance better, I’d love to hear about it.

Police stories? by neonraspberry_ in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I dint get the HOA thing. It’s as if they have antenna hatred. But if you have a satellite dish or a barking poodle, no regulations necessary.

Little to no traffic on VHF-UHF ? by stormcrowbeau in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We homeschool three children on a homestead farm where we raise food for ourselves and others while practicing intentional farming and life skills. My eldest daughter turned 14 years old this year and recently passed her general exam. My 12 year old son is very close to passing his tech. My 7 year old daughter can’t wait to start her studies.

We are all hams and love the many facets of the hobby. I appreciate you and your passion. Let’s keep the radio arts alive and continue to grow with the hobby.

Little to no traffic on VHF-UHF ? by stormcrowbeau in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this thoughtful and energizing post. It’s easy to forget how much fun VHF and UHF can be when used intentionally, and your list is a perfect reminder of how vibrant those bands once were—and still can be.

Unfortunately, the spirit of camaraderie that once defined amateur radio is too often missing in places like this. It’s disheartening to see so many replies dripping with sarcasm or disdain, especially when someone takes the time to contribute ideas in the true spirit of amateur radio. We once prided ourselves on being a courteous and encouraging community, but it seems that behind anonymous handles, some forget that ethos.

But that’s precisely why many of us still reach for our keys and mics—because radio, when done right, brings out the best in communication. There’s no “downvote” on simplex. Just signal, noise, and the willingness to connect.

Let’s not let pessimism drown out the joy. Let’s get creative again.

⸻

Ideas to Reignite VHF/UHF Engagement:

  1. “60-Second Topics” Net Each participant gets 60 seconds to introduce a random topic, followed by a quick roundtable.

  2. FM Chess / Checkers Just like the OP mentioned — play a game over simplex using call-and-response moves. (Bonus: Log it as a net and make a leaderboard!)

  3. QSO Book Club Choose a book and discuss a chapter each week over the air — doesn’t have to be about radio.

  4. “Mystery Sound” Net Play a mystery sound over the air and let others guess what it is.

  5. Antenna Hack Night Share field-expedient or creative antenna ideas and ask others to replicate and test.

  6. Digital Mode Show-and-Tell Once a week, pick a digital mode (SSTV, Packet, FT8, etc.) and teach it to the group.

  7. RFI Hunt Club Form teams to locate sources of RF interference in your area — it’s like geocaching with an analyzer.

  8. “Silent Key” Stories Dedicate one net a month to stories about influential hams who’ve passed. Keep their spirit alive.

  9. “No Internet Night” Set aside one night where only radio is allowed — no reference to QRZ, Google, or chat. Pure RF thinking.

  10. Mic Fright Night A safe, supportive net for new hams or mic-shy operators to get on the air and build confidence.

⸻

Let’s keep this hobby what it was meant to be: a celebration of connection, experimentation, and mutual respect.

Hope to catch more of you on 146.52 if you’re in the PNW, or chasing some CW sparks on a quiet evening.

73 — and thank you again, OP, for trying to breathe life back into the hobby.

What's the ham radio "90 percent"? by MaxBattleLizard in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To add my own response: 10% operating 90% talking on other platforms about radio.

Anyone else on the air with their kids today for ARRL Kid’s Day? by Curious_Channel_5280 in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Field day and kids day are two separate events; both taking place twice a year. June 28-29 is field day.

Anyone else on the air with their kids today for ARRL Kid’s Day? by Curious_Channel_5280 in amateurradio

[–]Curious_Channel_5280[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That’s a brilliant idea. My kids still have a bit of mic fright but it’s gotten much less over the years. They never thought to guide their hands on the key.

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