I found the following article and feel that re-posting here would be a good idea. Sometimes we miss out on opportunities to expand our hobby and our ranks of qualified operators by not being as “public” as we need to be. I remember when I got started, I had to seek out and “Elmer” to help me do the studies necessary for getting my license. It turned out good because at that time there were many more than just myself interested in this hobby and we were able to put together a class of about 20.
Strange how sometimes the circumstances are just right and things work out better than one plans. In this case my neighbor was the electronics instructor at the local community college. In discussion with him we were able to secure his class room for or weekly study groups. I then, by watching for all the towers and antennas in the town I lived, found several “ham” houses. So I just went up and introduced myself as a prospective student and through that connection at the first house I visited he knew another “Ham” that was doing or would do classes for a group. I contacted him and he agreed to be “one” of the instructors and he located several others that were willing to help. Before we knew it we had all the right people involved and a place but not a class of students. We both ran a couple of small adds in the local paper and of course some of us were old CB operators so we passed the word and within a few weeks we had the students for the class. I still marvel at the fact that all this happened in less than a month. Things really do come together when you can get a few people who “want” it to happen.
My “Elmer” (Leawn Wixom – W0BO) also became one of my great friends and mentors and we even made family camping and fishing trips together. The difference in our age made no difference when we were all talking about things we liked and wanted to do. He passed away some years ago and I see his call has been re-issued. I am truly grateful to such a “HAM” for my beginning.
The article attached talks about Clubs and Club meetings. I encourage all of you that “might” have an interest to seek out one of those guys with porcupine antennas on his vehicle or a license plate that has from 4 to 6 letters and numbers in it and in small print says “amateur radio operator” on it. Ask them about a local club, do they know of anyone giving prep classes. I am sure they will steer you in the right direction and a whole new world of communication will open up to you.
Our local club (Stillwater Amatuer Radio Club) meets the first Tuesday of every month at the local Salvation Army Post. I try to make as many meetings as I can, that my work rotation does not interfere with. They give the test when ever you want to attend. Check out the website as well. – WD0AJG
CLUBS
Club meeting Day always fell on the first Friday of each month, which makes it the most interesting day of the month. Each gathering would begin with registration or sign-in, the reading of the preceding months meeting, announcement of new memberships, and payments of membership dues and so on.
New Amateur Radio operators are likely to perceive these meetings as great learning opportunities such as choice of station equipment, and operating practices. If you’re an old-timer, it’s an opportunity to get together once a month with acquaintances and share ideas and experiences. The Amateur Radio Clubs Members ranged in age from 10 to over 90 years old. Members were requested to bring hand-held two way radios to swap-meets, field day events and communication drills. Members also had access to the clubs line phone patch and other functions of the repeater for testing and PL control. Members were active in a number of specialized areas including Field Day, Contesting, Digital Modes, EMCOMM and ATV. Members had a wide and varying interest in the hobby.
In general, amateur radio operators are different in that they are licensed and allowed to build and alter their radio communication equipment with the purpose of the advancement of technical knowledge and skills. While the members for that of Citizens Band radio clubs are allowed to promote communication practice and public service, but no hands-on or experimentation or altering of internal adjustments of licensed equipment allowed. Technical Update Members of many Amateur Radio Clubs are actively at work to enhance the facilities and the functionality of club stations and its member’s stations.
Over the years amateurs have banded together in cooperation with the junior high school, Senior high school and college faculty giving amateur radio classes and helping form the Amateur Radio Clubs, these are strong and active clubs in the schools today. Most of these clubs are equipped with two way radio repeaters having wide area coverage.
Amateur Radio Clubs are committed to serving the general public by making available communication in emergencies when cell phones repeaters and civil communications radios are disabled or less than reliable. Some Amateur Radio Clubs construct Web Sites and make them available to better serve their members – informing them of the clubs Points of Interest and Upcoming Events. The clubs offer License testing at scheduled times. The license classes are: Technician, general and extra. Study for your examination. Go web site http://www.arrl.org. Have fun.
Please leave your comments.
Roger Hardieway is a retired Engineer and Amateur Radio Operator
Author: Roger Hardieway
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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