[ARC5] Interest in "command" sets - where is a new generation?

[Robert Nickels]

If you think back to your high school days and count the number of young 
people (mostly guys) who were into ham radio and similar hobbies - and 
then take a look at the number of kids today who are into "Maker" 
activities, including robotics, model A/C, and microcomputers like the 
Arduino and Raspberry Pi - I think you'd be shocked to see the numbers 
are at least 10 to 50 times greater and are a pretty good mix of guys 
and gals.

Times have changed but these kids are still into radio (which is now 
called "wireless" doncha know?) but instead of yakking (which they have 
Skype, texting,  and unlimited minutes for) - they're using wireless to 
send data and video, to control things, for telemetry - just not so much 
for voice or CW.    The ARRL has forming alliances through their 
education programs to link "old school" ham radio into these efforts 
with pretty good success.   Cubesats and balloon telemetry are a couple 
of examples where APRS and traditional ham radio are a perfect adjunct 
to today's interests.    Just take a look at www.makerfaire.com if you 
have any doubt that technology hobbies are bigger than ever.   And 
before you scoff that there aren't any 807s in those projects, remember 
that software defined radios IS the future and what these kids are 
learning is today's equivalent of wrapping wire around a Quaker Oats box 
or firing up an ARC-5 on the Novice bands.

73, Bob W9RAN