[K3CAL] Fwd: “It’s not real Ham Radio!” by Chris G7DDN

[Shawn Donley]

Definition of radio

1 : of, relating to, or operated by radiant https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiant energy
2 : of or relating to electric currents or phenomena (such as electromagnetic radiation https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiation ) of frequencies between about 3000 hertz and 300 gigahertz



For me, as long as the transmission channel, at one point or another, uses electromagnetic wave propagating through space on our assigned frequencies, it's amateur radio.  To me, that's the "magic" of it all.   So what fits?


1.  Any QSO using antennas on our assigned frequencies, regardless if it's CW, analog modulation (like AM, SSB, FM), digital modulation schemes (PSK, DMR, etc) or sending (maybe someday) quantum bits.

2.  Echolink or ILRP where one or both sides are using RF as the "final mile" in our assigned bands.


What doesn't fit:


1.  Echolink computer-to-computer.  Might be carried by RF at some point by commercial carrier (satellite/microwave relay) but not in our assigned bands.

2.  Digital voice that goes over the airwaves by commercial carrier outside of our assigned bands.


I disagree with the opinion that hams are resistant to change.   That argument is an all too obvious ploy to sell some equipment.   Not disliking the equipment, just the sales pitch.


If all you want to do is talk to someone without wires, using a box you don't need/want to understand, buy a cell phone or one of these "radios."


If you really want to understand what's happening, build a little QRP rig and get it on the air with a home brew antenna.  Better yet, read and study a lot so you can design your own little QRP rig and build it.


N3AE


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