Many of today’s experienced engineers got their start in electronics through amateur, or “ham,” radio. (Many theories exist over the origin of the term “ham radio,” but there is no consensus.) Over the years, however, the demands of these engineers’ work, families, and communities took precedence, and many hams lost interest and let their licenses lapse. Meanwhile, with the rise of personal communications and Internet connectivity in homes, many young engineers never needed ham radio as a way to explore electronics. They’ve missed the opportunity that this fascinating hobby presents.
Interesting look back and forward…
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I have been an extra class amateur radio operator for more than 30 years. What
most people do not know is that the morse code (“CW”) requirement was eliminated years ago. If you spent just 20 minutes a day looking at the on-line exam practice sites, you will probably be able to pass the entry level exam within 2 weeks.
And please, AdaFruit, consider creating an OSH HF antenna analyzer kit? There would be a large market for that product. The only DIY kit available now comes from Aus, and is pretty limited.
I have been an extra class amateur radio operator for more than 30 years. What
most people do not know is that the morse code (“CW”) requirement was eliminated years ago. If you spent just 20 minutes a day looking at the on-line exam practice sites, you will probably be able to pass the entry level exam within 2 weeks.
For more, see http://www.arrl.org
And please, AdaFruit, consider creating an OSH HF antenna analyzer kit? There would be a large market for that product. The only DIY kit available now comes from Aus, and is pretty limited.