In a world where technology dominates our lives, there’s something magical about making a voice contact that transcends borders and brings people together. Welcome to the fascinating realm of amateur radio, where making connections is an adventure filled with excitement, community, and boundless possibilities. Let’s embark on a journey that will inspire you to explore this captivating hobby and join the global network of amateur radio enthusiasts.

Picture this, the crackling sound of your radio, the anticipation building as you tune into a frequency, and then, amidst the static, a voice emerges. Garbled at first sounding warbled and robotic. As you spin the dial slowly the voice becomes clearer and more pronounced. It could be someone from a distant country, sharing their experiences and culture with you. Or it could be a neighbor just a stone’s throw away, someone you’ve never met before. The thrill of making contact with both near and far is equally exhilarating, creating a sense of wonder, connection, and learning. It is a feeling that unites us in our divided and separate lives bringing us together in a sweet moment in time for true connection, inspiration, and friendship.

Not sure about how to break the ice with a stranger? Ask about the weather, and what they love most about their home town. Ask about what brought them to that place and how long they have been there. Ask them if they have a favorite dining establishment and what they would recommend ordering if you one day stopped in to say hello. Ask about their career and professional lives, about their families, or about what type of vehicle they drive. The best part of these connections is that there is polite conversation around every corner and with a little investigative questioning you will find a riveting conversation right around the “band”.

What makes amateur radio so remarkable is that it speaks to both introverts and extroverts, providing a platform for self-expression and building relationships. For introverts, it offers a haven where they can communicate with others without the pressures of face-to-face interaction. You can engage in conversations, share stories, and forge meaningful connections, all from the comfort of your own home. Amateur radio becomes a window to the world, opening up new horizons and expanding your social circle in a way that feels safe and fulfilling.

Extroverts, on the other hand, thrive on the adventure of reaching out to unfamiliar voices. They revel in the excitement of discovering new contacts. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with someone across the globe or stumbling upon a kindred spirit in their own backyard, the joy of connecting knows no bounds. Amateur radio becomes a playground for their curiosity and social energy, offering endless opportunities to explore and engage with a diverse community of radio enthusiasts.

To truly appreciate the wonders of amateur radio, let’s take a brief journey through its rich history. It all began in the early 20th century when pioneers like Guglielmo Marconi and Hiram Percy Maxim pushed the boundaries of wireless communication. Amateur radio operators, affectionately known as “hams,” became early adopters and experimenters, exploring the power of radio waves for personal communication. Over time, the hobby evolved, and advancements in technology made it more accessible to people from all walks of life.

Now, you may be wondering, in this age of cellphones, instant messaging, and social media, why does amateur radio still hold its relevance? The answer lies in the unique experience it offers. In our busy and frantic lifestyles, amateur radio promotes community and togetherness. It’s like sitting down with a neighbor, sharing a cup of coffee, and engaging in heartfelt conversations. The beauty of it all? That neighbor could be halfway around the world, hailing from a different culture and background. Amateur radio erases the boundaries of distance, fostering connections that transcend borders and enrich our lives. Not only that, but you don’t have to know the person to contact them. When you get on the radio bands you are all amateur radio operators. All are a part of internal and respected fraternity of brotherhood. On the radio waves you are above the noise. There is not political divides, or news of the whole world in chaos. It is just two people connecting in a place and space free of discourse and strife.

As you delve into the world of amateur radio, be prepared for some really wonderful and mentally stimulating conversations that will broaden your way of thinking and let you see far beyond your current horizons. Each voice contact is an opportunity to learn, to gain insights into different perspectives and experiences. These rabbit hole conversations spark curiosity and kindle the flames of lifelong learning. Yet, beyond knowledge, amateur radio builds friendships. Bonds are forged through shared experiences, turning strangers into companions across the airwaves. It’s a reminder that humanity’s greatest strength lies in our ability to connect with one another.

One of the best aspects of voice contacts and this hobby is its versatility. Amateur radio allows you to create a base station at home, if that is where you want to safely get into the world of amateur radio and offers you an oasis of exploration and communication. But it doesn’t stop there. You can get a mobile unit and mount it in your vehicle or bring a handheld radio with you on your walk around the block. Take your radio on vacation and make it an adventure, or embark on thrilling DX expeditions, where you chase the thrill of making contacts from remote locations. The opportunities for use is endless. With amateur radio you are never alone.

Some may ask how difficult is it to make a call to a stranger. Rest assured it is easy, but there is a cadence and a rhythm to it that is simple to learn and scripts written that are easy to follow to get you started. If you want to get on a station and have an Elmer (mentor) to help you the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) hosts an annual Field Day exercise that happens each June on the fourth weekend of the month. www.arrl.org It is a wonderful opportunity to find a location and a club hosting a Get on the Air (GOTA) station near you. http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator Many have a script for you to follow such as the one below that we have for our club. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone. In fact you can’t be on the airwaves making contacts without the aid and supervision of a licensed operator, but this will give you the practical experience of getting your voice out there and making your first live contact in a safe and controlled environment surrounded by helpful and friendly amateur radio operators that can guide your path and answer all of your questions.

FUN with Field Day Calling/Answering 

Whiskey-Zero-November-Tango (WØNT)

How to CALL:

Find a “clear” frequency (as best you can). Key the Mic & Ask “Is the frequency in use?” IF it is, move about 4-6 kHz away & ask again). IF NO ANSWER, then:

Call CQ: “CQ Field Day, CQ Field Day, Whiskey Zero November Tango”

• Pause a few seconds then repeat.

Give Exchange: When answered, say their callsign and Reply 

“Whiskey-Zero-November-Tango; 7-Echo; Charlie Oscar (or Colorado)”.

The other station gives you their Callsign, Class, and Section. If all ok, say “QSL, 73”, otherwise say “AGAIN” until you get their info. Don’t be “timid”.

How to ANSWER:

Find a station calling CQ (note their Callsign). Answer with:

“Whiskey-Zero-November-Tango”         

If they reply with WØNT, they will give you their Class and Section. 

If you got it, reply:

“Copy, Whiskey-Zero-November-Tango, 7-Echo, Colorado (or Charlie Oscar for CO)”. They may ask you to repeat it or they may say “QSL” (they got it — end of QSO).

Other Info:

QSL (or Roger-roger) means “Got It.” (copied the info). In a question, it means “DID you get it?”

Q-R-Zed (QRZ) means “Who is Calling?” – requests station to call again

TIPs: Everyone starts by Searching & Answering but Calling on a Frequency & getting stations to answer (“creating a pile-up”) is WAY more productive. Don’t easily give up your frequency if possible once you’ve established yourself.

Remember – Be Safe, Be Courteous, Have FUN!

Did you just miss Amateur Radio Field Day? No problem! Just find a local club near you and attend their next meeting. New additions are always welcome! Not sure how to find a club near you? Again, no problem… ARRL has that covered too! Just go to: http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club and put in your state. You will be amazed at all of the clubs established all around you. Find one that interests you and visit their websites to find when their next meeting is and where it is located. If you have questions they usually have a point of contact (POC) listed that you can call or email with questions. Many amateur radio operators are members of multiple clubs so go to as many as you would like. Also remember that there are national clubs you can join as well that you don’t need to be in close proximity to in order to join.

National amateur radio clubs offer further camaraderie and friendships based on mutual interests. Many offer scholarship opportunities and there is no limit to how many you can join so I suggest looking around and finding one that resonates with you. If you have a passion in something that does not seem to have a national club remember you can always start one! Here are a few to get you started.

Such as the Young Ladies Radio League (YLRL) https://ylrl.net It is an organization for women amateur radio operators that began in 1939 to promote, uplift, and connect women in the hobby of amateur radio. They even offer amateur radio courses to get you online and ready to take your test. These classes are given by women and for women which offers a wonderful and unique experience. The Elmers (mentors) you meet through YLRL along your journey will become lifelong friends in the process.

An additional fantastic national club is the OMIK Amateur Radio Association, Inc. which was founded in 1952, as the OMIK Electronic Communications Association by Black amateur radio operators from the states of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky to deal with discrimination in the dominant culture at that time and to assist Black travelers with information on places where they could safely eat and lodge. In our history at that time many ham organizations denied membership to Blacks. Therefore, black amateur radio operators needed a Black Amateur Radio organization with its own nets and other activities. Today, OMIK is a national club, and is the largest predominately Black amateur radio association in the United States. https://www.omikradio.org/home/our-story

Another is the Rainbow Amateur Radio Association (RARA) which meets the needs of our LGBTQ amateur radio community. http://www.rara.org They offer support and a sense of community to all individuals who are supportive of sexual minorities and their lifestyles, and who share a common interest in Amateur Radio.

Or the Hispanic American Amateur Radio Club (HAARC) http://haarc.weebly.com that meets the needs of our Hispanic amateur radio community. They offer support in Spanish and aid with Elmers (mentors) who are available for answering questions, translation, and helping operators get on the air.

Whereas Bicycle Mobile Hams of America (BMHA) http://bmha-hams.org/Info/Info-BicycleMobile.htm offers connection and camaraderie for biking enthusiasts. BMHA membership puts you in touch with a friendly and helpful group of bike-riding hams. They have annual meet ups and offer plenty of great advice on how to get started other website. As well as offer many suggestions on types of equipment to use and where to find them.

As you can see there are many local and national amateur radio clubs that offer so much AM, FM (local VHF / UHF operations, fixed or mobile, simplex or repeater based), and Single Side Band (SSB) (think HF operations) voice contact support, advice, and fellowship that you are bound to find many clubs that meet your individual needs and preferences so don’t settle for just one club. Join as many as you would like. Even multiple local clubs offer different aspects that fulfill different roles and needs. Such as one club might be more of an easy going and laid back social club that offers some great speakers and talks. Where as another club might be really technical and hands on that offer maker nights where you can get your hands all in and create some really fantastic projects. The key is to seek out and you shall find. What you need is out there, and even when you don’t know what you are looking for just going and showing up will often open new doors and fun opportunities you did not even know existed.

If you need help, or have any questions feel free to reach out to me at any time and I would be happy to guide you on your path. Until then I look forward to catching you on the airwaves!

73,

N3DEZ

For more fun information and connections on how to Get on the Air (GOTA) check out this ARRLHQ “On the Air” Podcast: https://youtu.be/0LDbOnWw9l8

Another great resource is GOTA Hams https://gotahams.com/about-us/ as they showcase and exemplify what GOTA is all about. Some feel that GOTA is just for non licensed individuals who are curious about amateur radio, but GOTA Hams show that it is also for newly licensed amateur radio operators who are timid or afraid of getting on the air. In both scenarios having a GOTA station with an Elmer (mentor) at your side is beneficial to break the ice and greatly aids in getting comfortable with on the air communications.