03/22/99

Radio Hams Ham It Up

... in response to BOL ... CUL ... GB (3/5/99)

"73...tnx...bcnu...hi...hi...hi" This message and those printed in Morse Code leave the uninitiated in the dark, probably one of the reasons hams love amateur radio. They can gossip right out in the open, because the only people who understand what they're saying are other hams! Maybe some of their comments will entice you to take up hammin'.

"You might want to include information on how to become a ham. Go to the web site for the American Radio Relay League (http://www.ARRL.org), a national membership society for radio amateurs in the USA. There's a wealth of information about ham radio for the new ham and those who would like to get started.

"Another source of information about ham radio you can access via email (newsmedia@arrl.org) to Jennifer Hagy, Media Relations. She can field your questions and refer you to specific answering sites."

---vy 73!
(very best regards)

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Participate in a Phone Patch

For in-depth information about ham radio, contact Ruth Hoffman by email at n41mc@ij.net. She's an experienced ham and can teach newcomers how to set up phone patches to just about anyone anywhere."

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A Wonderfully Diverse Hobby

"Unfortunately, not much attention is given to the art of ham radio. I wish more people were aware of what a wonderfully diverse hobby it is. I'm sure all hams will thank you for putting it in such a good light."

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Spotlight Ham Radio Relief Efforts

"At first I wondered where you were going with the ham radio column. In the end I thought it was great. The only thing I think is wrong is the nature of the story you alluded to with the boaters and the Mexican pirates. There are so many positive things that ham radio does on a daily basis. What about organization of relief efforts after a natural disaster, such as tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes.

"Amateur radio means much more to those of us who use it than is reflected in the column. Try talking with hams who have been at it for 30, 40 or 50 years. Still my hat is off to you for writing the article. Amateur radio deserves some time in the spotlight."

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Hammin' in CT

"I am not a ham but am interested in it. I've noticed a growing interest in antique/vintage radio, exemplified by a current course in crystal-set making at the radio museum in East Hartford. And check out the publication, The Xtal Set Society (email at: xtalset@midnightscience.com). Newington, CT is also the headquarters of the Amateur Relay League, which is a major national ham organization.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.