For those of you who think the radio hobby is all but dead, here are a few recent stories from the local paper.
Balloon Lift
Pint-sized Communicators
I know some will say that it is not like it was "in the day", but it seems to me that the hobby became a fad and is now back to being only a hobby. Radio isn't the only thing to have fad status and later decline into hobby. Rubik's cubes, hula hoops, jogging, and loads of other stuff come to mind that are still around, but no longer fads.
For anyone who is still worried about the death of the hobby, how about being proactive. When you dig that old Kraco or Realistic out of the garage or attic, give it to a local kid instead of trying to get $20 out of it. Maybe your town has a fall festival, fair, or block party that you and a few other operators could set up at and show what it is all about. Bring something with lights and a DRO and I'm sure you can get some attention.
I'm not trying to pick on anyone, just trying to make the point that complaining won't get the job done like being proactive will. I think I remember DTB making a similar point once. He said that instead of just complaining about mis-tuned meter-happy radios and users, he would show them the difference between their setup and what theirs could be if properly tuned and aligned. Most times they would understand and prefer the proper way. Being proactive, do it.
Balloon Lift
Pint-sized Communicators
I know some will say that it is not like it was "in the day", but it seems to me that the hobby became a fad and is now back to being only a hobby. Radio isn't the only thing to have fad status and later decline into hobby. Rubik's cubes, hula hoops, jogging, and loads of other stuff come to mind that are still around, but no longer fads.
For anyone who is still worried about the death of the hobby, how about being proactive. When you dig that old Kraco or Realistic out of the garage or attic, give it to a local kid instead of trying to get $20 out of it. Maybe your town has a fall festival, fair, or block party that you and a few other operators could set up at and show what it is all about. Bring something with lights and a DRO and I'm sure you can get some attention.
I'm not trying to pick on anyone, just trying to make the point that complaining won't get the job done like being proactive will. I think I remember DTB making a similar point once. He said that instead of just complaining about mis-tuned meter-happy radios and users, he would show them the difference between their setup and what theirs could be if properly tuned and aligned. Most times they would understand and prefer the proper way. Being proactive, do it.