Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

And I think another hit is if you aren't aware of repeaters in your area or Simplex call stations, then it's no good.
Thinking of a random unprepared scenario, hiker comes across a severely injured/unconscious HAM.

I mean it's better than not having a HAM radio but I could think of more scenarios where it could not be helpful.

I think the thought that if the world ends HAM radio is going to magically work still turns me off some.

 

It's not.

It's just another tool. Ham is to be used for the intent of communication. If the topic of what's being communicated is an emergency, that's second. Ultimately it's just another tool.

If I was hiking and was to be prepared for an emergency, I'm bringing my inreach device and hand-held. If I'm not dying, I'll attempt the radio. But my primary emergency tool will be the inreach.

I'd like to think most hams realize the limitations of the hobby. And that in many situations there are better options to utilize. But it's all on a very much case by case.

 

Even in a TEOTWAWKI scenario, if you call CQ on 40M CW, someone will answer you.

Repeaters, meh.

 

Like I said, completely situation based.

 

Understand, it's just the way 'They' talk and portray it.

 

Honestly here's how it works for me.

911 or I reach for most life or death.

But, cases where ham could be a more viable resource;

-Exhausting supplies during a natural disaster and contacting locals for aid, when leaving the house could be a risk (VHF/ HF)

- Emergencies in no cell phone areas such as a car running off the road (VHF but I'd go HF for time sensitivity if possible)

-Non life threatening vehicle break downs in the middle of no where (HF)

-Mass scale emergency where organized aid resources have been exhausted (VHF)







Just a few examples. Obviously there are a ton of tools besides just ssb / Phone as well. Cw, PSK31, Olivia, Aprs, Skywarn for the tornado and hurricane guys.

 

I did this exact same thing during Hurricane Sally and Hurricane Zeta. During those storms, we were receiving net reports before they were picked up and broadcast by the local media. After we lost power it was reassuring to be able to track the cells, feeder band, etc.

 

Not today. I called CQ on CQ for 20+ minutes. Nothing. Nobody wanted to play QRS today.

Ham is definitely a secondary source of communication in an emergency. There are calling frequencies you'll be able to get people on, especially if you call MAYDAY. I wouldn't rely on it completely but I also have a healthy lack of faith in our global communications network. It is vast, it is redundant, but it isn't indestructible. But really, if there is a global meltdown, I'll hunker down off-grid and only get on the radio to see how the rest of the world is doing. It wouldn't be a help hotline for me.

It's a hobby. I like chatting with people that have similar interests. Trying different ways to communicate is a challenge and interesting to me.

 

HF propagation is both a science and an art. Sending speed, band segment.... lots of variables. I've been the 160/80m overnight op in many contests where I've CQd for hours at time with no answers. But you never know when you'll get a zone 26 caller :^)

 

DX window is you friend.

 

000 to 025

Frankly, I don't even remember what any of the other band limits are.

 

1. Not in the privileges yet.
2. QRS and DX seem to be incompatible or at least poor etiquette. But, by the time I test for extra, I hope to play at 13wpm or better.

 

Ham is free ish to get. I paid 15 for the testing but that was it. Worth it, if for nothing else you can get cool license plates

you can still get to HTs and other mobile rigs. Mostly it’s a communication for your own prepper pod and in case you come across others.

if it comes down to needing HAM in a survival situation I’ll probably not make it out alive anyway.

 

Licenses are free for now. The FCC is looking at placing a 50.00 fee to get a license, upgrade, or vanity call.

 

Yup. Which is why I’m considering just getting my extra now just in case. To be fair I didn’t know vanity calls weren’t free right now.

 

Vanity calls are still free of charge - at least they were in March.

 

I could think of a few cases where having ham would be a deciding factor on sustainability during a shtf situation.

But again, most situations have better solutions, mainly the immediate emergency ones.

 

In a SHTF situation no licenses needed. If life and or property are in danger (more emphasis on life) transmit away

I have kept a radio on hand for hurricane season since it gets weather radio much better than the hand crank radio I have and if power is out / cell and landlines jammed I know I can radio for help

I’m just now getting my license since I want to transmit in non SHTF situations

 

By all means, do what you need to do. But most life or death cases require contacting someone with a specific skill set. If the options are ham (vhf) VS driving or hiking to cell phone service, time is valuable and you better start moving. If you're mobile hf you have a bit more of a luxury.

Legality aside, I agree if things get that bad the "by any means possible" tactic becomes relevant.



The problem with that though is if you don't have actual time practicing with the equipment you won't be effective. This is especially true if you factor in hf radio as well.