re: Any HAM radio operators here?

quote:

---

I'd say it's a hobby mostly, but HAMs are useful when storms and other catastrophic events knock power out, etc. I think it's cool that you can talk across the world with minimal equipment and minimal power. I've talked to Australia and Ireland, and all over the US on a CB.

---

Pretty much this. I'm not very active, but most of the practice is about using primitive antennas, and battery powered equipment that can be hastily deployed when needed.

Before the Internet we know now existed, ham operators had a network of their own that operated basically the same way called packet radio. A network of computers that shared data over radio waves.

People with yachts in the Carribean can be heard calling home while at sea.

Transmitter hunting is a fun way to lean about directional antennas, and has a practical application when locating radio interference that can disrupt your wifi, car alarm, or garage opener.

If you really wanted to go off the grid, ham equipment is what you would want. It's far more difficult to trace transmissions on there than it is through cell, Internet, or other forms of modern communication.

I have no antennas that you can see.