In the current world with cellphones, smart watches and everything online. Its easy to get complacent. So much depends on a single thread. The internet, The unequivocable backbone. Cell sites are linked by it. text, email and practically all modern entertainment, communications and media rely on it. Financial transfers the store inventory and amazon turn upon it. Ham radio is more than it appears on the surface to many and the casual observer. Most people don’t realize the contributions that ham operators and experimenters have brought in the fields of technology. Many modern developments started in humble home workshops. Most recently hurricane Helene devastated communication infrastructure in the NC mountains.
Many linked public service radio systems were down for some time. MT. Mitchell repeater withstood the storm and provided many a crucial update and communication. I vividly remember hearing a search coordination in Swannanoa taking place in the first days. With the crew being reminded to leave the dead and push forward to find the living. As great as modern communications are they are weak. We depend on them but the truth is they are liken to a drunk giant ready to fall. Beyond this sphere ham radio still offers a lot of exciting projects for the inquisitive mind. Everything from morse code communications across the globe. Tracking and relaying messages through satellites. Even the ISS has a ham radio station on board and occasionally contacts hams on earth often as part of demonstrations to students.
Its a fun and rewarding hobby and full of friendly people. If your interested in learning more in Central NC check out The Rowan Amateur Radio Society or find me on the radio.
Steven Menius KF4VMU
Rowan Amateur Radio Society http://rowanars.org//
ARRL http://arrl.org/
