Board:   [fsxNet] HAM
Subject: Amateur Radio in the age of social distancing.
From:    Vk3jed(21:1/109)
Date:    Sun Jan 11, 2026 01:51

Hi all, just sharing a few things and asking a question.

The amateur bands, particularly VHF/UHF are coming alive again here, and it's
all thanks to COVID-19.  Locally, one of the clubs I'm in started playing with
Zoom for meetings, and 2 days ago, we decided that since we're hams, perhaps
it's about time we got on the air, to help break the social isolation a bit.
Yesterday was our first of what has since become a daily net at 1PM every day
on a local repeater, and it's been a lot of fun.

Another group have started an "isolation net" that runs at 10AM on weekday
mornings on a major national linked repeater system.  I'm able to access the
system from a repeater 30km away.  People from all over the place check in and
have a quick say.

On Sunday, another local club is hosting their regular Sunday morning coffee...
 with a difference.  Instead of a traditional meetup at a cafe, they are
holding an on air net - you make your own coffee at home, then get on air for a
chat.

All this activity has led me to do some work on my shack.  I spent much of
today fixing problems and tweaking things, and there's a lot more to do.
Suddenly, I'm connected to the world, and now I have a list of projects to
complete as long as my arm. :)  Ham radio has become fun again!

One day, I'll get packet working and combine my BBS and radio hobbies.  I
actually have the shack side almost setup - just have to add a radio.  , then
setup a mobile/portable station.  I am able to run IP (v4) on packet as well,
that's already configured using LinBPQ.

I also have to work out where my OpenSpot has got to, so I can get back on DMR.
 I had made up a kit that works for both wired and wifi connections, but I
can't seem to find it. :/

Stay tuned. :)

So is anyone else getting back on the air to help deal with social distancing
or isolation?  Please share your experiences. :)


.... If that's my brain on drugs, can I have sausage with it?
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