Subj : Re: Topics Overview
To   : esc
From : Daryl Stout
Date : Fri Jun 16 2023 05:03:00

 es> This is great! I've always been interested in HAM but never took the
 es> time. Thanks.

   There have been a lot of changes in the hobby, since I was first licensed 
 32 years ago.
  
 1) "Internet Radio" (i.e. VoIP) has become common, and amateur radio operators

 with medical issues (i.e. heart conditions), can't have RF gear, as it could 
 cause problems with their pacemakers. This is also useful if they move into 
 areas which restrict or prohibit any RF gear, antennas, etc. With the
"internet 
 radio", all you need is a laptop, a monitor, and a wi-fi connection, to show 
 that "it's not just RF anymore". But, ANY hobby can get expensive in a hurry.
  
 I did a demo at a high school ham radio club several years ago, with this mode

 of "internet radio". The kids were more worried about getting money together 
 for their college tuition, instead of spending money on ham radio gear, and 
 accessories.
   
 2) The Morse Code requirement for US Ham Radio Licenses was eliminated back 
 in early 2007. Now, folks are learning it because they want to, and NOT 
 because they have to.
   
 3) Digital modes have expanded...things like D-Star, DMR, WIRES-X, Fusion, 
 AllStar, Echolink, FT8, M17, P25, TGIF, and D-Rats, didn't even exist. 
 
 There is also a service called "HamShack Hotline", using a specialized phone, 
 which is like a private line for amateur radio operators. Some use it during 
 their nets, as a way to communicate if a repeater, etc. went down. Plus, 
 there are things you can say over HamShack Hotline that you can't say "over 
 the air".
  
 Daryl, WX4QZ 
  
.... BAR CODE: Electronic device to help locate bars.
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