I’m wondering what you guys suggest to regain my interest in this hobby. I got my certification last fall (live in US) and was excited to learn the concepts and start using a radio. But after passing that my interest has dropped.

I don’t have a radio club nearby or much money to spend on equipment. I had a UV-5R for a while but sold it recently since I needed the $ at the time. I was thinking of getting a slightly better handheld, and the idea of building a mobile station in my car is appealing. When I scanned the air with my baofeng I picked up some chatter every few days but could barely make it out. I also have a SDR that I connect to my computer and pick up some local FM stations.

I’ve heard that a club is the best way to get into it. The closest club is farther than I can usually drive with my work/life committments but I want to start trying to go at least once every few month. Are there any projects I could do on my own that could be exciting?

Thanks for your help.

  • K0STK
    6·
    8 months ago

    Amateur Radio is a niche hobby full of niches; most of them require a radio. Here’s one list of things you can do with/in Amateur Radio:

    🔗 https://hamradiofornontechies.com/what-can-i-do-with-ham-radio/

    Clubs are highly overrated. They are only beneficial if your interests in Amateur Radio coincide with a sizable segment of the club membership or with the club’s purpose. In my case our club is `primarily a social outlet for disheveled old folks who are only interested in DXing and contests; not my cup of tea.

    • GadgeteerZA@beehaw.orgEnglish
      3·
      8 months ago

      I’d second that amateur radio is way more than just chatting. There are so many digital modes, SDR, etc that can be explored. May be worth getting a mobile rig that can be pulled out and used in the QTH as well.

      As a ham I’m helping right now to establish a backbone of Meshtastic radios across our city. It’s not ham radio, but it is something I can use my ham experience to build out and support others.

      Personally I’ve been enjoying VarAc on HF for long range comms on low power, but I see they just standardised on some 2m and 70cm frequencies too, which I still want to try out.

      • K0STK
        4·
        8 months ago

        if your club sucks, contribute and make it better!

        That’s an idiotic, and more than a little bit insulting, kneejerk response.

        You have no idea what I do for my club.