Originally Posted By: haertig
What would getting a HAM license do for us? I'm thinking it just might be a fun thing to do. I understand the entertainment and hobby value, although I can't see myself spending hours at a time communicating with some unknown individual somewhere. Participating in group discussions like ETS is one thing, but I'd think one-on-one communication with an unknown person would be ... maybe a little strange feeling after the initial newness wore off? I don't know, maybe I'm wrong in what I think I understand about HAM radio. Is there a practical use for a HAM license? I have my degree in engineering, electrical specifically, but nowadays I'm 100% computer geek. Still, I think I could comprehend the technical aspects at least as well as the next guy.


Amateur radio may look a little out of place in this day and age, it has definitely lost a lot of appeal since the internet. But there is more to it than one-on-one chatting with some unknown person some place far away.

The real challenge in ham radio is getting your transmissions reach as far out as possible. It takes a lot of hands-on knowledge (plus the right equipment). But it's also highly rewarding along the way insofar as you learn a lot about radio, long range communication, electronics and DIY homebrewing. These skills tend to come in handy in any sort of major emergency.

When the chips are down, radio usually remains the best and most reliable means of communication with the outside world. Cellphone networks, land lines, the internet - none of those systems can compare to amateur radio in terms of simplicity, reliability and bang for the buck.

From that point of view, getting a Ham license and learning the basics of amateur radio would be energy well spent in my book. It doesn't have to become a life-long obsession and you don't need to end up a nerd... Just think of it as another useful skill.