What now?

The Allure of the Seas at Port Zante, Basseterre, Saint Kitts. 2022-01-02.
 Picture made from a second floor bedroom window at V44KF.

I do not have the  answer. As we begin the New Year some of us are asking that question, and also where do we go from here? As an amateur radio operator for some years, I have formulated a plan which forces my amateur radio development and progress every year, irrespective. Amateur radio is ongoing, and one can never run out of amateur radio activities. Durng the last sunspot cycle when the bands were dead for some operators, they turned to the digital modes rather than go to sleep or play dead, just because the ham bands appeared dead. Ham radio operators should always have a plan, because amateur radio is a hobby that affords it.

 

There are amateur radio operators who are watching and waiting on other amateur radio operators, while there are others who are charting their our amateur radio course, rather than watching and waiting for someone to break something for them to jump on. Of course there is  nothing wrong with this mindset, this is all part of life, and this is what makes the hobby so interesting. Different strokes for different folks. What is sometimes disheartening are the complainers. Actually all the complainers need to do is to go and find another pastime, like getting a powerful pair of binoculars, and go look at the brunetttes suntanning on the beach. We have summer 24x7x365 in the Caribbean, and I am not refering to our ham  radio operators, but if that fits you, so sorry. 

I am of the view that amateur radio operatprs should hit the New Year running hard with their amateur radio plans and programs. Speaking for myself, work is in progress for my portable and mobile statiom which was derailed by the pandemic, then a lightning storm which damaged both my computer and the SDR radio. The computer was replaced but not the radio. Actually, new radios are on the market, so the portable / mobile plan is being revised. However work on the radio station antennas continue as new information is used in designing new and more efficient and effective antennas.

Unfortunately there is still the unresolved issue of the illegal interference, noise and frequency jamming signals generated by the smart meters equipment of the electric company on Saint Kitts. After four [4] years going on five [5] the Telecommunications Authority cannot fix this illegal frequency generation matter. This is the problem with independence and being governed by people who do not know and/or do not care about upholding the laws of the country. One of these days this illegal interference problem will be resolved, hopefully before the peak of this sunspot cycle around 2025 to 2026, so that amateur radio operators can again enjoy DX contact on the bands now jammed by the illegally generated interfering signals.

Everyone was affected in some way by the pandemic of the last couple years. Some of us waited until "life" became more stable, before looking at adding a new radio to the station. While some are looking to add new equipment, many are looking to add old and reliable equipment. In some countries many amateur radio stations are becoming available as older operators go silent key. Many new hams are joining the ranks, sentimentally. We welcome all operators from everywhere, irrespective of reason. Just observe the rules and be a LADY or a GENTLEMAN. Many senior or older operators, the world over, still need to learn RESPECT for their fellow amateur radio operators. 

The radio manufacturers were also seriously affected by the pandemic and related issues. Some of them have stopped production of amateur radio equipment until the end of 2022. I know because I am on the waiting list for equipment. Nothing is carved in stone, and worst case scenario, plans can change. At the begining of 2022, between all the radio makers there is a radio for everyone, as long as we can afford it.  The top seventeen [17] radios, acording to the receiver test data table by Rob Sherwood can fill the need of any ham radio operator on any budget. The receiver test data table is here http://www.sherweng.com/table.html

On the issue of buying new or old, discontinued, equipment, I believe that one should buy NEW and amateur radio equipment in production. All equipment will break down in time, and the possibility of getting certain replacement parts for discontinued equipment is very slim to none. Certain USA laws give a replacement parts available window of seven [7] years, this protects the buyer up to a point, but to get your money's worth [for at least seven [7] years] it is best to buy a brand new radio, one still being manufacturered. All the new radios sport the latest variety of technology, making all amateur radio operating more friendly. 

No one radio meets all the needs of the amateur radio operator. Some radios are made specifically with contest and DX operators in mind, and all other radios are made for the general needs of amateur radio operators. This helps tremendously when an amateur radio operator knows what specific plans they have for their brand of amateur radio, and they will select the right type of equipment from day one. Invest time in YouTube and learn as nuch as possible about amateur radio. This is one of the best investments in your time.

[to be continued]