Foundations of Amateur Radio

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In pursuit of a challenge

Posted: 02 Nov 2019 09:00 AM PDT


Foundations of Amateur Radio


An interesting question came up the other day. It's there such a thing as a
solo contest? At the time I answered with examples like talking to a
hundred countries to achieve the DXCC, or doing that on every band. I gave
other examples too, but today I'd like to come at this from a different
angle.


When you go fly fishing, you typically stand in cold water trying to tempt
a fish into taking your lure. If you are in the right spot at the right
time with the right bait you might be lucky and achieve momentary bliss
with the capture of a fish.


That moment, the peak of achievement when the fish bites, that's a moment
for you and you alone. Of course you'll be able to brag about it later and
bask in the glory of your achievement, but the moment itself is a solitary
experience.


Many aspects of amateur radio are exactly like that.


The circumstances are not even that different. Instead of standing in cold
water, you're having your eardrums assaulted by noise. Instead of a line
you have an antenna. Instead of a lure, you have your voice, but the same
thrill happens when you hear your callsign being said by the other station.
Calling back and forth with the exchange is much like fighting a fish. The
bragging is no different.


Of course amateur radio isn't actually fly fishing, but it's close.


One of the things that you can do with amateur radio is achieve the bliss
of success together with friends. You can compete in a contest together and
share the missed opportunities, the misheard callsigns and what ever else
chance throws in your way. Yes, I know, in fly fishing you can participate
in the World Championships as a team, but generally it's a solitary
experience.


Oh, I should point out that my relationship with a fishing rod is an
unhealed one. At the age of ten or so I managed to catch a fish in the
local canal. At age 36 I caught a tiny fish on a safety pin in a pool at
the base of a waterfall in the Kimberley. Typically I carry a fishing rod
around into the bush with a lead weight to hoik it through a tree so I can
pull a wire antenna up, so if there's any inaccuracies in relation to my
dissertation on fly fishing, please don't hesitate to let me know.


I've said this before. Amateur radio is lots of different things. It's a
pursuit of technology, of excellence, of challenge, fun, victory and it's
about having the experience.


You can do this on your own and feel the amazing joy of making a contact,
or you can do it with friends. Ultimately the choice is yours.


Which ever one you pick, how you play is up to you. You can decide to see
what comes along, or you can set out to make something happen. There is no
right or wrong way, nobody to tell you that you must this or should that,
it's entirely your decision to make.


I like, actually, I love trying to get better at whatever I do. Talking to
people, crossing the street, building an antenna, making a contact, winning
a contest. I love trying new things, having new experiences, and seeing
what others do differently. That's my make-up, it's me.


If you want ideas on what to do, feel free to ask, but expect me to be
interested in how you go. If you tried something new, share your
experiences and tell your tale. I really don't mind if it failed. I'd much
rather hear that you tried, rather than gave up before you started.


So, what's your next adventure?


Perhaps you have a waterproof radio and you want to bring it when you next
go fishing ...


I'm Onno VK6FLAB
This posting includes a media file:
http://podcasts.itmaze.com.au/founda...teur-radio.mp3