"Michael Coslo" wrote in message
...


Just what percentage of Amateurs are active ones, defining active as either
being on the air regularly, or participating in Amateur related activities on
a regular basis? (like say on a weekly basis?)


First, I'd argue that your definition of "active" is much too restrictive. I
consider myself "active" in the hobby but my activity isn't on a "regular basis"
and certainly not "weekly". I live in rural southern Arizona and have offices
and keep apartments in two other cities, one 100 miles away and another 700
miles away. About 1/3 of my time is spent in each of these locations, and I
keep a station only at home. I may go for many months without turning the
transmitter on, then have 1,500 contacts in a weekend contest, or just a couple
of ragchews or DX contacts.

In my life I have sometimes not had a station for a year or two, but didn't
consider myself an inactive ham. I also know a ham who has been
transmitter-less for at least 15 years, but plans to return to the air. Still
subscribes to all the magazines and belongs to CADXA up in Phoenix (he's on the
Honor Roll). His work has just not allowed him to operate, but has not
abandoned the hobby and considers himself "active".

So I'll use a different definition of active --- keeps his/her license current,
gets on the air at least a couple of times a year, or if currently off the air
he/she expects to be back on the air in the future. By that definition I'd
estimate that 75% of the current US license holders can be consider active.

The Man in the Maze
QRL at Baboquivari Peak, AZ

--
Iitoi

So I'll use a different definition of active --- keeps his/her license
current,

I think keeping your license current is the only requirement for the
definition of an 'active' ham. Keeping your license current implies either
on-air activity or the intention of returning to on-air activity at some
point in the future.

Iitoi wrote:
"Michael Coslo" wrote in message
...

Just what percentage of Amateurs are active ones, defining active as either
being on the air regularly, or participating in Amateur related activities on
a regular basis? (like say on a weekly basis?)


First, I'd argue that your definition of "active" is much too restrictive. I
consider myself "active" in the hobby but my activity isn't on a "regular basis"
and certainly not "weekly". I live in rural southern Arizona and have offices
and keep apartments in two other cities, one 100 miles away and another 700
miles away. About 1/3 of my time is spent in each of these locations, and I
keep a station only at home. I may go for many months without turning the
transmitter on, then have 1,500 contacts in a weekend contest, or just a couple
of ragchews or DX contacts.

I'll concede that it is pretty hard to define what "active" is. If this
were a proper poll, we'd want to get feedback on the different levels of
activity.

I'd have to say that I'd consider your description above as being active.


So I'll use a different definition of active --- keeps his/her license current,
gets on the air at least a couple of times a year, or if currently off the air
he/she expects to be back on the air in the future. By that definition I'd
estimate that 75% of the current US license holders can be consider active.


The number seems a little high to me, but that's good feedback anyhoo.

- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -

"Michael Coslo" wrote in message
...
Iitoi wrote:
"Michael Coslo" wrote in message
...

[snip]

So I'll use a different definition of active --- keeps his/her license
current, gets on the air at least a couple of times a year, or if
currently off the air he/she expects to be back on the air in the future.
By that definition I'd estimate that 75% of the current US license
holders can be consider active.


The number seems a little high to me, but that's good feedback anyhoo.

- 73 de Mike KB3EIA -


I would exclude those who "intend" to get back on the air as far as being
active goes. Many intentions never materialize. I'd consider them inactive
until they actually do get back on the air.

Dee, N8UZE