Marcel Birthelmer wrote:
> Hi all,
> I know there are some hams on this list, and I would like to get a feel
> for what it means to be a ham. I know there is some testing involved to
> get permission for certain radio bands etc., but other than that, what
> do you do after that? Is it a worthwhile pursuit for someone with a
> strong interest in electronics and working toward an EE degree?
> Thanks,
> - Marcel

Marcel,

I am also a Ham (hi Dave...), WY0X, and I would say that for those of us 
(assuming that you are like this) who like to tinker and experiment, 
there's almost no better hobby in the world.

Robotics, PIC's, Radio-Controlled modeling, etc etc etc... all are fine 
electronics-based hobbies.

But Ham Radio fulfills a basic human instinct -- communication.  And 
your electronics passion can take you as far as you can imagine it can.

Examples:

There are many hams who have designs on orbit via groups like AMSAT, who 
don't work professionally as satellite engineers...

And there are hams who installed the UHF repeater atop the Chrysler 
Building in New York that gave communications to the area for Red Cross 
workers after World Trade Center 1 and all of its communications gear 
collapsed...

And there are hams who've helped work through the politics with NASA so 
that astronauts and cosmonauts in their "free time" can talk with 
Amateurs on the ground and use Ham radio to talk to schoolkids the world 
over...

And there's hams who just enjoy the "thrill of the hunt"... or 
participate in contests... or whatever...

It's really limitless and "what you make of it".

It's also a good social networking place to find both young and old 
folks who all enjoy radio and electronics.

Looking forward to hearing you on the bands.

All the best,

Nate
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