Is Ham Radio in Australia on the Decline?

[@4youian]

I agree Hayden. Not sure if the foundation restrictions are appropriate. All the advise I heard was that if you want to get started on HF you need a 100 watt radio otherwise you'll get discouraged because making contacts is harder at QRP levels especially starting out. I went for standard and I think that advise is correct. I enjoy QRP but it is more challenging. Also I've never understood the band restrictions across licence levels - power restrictions I think is appropriate because that is where you need to pay the most attention (but not restricted to QRP levels). And it would be good if our local electronics magazine, Silicon Chip, promoted AR and had more projects for the AR operator. :) Cheers, Ian

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks for your comments Ian. Agree with all of that. Silicon Chip would be a great place to advertise AR. I'm not sure why they don't?

[@johnathanasiou9284]

100w for foundation levels is a respectable power level as 10w if ure inexperienced in QRP can be a frustrating experience. Foundation hams gain success in contacts which spurs on greater success

[@jamdiversified9698]

Getting a licence in Aus is so bloody convoluted and slow which I think turns a lot of people away. You have to hunt around and find a club or someone willing to run the exam, that could be a long time in the future especially if you want to study with them as well. Then when you do manage to work all that out and actually sit an exam it takes a month of two to receive your licence. It’s just WAY to hard for people that aren’t massively motivated or don’t have a lot of spare time for that side of things. There needs to be online courses for all levels of licence and online exams, even the practical could be carried out quite easily with a bit of creativity. This is 2021, if we don’t want amateur radio to die off then the established hams can’t be stuck in their ways. Times change, get over it.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks for the comment @JAMdiversified. I agree it is a turn off. There is online testing available now via vea.org.au/ and I am planning on doing some training videos shortly for the Foundation entry level license. Thanks again

[@georgessamara5592]

really, what you need a club for? I am studying alone, and will sit the exam alone via RSGB i think, and I don't need a club. Of course some clubs are useful, but they require you you to join first. I don't want to. I want a temporary membership to study and analyse the club first. Maybe I won't like them or they won't like me.

[@Spookieham]

Australia was very, very late on getting onto the online testing bandwagon and it's still a bloody mess. It should be blindingly simple to get on and do it. Part of the reason is it's not cheap to set up and the AMC will not spend any money on it as it's a poor return on investment.

[@GoA7250]

@@Spookieham Agreed. How do you make a small Australian enterprise? Start out big and watch people mess it up...

[@morphshag]

I'm a foundation holder her in VK5. Licenced in October 2018. I had planned on upgrading for more power and bands but stalled working fuill time and having a family, and then almost completely lost interest. 10W limit makes using HF infuriating when most people have S9+ noise floor. the repeaters are fairly dead around here and the local club is run by guys who are all in to microwave, bands WAY out of my reach and as a result arent interested in offering any support or motivation for the bands I can actually use. Luckily I can dabble in digital modes now but there is only so much mouse clicking I can do with FT8 before I get bored. I also think the testing needs to be brought in to the modern world and more relevant keeping in mind that "back in the day" talking across the world was an experience, an novelty and kind of amazing. Now my kids can do it from their ipad. Also, having to learn about resistors and capacitors "back in the day" was probably helpful but these days everything is SMD. Why do I need to learn that stuff when I can barely see the componants let alone be accurate enough with a soldering iron to get them off the board. Also, I didn't have to learn to be a mechanic to be able to drive a car? I understand learning procedures and limits and regulations but why do I need to learn to be an electronics engineed to pick up a microphone and rag chew.

[@profgyland2]

HAM radio is in deep decline in Australia and Europe. The main reason is that old HAMs are the most unfriendly people one can ever meet. I live in Canberra, and I can assure you that there is nearly nobody on the air or on the main repeater Mount Ginini. I have checked the frequency over weeks, and it is nearly impossible to listen or speak to anyone. There is nothing just dead silence except for the weekly WIA broadcast on Sunday mornings. HAMs in Canberra, for instance, are not talking but listening and you can be assured if you make the slightest fault or say something wrong you find yourself with a complaint at ACMA the Australian Communications Authority. On the other hand, HAM radio is the most cliquey hobby one can imagine. I have the analogue and the digital broadcasting facility and especially the digital groups in Australia stick together and do not let any newcomer into their groups or answer CQ calls. And then there is the hate problem with the people preferring the Internet instead of the over-the-air broadcasting. HAM radio is a very expensive hobby as it goes directly into the multiple thousands of dollars setting up a somewhat useful station. It is not worth the money to keep the license or purchase new equipment, especially in Australia as the dollar is low and an array of cheap brands are not allowed to be used. This is different to the status in the USA. In Australia, you can be fined, and lose your equipment, or your license if you use China-made products such as Baofeng and similar being prohibited in Australia. Regarding radio, I come from a commercial and national broadcasting background, including radio, since 1948, and TV in the 1950th in Europe, Africa, and Australia. I never regret this was a well-paid secondary job for me. To make my HAM license only happened as I was under pressure from friends to do it and I did it when I was 76 years of age and I regret it as it is a rather useless hobby and to me, a costly glorified CB radio broadcasting and nothing more. Many people in Australia are waking up to the fact that a mobile or satellite phone with worldwide coverage is a better deal and more successful and reliable than the entire HAM radio. It is as outdated compared to someone who nowadays would mainly drive a 100-year-old Ford T-Model car to work instead of a modern Toyota or Tesla vehicle. No wonder the HAM user trend is downwards and not upwards in Australia. I play with the thought of not renewing my HAM radio license altogether.

[@GeorgeGalanis1010]

What seems to be missing in our licensing system is the connection between the competencies required to operate on the amateur bands and the exams available. So for example if someone is interested in using a low cost FM handheld transceiver on the amateur vhf and uhf bands, and that is all they desire to start with, the only exam available is the foundation license which also includes stuff that they don't need about HF, SSB, making coax cables for fixed antennas etc. So we have already made it more difficult than need be for a potentially simple entry into amateur radio bands. We may also need to revisit the difference between standard and advanced licenses. There might be a blurring between those two categories, and that might be why we are seeing a decline in advanced license numbers, and a lack of transitions from the standard license to advanced.

[@andyh1648]

Look at demographics of Australian members. Decline is due to many passing away. Youngsters have internet instant no distance limit communications and don't care about radio skills with it's many regulations and associated costs.

[@Pan_Samochodzik]

True, I hear the voices on the radio and language they use gives clue to their age.

[@K5ATA]

You know my answer.... get into the schools and get some Padawans! Good video, mate. (You like that aussie-ism?)

[@HamRadioDX]

I do haha! Yes very good tips, hopefully we can organize more school run events and programs as you do. Thanks mate

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@HamRadioDX QRP Labs came up with a 10 pound kit, or there abouts. A simple, but not as crappy as the Pixie CW kit that would probably cost less than a pineapple...but more than a lobster...that gives you a usable CW transceiver My son starts high school next year. I was thinking of approaching the school to see if they were interested in setting up an amateur radio club. Given they have a nice tall building on the top of a nice tall hill, I have been eyeing it off for an antenna mount for some time...

[@photonthief]

@@HamRadioDX STEM programs both in schools and over the holidays are huge here in Melbourne. I have no idea why the WIA etc aren't trying to get involved in them.

[@HamRadioDX]

@@photonthief Are they sponsored by local clubs or groups over there?

[@photonthief]

@@HamRadioDX Sorry I probably wasn't clear enough, there aren't STEM programs focused on radio here. Just a lot of general making, coding and robotics programs run by schools, libraries and local councils. I was more saying that the WIA (and others) need to try and get into some of the existing programs and offer a radio element to them. Its super applicable to young people interested in making/engineering. They need to work the angle that amateur radio teaches RF fundamentals that can assist people with all things radio be it control, telemetry, voice, etc. I don't think it should be left up to the local clubs to push this. They aren't funded or organised enough to have an impact. It needs to come from a central body IMO.

[@alanwallace7996]

As an f call sign from my perspective I have noticed a number of issues. It’s pretty easy to get a foundation course but after that the courses or tutoring seems to dry up. Giving no access to the 20meter band which is probably one of the most popular and easier antenna lengths to cater for given my small back yard is not particularly helpful and the whopping 10watts to play with in a solar minimum is really useful. I’m surprised more people are not leaving in droves.

[@OllieVK]

I asked Justin about upgrading from Foundation when I did my test, his advice was most of Advanced is covered in Standard, so it would be better to study and go from Foundation straight to Advanced.

[@HamRadioDX]

Depending on what level your study is at, then for sure go from Foundation to Advanced. I haven't looked closely at the syllabus but there is obviously a difficulty increase from Standard to Advanced. Good luck, have you got your callsign yet/taken your test?

[@OllieVK]

@@HamRadioDX did the exam on the 29th, apparently AMC processing is around 15 days... They've at least confirmed by email that they've received my paperwork =)

[@vk3wl]

Agree. Retain foundation and advanced, , get rid of standard. Advanced and standard are so close.

[@kenstephens2955]

I think we have a big problem because the testing is in private hands and there isn’t enough money in it for them to change it. That aside, I’d like to see 2 licence tiers, one for hams who are not allowed to build equipment from scratch, only from a kit or pre-made and the second to be the Advanced as it is now. Give the lower tier 100W HF to 50W UHF on voice, CW and data and cut everything out of the exam that guys who aren’t building their gear don’t need. Exam to be held online and practical to be done over Zoom or similar. With love, Ken

[@awdtw]

7% decrease in overall licensed users from 2010 to 2020. Vast majority of them are in the retired bracket. The next 10-20 years do not look good for it here. That being said, there are plenty who don't run officially. I asked around the group we were in convoy with and none of them had licenses. I figured what the heck, I would go get it done and maybe others would too. I started studying for the test and then found out it was going to cost over $200 just to get the bottom level approval and a callsign and that is if I passed the test first time around, otherwise another $100 to test again. I also had to register, pay and deal with two different organisations to do it. $200 is nearly three times the price of the radio I wanted to use to communicate with. Obviously I didn't end up going ahead with the process.

[@HamRadioDX]

This process is now changing. As of February 2024, ACMA will be taking this over. Exams will be free. The only charge will be if you pass and then the ACMA will provide you with a recognition certificate for like $40 plus a small callsign fee. No annual renewal fees either. www.acma.gov.au/amateur-radio-accredited-assessors

[@michaelawheeler64]

From my experience the things that really limit someone joining amateur radio in Australia : - cost (even if someone can afford it, they might not want to take the risk on a hobby they might not like) - stigma / relatable people / acceptance (there's a bunch of people that don't want to hang out with the stereotypical people you find in amateur radio clubs) - difficulty (not as in the exams are hard, but it's hard to find a place to get training, a place to do the exam, people to contact. Have you tried trying to contact a club without visiting the club or contacting them via radio - it's slow and painful) If you have checked out how NZ does licensing it might worth a read. Single license / exam: your first 3 months + 100 contacts are limited to 160/80m and 2/70cm (from memory) - basically places where you aren't going to cause world wide interference. Once to complete 3 months and 100 contacts you get full access without any exam required. The cost is minimal.

[@miki_ned]

I agree on the 2nd and 3rd points that you have made, more 3rd than 2nd. I would like to add a 4th if I may, the wait times to get answers from the AMC and then ACMA, my times were 4 weeks. At one point I almost gave up, they must speed up the process to a few days. Yes I too did find it hard to find a club then finding someone to sit the exam, I think all up was 3+ months. Any other hobby or club/organisation does not make you so discouraged in waiting and searching for answers. WOW, NZ seem to have it done right, I hear that the USA get it done in a day or so if I am correct??

[@marindancirco6498]

I do not know about young people but I always emphasize or concentrate on education aspect of any subject. I'm not engineer but I study electronics all my life and work enjoy and learn. I'm not surprise about young generation been wrongly nurtured or supported or lost any appetite for more "down to earth". Listen to your growing intellect and natural makeups. It is more disturbing the way young generation have ways of escaping the disappointment and dissolution, "fine mess humanity find it self into" It is our responsibility to be aware of what eventually, we all are into. I did and so should anyone have done that, I'm sure it is still happy even now. I remember I stood for Ham exam in WA and only pass the Morse code exam. I will try again here in NSW perhaps on different level. by Danny Marin Circo [e-mail] 31082021

[@KeiranR]

Yeah the marketing in Australia for amateur radio is certainly not very effective it's all word-of-mouth I don't know the number one place you most likely to get people interested is your citizen bands there are people all over the forums always asking for help they're genuinely interested some of them.. you want to get them from there.. these guys already have the bug.. and there's a bit of a divide there between CBers and amateurs and that's a big bloody shame.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

I can say that the 11m is mostly populated by hams who enjoy the _free speech_ nature of the _less self regulated_ portion of the spectrum 27.355MHz lower side, the traditional aussie SSB call channel, is typically busier than 28.490MHz upper side.

[@HamRadioDX]

That's why I have things like this channel to try and reach out to them and convert their interest into going for their license! Thanks for your comments 👍👍

[@KeiranR]

@@HamRadioDX yeah that's it mate you're right you know you're doing a good job.. and you certainly getting out there I've heard your channel being mentioned a few times now on air

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks mate, all good things I hope! It's one of my passions is trying to grow interest in the hobby here in VK. I think in a recent video, might of been a patron video that I did, I'd like to see 20,000 licensees. That's about a percentage right now of 0.08% of the population.

[@marindancirco6498]

why? " rewards are cheaper then material/financial cost " then forget other, we can manufacture educational staff here too if nobody will dare to stops-it. So far so painful. I do not know about young people but I always emphasize or concentrate on education aspect of any subject. I'm not engineer but I study electronics all my life and work enjoy and learn. I'm not surprise about young generation been wrongly nurtured or supported or lost any appetite for more "down to earth". Listen to your growing intellect and natural makeups. It is more disturbing the way young generation have ways of escaping the disappointment and dissolution, "fine mess humanity find it self into" It is our responsibility to be aware of what eventually, we all are into. I did and so should anyone have done that, I'm sure it is still happy even now. I remember I stood for Ham exam in WA and only pass the Morse code exam. I will try again here in NSW perhaps on different level. by Danny Marin Circo [e-mail] 31082021

[@TorchHacker]

It's probably worth delving down into how many new Foundation, Standard and Advanced licensees there are each year and what the retention rate is. E.g. If you look at Foundation totals for 2018 (2617) and 2019 (2620), there has been an increase of 3 but how many new people got their Foundation license in 2019? How many upgraded to Standard or Advanced? How many left? 2020 was a bit of a struggle but clubs continued with Zoom. The cost of entry is quite high compared to the US. There are other things that people can spend hundreds of dollars on instead of getting licensed (let alone buy any equipment).

[@HamRadioDX]

I agree Tim and very good points. The cost of entry as I've posted in another comment below is a sore point for me. There is no student discounts, no concessions etc which is really poor. I'd like to see clubs and others do fundraisers and the like to go toward subsidizing the cost of entry for newcomers or at least get them a radio to start off with.

[@peterclifford8305]

The price of one cup of coffee per week for a year will get you into the hobby. Chump change really. It all depends on your priorities.

[@michaelawheeler64]

@@HamRadioDX That's what Pride Radio Group is trying to do :) prideradio.group/news/vk-kits We've also talked to ACMA on ways to lower the cost of getting licensed (and naturally submitted a response to the class license consultation)

[@michaelawheeler64]

@@peterclifford8305 It's $195 just to get licensed. That's about year of coffee by your standards without taking into account getting a radio. This is out of reach for a lot of people.

[@paultams54]

The advanced decline could also be due to SK's in that area. Given that back in the 70-80's around the CB boom, there where a huge increase in VK amateur population.

[@HamRadioDX]

I have been looking at researching the numbers from back then using old AR magazines. I still need to find the time to find them.

[@Reklaw083]

....what are SK'S??

[@peterclifford8305]

@@Reklaw083 Silent Keys - Deaths.

[@stephenwade8093]

Maybe we should talk to the Japanese Amateurs authority's, to see why they have such a high take up in the hobby, see what programs they run. VK3HJW

[@HamRadioDX]

That would be a good idea!

[@profgyland2]

Prof ret G Y Land 27 minutes ago (edited) You are not the only one that had this bad experience. I live in the ACT and the HAMs are the most unfriendly people I have ever seen, mind you most of them are public servants. These are the old HAMs with Morse code and do not tolerate anybody who does not have the full license with Morse code. I come from commercial TV and radio besides being an international university lecturer. I do commercial radio since 1947 and short after TV was introduced in Europe, I also was on countless TV programs. Later living in Australia, I was daily on commercial radio and often on TV. Before I had my HAM license, I was for about 40 years a member of the Victorian Wireless Institute, later the Wireless Institute of Australia. The infighting and the disunity were proverbially and still are horrendous. I am no longer a member of the WIA. When I had my new license, I was instantly attacked for doing the wrong things. The call sings the ACT Hams never announced three times when starting a call, I did it only once or twice and the results have been nasty. At the time, I also have been accused of dropping a carrier on the local repeater. This was untrue. Nevertheless, one morning one of the old ACT HAMs turned up on my doorstep and accused me loud and in the nasties way that I would do the wrong thing on the air. - I had to take out a Personal Protection Order against the person and he found himself in a hearing at the ACT Magistrates Courts. I won. As a Prof. of physics and I know the physics of radio waves very well, I had installed a very elaborate antenna system at my house including antennae for satellite radio reception. This was too much for the ACT HAMs. They have been driving by my house and inspecting my setup from the street. They announced me to ACMA saying that I would run a spy radio station. As a result, the radio inspector a very friendly Mr Stewart McWilliams came from Sydney and inspected my studio station and set up. Nothing of the like could be found and my radio system was not only the latest in technology but also fully accepted and approved by ACMA and the radio inspector. The laugh was on my site. Canberra HAMs are not into much talking on the air but listening and waiting that they could report someone if they did something wrong and against the ACMA regulations. They do not talk, but they listen and report. Nowadays, I use digital and other means such as digital transmission, the Internet and Echolink to speak to people around the world. I could not give any interest in what the outdated HAMs in the ACT are doing, they have banned me, and I have them. HAM radio in Australia is not like in the USA or Europe. The HAM users in Australia are steady declining regardless of the easing of the regulations by ACMA. It is the old HAMs, causing trouble to the newcomers. Fortunately, they are dying out and maybe the young ones are a little bit more tolerant. About HAMs in Australia read an interesting article at radioandmedia and go to the main program and look under HAM radio. Don’t get bothered by these old lunatics just enjoy your hobby and do not use the old and outdated analogue systems.

[@danwaters8171]

Observations from a complete newbie. Want to make it easier to get involved and licenced, how about the foundation handbook being available. I have experience in comms, am interested in getting 'started' and find after looking around at about half a dozen websites (including the WIA), all the foundation handbooks are out of stock. Are we stuck in the 80s????? Why aren't these these available in digital format for purchase and download? Being time poor I value efficiency in everything I do. I am willing to invest time but not be blocked. Things like this make the ham radio industry look like a bunch of amateurs, and I don't mean that in the complimentary sense.

[@stewpot3971]

Here in the UK the numbers are on the rise (more so since we started online testing).

[@HamRadioDX]

That's good to hear. I believe there is about 75,000 amateurs in the UK? Does that sound right?

[@stewpot3971]

@@HamRadioDX sounds about right, but looking on OFCOMs site I cannot see any numbers info... would have to file a Freedom of Information Request with OFCOM to know for sure.

[@KREllis-vr1ix]

The increase also coincided with global shutdowns due to the varus. Preppers and scared people with no jobs or otherwise quarantined became licensed out of boredom or fear.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@KREllis-vr1ix I must admit, following the bushfires in 2019....and cleaning out under the stairs.... I dragged out my old FT101B _where B is for Boat Anchor_ and fired it up. Went and organised getting my ticket reinstated after 25 years QRT As I explain to people, it's a means of communications where you don't have to rely on an intermediate party / carrier....just luck and a half decent antenna

[@HamRadioDX]

QSL

[@RatEmpire]

I've just ordered the foundation manual and would like to get the license. What would you suggest would be the best way to get into the hobby.

[@HamRadioDX]

Is there anything in particular that interests you? Satellites, the outdoors, just making contacts, contests etc?

[@RatEmpire]

@@HamRadioDX pretty much just communications all together. Making contacts and expanding my marine radio skill set. Plus all of my family lives on the south coast nsw and during the 2019 bush fires they lost all communications. So a little bit of emergency back up communications too.

[@HamRadioDX]

@@RatEmpire Great! Maybe some portable setups or something...

[@GraemeKoch]

Great video that gives much to think about. I think a previous comment on the decline of full call amateurs going SK is a valid point as most that I know are in the late 70’s to late 80’s. We need to promote the advantages of upgrading to Standard or Advanced a lot more.

[@HamRadioDX]

Absolutely, I agree 100%. Thanks mate.

[@Paul_VK3HN]

Interesting discussion, there is also overlap with makers, who could be tempted by advanced digital modes and satellites. And two potential groups are obviously schools, and people transitioning into retirement. Another mashup of interest would be age distribution. Can you get that data?

[@HamRadioDX]

Age distribution would be something the ACMA would have, and probably is not able to be distrusted due to data laws. But it would certainly be interesting.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@HamRadioDX If they re-allowed spark gap transmitters, we may be able to attract the Tesla coil and free energy people....as, let’s face it....will it really make the local S9 QRN on 40m any worse ??? _I still want to build one with a mechanical coherer receiver. Real junk yard steampunk ham stuff_

[@ronaldhartley8213]

Thanks Hayden for your info and input. Information about our hobby is nearly zero so that doesn’t help, like what was said getting just to do a exam or test is quite difficult and drawn out .As far as upgrade is concerned, yes the F call is good but it’s foundation if you want to upgrade you study ,listen, and get to understand our hobby ,it’s a fantastic way to communicate and meet people from all over the world and after being licensed for over 30 years I’m still learning things .73s Ron

[@peterclifford8305]

The F-call license is a great step forward to introducing people to the hobby, don’t remove it. Why are most amateurs hellbent on getting F-Calls to upgrade? The F-Call license gives them the ability to work 80, 40, 15, 10, and 2 meters, plus 70 cm. They can also work Echolink, Allstar, and Satellites. This is far more than the original novice license ever gave you, with far less study! As a full-call, I choose to only work QRP. (My choice) If you want more power than 10 watts, work for it. Nothing in this world worth having comes easily!

[@jacksjaunts8580]

Perhaps a girlfriend!

[@waynesworld6585]

(1) Reduced cost of obtaining and holding an amateur licence. Australia's cost substantially greater than other countries. No wonder there's less uptake. (2) Remove AMC as the assessing body as they only add cost. Grading of exams should be done by supervising assessors who are volunteers. (3) Make the examination pool questions publicly available (not kept secret the way AMC do now). This will assist study and also promote others to provide training around the syllabus with direct focus on the current pool questions applying at a particular time.

[@che59v]

We lost being relevant the moment we took our once wireless hobby and contacted it to the internet ( via hotspot as an example ? lol). Remember, any KID those days owns a smart phone and can speak overseas, No fee, No licence, No big antennas, No test , No Biggy!!. Our once proud art was brining communication Antenna to Antenna all the way this was true for communication around the world or local using any modulation (inclusive of digital mode), No wired system , No internet , and not trying to copy the commercial world. We have collectively seemed to forget that we are part of a WIRELESS hobby ALL THE WAY and so, we have lost our magic with the public ( who have internet at home, lol). So anyone here want to call CQ on his 10mw hotspot ? ( we heard this done before ). .

[@Spookieham]

Cobblers - the internet opens up even more possibilities such as playing with APRS, Echolink etc

[@marindancirco6498]

why? " rewards are cheaper then material/financial cost " then forget other, we can manufacture educational staff here too if nobody will dare to stops-it. So far so painful. I do not know about young people but I always emphasize or concentrate on education aspect of any subject. I'm not engineer but I study electronics all my life and work enjoy and learn. I'm not surprise about young generation been wrongly nurtured or supported or lost any appetite for more "down to earth". Listen to your growing intellect and natural makeups. It is more disturbing the way young generation have ways of escaping the disappointment and dissolution, "fine mess humanity find it self into" It is our responsibility to be aware of what eventually, we all are into. I did and so should anyone have done that, I'm sure it is still happy even now. I remember I stood for Ham exam in WA and only pass the Morse code exam. I will try again here in NSW perhaps on different level. by Danny Marin Circo [e-mail] 31082021

[@wushock92]

I like Josh's (KI6NAZ) thought that we need to 'normalize' amateur radio and gain more exposure. More exposure generates more interest. In the US, the prepper movement has created some more interest in the hobby. I'm trying subtly to promote the hobby with a ham radio license plate on my truck (dual band antenna prominently displayed) and wearing ham radio apparrel as much as possible. I was stopped by a random stranger the other day asking about ham radio and made me realize I need to hone my 'elevator pitch.' Perhaps I need a business card with my call sign and contact info that I can hand out to the curious. Great topic my friend. Keep up the good work you're doing. 73

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Phillip great to hear what you’re doin over there to promote AR! Don’t forget to wear that HRDX shirt 😜. 73 thanks mate

[@wushock92]

@@HamRadioDX oh trust me, it's in the rotation with Goodgame's, Ape's and my ham radio club shirt.

[@marindancirco6498]

" rewards are cheaper then material/financial cost " I do not know about young people but I always emphasize or concentrate on education aspect of any subject. I'm not engineer but I study electronics all my life and work enjoy and learn. I'm not surprise about young generation been wrongly nurtured or supported or lost any appetite for more "down to earth". Listen to your growing intellect and natural makeups. It is more disturbing the way young generation have ways of escaping the disappointment and dissolution, "fine mess humanity find it self into" It is our responsibility to be aware of what eventually, we all are into. I did and so should anyone have done that, I'm sure it is still happy even now. I remember I stood for Ham exam in WA and only pass the Morse code exam. I will try again here in NSW perhaps on different level. by Danny Marin Circo [e-mail] 31082021

[@johnathanasiou9284]

Also 10w for a foundation ham in a low sunspot cycle can be frustrating as QRP requires lots of patience. Raise foundation to 100w & later on as foundation hams get more experienced, they can buy the 705 and learn better techniques at QRP levels. Contrary to what many might believe at his "super human powers", Peter Parker (VK3YE) wasnt an expert in QRP as a newborn baby but had honed his QRP excellence over years, perserverance and patience

[@thedude5714]

I have a funny question. Can you make a video where you contact someone in South America over the Antartic. I really need that to send the results to the flat earth pages. It certainly wouldt be possible if the earth was flat. Would be awesome :D

[@HenryYong]

Here in VK6 it's pretty much dead, not alot of activities on 80m and 40m.

[@paul_daniels]

I think that the decline in Advanced is likely due to either people going SK or getting old and moving into retirement villages where they can't have antennas up. From foundation to standard makes good sense as you get +10dB power and the most active dx band as well a 6m. Standard to advanced is a harder sell as you only get +6dB and that usually means more money on a good amp, feedlines etc. There really isn't much you can't do as a standard. I think things like parks, sota etc are making a bit of a wave and getting people interested and for that you hardly need more than a foundation ticket. 73

[@HamRadioDX]

Agree with all the points here Paul. Thanks for your comments and thoughts.

[@yakovdavidovich7943]

@@HamRadioDX I'm a US general, and feel very little incentive to switch to extra -- the differences are so minimal. I wasn't familiar with the Australian levels, but looking at it, it looks like you either need to be very interested in the 160m+ or want that extra smidge of power. How much effort does it take to upgrade? Personally, I think day-to-day practice has rendered all these differences in levels somewhat obsolete. It would be better to have more people on the bands to talk to than to enforce these stratified layers.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@yakovdavidovich7943 true, however, even though I am far more anarchist / libertarian, and one for common sense rather than rules, a little bit of extra training to handle a bit of extra power and the issues you run into on the lower and upper ends of the electromagnetic spectrum helps. Like moving from simple small caliber fire arms to devices that go bang faster more. A little basic training is highly recommended

[@keithammleter3824]

An EX-VK license here. There are three reasons to be a radio amateur: 1) To communicate worldwide for fun; 2) to explore propagation; and 3) to learn and explore radio technology. Now that anybody can pick up their phone and call worldwide, or use email worldwide, having to sit an exam, get a license, and buy a "rig" looks pretty silly. I got my VK license when I was in 2nd year high school in the early 1960's. It was a real buzz to invite school friends over and demonstrate calling worldwide - that's not in the least interesting now. As far a propagation goes, there is something there if it does interest you - but it's all been done to death. That leave Reason 3 - learning and exploring radio technology. That's still a good reason - because technology is always changing and advancing. But clubs don't promote it. Ham radio up to the 1950's was dominated by home built apparatus. Now it's just purchased factory made gear. What does ham radio need to do to get the numbers up? What do they need to do to convert those Foundation Class licenses to Advanced? Push the exploring technology side. How many serious construction or theory articles are there in the WIA magazine? None these days. Submit construction articles to Silicon Chip. Incidentally, i became interested in electronics in primary school (1950's) and read lots of mags eg Radío, TV and Hobbies, Wireless World, etc. I got my VK license in 2nd year high school and knew enough to design and build my own transmitter. But I had not yet any contact with any other hams. I thought ham radio was about building stuff, keeping up to date. So I designed and built an entirely solid state transmitter. I had barely 10 watts output and AM modulation (and CW) but it worked. Getting on the air, other hams all said things like ""Äre you a nut? Transistors are stupid. Use valves."" Or, "What did you do all that for? Just buy a second hand taxi radio and change the crystals". So I scrapped my transmitter and forgot about ham radio - it was just an old man's appliance and gossio club. Has it got any better? I don't think so.

[@johnathanasiou9284]

With the US situation I believe the growth is coming from at least 9 factors: 1) Prominent youtubers ie Josh/KI6NAZ HRCC, Eric/KJ4YZI, Hayden/VK, Jason/buildaPi ham setup with RasPi, Callum, Alan W2AEW etc gaining huge attraction amongst all age groups 2) 10 year available licence terms compared to ACMAs 1 year 3) Radio prepper movement which values ham radio as a prep comm tool in zombie or societal apocalypse 4) online sites ie hamradioprep.com making getting your licence easier 5) The unstable US political situation which gravitates people to ham radio who see it as freedom 6) Attractive arrl website enticing younger folk 7) Greater STEM push in schools favouring ham radio 8) Non ham youtubers ie Linus tech tips, hak5/Shannon, buzzfeed & celebs like Tim Allen & many politicians giving great support to ham radio 9) Huge active community push by the ARRL and far more stability in its leadership The uk situation has: 1) Great youtubers like the ever popular Callum 2) Great ads ie Kelly from Essex ham tempting many youngsters into ham radio 3) Ofcom simpler licencing for UK hams unlike the ACMAs continual ambiguity 4) increasing political support in the UK due to STEM As for the VK ham situation, look we have yourself Hayden and a few others but we've lost a lot of momentum due to Dick smith slowing down (Dick got many into ham radio), death of that guy with the moustache (forget his name) who was prominent at ARV & Vic vk3rtv but: 1) we have hayden reaching larger YT audiences 2) We have Joe G VK3YSP & julie doing amazing schools amateur radio who hardly gets any help from any science minister of any Aust party in terms of STEM 3) Aussie politicians (from all parties) talk STEM from the front to the media but act doublespeak when it comes to action & implementation and the ACMA confusion is a result of political interference 4) Aussie electronics mags devoting hardly any collums to ham radio (unlike in the 80s and 90s) To fix it in VK?. 1) Dick smith can you please help us aussie hams as u have the sheer talent and true charisma to speak to all sections of society like u had inspired me & so many others as an 8yo? 2) Take the best of the UK & NZ licencing systems to help ham growth & further simplify ACMA licencing 3) Fix the VK licencing mess of constant delays in issuing callsigns...seriously cmon guys, other nations had also suffered under covid restrictions! 4) Increase ham radio community prominence for all VK society and put on even more public events to intro even more people to this seriously fun hobby of ham radio as most people really have no idea how great it is & let's also get behind the WIA whenever we can to get it done 5) Tempt online providers like kelly and essex ham, hamradioprep & other course providers or get good online ham radio courses more prominent for new Aussie hams 6) Speak to the aussie electronics mags ie silicon chip, Diyode to further increase ham radio projects in their magazines ie diy psk31, wspr transmitters and ATV projects 7) Sell the STEM aspect further to aussie schools and politicians of ham radio & find more ways to help joe gonzalez fantastic initiatives 8) More VK7HH great YT content! 9) Vastly increase the WIA website content as when u compare WIA with ARRL and RSGB, the site content & attractiveness is sparse and unexciting by comparison Hayden, if us hams can help let us know also where and how as this is a fantastic hobby worthy to be shared with everyone globally

[@TradieTrev]

I keep telling people I'm studying for my license, that was 5 years ago lol. My reason for not bothering to get a ticket is simply because you don't need one to play with ISM band gear.

[@HamRadioDX]

I can understand that. Getting your ham license does open a lot of opportunities though ;)

[@TradieTrev]

@@HamRadioDX I'm pretty sure ACMA wouldn't like me stuffing around with P25 encryption for fun. Yet given a ticket that's my intent, I care little for making contacts lol.

[@Stufireman]

As a Foundation amateur in Australia I go back to when Novice was in, and I sat for the that exam and passed but only could manage 3wpm morse and requirement was 5wpm morse. I was not told that I could opt out as I also passed the regs, the use of VHF, and as I noted, then later on the Z calls were taken up to Advanced Amateurs, was I cranky with the club that kept that from me, so much so I won't associate with them at all because of that. Now stuck on Foundation with a condition that holds me back from gaining Standard or Advanced licesses called dyscalculia, which means I have trouble with numbers. I know now in practice, more than some Advanced and Standard licensees know, through learning from those who know and by attending field days and other events over the 10 years I've been licensed. I practice every day on a site that lets you practice the Standard and Advanced areas of the amateur license requirements, but no matter what I do, I can't manage to get past 48%, it's always, 48%, which is becoming a bit boring, so I'm giving up even thinking about 20M as that and 6M is all I want to transmit on, and who would argue that with voice that I can not manage to use those frequencies just as good as those given the Advanced license or any of those who have sat the Standard or Advanced and passed. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to pass the Standard, as 100w and 20M + 6M is all I want, but don't you think if one has been this long on radio and used those advanced frequencies in field days can manage to get some sort of discomensation and advance to Standard. I happen to agree with you that 2 tier of license is what is needed, three is outdated, as 10W can not get out anywhere above those on 100W and this is one reason why the amateur ranks are declining to a degree, halted when they allowed Foundation to use digital and make some calls on SDR etc. which did give a bit more credence to wanting to gain a license. It is a very contentious issue, dividing the amateur fraternity down the middle big time, it will never be that those of us stuck in Foundation base ever much will have the want or in my case, the ability to get up to the Standard let alone the Advance levels if not allowed to use the knowledge gained to advance up to Standard from Foundation. Stuart VK2WAL

[@tarawood-bradley2119]

I am wanting to get into Amateur radio so this video has some interesting advice. As for license levels, we do not need the number of levels as America due to the small size of the market here in Australia.

[@HamRadioDX]

Cool, plenty of resources online for getting your license!

[@joeblow8593]

Does the Foundation license work in Australia? Well I think in the U.K. it might be easier for Foundation licensees to get more contacts due to U.K.'s proximity to other countries, thus the result is more contacts for a Foundation licensee in the U.K. than in Australia. Regarding Japan's numbers, I read they compile their numbers differently so it would appear that Japan has more amateur licensees than what is actually stated. The (lowest class license in the U.S., the Technician license) and it is different from the U.K and Australia's Foundation licenses in that U.S. Technicians limited to 200 watts on HF but are only allowed SSB, CW and digital (FT-8, PSK31) in the 10 meter band and CW only in the 40, 80 and 15 meter bands. So in that aspect, a Foundation license is actually better because it allows some SSB and digital on the HF band but only running 10 watts. What is the answer for Australia? I think maybe increasing the power to 50 or 100 watts might be the answer in Australia so that amateurs might be able to have a better chance to contact other countries. However, I believe the goal of these beginner licenses is to encourage upgrades (by giving new hams some taste of the HF band). Maybe more visibility and promotion is needed in Australia. Maybe dropping the ridiculous fees in Australia would make a big difference just by itself. I know there was talk about changing the fees there. (I watch your channel and Peter Parker's channel (VK3YE).

[@waynerobertson8407]

There allowed all HF bands in the U.K.

[@waynerobertson8407]

I have a outpost radio and I'm allowed to use 100 watts with no testing at all, yet a CB radio operator can use 12 watts and a licenced foundation operator is only allowed 10 watts. It dose not make sense. And foundation operators are accused of all sorts of things like running extra power, operating out of band, using amplifiers. And generally it is advanced operators making these accusations. Yet when I've been on 11 metres and I've heard some of these hypocrites using there modified radios and power and openly admitting it. Also what would an advanced operator buy a two, or three kilowatt amplifier just to run 400 watts. Yep pull the other one. I remember in 2017 the ACMA wrote to the WIA and RASA stating they could not see any reason why all could not use 400 watts and have all bands up to UHF like the foundation operators do in the UK and the Technician class in the USA has 200 watts RASA was only interested in advanced operators. Also when they had the testing for advanced back in the 40s, 50, & 60s radio was the main form of communication around the world and most hams built there own radios then. Now we have SDR radios, there would be very few people out the that could attempt to fix these radios without a technician's certificate let alone build one. The way I see it they should move the standard to full call and move the foundation to standard and keep the foundation testing. That makes more sense than listening to all the bitching going on. But it will never change when you have the mindset of "Well I had to do it, so they should too". Also why don't they make the question bank available to the public like N.Z., USA and Canada do? USA exams are $29 plus a small fee for the examiners. Just some of the things I have observed over the years.

[@HamRadioDX]

Some good points right here Wayne!

[@Stufireman]

I happen to agree fully with you here Wayne, well said.

[@photonthief]

Great video Hayden, thank you for sharing! I think there's a lot of factors probably contributing to amateur numbers being so low in Australia. Firstly I'd probably say that the size of Australia and the low number of amateur's really doesn't lend itself to QRP operation unless you are in it specifically for the challenge. 10W on VHF and UHF is all good and well but (at least here in Melbourne) is only going to be of interest if you want to speak to the same people every day. I feel like a lot of Foundations never get to experience the fun of HF, become discouraged and never upgrade. I got my F call at the end of 2018 and have always intended to upgrade but with family and trying to drag a small business through the recent pandemic I just haven't had the time. To be honest, 12-18 months ago I was pretty discouraged with it all, then the changes went through allowing digital modes for F calls and it's completely changed ham radio for me! Some of the weak signal modes have allowed me to make contacts all over Asia and even a couple into the EU on 10W and access to DMR has allowed me to get on to some of the local repeaters and chat to people all over Australia rather than the usual local 2/70 crew. Lastly, I've been an electronics enthusiast my whole life and when I went through my foundation classes with Amateur Radio Victoria it was made out to be so hard, when it really wasn't. I was discouraged from going straight for my standard license, something I think I probably could have done quite easily if I'd studied. From what I hear, it is encouraged in the US for people to sit higher exams when sitting for lower licenses and a lot of people I know in the US tested for their Technician, General and Extra licenses in the same day. I think the ARRL seems a lot more interested in growing the hobby than the WIA, ARV, etc who don't seem to have any real plan for the hobby here in Aus. Cheers and 73, Jake VK3FJBO www.onlinerepeatermap.com

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Jake for your comment. I think you're correct regarding the low power/talking to same people everyday. That is sort of what happens at an entry level, usually the first thing is to buy a handheld and get on VHF/UHF. Whilst that is still fine, HF is a different and more enjoyable thing as you point out. The digital modes for Foundation had to happen, and I was glad to see it happen. The US system is one that we need to look to and learn from. The very fact you can sit your test for $15-$20 and have a FREE go at the next license level up is something we really need to try and implement here. There is no reason why we can't. Luckily we are starting to move forward with online testing now using services such as VEA and the like so hopefully we'll see some change over time. I can only hope. 73

[@photonthief]

@@HamRadioDX Increasing the availability and reducing the cost of exams by running them online would be a huge step for us. Fingers crossed it happens 👍

[@HamRadioDX]

@@photonthief The issue lies with the exam provider, AMC which isn't a amateur radio club or group. Volunteer Examiners Australia do online testing, but everything still has to go through the AMC still, so ultimately they decide what the costs are.

[@KeiranR]

It might be worth taking a look at the foundation ticket and maybe look at it like your P plates so you have them for a period of time you do you're the equivalent of the hazard perception test and then for an extremely low price you offer the advanced licensing for the first year this would be an easy way to fudge the numbers to get the same effect and it would make the figures look like everyone wants to upgrade everyone is upskilling it'll show a higher level of Engagement it may help keep the bands open.. the big thing is people are starting to like the old retro type thing amateur radio is super retro and beyond...

[@jacksjaunts8580]

I am a UK intermediate licence holder recently emigrated to Australia (NSW). I am currently occupied in getting settled, but my radio equipment won’t be here for a few months yet. The problem getting people into the hobby is learning electronics they will never need or use. Only what equipment does is relevant along with identifying when it’s wrong. Since achieving my intermediate status two years ago, I have never indulged in any electronic work, only making and testing my own antennas with off the shelf radios. People starting want to learn how to operate the equipment, not build it. They need to learn how to do that safely and in non interference, and be given access to easier contact power than QRP. As good fun as QRP is, it’s a niche activity, not a core one. As a UK intermediate, the process of converting to an Australian licence is as clear as mud other than understanding it is a relatively expensive hobby over here. In my opinion, the UK model where you pay for your exams and the licence is free is the way to go. The idea that a (relative) handful of Ham Radio Licence payers will have any influence on the way the frequency bands are allocated or give us any control over those that cause us interference is quaintly naive. It’s money paid for no gain and detracts from the incentive to take part. Equipment is expensive enough an outlay for many without charging them an annual fee to use their own property. Remember it’s only my opinion and as I respect the opinions of others, please respect mine. If you have a reasoned reply that you think might change my mind I am happy to hear it. Otherwise please remember, attacking other peoples opinions demeans your own.

[@clashrocker]

I could be a mile off here but I’ve associated a lot of the growth in US ham radio is correlated with the whole “prepper” community, which seems to be a lot more prevalent than here in Australia. It’s a hard thing here in VK to encourage the kids when you have the internet. Even adults….most of my work colleagues would not have had the enjoyment of listening to far-off lands with a radio, instead of using an internet radio app. Real shame…but that’s just my opinion

[@marindancirco6498]

I do not know about young people but I always emphasize or concentrate on education aspect of any subject. I'm not engineer but I study electronics all my life and work enjoy and learn. I'm not surprise about young generation been wrongly nurtured or supported or lost any appetite for more "down to earth". Listen to your growing intellect and natural makeups. It is more disturbing the way young generation have ways of escaping the disappointment and dissolution, "fine mess humanity find it self into" It is our responsibility to be aware of what eventually, we all are into. I did and so should anyone have done that, I'm sure it is still happy even now. I remember I stood for Ham exam in WA and only pass the Morse code exam. I will try again here in NSW perhaps on different level. by Danny Marin Circo [e-mail] 31082021

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

Now I have had my coffee, I have a lot to say, however, in a recent song writing effort that had me digging through my lyrics, prose and ramblings of a crazy man having a midlife renaissance, I came across this short -essay- rant I had typed back around 5 or so years ago...these thoughts may suffice for now.... _Life was simpler as kid growing up in the 70s_ _Simple carburettor_ _A couple of TV channels_ _People decided how fast was safe_ _Man travelled to the moon_ _The ground would break your fall_ _Play outside until the street lights came on_ _Now we're heading to 2030 an ideal world run by the faceless few_ _Need a licence to do this, and you can't do that_ _No chance_ _But was it better ??_ _The Vietnam war_ _The nuclear bomb_ _The political power hungry_ _I guess I didn't notice as s kid growing up in the 70s_ _I say to my son:_ _He holds the collective knowledge of mankind in a phone in the palm if his hand_ _Are we just a silicon wafer away from losing it all ??_ _A slow decent into chaos as people have to think and act for themselves without any connection to the hive mind_ ??? Hayden....too much ??

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@adelarsen9776 at least you still have feelings. I am numb.....probably because it’s bloody cold at the moment.....actually, I’m in Sydney so it isn’t really, given the scale of things but rather I have simply become soft after moving here. Paul Daniels. Now he knows a thing or two about cold weather

[@adelarsen9776]

@@MidlifeRenaissanceMan I'm in VK4 and it's snowing here. My fire can't keep up. It's cold inside too. I just went and chopped wood in sleet. Happy days. Nice poem.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@adelarsen9776 cheers. Damn. That said, it gets pretty cold in the ranges around Stanthorpe, which is where I assume you are. I’ll be heading out to play some music tonight. Rough out a few edges before a gig tomorrow night. I’ll jump on 40m CW on the drive out. It’s funny, but 7025Khz is probably more active around here than either of the city based 2m or 70cm analog repeaters. I’ll put out a call on the dual band from the car and get radio silence. Put out a clumsy left handed CQ on the key, and get someone willing to slow down for me But as I say, a key tends to limit what I say, which, sometimes is a good thing....or so I am told.....they haven’t exactly explained why..... de VK2NAP

[@adelarsen9776]

@@MidlifeRenaissanceMan Roger. Receive all. I am indeed in those hills in VK4. Suffix is SOE. I'm a park's operator.

[@PeterAichberger-u9f]

Why pay for a service you cannot use only difference between amateur radio and CB radio you did not pay a service for CB radio

[@mattw6040]

Unfortunately this is a dying hobby been using cb since I was a kid whould like to get my licence but I'm not jumping through hoops to get it being in a remote area doesn't help

[@hotroddinwillie2364]

G'Day Hayden. What I see in my own children is that if you introduce the history of radio to them, Hertz, Marconi, the first wireless communication, it sets the stage for a life long interest. My sons like the role radio has played in maritime, namely Titanic. I believe if the future radio ops understand the past, it will help them see what the future beholds. Lastly, its always great to hear and sometimes work VK when conditions permit. You folks are a polite group of Amateurs down there and its always a pleasure to have a qso with Australia. 73 de K2QOD.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks and an interesting perspective. Thank you again for your comment and yes, if you ever hear us on the air, give us a shout!

[@2001cavador]

The numbers of Advanced ticket holders were perhaps influenced by covid 19 and I have been thinking why they went S.K. is because some of them were in their 70's and 80's and passed on. I am very surprised that the signals from others haven't really taken off in big numbers because of the lockdowns where people were not able to travel and being stuck at home haven't turned to on their radios to pass the time.

[@ahillfromoz9572]

I'd think getting Baofeng legalised is probably a good start; is expensive hobby to start.

[@HamRadioDX]

Baofengs are able to be used in Australia by licensed hams, so that makes it a cheap entry level radio.

[@adelarsen9776]

1) 11m and Amateur radio numbers follow the sun spot cycle. When every band is open 24/7 the word spreads and Advanced licenses increase. 2) Foundation and Standard are not a parking lot. It's not a place to stop. Move along !!! 3) Norway has a single license. It's full-call or nothing. 4) Best way to get numbers into Amateur radio is for the hobby to go underground, stop advertising and stop all recruitment. Wait 5 years and then come out. Those with innate curiosity and those with a bent for the mystery of radio will appear in strength. This plan of attack has been used many times with great success. Keep things a secret long enough and the people will come. It's a long term strategy and brings in the next generation. It doesn't work with anyone who can only count to 3.

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

It’s been interesting to note that the Straight Key Century Club has had 2,500 new members since I joined in March last year. I was allocated the membership number of 22133, so that’s a 10% growth in straight key and mechanical keyer CW ops in the past 12 months. I have a few ideas, and I also had a late night last night, and have only just arisen...late band rehearsal for a gig, and a bit of after midnight 40m CW when I got home.... Allow me to pour a coffee or three and expound on some theories I have.

[@HamRadioDX]

Please do, be very interested in your ideas

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@HamRadioDX Now I have had my coffee, I have a lot to say, however, in a recent song writing effort that had me digging through my lyrics, prose and ramblings of a crazy man having a midlife renaissance, I came across this short essay rant I had typed back around 5 or so years ago...these thoughts may suffice for now.... _Life was simpler as kid growing up in the 70s Simple carburettor A couple of TV channels People decided how fast was safe Man travelled to the moon The ground would break your fall Play outside until the street lights came on Now we're heading to 2030 an ideal world run by the faceless few. Need a licence to do this, and you can't do that No chance But was it better ?? The Vietnam war The nuclear bomb The political power hungry I guess I didn't notice as s kid growing up in the 70s I say to my son: He holds the collective knowledge of mankind in a phone in the palm if his hand Are we just a silicon wafer away from losing it all ?? A slow decent into chaos as people have to think and act for themselves without any connection to the hive mind_ ??? Hayden....too much ?? :-)

[@RealGoldRealWealth]

50 new per week for 50 straight weeks. You sure about those numbers?

[@MidlifeRenaissanceMan]

@@RealGoldRealWealth 25183 members according to their membership roster as of 1 December 2021

[@keithammleter3824]

I watched this video hoping to get a sense of how many active hams there are. The bands seem very quiet these days. But this video just repeats ACMA stats on the number of licenses issued. What faction of licensees actually pursue ham radio these days - how many actually regularly get on air?

[@xavierthow6640]

I should take my radio to school one day and explain it to people that are interested

[@HamRadioDX]

Yes Xavier please do! Direct them to this channel too 😉

[@xavierthow6640]

@@HamRadioDX Yes i will make sure that they look at this channel

[@borisj4054]

Was a full call vk7jb but found amateur radio rather boring. Just idled chat caused a lack of motivation to turn the radio set on. Fewer people build gear anymore and I found it more satisfying building Television broadcasting equipment that actually gave a financial return! I dabbled in building microwave gear but had difficulty finding others to collaborate with, so found myself on my own. I still build electronic projects but do not see the need to transmit to air, so a license was a waist of money. A big amplifier into a dummy load is just as satisfying as spraying signal around the airwaves. Plus I can go as high power as I want. Australian power limitations were frustrating as are the environmental controls. All a load of beaurocratic rubbish. Having a professional background in radio electronics put me outside the non professional scene as far as what other do in the hobby. Amateur Radio just no longer was relevant so I let my license lapse.

[@HamRadioDX]

I agree re: power limits etc. Sorry to hear your amateur radio interest was not for you. I guess each to their own. FYI we now have an active microwave and experimenting group here in Hobart at our club REAST. www.reast.asn.au/ Most of us are working our way up the bands, I think we have about 20 or so on 1.2 GHz, another 8 or 9 on 3.4 GHz and about a half dozen on 10 GHz.

[@CoveiraoPS3]

I thimk the ham radio community is dying regardless of the numbers. And it's youtubers who are killing ham radio, let me explain why. Imagine you are new to ham radio or have never seen it and you decide to learn about it on KZbin. Based on the content you find what would be the picture you'd build about the hobby? I know from real world cases that the image people build is that the hobby is about buying or building stuff. Due to the KZbin algorithm, ham radio KZbinrs don't show the final goal of this whole buying and building stuff : the freaking qso. And to make things worse clubs also don't teach anything to newbies. One of these days I was in a park with my cheap qrp and antenna and a newbie came talk to me. He saw the working a DX 12000km away and got really impressed. First he didn't even know this is pretty common and easy to do, second he thought I would have to have the top of the line rig to do this. Want another example? Look for k8mrd, the video where he is happy because he got a qso with Australia.... using a 100w and a good antenna, not a yagi but good antenna still. In case you think this is impressive, be aware it's not. It's a pretty basic DX and with 100w you have enough power to talk to another planet. Basically KZbinrs are teaching people that they should buy stuff endlessly and never ever teach them how to use their wonderful rigs. When I say teach it's not how to use menus, buttons, etc... I mean how to read the propagation, the time the propagation is opened to certain regions, how to proceed to get a hard qso, etc... Want another example? How many of the ham KZbinrs show their qsos in CW? They talk about efficiency, preparedness and they don't know the very basic of these two topics: CW I could give you a lot of examples but I think you already understood why it's KZbinrs who are killing ham radio

[@HamRadioDX]

😂😂 good rant. Now, start a channel yourself to fix the issue. I’ll be waiting…

[@Pan_Samochodzik]

I listen in on weekly club chat on local repeater and from week to week there are less joining in.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Quite informative, thanks

[@HamRadioDX]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching TNCT

[@vk3xe]

I firstly wonder how long people keep their foundation license for? Are people finding having a foundation good enough, or do we have a high turnover over people getting licensed and then leaving the hobby? My concern is it's quite a lot of investment upfront to even 'dip your toe in the water' (time and money wise), I actually think foundation should be easier to get (what could we do to reduce/remove the practical exam for foundation?), and then people can take advantage of having a license to use and practice with to upgrade to higher licenses, as well as what can we do to reduce the time it takes from passing an exam to being licensed?

[@HamRadioDX]

Agreed Alan. The cost involved is also a major sore point for me at least when it comes to getting a younger audience involved in radio. But the logistics in getting your license is a problem for sure.

[@vk3xe]

@@HamRadioDX Have been thinking about this one more today. At first pass the hobby hobby also seems like it has quite a number of retirees (nothing like a club meeting during the day on a weekday to confirm this), as well as a first pass reputation of not being the most inclusive. Leading with the best foot forward, highlighting (like you have been doing!) some of the interesting and accessible to entry level stuff people do feels like the right approach. Building a tape measure yagi to use an SDR to listen to the ISS was one of those 'doing something technical for the sake of it' that was a great early experiment, seeing AREG's balloon launch, which to me was people doing technical stuff for the challenge and interest of it was another great thing going on. I also wish we could give a bit of love and attention to local ham sites, most things feel like they were designed in about 2005, and for the younger generations it's just another "you don't belong here" signal.

[@HamRadioDX]

@@vk3xe Yes agree with you on all of that. As a side point, AREG would have to be one of the best clubs in the country for a new ham to join.

[@sf2998]

Platforms like KZbin appears to be a real HAM killer, and younger generations will always look to the internet first because of money and convenience.

[@GoA7250]

Ironically most of the activity I find is in cities or metro areas. I am in the hinterlands and I hear two-fifths of nothing most of the time. Want more engagement, then have more engagement.

[@DuanesMind]

Unless you can get some young blood into the hobby it will die out all over the world! These young people don't really want to talk to us boring old farts anyway! With regards to people in the US getting their licence they're all prepping for when the SHTF.

[@marindancirco6498]

Marin Dan Circo Marin Dan Circo 0 seconds ago why? " rewards are cheaper then material/financial cost " then forget other, we can manufacture educational staff here too if nobody will dare to stops-it. So far so painful. I do not know about young people but I always emphasize or concentrate on education aspect of any subject. I'm not engineer but I study electronics all my life and work enjoy and learn. I'm not surprise about young generation been wrongly nurtured or supported or lost any appetite for more "down to earth". Listen to your growing intellect and natural makeups. It is more disturbing the way young generation have ways of escaping the disappointment and dissolution, "fine mess humanity find it self into" It is our responsibility to be aware of what eventually, we all are into. I did and so should anyone have done that, I'm sure it is still happy even now. I remember I stood for Ham exam in WA and only pass the Morse code exam. I will try again here in NSW perhaps on different level. by Danny Marin Circo [e-mail] 31082021

[@mauriceupton1474]

Sounds similar to ham radio in New Zealand.

[@brian.7966]

you don`t have the need to update your licence now, it's gone downhill I'm afraid to say, China has flooded the market with very cheap radios, this in time will reflect on the big 3 Companies.

[@PeterAichberger-u9f]

Rf pollution on HF making it useless and previous corrupt exam services/ foundation licence has ruined the service sounds like CB

[@youtubeaccount931]

That's because its in the southern hemisphere so the arrow actually goes up!

[@200sxxxxx]

What does licensing achieve?

[@marchillman260]

Some of your statements, notably "Upgrading is a big problem", and "Foundation not upgrading" are demonstrably false. Data for the level of Foundation upgrading was contained in the source material but not presented. For both 2019 and 2020 more than 100 Foundation upgraded. It would be better if it was more, but it's hardly a problem. There are ~200 upgrades in total per year.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Marc. 100 upgrades of 2690 (2020 numbers for Foundation) is only 3.7%. 200 upgrades across Foundation and Standard is 4.18%. I simply took the numbers and formed an opinion on them. So based on the above numbers today, we'd see a 37% upgrade from Foundation over the course of 10 years, or 1/3 of people who get their licence... is that good or bad? I dunno...

[@MrSpitfireMustang]

"noo" :-D