The Problem Plaguing Ham Radio

This keeps popping up more and more often... what do we do about it?
I'm Sick of this and it needs to Stop
• I'm Sick of this and i...
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[@HamRadioDX]

I'm Sick of this and it needs to Stop kzbin.info/www/bejne/apOVoH2dYqatr5o

[@Adam-tv9mp]

Hey Hayden! Well said. I think that we all have a tendency to only hear the vocal minority that says this or that is terrible. And that is how they choose to live their lives. But I think that you are trying to put something positive into the world, whether it is ham related or not. There are those of us who value that. I just want to say thanks for that. Your enthusiasm is enjoyable to watch and viewpoints are always worth a click.

[@titankiller666]

There's absolutely no denying everything you said in your statement about the hobby is so true and that is just reality but I think education and knowledge will fix this issue and it starts with a new generation to make it all good again, Radio clubs need to come back to all Schools across the world😎💯

[@nathaliebatiste9521]

I have often thought that it would be a good idea if hams would go into the public schools and introduce Ham Radio to the students. Hands on instruction is best.

[@Hebdomad7]

I think ham radio is ripe for revolution. And the internet and social media is something that can save it. You are absolutely right we need to reject the whingeing and negativity (It's an issue for all clubs all over). The old clicky men/women ruin clubs because they ruin the fun by complaining about everything and everyone and are generally just cold to new members and god help any new member who accidently picks sides in a long running feud. But also, as much as I can appreciate the wisdom of the grey beards in the club shack. We MUST promote ham radio as a STEAM subject to be pursued by high schoolers and university. The new RC Aero clubs that allow FPV racing drones were a lot more fun to be in because of the younger generation. The older RC Aero clubs had the same old issues as ham clubs who were cold and often hostile to newer technology (I remember 2.4Ghz not being accepted for a long time when it started). We must support any changes to radio licencing that not only brings down cost, but makes it more accessible. I'm starting out and I'm already being recommended radios that cost over NineHUndred Dollary Doos. Broke Teenaged me has no hope in hell affording that, and if he did, he'd spend it on a gaming PC instead. Adult me is re-thinking the whole hobby seeing fortnights wages evaporate on something that's essentially a weekend science experiment. Unfortunately, despite just starting, I feel the same frustration. I feel that the grumpy old hams are just holding everyone back.

[@holden190]

You need to grow up and stop the video effects 12 year old girls use on TikTok. They make you look like a fool and lid. The ceo of the ARRL makes $6.5 million per year. Ho w is that supporting ham radio????

[@demiansims728]

One thing I found really discouraging in the 90’s coming up as a ham was the grumpiness of older hams and the tendency to clique up on repeaters. I would dare to key up on a repeater, say my call and either no one would respond or I’d get yelled at for doing something wrong or saying something noobish. Also, the clubs in NYC were really weird. I ended up doing most everything on my own to learn the hobby.

[@nicoradv3923]

Found same where i am at on the 2m repeater. Ham radio is really above my budget.

[@johnfloy]

Spot on sir! I am a new ham (1Year general class) and I have experienced this many times myself.

[@mikemiller6684]

It's sad to see how negative people are. I try be nice and help people . Licensed since 67 . 73 N4VG

[@JohnJKelly-of4dc]

​@@nicoradv3923I wouldn't care whether people are licensed or not, as long as they didn't make a nuisance of themselves. I switch to CB bands at times

[@justsayingforafriend7010]

That's everywhere... Just miserable Democrats wrecking everything for everyone..

[@g4lmn-ron401]

I've been involved in Ham Radio close on fifty years, it's always had the detractors, complainers and abusers. But it is people like you Hayden that hold it all together for all of us, thank you.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Ron that is really kind!

[@pete1704]

Always good times and bad times... Sometimes you need to know when ou change channels

[@kuizatz]

If 10% of HAM's made the effort you did Hayden the HAMVerse would be awesome. Just my 2 cents... Keep it up !

[@billcaine6469]

Excellent video and well said, I’ve been a ham for over forty years and there have always been people who moan, but there are also positive people like yourself thanks for your videos

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Bill, appreciate that kind comment

[@VK5AV]

My hat goes off to all the volunteers who fill roles in these organisation's. It almost seems like, here in Australia at least, the purpose of social media is to stir up shit and complain about everything just for the sake of having something to winge about. I'm sick of the in-fighting too. Keep up the good work Hayden. I appreciate people like yourself doing all you can to promote what is good about our hobby. Tim VK5AV.

[@shanerorko8076]

Some social media does this on purpose as it keeps eyes on their product. I only use YT all the others are banned from my devices.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Tim

[@bradl2636]

How active are the 2m and 70cm bands in Australia?

[@gregorymccullough3801]

Your correct. I'm a member of ARRL here in the USA, if for no other reason than to support the organization. Let us all smile and carry on. It's worth it.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Greg, wise advice!

[@cthoadmin7458]

As you say, I've never understood why people get so emotional about a hobby... just a hobby... It's why I don't really go in for clubs anymore. I would like to start a QRP and homebrewers meetup similar to what Peter Parker VK3YE does in Melbourne, up here in Brissie, where you just bring along whatever hairbrained contraption you've been working on and demo it, kick back and shoot the breeze, no rules, no "club", 100% informal, no bs. Valve, QRP, microwave, computer, antenna, or whatever...

[@murphmurph2124]

That's right and if anybody doesn't like it tough s***

[@richb.4374]

My experience here in America with ham radio has been good as far as the hobby itself goes. I'm not thrilled with some of the changes, but times change and we must change with them. My only gripe is some of the rude and arrogant operators on the bands. I am noticing more and more rude people on the bands for some reason. I don't know if it's just a reflection of society or some hams just like to talk to their cronies and act rudely towards strangers. I've met plenty of nice people on the air, and just ignore the angry rude ones. I didn't invest thousands of dollars into the hobby to deal with rude clowns, I love to communicate with decent like minded people who don't have a chip on their shoulder.

[@devilsatan2973]

Agreed! There are a LOT of clowns on the bands today sadly. But I've also found a lot of nice, friendly, folk for every one idiot I meet when on air!

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

😄 How about introducing a licence for Internet users before they are allowed to transmit on the Internet?

[@Thinks-First]

I've been saying that for years. You should have to get an "upload license" issued by the gov't with a station identified so you can be found should you commit defamation or some other violation of the law. The gov't would make a fortune and it would clean up social media.

[@DonzLockz]

Good of you to bring this up Hayden. I have been discouraged by a number of idiot sad hams. The bigger issue for me is that others turn a blind eye just because that person has lots of knowledge and experience but has a bi-polar approach to helping new hams and or lacks social skills or simply has a big ego and think they can bully everyone else because they are more experienced. This is why I have not been doing much lately in radio, I'm only 55 but feel that im too old to deal with crappy people. I thought that ended at high school, not mature adults doing a hobby they love. You are right, it's mentally draining and personally, I'm looking for a great hobby and a great community but I have seen enough (over not even a year) to pull the plug on it before i commit more time and money into it. It's definately the hams themselves killing radio, not FT8 or any other digital mode etc. It's the grumpy OM's who seek power, fame or are just a$$holes but are actually causing an implosion from the inside out. Very sad to see. 🙁 There are so many great people, locally and online who are very inspiring and helpful but I'm sure there are many others like me who think the same as you and think, is it really worth it?.... food for thought. Take care Hayden, you are one of the inspirational leaders in the Community, please keep going and help others learn from you as to how to be a real Elmer for Amateur Radio, especially for us in VK. 🍻👌📻🇦🇺.

[@bobkirkham5155]

You hit the nail on the head. 100%.

[@shanerorko8076]

Don you can still do radio, just because there are some people like you pointed out, don't let those people dictate your choices in life. I spent too many years living the way people thought I should rather than living my life.

[@Bob814u]

It is in any hobby. Hunting, fishing, bicycling, all hobbies. You just ignore them. I heard a good analogy yesterday. there are two knobs on a device. A tune knob and an on/off knob. You can tune away from the negative ones or turn the radio off and get a cup of coffee and return when the person figures out nobody is listening to them.

[@dagallgray]

Good advice. The twist is "fun" amateur radio is a group activity, so dealing with the aggressive trolls is needed. I've seen in our region a few aggressive pigheaded hams damage several clubs and drive off middle age to younger technologists. Who wants to be around someone abusive? Yet we need the clubs to support the hobby. Fortunately we've got one club in my area that strives to be positive and constructive. I'm burned out for now and have paused many of my volunteer positions. I'll recover, but not all the teams impacted by the trolls will. Thanks to everyone putting in effort to grow the hobby. 🙂 - wx9vor

[@JediOfTheRepublic]

Calling people “Sad Hams” only make everything worse. Stop making fun of people. It’s because people listen to individuals like Randy that this shit continues. Treat people with respect and guess what, you will get it back. Have you ever thought maybe you are the dick?

[@kellypaws]

Have you considered that the negativity, the anger and the obstructionism is nothing to do with amateur radio. Nothing at all. It's society. Look at *all* of society; people are very full of hate and anger.

[@M7ECR]

you and Callum and a few other amateur radio guys have made pull the trigger on getting my foundation/tech licence exam on the 23rd of this month keep up the good work

[@HamRadioDX]

Good luck mate! You'll ace it!

[@johnnytacokleinschmidt515]

Good luck to you! I hope you're on the air soon.

[@chiphungerford]

Good Luck. Hope to hear you on the air

[@brianchandler3346]

Yep. On point. Not just ham radio either. Complaining and blaming never actually helps anything. Neither does feeling helpful. Actually helping helps. You along with several KZbinrs have really helped me in the hobby so big thanks here.

[@davidcarter9322]

I'm not a Ham operator. I am on CB and still use it. Two way radio as a hobby and tool should be cooperative and fun. I have heard Ham and CB users bash each other and simply act like a bunch of jerks. Each has it's pro and cons. It all depends on how it is used. Both a r fun and awesome hobbies. I promote both CB and Amateur radio to all who show interest and hope the user base grows.

[@bulldogbrower6732]

The problem with the hobby is that some treat it like an exclusive club, member only, pay your dues until we think you are ready. No, I’m not talking about the testing, I’m talking about the negative attitude to newbees. There are certain senior members in clubs that aren’t there to help in many cases, they are there to hinder. They take a position that it’s their club and anyone with new ideas must sit back and wait.

[@hillbilly_delux78]

The older generation does this in every aspect of life. Ham radio, corporate America, congress. They just want to gate keep and hold on their power or perceived power.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Trust me, it's in the testing phase as well. I'm an Instructor and a VE. I've seen any number of my peers trying to make it harder for newbies to learn. Any obstacle to throw in student's way to make them "earn" beyond what is called for in official procedures.

[@hillbilly_delux78]

@@joewoodchuck3824 Yea this is the gatekeeping i spoke about. It's a dying hobby yet the boomers almost want it to die off with their attitude. I know of 3 or 4 younger folks that just decided it wasn't for them because of the elitists.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

@@hillbilly_delux78 I'm not fond of younger people blaming boomers for everything under the sun. It's unfair.

[@hillbilly_delux78]

@@joewoodchuck3824 We just blame them for what they are responsible for. Your generation has been in charge and "on watch" for the past 2 decades now roughly and here we are everything is a mess.. Sounds like you need to toughen up, learn that life aint fair and tug those bootstraps harder old timer. You all will go down as the worst generation ever.... No chance changing that now.

[@richc47us]

I've been a Ham since 1959 when I was 12 and got my General license. I got the bug at a time when we had the Cold War, radio and TV were still relatively new and the idea of communicating to other people around the world...for free that would cost a fortune if you had to call someone on the phone, was amazing. I learned about electronics, science and math via Amateur radio. I didn't need a 50,000watt AM radio station...all I needed was a little ingenuity, and a desire to learn how things worked, a home made backyard antenna, and a few watts and I was on the air. I learned Morse code and didn't mind it at all...I got good at it too. The ARRL ran contests all the time. Here it is 60 years later and I still have the bug. Granted there were periods of inactivity due to travel , jobs, the advent of computers and the internet but it only gave me a new way to communicate. I still love Morse as another mode of skill in Amateur Radio. In today's world, it seems that the younger generation hasn't been inspired enough by the older generation to offer it as a hobby, to play around with antennas in the backyard, to offer it as a way have fun while learning about electronics and making new friends all the while inspiring creativity that lasts a lifetime.

[@swilliams2229]

Thanks Rich. I got my ticket in 1968. I got drafted, and as a novice it expired. But I got back to it in the early 80s. I got my novice, general, and extra in less thren a year. Im almost all CW (a few ssb and fm qsos, but im not all that proud of it hi hi ) You said what I wanted to say only didn't, because i was going to be a bit harsher about it. Again thanks Rich.

[@Thinks-First]

Couldn't have said it better. Ham since 1981 with a Novice ticket (now an Extra) which was all morse code back then. I also go in and out of the hobby but am ALWAYS compelled to come back to it and build an antenna and get on the air. Like an old friend, HAM radio is always waiting for me and welcoming me back. Sure, there are distorted personalities out there, but they are everywhere. I'm a private pilot, too, and general aviation is full of grumpy old men. You learn who to engage and whom to ignore pretty quickly.

[@jaym1301]

Unless people who complan about amateur radio oagnizations not doing this or doing that wrong append their complaints wirh "How can I help you to correct this?" they're just "bellyaching" as we say n the USA and can (and should) be ignoed. There are always people who grumble. Talk is cheap, action and effort are dearer.

[@g0fvt]

Maybe I am fortunate, the whole ham radio experience has been positive for me overall. During lockdown rather than being a total hermit another ham and I in our village were working on projects in his workshop and having a laugh doing it. A few ham friends do give me stick for playing with FT8 and rarely using voice, but it is what I want to do lately. Amateur radio is a bit of a fairground of fun, there is so much to do. If you like an aspect of it stay with it until you decide you want to try something new. There are quite a number of hams in this tiny rural village, people see that we have fun with our wierd hobby and they want to know more.

[@craigmorris2432]

Completely agree with you. These attitudes have been around forever. I dealt with it when I got my license in 1987 and some older hams didn't like a Tech had voice privileges on 10m. The haters are just more amplified now thanks to the Internet. But I've found a good solution for me: 1.) pretty much ignore social media and ham forums, 2.) Stay far away from 75m SSB, 3.) Don't "feed the trolls", and 4.) Explore and learn new modes. I've always enjoyed chasing DX, but now am chasing new prefixes, working POTA stations, enjoying FT8 and RTTY, learning about D-Star, DMR, and Fusion, casual contesting, getting back into CW, and just whatever else I feel like doing. Stay positive.

[@n8vox]

An excellent and pragmatic assessment, Hayden. We can all do something to make it better. Many hands make light work. Keep up the great work. You are making a positive difference!

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks mate!

[@viccruikshank2441]

It’s not just ham radio. Almost any activity I have tried you have the same naysayers and grumps. I stay in the hobby trying to make contacts with pleasant people like you whenever I can. Keep up the great work and let it roll off your back.

[@K5YVY]

I made it all the way through the video and I STAND with Hayden, absolutely point on! Bring back the FUN and respect of different aspects that interest others in the hobby even if it’s not your interest. Thank you Hayden.

[@HamRadioDX]

You're a legend JoBrett. Thanks!

[@debbiecurtis4021]

I joined MARS Midland Amateur Radio Society last month. We need more young people and more women to join. I've asked my son's school to get involved and set up a club. Our members would volunteer to teach for free.

[@1337flite]

Amateur Radios is not redundant, but I think that what most HAMs are doing is not relevant or really useful in the context of today's world. I think the real value of Amateur Radio (to the community/nation) these days is the learning of electronics and engineering and the experimentation and research and development. I don't think just communicating is very exciting now - the only exception is emergency communications but I think these days most emergenmcy/gov organisations have fairly good and reliable comms. I was interested in WiCEN, but I looked at their web pages which have their proceduers and SOPs etc and I just don't think that Wicen is valued by the emergency/volunteer services. With regards WIA and similar organisations, I think you're right Hayden - people criticise a lot but most of them have no idea how hard it is to do the work that those organisations do and they don't really try to help. I reckon unless you have put yourself out there and held some of the offices or been on some of the commitees or nominated for some of those roles you realy need to stop complaining and actually contribute - by particiapting in respectful and tolerant discussion of whatever the question of the the day is. You need to concentrate on the issues not the people. You get a chance every 12 months to express your opinion on the people and how well they are doing their job with the ballot box. And worse of all the people who crticise but are not members. If you have never been a financial member and are not a financial member now but have the means to be a member , then you are the problem - way more than the officers, commitee members and other volunteers of the organisation.

[@HamRadioDX]

Well said NotMe!

[@jeromemckenna7102]

I don't know about the other groups, but as a US ham, I think the ARRL does a good job. Things could be better, but I think they've done a good job representing hams.

[@selder03]

Nail on the head. Tons of new, young operators interested in HAM. The "old guys" or "sad HAMs" are basically turning the next generation off. Then there's guys like you, thank you for the video. I'll be taking my test soon.

[@georgehaha6969]

Well said buddy. I'm a GB2RS volunteer newsreader and district rep for the RSGB plus another couple of areas and I find the biggest whingers are the non-members. We are fighting a very hard battle just now to keep the hobby alive. The hobby must evolve and this does mean change, without change things die. We must continue to evolve and keep up to speed with new ideas and tech. Sure we can find a mode or method that we really like and get stuck with it. This is an experimental hobby and a development hobby. I don't like ft8 or digital modes but I do see their place in the world, I have tried them and get no excitement. At least I have tried them. As you say people grumble about things but NEVER step up to help make changes. Put up and shut up if you're not ready to step up!

[@terrulian]

I got a general license 20 years ago in preparation for a circumnavigation. During that trip, the HAM community was unbelievably supportive and helpful, particularly the Pacific Seafarer's Net. The skills I acquired became essential when lightning took out our antenna tuner and I had to make up two wires for two frequencies, which we hoisted on a halyard. I no longer have a radio but no complaint about any part of the amateur associations will pass my lips. I'll forever be grateful. Spewing complaints and negativity has become the go-to tone for much of the human race.

[@williambarrett70]

Long time ARRL member, contribute to Spectrum Defense fund, and do what I can to help. 73 and thanks for your video. WW5MB

[@VK6ZMS]

Use the block function on Facebook, social media is more enjoyable when you weed out the idiots. Also some of the ridiculous comments recently haven't been from licensed hams. PS keep producing great content 😎

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks again for watching! The block button is much needed at times!

[@3dPrint_and_chill]

I feel you man. The amount of hate I get because I like FT8 for example is ridiculous. I use it because my interest in ham radio is antennas. I don't need to talk to people. I build an antenna and then use FT8 to see how well it does. When I do actually make the effort to pick up the mic and call CQ the bitter old gits I hear drives me back to FT8. I do socialise a little with local hams but not much. Too much politics. I just want to play around with radios. 🤷‍♂️

[@AdmiralCoconut]

People like you, along with more great ham channels than I care to list here, bring an excitement and positivity that does a great job offsetting the negativity you're talking about. The hobby greatly benefits from you and those other excellent channels. Keep up the great work, and don't let the whinging get you down!

[@Ei2iP]

100%, I've come across a few indignant operators who do not deserve to have access to Ham Radio, lots of jealousy, begrudgers, keyboard warriors, but hey they exist in every aspect of life.. But hey 👋 fook the begrudgers and keep up the good work Hayden 👏, I've learnt to ignore those simpletons.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Robbie for your comment and thoughts

[@flukep1228]

The world is in a hate mood, no matter what your doing now days. Just sad no matter if it radios or cars or cooking or what you like doing. They are more people in bad moods then anything now days. But can't let the bad mood people get to you. You do what ever hobby you like doing and enjoy living your life the way you want to do.

[@4youian]

Yes Hayden, you do make a difference, you make an enormously positive difference and I thank you. What I don't understand is if people are smart enough to get an amateur radio license, build or operate a transceiver, build an antenna, operate a radio station and communicate around the world, why some of those same people can't also be inclusive, open to diversity and be respectful at all times. In amateur radio as in life. Yeah, i don't get it! Thank you Hayden, I appreciate you and all the volunteers. 73, VK7IAN

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Ian!

[@DenaliDad]

I would like to offer a viewpoint as a retired single male living in rural USA. It might be a different perspective from your points because it comes from a complete novice, not one with 40 or 50 years in the hobby or with a long family history. I have considered whether to make the financial and time investment in amateur radio as something to do in retirement to keep my mind active. I have no family history of amateurs, no background in electronics (other than rudimentary studies long ago), and no abiding reason to 'join.' I do not understand many of the terms used, the acronyms (and I love acronyms, having retired from a 30-year career with a US federal agency that just loves the darned things...but they were *always* defined), or the colloquial terms common to the hobby. My living situation is different from many of the KZbin content creators, including you, in that, like many folks in large cities here in the USA and in Europe, I live in a very small apartment with no backyard, no balcony, no attic, no extra rooms, and very darned little space. So I have no place for the kinds of antennas or equipment that I see portrayed. I really have no interest in building a radio and wouldn't have the room if I did. I live on a fixed income and cannot afford a US$1,700 Icom transceiver plus all the accessories needed to make it work. There is really only one function that amateur radio can accomplish that nothing else can, emergency communications, but the chances of being called on to help there are slim. I live in a very rural country with one repeater that is not connected to the statewide repeater system; I have a small handheld radio and have only heard one human voice, a call sign, on the repeater once since I started listening to it six months ago. According to our FCC database, there are only 12 licenced amateur radios in this county; there is no way to determine how many are active or even alive. There are no clubs within a 2-hour drive from me. In short, the main question I must answer is, "After getting a licence, what then?" In an attempt to answer my own question, I ask questions of others, questions about acronyms or terms used so I can understand the 'behind-the-scenes' wisdom; I am often told to "go find the answer yourself, then come back" or "there are books you can read to find the answers." One can understand that to a complete novice, these answers can sound arrogant and very much like gatekeeping: You are not yet good enough to bother me, so go away until you are. Yet these same writers vocalize a desire to increase membership and activity in this hobby. That seems conflicting to me. My problem with this hobby, which makes answering my "What then?" question much more difficult, is that it does not seem like a very welcoming community. In this country, it is one that seems to be populated by old white males; diversity is not its strong suit. My guess is many others have similar experiences.

[@richardmurnane2535]

Thanks Hayden for the excellent work you do on this channel. As in most volunteer organisations, too few people do too much, and there are way too many armchair critics unwilling to lift a finger themselves. It's not a problem specific to Amateur Radio. The only advice I can offer is to decide how much effort you're willing to expend to help others, and don't exceed that, and thus (hopefully) avoid burnout. I've volunteered in various roles in the WIA, ARNSW (been on the VK2WI broadcast team for 30 years), WICEN, my local radio club, etc. I'm always having to say no to requests to do more. As it is, I have very little time to play radio just for the fun of it. As for the critics...back in Ireland we have a phrase that covers them: "f*** the begrudgers". 🙂 73 Richard VK2SKY

[@vk2sky]

Oops - commented from some other account. This is my normal one. Sentiments otherwise unchanged HI. 🙂 73 Richard VK2SKY

[@sandralynch7035]

Richard, It is great to see the likes of you and many more like Hayden do what you do for so long without looking for rewards and we Sandra and I listen to hear The Voice doing the NSW WIA broadcasts and we watch Hayden's items on here with admiration for what he gives of his time as do so many in Local Clubs. We were involved in Clubs both here and in EI and the Willing Horse will always get the heavy Load to carry and I admire the work done in our Local Westlakes Amateur Radio Club by those Dedicated Comittee and dedicated others that don't want a badge but do the work! Unfortunately there will always be as you put it the Begrudgers who bitch but never put their money where their mouth is but others will sit back for different reasons be it personal or perceived!. Stay Safe and Enjoy your Radio. 73 de VK2SE and VK2XYL

[@vk2sky]

@@sandralynch7035 Thanks Richard (and hello to Sandra!); such has it always been, such will it ever be. I think if more people were willing to do "just one thing", and the willing horses could do fewer, we'd all be better off. "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one..." Anyway, operating VK2WI is an enjoyable day out, and as long as I'm able to (and people don't object to listening to me) I'll probably continue at it. Beats vegetating! HI 73 Richard "The Voice™" VK2SKY 😉

[@albisasky766]

It's easier to bitch and moan than it is to dig in and try to improve things. If ya' ain't havin' fun in Amateur Radio, get out of it because you're wrecking mine. Al K3ZE

[@stevehill3102]

I live in the US and have been a Ham for 4 years now. Two years ago a local club was asking for Net Controllers for thier nightly 2 Meter Emergency Net. it is mostly a rag chew net with a spotlight on a ARES (American Emergency Relay Service) topic one night per week. The other six nights are just fun! I signed on as a Net Controller and in the past two years I have made many friends, learned hundreds of call signs and look forward to the Friday night rag chew nets that I call. Keep it fun is my motto!

[@OddFortune]

In my own experience. The problem with HAM is the idea that if you if you have 50yrs, or got your Xtra, or you are a volunteer. Everything or anything other people do it’s wrong or “far from right”. Let’s be honest it’s not the most welcoming community for people getting in the hobby. I don’t think the Hobby will ever die. But it’s not due to operators but because of the technical attraction that is inherent in the hobby. Lesson: Be nice! The new guy that just picked up a Baofeng doesn’t need to crush in a public forum about your lack of knowledge. Trust me “He Knows!!!”

[@VK5KU]

I fully concur with you Hayden. Well said and I understand your frustration. Complaining is easy, particularly these days. A song pops into my mind. "Man in the mirror". Make the change, start with him, anothers may follow. Keep the blue side up Hayden. 73 de Kevin, VK4KK

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Kevin!

[@petersumner1209]

congrats on focusing on the elephant in the room Hayden. like any real world community there are those who want to be involved and those who want to be left to do their thing. Many of those who are contributors have taken the time to look at the landscape and realise change is a necessity and get involved. Many of those who are stuck in the rut will become the squeaky wheel and the trick is to apply your internal "IF DSP" to the frequency of the Squeak and get on with your day or risk being drowned in the QRM. best of luck Peter, vk5pj

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Peter

[@jparncutt]

For the past 30 years or so I have been actively involved in the Gliding community in Australia and I can relate to the issues you have raised. It seems that it is always 10% of the people doing 90% of the work in volunteer organisations, and the highly vocal detractors are rarely the ones doing the work! I’ve now come back to amateur radio after having a keen interest during my teen years (over 50 years ago!) and having just passed my standard exam I am keenly looking forward to getting involved in the hobby. Don’t despair and please keep up the excellent work you do to promote the hobby and educate your fellow hams.

[@jez4491]

Completely agree with your thoughts and I think it's important to put something like this out and calling out the bad actors. I sympathise with your feelings of dejectedness, I feel that myself sometimes. What's that quote, 'the only thing for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing'. Those of us that aren't gate keepers or grouchy fuddy duddies need to get our voices out over the noise. improve that signal to noise ratio :-)

[@HamRadioDX]

SNR+20dB 😌

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

Hayden dont kid yourself, Your doing great things for ham radio! I have learned alot from your videos even though I got my novice license back in 1979 when code was required, I still am learning! We love your videoes and hearing about Ham Radio in Australia! 👍

[@HamRadioDX]

I appreciate that! Thanks for the kind comments mate

[@jamiepole5199]

Agree - try supporting your volunteers in these organisations to better the field. Instead of criticism, try assisting with what they're doing to improve things in a constructive way. It takes so much energy (I can see the toll this has taken on you), to counter and respond to these things, and it just results in lost productivity. If you want to drive change in your hobby - be the change, don't be the wally that criticises and doesn't contribute.

[@dougtaylor7724]

Ham radio is holding up better than a lot of hobbies and clubs. Many things have dropped off a lot and the average age of most hobbies is increasing meaning they will die off one day. Many older hams get out because of many reasons. Downsizing home with no land, HOA madness, tired of POTA and similar stuff and infighting. New people, many of which are the instant gratification group quickly grow tired of the hamster wheel type practices of some of the modern ham fads. Passed my General 3 years ago. Out of all contacts I would say less than 5% are a conversation of more than 5 sentences. Most are the contest or pota type contacts. Nobody wants to talk. They would rather keep score.

[@M0RMY]

Hayden well said mate. Change is difficult and always is resisted. One huge positive has been the small band of great informative and educational YT channels like yours. We can all name these "influencers" and some great online content from various clubs etc. It is a pursuit undertaken in leisure time - I thus refuse to engage in negativity from others when I am enjoying my leisure. The spirit of self-education, improvement and experimentation continues in ham radio (and other forms of RF comms). I read the letters page in Radcom and every month it is full of "I was licenced in 1956 and still make my own ladder line. It's the only way to do things and you all should be ashamed" stuff. There should be a rule that if you have nothing positive to say or write then don't bother - we are not interested in your dripping negative opinion. By all means enjoy the radio but allow others to do so in a different way. Just ignore these types. You do a great job, and in daily posts on a certain Discord channel I moderate there are numerous hams helping and advising and having fun with RF science. All is not lost. We even have a FT8 forum!!! 👀👍

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Tom. It's refreshing to see the ham spirit and community still alive and supportive!

[@aldimore]

Lots of reasons this hobby is in crisis. I think you have said it well. Personally its the ease of communicating via other means that keeps me from firing up my radios these days.

[@Skydancer1]

Being a new Ham. It's nice to have clubs and organizations to join that help with learning and also sharing the Hobby. Especially since most are run by volunteers who are sharing their time and experience willingly. Folks who complain about it might need a different hobby, however I would expect they would complain about that hobby as well. Great Video. Thanks for the info

[@Truth-Be-Told-USA]

Too many contests that cause no conversations

[@VK2WOG]

It's the same people who whisper in your ears on a daily basis that discourage what you do best mate, you started this channel as a fun hobby with great insite on a variety of things but sorry to say old mate you fell into a deep deep trench trying to fix what has been broken for a long time!! Don't be that fallout guy for anyone and do what you do best!!!

[@RingwayManchester]

Some good points Hayden. The problem I find is the attitudes of people in amateur radio on social media. The sad ham syndrome

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Lewis

[@wassman27]

I 100% agree. I think it has always been a problem however since the advent of social media these toxic people now have much more reach than ever before and since negativity is contagious it has spread to epidemic levels. We know the problem so how do we fix it? As a community we need to embrace "don't feed the animals", engaging with them only makes matters worse especially when done publicly as other "animals" see it to and want to jump in. For the owner of a platform a healthy team of moderators is key, however moderators selection is critical as they have to be neutral all the time. These are just my thoughts and opinions and should be taken as such.

[@shanerorko8076]

The answer is to be positive, the more people that are the better and just ignor the negative Nancy's.

[@spencerhochstetler]

I've been dragging my feet, but this video precipitate action: I just gave ARRL money for a membership in hopes that it at least in part helps to keep amateur radio alive... Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@thefusionelmerguy2234]

Thanks for sharing. The ones that have the most to say about an issue are usually the ones that do the least to fix the issues. In my 77 years, I have served on a number of volunteer boards. Volunteer groups all have the same issues, membership and then inspiring a member to become more active and take a position on a committee or the board. If the vote turns out in my favor, I will be the next president of our local ham club. The benefit package is awesome, I can’t wait. Hi hi. Kidding aside,we all should be trying to serve our clubs or organizations and not just by being a member, but by becoming active and making them stronger. Thank you again. Ken KA6SUB

[@43WR155]

It's not recently, it's always been this way. Don't worry about the negativity. Keep going forward and leave the muppets behind.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thank you, I will

[@petermcdonald8179]

Well said Hayden. Don’t despair though, and don’t lose your enthusiasm. We need your positive enthusiasm to keep the ledger in the black. Also, I personally think the tired line by nay sayers about mobile phones is a false argument. AR was never primarily about being able to communicate with friends and family on a daily or hourly basis, it was always about the art, science and adventure of learning about, building, and using radio technology. Viva la AR. 73. Pete VK3EKV

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Pete, really appreciate it

[@markstump7079]

People forget, cell phones are radios !!!!!!!!!!!! Cell phones can be turned off whenever the powers at be like!!! Ham radios, no !

[@CapeCodCNC]

The loudest cry babies are the ones who do the least....IGNORE THEM! Keep up the great work and videos, you and the guys at CAHR got me to get off my arse and get my license!

[@DaydreamAboutNiceThings]

What got me interested in Ham Radio is the “do more with less” idea. W4ZTX

[@KevinW8BRY]

Well said Hayden. I have learned many great things from your channel as well as others. Keep up the great work. It doesn’t really matter what hobby or club it is there will always be the sad sacks who want to bring everything down.

[@HamRadioDX]

I appreciate that thanks Kevin!

[@mtfmusic11]

I’m new to ham radio and I love it! It’s not perfect but then again nothing is. You’ll always find people complaining no matter what. Thank you so much for this informative KZbin. It makes me want to get out there and do more. I’ve only had my license since April 2022 and I got my general two months later, so I’m enjoying it and if those critical people don’t like it, let them get walkie-talkies!!!

[@HamRadioDX]

That's awesome mate! Glad that it inspires you to get out there!

[@softwarephil1709]

There are MANY dimensions of amateur radio. Experimentation, DX, contesting, rag chewing, nets, digital, EmComm, POTA, EME, etc. No one is an expert on all of them. Just have fun.

[@OZ3LFG]

You hit the nail spot on. If you don't feel a bit more happy when you turn off your radio, than you felt when you turned it ON, then it hasn't been a good day at the shack! you have my support and empathy!! silence them. discussion with Them just puls you town to there low worthless level

[@DIPPY-TV]

G'day Hayden , keep up the good work you are doing , I've been involved in Radio in one form or another since 1968 , I have had my Amateur Licence since 1996 , I am a Founding member of Maryborough Electronic Radio Grop / Club (MERG) and President and Repeater Coordinator of the Bunya Mountains and District Amateur Radio Club and at our last meeting I asked the same question Eg: What do you like to see this Club in the future? And got a lot of feed back at the meeting , as we are all getting older and we need young blood in the hobby , yours in Radio Gary at Fairyland Queensland VK4GRB

[@HamRadioDX]

Cheers Gary! Glad that it’s also being talked about in clubs across the country too

[@grahamlwilson]

Hayden you are doing a great job. Your videos are always interesting and informative. You have managed to recharge my enthusiasm for the hobby. What we do doesn’t appeal to the younger people because they are not aware of the hobby. I don’t know about your radio club but the two clubs I belong to most of the members are old retired blokes.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Graham. We're working on our club. We have a good diverse age group turning up regularly to our Experimenters Nights. Couple of younger guys, including one who passed his exam in February but hasn't had the funds to apply for a callsign. I sorted him out with a donation to go and get that callsign - that's what the hobby is about, helping others.

[@Andy2e0ree]

Great show all needed to be said WE are neat to be a family of radio operators I.e we have children on 7200 we have the grandparents on 80m .All the rest just need to get on and enjoy the hobby 😢

[@HamRadioDX]

So true Andy. Thanks mate!

[@leo3times]

Well said. I got into this hobby in the early 90's and got so much flak for not knowing Morse code, not being able to buy a $1200.00 radio and clubs that set the same feeling, that I got disinterested. It fell to the waste side. My old mobile and handheld gathered dust. Fast forward... I'm older now and could care less about those types of people. I lost a lot of cool radio years letting those types of people bother me. I've learned IT'S A HOBBY, play as you like. If you get on the radio and have naysayers, or someone so crotchety that they can't stand the "new", just remember it's your hobby too, do what you like. Statistics point to more licensed hams than ever before, due to these "new" digital modes and ideas that come up from the experimentation that newer (and older) hams do. KZbin is the reason I got back into the hobby and actually upgraded my license. I still take a break from radio, but that's every hobby. KZbinrs are on the front line of the commenters, so you get the most out of us all. Take care, Have fun.

[@shanerorko8076]

Yep I get the same with the equipment side of things. Same at the target rifle club, I'm treated different because I can't afford 7k for a top of the line rifle. Some people can't understand why I don't want to be at the top, it's because I'm still learning.

[@egrebot]

HI! Yes, you’re definitely right, we have an attitude problem. I love ham radio and I’m fully aware I wouldn’t be here if it were not thanks to so many volunteers out there that help make it happen. In the two countries were I’m licensed, I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t complain about the local ARRL-like association, but I guess it’s too easy to complain without acting. And yes, we are under risk, our bands are at risk and if we keep acting like old isolated grumpy old men, we will not go anywhere nice. Sometimes when I read comments from some colleagues (not here but more generally I mean) I wonder how newcomers would feel and if they wouldn’t rather go back to their social media instead… Yes, I guess we need to either be more thankful to everyone representing us or else be part of it. Thanks for your videos! 73 & DX de F5VLQ - XE1K

[@BikerBytes]

Never mind the orgs, the biggest problem i find is the high and mighty 'elder statesmen' hams looking down their noses at noobs like myself. I was on air the other day transmitting a test signal, clearly advertising my call sign and reason for the transmission, and the abuse I got was incredible, not repeatable here. If the hobby is to survive some people need to get off their high horses otherwise noobs will be put off completely. Incredible. If you want to take me up on that, my call sign is VK4JSN.

[@NorthTXMountainbiker]

Funny...Just yesterday, cell service was offline for almost everyone near me. AT&T especially, but others as well. I could still use my radio. Sure...it wasn't 'an emergency'. It wasn't like I was saving toddlers from sudden death. Thing is, they don't as yet know WHAT caused this outage. Someone more conspiracy-theory oriented than me might say that this should tell us not to rely on cell service if the SHTF! Well, maybe. Maybe not. I'm not a prepper, but I am a person that believes there's nothing wrong with having alternatives. Within the past two weeks, I've talked to Australia, Bulgaria, Russis, Ireland, Scotland, Portugal, Canada, Ecuador, Spain, and Chile, in addition to a whole bunch of US stations. That's using 100W and a wire antenna. I just can't see why the ability to do that would EVER be a problem for anyone...

[@russellwatkinson]

Well said Hayden. I run a sports club too and people are so quick to complain and don’t realise that other people give their time to help and it does get disheartening when all you hear are complaints. Keep doing videos and keep doing radio. There are people who do appreciate it.

[@HamRadioDX]

Thanks Russell!

[@RA-Arg]

Radio Ham is magic. Cellphones exists because of RADIO!!! Internet is internet and well, if you want to use Whatsapp and social media ......... it is your choice. We Radio Ham will not opinate otherwise. Use of cellphone and technology is OK (I am also an IT) but Radio Ham is "different". Our activity let you experiment and I personally feel very satisfyng when I build and test equipment, antennas, etc. Having contact with other stations DX (or not) is fun! Big hug from Argentina.

[@lrcreamer]

I was heavy into CB in the 70s and 80s and the technicalities to become a ham kept me out. I just got my GMRS. I just purchased the Technician training manual and started reading in.. ARE YOU FREAKING kidding me it is a bunch of technical crap and BS to learn to become a ham. I am ok learning rules and regulations and code of conduct…but that is not what the test is about. I threw the book in the garbage can. Good luck attracting young people to the hobby the worst video game beats HAM. The HOBBY is dying as the members physically die…but maybe that is what hams want a small elite group of geeks. Sadly the benefits of ham radio in emergency is at risk. JUST A OUTSIDER POINT OF VIEW

[@willian.direction6740]

Chin up Mate thanks for saying that and calling it what it should not be. I wonder when the last time any one watching called CQ or answered a CQ rather than tune on past. Give a different mode a go, chased a SOTA or VKFF op who probably spent a fortune on fuel and accomms to visit a park or summit to hand out award points. We have so many Web pages these days relevant to all kinds of Radio activities to help in the hobby theirs no excuse really. Thanks for your videos. Regards all vk5cz ..

[@nealsilver3772]

I originally got my USA novice license in 1962. It was magical then. And lo and behold it’s still kind of magical. Sure people have cell phones and computers, social media etc. But for this old dude, CW is a Zen experience. I still like SSB and miss AM. Digital and other modes, while not for me, keep the Ham experience afloat. Let’s enjoy this hobby, and let’s enjoy life, as much as possible.

[@AsheAve]

A friend and I got involved with ham mostly because of fpv drone stuff. We found the clubs amazing. The fact that three guys over sixty came out to put us through the exam at night left us amazed. Thanks for your comments. I love the ham radio community in the US and hope we dont lose great members like those guys and you around the world to petty weak people.

[@MrRobertSpearsJr]

You started off by hitting the nail with the hammer, the issue with HAM radio is HAM Operators. Unfortunately, you veered into HAM Organizations. While a great target, Organizations are run Operators. You started to cry a river about how they are volunteers, but thankfully stopped. Operators are the biggest problem with HAM Radio today. Go to any Reddit page, forum page, club page - and look through the questions being asked and carefully review the answers. Look at any non-HAM YT page talking about radios and see the comments left by Licensed HAM Operators. As a HAM Operator, you will at first go, but that answer is right. And that's the problem; the answer is right, but not correct. It's also dished out with "I've been an Operator for 20 plus years, so I know what I'm talking about." Or my other favorite, "You're asking the wrong question, you should be asking..." Really??? Operators need to stop acting like they are the gatekeepers of information and that their way, the legal way, is the ONLY way. I've not seen one single Operator support an unlicensed user figure out why his transmits aren't working. "You don't have your license, so you can't press that button. Period.", is the usual response. Take a hard look in the mirror, and is you don't see the problem with your hobby, then you are the problem. Best of luck to you, us preppers will do what we do best; figure it out on our own. And please FFS, don't start in with the "We will DF you!" If you show up unannounced on a preppers property, ready to play HAM Police, you are going to have a very bad experience. 73's

[@pjosephlthewonder5082]

It is those of us willing to make the time, like you and many others working to make this the fantastic hobby it is even better. I was asked once 'what makes ham radio so good? You can't play music and play games with it' my reply was finding that one weak signal from New Zealand and having a three minute QSO, then looking at the person that asked the question, and said 'do that with your phone.' That person took their exam one month later. I know the infighting is what many people dislike about the hobby, but every family has its' complainers. Peace

[@flipster7285]

Just today I've seen this in some of our local chat groups...."FT8 is just playing computer games", on a local Ham's online blog he slams SOTA saying (paraphrasing here), "Those guys say they are active but all they do is sit and get fat", another group is so pro cw that they constantly badger other hams implying that they are not "real" hams. Guess what all you Ham-Karens, whatever your personal vendetta against other modes or people, I don't give a single iota of a damn about what you think or say I should do. I enjoy HAM RADIO and ALL of its aspects. We all have our likes and dislikes, but let people do what they enjoy without giving them grief and you WILL see the hobby growing, you WILL see younger individuals becoming interested and involved and you WILL see people volunteering their time and effort. I am part of a "club" that consists only in name. No meetings, no socials, no outings. Basically a group of older OM that play radio every now and then and can't be bothered to do more. Guess what, I'm not waiting for them. I set up field stations, I do SOTA activations, I try to set up a station in our botanical gardens once every month or two and supply coffee and an open invite to all the Hams in our area for an infirmal get together (only had one ham join up to now). I decided that I will do what I enjoy, and that is HAM RADIO, not Radar, not FT8, not RTTY, not JS8, not CW, not SSB, bu HAM RADIO. If anybody wants to join me they are always more than welcome, but whatever I do will be for the promotion and awareness of the hobby. I've not been a ham for very long, but I am sure I've reached more people with ham radio awareness than some of the other guys in our area, all holed up in their shacks and "protecting" their "mode kingdoms". I've actually gotten to the point where I've atarted printing fliers to hand out during my field outings as I ALWAYS get asked what I am doing. To the Ham-karens out there, live and let live. There will ALWAYS be technological advancement in any hobby, whether you like it or not If you want your beloved hobby to live on, allow other people or younger operators to embrace thise technologies they like, and let them be them. Even if you don't agree with them because it is not the way you've done things for years, they ARE the future of the hobby. To those younger and newer operators, be patient with some OM, the rate at which change is happening now is way way waaayyyy faster than a lot of the older operators have ever experienced in their lives, and change can be scary, especially if it involves computers and coding and clouds and apps and....... I refuse to get involved in petty squabbles and debates that will only damage Ham radio in the long run. I do what I do because I enjoy the hobby, not a mode or a brand or a person. I can make a difference in my local ham circles, and I hope it will spill over to other operators.

[@tedmead465]

The problem is there are trolls everywhere and they can get on your nerves. Keep on with your videos, we need the interaction

[@JOHNSMITH-ug2mt]

Ham Radio needs Purpose! Other than just playing with new toys, or experimenting with radio waves...These things can be done anytime. Just making contacts is useless, other than to see if your radio is working. It should be more than just a Hobby!

[@anthonycaldwell9485]

I am a new ham as of 11/07/22 have not had a lot of contact yet but so far all positive. I have not seen the negative yet but I know I will. Till then I will and after I will keep chins up I enjoy all aspects of radio and think I will always! I started in the 80's with CB radio and then became a truck driver yes some bad apples there but never discouraged it brought me to here and now . Radio is FUN and has a duel function for information among other things. KF0KTM

[@mariozuvic3592]

Hayden as you all ready know Ham Radio is just the Best Hobby in the world, plain and simple VP8EME/VP8A best 73 to all.

[@toddkr1w]

Thanks for what you do Hayden. Your videos (among a few others) are what attracted me to ham radio. I work in telecom and knowing how fragile the internet really is, things like packet, aprs, eme, winlink, etc are very interesting to me. I'm new new (less than a year) and have been discouraged a bit by the seeming lack of activity from local clubs has been discouraging ( could be they are active and just don't update websites, but who knows). It was a bit discouraging my first few times out trying to make contacts and getting nothing, but watching people like you and the coffee and ham radio guys kept me encouraged and as long as every time I was out I had a different result, it feels like progress. I can now regularly make contacts on FT8, and when someone doesnt hear me or I have a contact fail, I can look and say "Oh this guy moved onto the same band and blew my signal out" (I'm qrp on a ft-818) or I see people struggling to make a DX and notice they didnt swap to even or odd to be on the opposite of the person they are trying to contact. I have lots to learn, but feel like I have found a word wide community of people on youtube who are more interested in advancing the hobby beyond their own little circles that keep me encouraged. Thanks again.

[@gfchr2692]

Clubs and the pseudo-elite old farts that seem to desire to suppress any new idea, any FCC changes that might bring more operators. Making that few new guys that show up feel unwelcome (then never seeing them again). You know the ones, they turn the hobby into a contest of who can spend more on the most exotic equipment they can find... then you never, ever hear them actually on the air. Being the noob, I got treated like I didn't know a thing, and was far below their standards of technical knowledge. I was just one of those new "no code" guys, and not worth their time... me and my MSEE, and years of HF/mf/lf experience with exotic gov't gear at the end of the cold war never went back. Just leave the old farts in their little kingdom, and save myself the grief. Or the ones that seem to have to chunk the repeater every half hour, but you have never heard their voice on the radio. The ones that, at the single meeting you went to, overhear you talking to the one other noob about building some simple dipole, and the elitist-old-fart has to interrupt how he just bought (insert name of whatever is the most expensive commercial version of what you are building.) Usually this old fart brags about it still being in the box, or some other proof he is just some weird gear-hoarder. (In the Sailing world, we call this problem "GAS" Gear Acquisition Syndrome, the accumulation of a whole boathouse full of crap you don't know how to utilize) My personal favourite, hearing some net controller just flaming away at some new operator for having the gall to check in to their net when he doesn't have a current paid membership. This seems to happen more in the 2m digital club world.

[@rickhursh9053]

I am an outsider looking in. In the United States you are seeing a big influx from the Survival/Prepping community. They are not driven by the science of radio but by the function of the communication it provides. This may be a blessing and a curse.

[@DaveEeEeE-hu7gu]

Everyone needs to chill out and stop gatekeeping the hobby. If someone comes up on frequency with crap terminology or some obvious shortfalls, who honestly cares.... to be honest the whole licensing thing was a pain in the behind and really stupid. Make it an online assessment already and regulate the gear a bit more for foundationals at most.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

No your right the lack of accountability since Covid is at a all time high. Lazy people will be the death of humanity 😳

[@vk3wl]

AR is not simply about talking to one another. There are other options such as CB and VoIP for those that just want to 'communicate'. Unfortunately there is a growing number of amateurs that want a full-featured licence with a low standard of entry at a technical level simply because all they wish to do a talk. What these people ignore is the raison d'etre of the ARS is much more than simply talking to other AR stations. As for representative bodies, the WIA knockers are invariably those that sit on the fence and throw mud, but refuse to get involved and effect change as they see ought to take place according to their thinking. I often challenge these fence sitters and 'brick batt throwers' to join up, get involved, and effect change as they see necessary. Predictably, these people rarely if ever do.

[@JDK45ACP]

Yeah, I know a bunch of good folks in Ham. I joined a local club once but was never very active with them. I decided to become more involved and went to my first club meeting. About 15 minutes into it, the members were screaming and cussing at each other and making stupid drama accusations and calling each other every foul name you can imagine. I walked out and never went back. I'm starting my own club, and it will be a group of outdoorsman/survivalists/hunters/fishermen who also enjoy Ham Radio. Our Field Days will be spent doing hasty voice and digital comms in the bush. great video. Thanks for it. I'll subscribe to your channel. 73, y'all.

[@3TQVK]

Well done. You read the room ! Congratulations on starting your own club Big effort. Life is short and you dont waste it on oxygen thieves. I personally understand the work and commitment it takes to achieve this. Have fun with the guys in your new club

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Well said, Hayden. Spot on. Infighting helps no one and no cause. Ever.

[@auslander1270]

Nice one Hayden. This has been an issue forever in the ham world and it really does put people off. I just dont know how it will ever change though. But change it must.

[@abe677]

The local club scene ruined amateur radio for me. I enjoyed the comradery, but there were some behind-the-scenes member relationship issues. Drama I could tolerate, but I wasn’t going to be a pawn used to create more of it. So I walked away from the hobby. I’m still interested in amateur radio.

[@radiotests]

my only complaint is the few entrenched dinosaurs in "that" group that when you do express interest in donating time, talent or treasure only want your help as they see fit. New blood is essential to any group to evolve or die. If I volunteer I expect to do crap duty for "a time" but don't get your undies in a bunch if your gatekeeping attitude encourages people to want to take your job and welcome wider groups of people. like gasp, young people, mothers, even gurlz!

[@Wheelabarraback]

I totally agree with you . Unfortunately I just left as I have a life and other interests outside of Amateur radio . The bickering and the fun police just made it disappointing to turn on a radio. Although I do appreciate all the decent operators out there and there are quite a few .

[@chadpm11]

Problem with Ham radio today is the ppl in ham. I was studying to get my licenses amd started talking to local clubs and ppl and met with nothing but rudeness and outcasting comments about non hams and ppl thinking about getting in to ham. I cence stopped studying. Why study and get licenses if you are going to be treated like this just trying to get information from ppl already licenses.

[@HighDesertAdventurer]

With having my license for one year and upgrading to Gen in March I have joined a local club that is great. I joined right when I got my ticket. It's an active and helpful group! Been to some of their homes and even service projects for other club members.

[@Flashfox_Prime]

I fully agree with your assessment. I've been a ham since 1969 and I always hear those who refuse to adapt and accept change. From those who say that "no-coders" are "not hams", to those who say that remote operation is not "real ham radio" to those who refuse to accept faster data rates, to . The number one obstacle to progress is us ... hams are the #1 cause. I operate via my remote HF station (2680 miles away), I use all types of data modes including FT8 and JS8call, I promote abandoning the archaic data rate limit, and I still cruise at ~20-25 wpm in CW (which is just a fun mode for me). I know many new hams who REFUSE to upgrade to General or Extra simply because they prefer experimenting with V/UHF, very high data rates, etc. They are NOT interested in "noisy HF". However, these hams are greatly contributing to our hobby and others by experimenting with new and more capable modes, setting up MESH networks for emergency use, etc. Then I hear OFs complain that these people who stay with their TECH licenses are "killing the hobby" ... (sigh). As for the Extra Class license test, it is also getting "old". I haven't played with a "tube" radio in decades. All my amps and radios are solid-state, and most are unrepairable (FPGA, BGAs, SDR, etc.), yet one still needs to understand all about "tubes". The same goes for the formulas that are required. In today's world, "knowing the formula" is not as important as "knowing how to find it". A quick search on my computer or online and I can find all of the formulas I need. So why force a candidate to remember all of these formulas? Again, it's simply because we refuse to adapt to the changes around. Many FEAR change so they want to isolate themselves around a cocoon of stuff they already know. OK ... I can share a lot more but I made my point. Thanks for the video and for letting me share my views :-)

[@Thomas-ZET]

You are spot on, we need to support these organizations and help promote amateur radio, and yes ignore the the keyboard Rambo’s