Who Can Use Your Ham Radio?

The recent rule-change means that under supervision, and making sure the "rules of the road" are followed, you can allow another person, including children to use your radio equipment. Let's follow Isabella's story and get inspired to do the same. What do you think? Callum.
• The Incredible Story o... Full interview with Matt
• ARISS School Contact b... Isaballe contacting NA1SS

[@bg8fairpoint610]

I swear if we could bottle the sparkle and the wonder that kids have it would be the biggest commodity in the world thanks for taking the time for her it will pay off 10-fold

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It would certainly sell for a lot of money.

[@newYorkStories]

After watching the video of Isi, I asked my daughter (12) to do the same. She had no particular interest. Then I shared this experience as a comment on "Funwelle",s KZbin video about this topic, and he said at 12 kids are already too old to be interested in daddy's hobbies. Fast forward to today, when I shared your video and Arthur's comment (we live in America, but are native German speakers), my daughter said "It's not that I don't care about your hobbies - I just don't understand your 'radio thing'". I am going to change that

[@FromthehamshackwithNJ4Z]

Absolutely priceless. What a great video. You can just see the bright spark with Isabella. Brilliant stuff all the way round.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Couldn't agree more!

[@CapnMic]

Isabella is like sunshine .. kudos to good parenting and letting her explore her interests ..

[@michaelpriest6242]

Hooray for UK! I am so happy that UK is allowing this wonderful opportunity for newbies to participate.

[@StarmanTrump]

That’s wonderful. I just got my technician license and I’m introducing amateur radio to my grandchildren. We are learning as we go. It’s a great way to spend quality time with them and have fun at the same time.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Wonderful!

[@ve3pcp]

Thankfully in Canada, we have been able to have others participate in communication on the radio for as long as I remember. We do Jamboree on the Air every year with either girl guides or scouts. Not many end up exploring the hobby further but when you plant the seed, it may eventually grow.

[@ve3pcp]

It also gives me the opportunity to share my remote station with anyone from anywhere as long as I am in the station.. With or without a call sign of their own.

[@gerardosullivan1642]

Isabella is the gift of God to radio. Well done.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

👍Excellent. Hopefully, the new rule will help get more people interested in radio. Under the old license, someone without a license could send a message if the equipment was operated by a full license holder. The new license, "....allows anyone to use the radio equipment providing that they are under the direct physical supervision of the licensee. This is required so that at any time the licensee can take back control of the radio equipment." It may not seem like much of a difference. However, in practice, it means that people can now have a proper hands on go at operating.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes Steve.. Very fine indeed.

[@flipster7285]

This has been in our legislation for a number of years, and it is fantastic. It helps so much getting people interested in radio and i make it a point to prioritse contacts with youngsters.

[@mattstosh6960]

Two Days ago (Saturday 3/23) the local Arctic Amateur Radio Club (AARC) in conjunction with Helping Hands of Two Rivers Alaska put on a 6 hour Radio Communication workshop which was attended by almost 35 people/kids. While ongoing, Bill was running a HF radio and buddibeam system trying to get people on the air. Happy to report that about 12 got over mic-fright and made their first qso as "Guests". Once over their initial fright, it was easy to keep them on the air and others realized it was easy and joined in. Cool that the local radio club is trying to do more public out-reach and get others involved n an amazing hobby.

[@ke8wlw]

Man, that little girl if she sticks with it, shes going to dominate the airwaves!

[@ramadaxl]

Izzy...you are an absolute INSPRIATION young lady ! More power ( Watts ! ) to you ! My step kids wanted to know ( DEMANDED ) what CB radio was / is....Since I'm not a licensed HAM I dragged my old CB set out of the dust and set it up ( amazed it still worked lol ) and they loved it !

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Amazing!

[@TrevorClarke]

We've had supervised use for a while in the US and every field day we have kids and adults who make contacts for the first time and absolutely love it! I'm glad the UK is allowing this now.

[@wordwalker3]

Excellent video! Isabella is priceless indeed! What a marvelous way to inspire her, and the rest of us! The gleam in her eye was evident. She will be looking forward to that antenna build and it will be something she will fondly look back on and smile for the rest of her life! I can think back to those who took the time to inspire me with something, in my younger days, and it still brings a smile to my face.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Couldn't agree more!

[@patrickwall8517]

I'm glad to hear that the UK did this. In the US we've been allowed to do this in the U.S. for years. On Field Day we set up at a local park and we invite people at the park to see what we're doing and offer them the chance to get on the air.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

That's great!

[@robertmeyer4744]

That was super ! best time is to interduce ham radio when they are young but it is never to late to interduce ham radio to anyone. this is the same all around the world. I am hearing more young ones calling CQ POTA now. or stand but for a outher operator and it's a YL . love hearing them and getting them into the log. I have been on radio many years and love how many young people are getting on the air. Isabella is going to love building a antenna . I started with short wave radio and CB many years back. very nice ! cheers from NY/ USA !

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Superb!

[@dallasthomas6519]

This is cool, was watching when Isabella called you Cal. She did great and was excited to get to build an antenna.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes it was!

[@labcat73]

Being a smartphone zombie myself it's so nice to see 'the spark' in her eyes... Great parenting!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It really is!

[@KH07734]

We have always been able to allow others to use our radios as long as we are the controller of the transceiver. I wasn’t aware the UK didn’t allow that.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

They are (were) allowed to pass a message on, but not have full contact... Weird, outdated - and now fixed.

[@kennethblackwell1137]

I really enjoyed Izzzy and her Dad too......they are great folks. Thank yout Callum..

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andreVE4BK]

Bravo!!! 👍👍👍

[@stevethibodeauxn4sfc257]

I think it's a great idea, Cal! We need more kids in the mix.

[@sveinfarstad3897]

Priceless!!! Loved it!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Rubedo777]

I feel that this transmission captured by Cal and the following interviews will be a kind of a watershed moment for ham radio operators and the hobby as a whole. This little girl has shattered the fear 💥 of allowing someone, a spectator of our great interest, of being allowed to “ have a go” and thereby experience the delight of getting a contact on the radio, be it a mile or a thousand miles away. Previous we see older hams at a convention/ exhibition, huddled over the radio and people occasionally watching and thinking…oh, that’s ham radio…. carry on, next desk in the tent / hall…. Now, thanks to this progressive change in the UK Licensing we can allow someone to ‘give it a try’ and see the smile come to their face and the possibility of them getting infected with the wigglies 😮 My grand children are in a que waiting for my shack to be built and installed… because now instead of just watching they can get involved much more. Yes, the rules… but now what a great step forward has been made. 💎 Best wishes to everyone. 73. 💙

[@DXCommanderHQ]

SOme good observations ther!

[@alanreader4815]

is isabella coming back. She is a fresh inspiration for ham radio.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Ask Matt...!

[@jimiwills]

Cuuuuuuute. I just heard about this. Gonna get my kids into it

[@paul-c7541]

Absolutely Wonderful, 73 Paul M0BSW

[@JEFF-Elliott]

❤ this made me smile all the way so sweet❤

[@Dirty-garage]

That was lovely got my son and wife in to it back in 2003 my son was 7 1/2 yrs when he got his m3 and my wife was ??yrs old lol . cheers Cary 2E0DDB.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Great fun!

[@ryank5tar]

Outstanding!

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thank you kindly!

[@ve3pcp]

I rose to the challenge and sent out an invitation for World Amateur Day, waiting to hear back..

[@G5STU]

The mud kitchen sounds fun :)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I had to Google that one Stu!

[@jochenkrebs9685]

She is a little princess, hope she stay on the radio hobby 73´s DH1KJ

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

What about an UNUN 16:1 that can be installed in the roofspace and the antenna lead can connect to the Antenna connection then through a tiny hole then onto a tree about a few hundred yards down the garden but if you you own your house then what about turning one of the trees into a Treetenna i.e W5JGV.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Haha.. You always throw a spanner in the works!

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

@@DXCommanderHQ a 16:1 UNUN makes a HOA Antenna possible as long as low viz wire is used or use a large tree and make the matching unit look like a Birdhouse without the access for the birds then no one is any the wiser, copying W5JGV who is now a silent key(sk) unless someone knows otherwise

[@stephenabbott904]

great video😀

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Thanks! 😀

[@jamesmasonn4jom496]

That was great.

[@DerbJd]

To me, HAM has always seemed to eliteist and exclusionary. "We refuse to talk to you unless you quote your membership code" blah blah... I loved it when Colin the HEad went to a HAM exhibition and started trolling about being Britain's biggest CB Radio celebrity. Meshtastic and the CB 3 3 3 process will do for me, thanks. Not one for rules.

[@michael-------7058]

I've no time for the elitists. I enjoy calling out and making contacts. My grandkids enjoy hearing the different voices, accents, conversations - they think it's cooler than having to know someone and calling them on the phone. Elitists have their place, but I've no time for them.

[@DerbJd]

@@michael-------7058I had a go at HAM years ago for a bit and no one would acknowledge me because 'reasons', It's so off-putting to newcomers. And also back then, there was such a hoo-har about 'qualifying'. CB is free, fun and anyone can do it. In effect, anyone can HAM too, providing they don't mind getting ignored by the snobs.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

First two words nailed it for me :)

[@TonyBlews]

Does anyone have any idea when 2E0s and 2E1s are going to be offered M8s and M9s? I'd rather get it done with sooner that later and surrender my M7.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Good question.. You would have to ask Ofcom.

[@StraightOuttaUrbex]

so as a m3 can my unlicensed kids use my gear then? or is it intermediate and up

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I believe as long as you supervise, yes.

[@StraightOuttaUrbex]

@@DXCommanderHQ ah right sounds good so under my callsign m3zzn then can try out radio

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

What am I doing? Well, I've tried, for over 60 years (first licensed in 1963) to get friends, parents, children, (ex)wife, other relatives, girlfriends, friends from other hobbies, and coworkers, interested in Ham radio, but I'm apparently doing it wrong: no bites. (Or maybe because they figure that they would be talking to me, and that's no fun.)

[@DXCommanderHQ]

It's a tough one.. Apparently when "they" reach 45-50 years old, they'll remember your demo and resurrect the idea. It does pay off. Just not instantly.

[@jamesbradley9233]

My 10 year old has bought himself a little Baofeng, he's fascinated... Jim m0cru

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Amazing.

[@peterking299]

55 Years ago I just made my own rig and called CQ without a licence, on the Amateur bands and on Medium wave, we had lots of fun, I still do that now.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Yes.. Some folks do. Just beware that also, periodically, the authorities have done a "sweep up" and nailed the folks "out of band". There's CB to play with and Ham Radio also - but the rest is governed by a world treaty.

[@brianfields4479]

What a great future she will have. Some might say keep her away from this hobby with lots of old farts hi hi. Hope she gets out and sees the world. Bless her.

[@anderskihlelb3bj835]

Great change of the rules. Thats one way to get more people inn to the hobby. There are surely some who disagree. But there is so much I can say about others who have a license, who behave completely wrongly on the radio! Sometimes I think, is it possible? Talking about how to behave. It will be interesting to see in the future whether more countries open up to this as well.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

As I said to an earlier commenter.. It's a tough one.. Apparently when "they" reach 45-50 years old, they'll remember whet ever demo someone did and resurrect the idea. It does pay off. Just not instantly.

[@GH0ST369]

The rule you can't get a ham to hook up your equipment makes 0% sense. If the person is listening 100% legal in most countries so that you can get the hands on learning requires to have equipment hooked up...

[@DXCommanderHQ]

Actually.. I don't understand the first part of your stement.. Sorry.

[@julianrobertson3303]

It would be nice if there was a completely new trend introducing a younger generation to the ham radio hobby , but sadly it's unlikely that there will be any significant rise in new numbers due to several factors . At present the ham radio hobby is mainly white middle aged & elderly males , unfortunately ham radio is in it's demise and it's only a matter of time before the hobby will sadly become doomed , already there are commercial companies that are waiting to purchase the use of radio ham frequencies , presumably after the last generations of ham users have become silent key . There has been recent interest in radio communications mainly due to the pandemic creating thousands of preppers I myself being one of them . I would imagine that Ofcom will no doubt thin out the entry exam even further within the next few years in an attempt to maintain the survival of ham radio. The global Governments sees & recognizes that the ham radio hobby generates billions in tax revenue & I'm sure the Governments will do all it can to maintain & support the hobby as many businesses & radio manufactures depend on ham radio for their sole income . Finally it's certainly within my opinion that if ham radio is to survive and it is a big if ? , there will need to be further radical changes within the Government control of the ham radio hobby.

[@DXCommanderHQ]

The average age folks enter the hobby is about 45 years old. Has been since the CB craze. Your job is to inspire people NOW so that in 30 years from now, they will go and have a look. If you think negative, YOU are doomed.. If you think positive, you are NOT. Flick a switch and swap over..

[@brian.7966]

if push comes to shove anyone can use the ham radio bands,

[@DXCommanderHQ]

If push comes to shove, you can raid your neighbour's fridge.

[@Team-fabulous]

Should that child not be more concerned about her gender pronouns or identifying as a cat instead of doing something educational and constructive such as amateur radio!! 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@DXCommanderHQ]

I missed the humour - but I am diagnosed mildly Autistic - so this is normal for me. I apologise for not "getting it".

[@ke8wlw]

First. Good afternoon cal!