For three decades, I have been an amateur radio operator. Ham radio was introduced to me by a middle school science teacher who captured my imagination with this hobby by creating the mystery of the airwaves. When we stop and think about it, it is truly magical how our voice or digital signal is not only transmitted, but received and deciphered by another radio aficionado. After thirty years, that same magic and mystery still captures my imagination and all of this was instilled by one quirky science teacher over thirty years ago…the power of one.

With the recent boom in 10 Meter DX activity, the recent sunspots have given all radio amateurs renewed excitement. When I moved to Colorado 13 years ago, I remember one of my most memorable contacts on 10 meters when band conditions mimic where they are today. Although this contact from 13 years ago may seem basic or routine for many, it is one of my most memorable of mine for a variety of reasons.

Being the grandson of Irish immigrants, since becoming a ham in 1992, I have always wanted to have a confirmed QSO with the Emerald Isle. Such an opportunity was presented to me in October 2011. Gerry, EI9JU, was working a decent North American pile-up for well over an hour. With my rig running 50W into a G5RV, I was having little luck getting through the pile-up. Hearing that Gerry was starting to wear-our from the litany of QSOs that he was having, he happily announced that he had taken his last call and was going to go QRT for the day. In haste, I called, “Gerry, can you hang in for one more?” and gave my call-sign. Gerry obviously had a decision to make; acknowledge the one last desperate call…or he could have just as easily shut his rig off and called it quits after a successful afternoon on the air. How many times have we been presented with this situation not only in our radio activities, but in our lives? How many times have we heard from a child, “just one more story, please? The power of one at hand…

With his delicate Irish brogue, Gerry came back to my call for “just one more.” Feeling like I was making my first ever ham radio contact, my voice was filled with excitement, which I am sure that Gerry could sense. In our short QSO, I explained to Gerry that I have been a ham for two decades (at that time) and he was my first Ireland contact. Once we were able to finish our on-the-air ‘high-five’ for this accomplishment, I told him about the areas where my Grandmother and Grandfather were from in his homeland. What was great to find out was that he lived all not too far from my Grandmother’s home town of Sligo. I thanked Gerry for hanging in for just “one more” as it was a very special contact for me.

Gerry expressed his thanks to me for being involved in a momentous occasion for a fellow ham.
The story does not particularly end there…a few weeks later, on the eve of my birthday, what I had perceived to be a standard birthday card arrived in the mail. Considering it had my address on it with a unique identifier of “USA” at the bottom, I was a bit baffled. Enclosed showed the epitome of class in amateur radio operating. Gerry obviously was well aware of the enormity of my contact with him. He enclosed his QSL card with the message “thanks for giving me a reason to keep the old beam up on the tower.” Obviously, Gerry had some serious thoughts of taking the 10M beam down.

With The Power of One at hand, Gerry showed me the class and dignity that I need to possess in not only my operating skills and ham radio manners, but he showed me how powerful “one more” can be…especially as we associate and help out new, potential, or returning amateur radio operators. At the same time, Gerry will keep his 10M beam up on the tower to give other Emerald Isle seekers the opportunity for the unique contact. Bail ó Dhia ort to you, Gerry…

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association

Happy New Year! There is always great optimism on the first day of any given New Year. Whether it is breaking or creating habits, instilling a commitment to be a genuinely nicer person, or simply giving back to the greater common good of our network of family, friends and acquaintances; this day in particular starts a fresh chapter. Even for the PRA, today starts a fresh chapter in our amateur radio journey that over 260 members have opportunities to make their mark. Whether it is an individual or team based goal, you have the opportunity to complete the sentence of what amateur radio will be for you this year. “2023 – The Year of ____________.”

Any member driven organization that is a collection of enthusiasts is able to succeed by being active. So true to my exercise routine, which is one of my resolutions in 2023. Activity takes offering and offering takes activity. You and I both know that we have so much to offer when it comes to amateur radio. You have sensed it for some time now and maybe this sense has been brewing in your spirit for some time now. Whether you are newly licensed or a multi-decade long operator, we all have the opportunity to act, give back, and support the amateur radio storyline. There exists a unique beauty in the simple things that people do to support the PRA. Some of these simple things spark ideas and those ideas are so powerful that simply becoming aware of them can change the positive impact into amateur radio. As one example, look at the success of our monthly Elmer Night. This monthly meeting started as a “what if” idea by Terry-WB3EVZ a few years ago. When Terry presented the idea, a snowball effect of more ideas and responses that were met with a resounding “yes, and…” helped create the massive success of the monthly program. One simple “what if” idea, met with a series of “yes, and…” has allowed a great foundation of learning, mentoring and comradery to grow. There are dozens of examples like this in the PRA storyline.

At the same time, too, your leadership within the PRA appreciates feedback when things are not going so well. We have gotten that feedback a time or two in the last year and when that feedback is given with solutions behind it, action is taken. As Teddy Roosevelt said, “Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called whining.” Complaining or finding the bad is easy. Complaining with a proposed solution that involves you, that is valuable not only to the PRA, but your fellow amateur radio community as well. I am willing to bet that you have ideas and solutions that are so profoundly simple and astonishingly practical that once you share your time, talents and treasures and be directly a part of that solution, your amateur radio journey will change for the better.

We have an extremely active year ahead for the PRA and you have an amazing opportunity to not only get plugged in, but be an active part of the fun, success, and amazing experiences that are ahead of us. Need an idea on where to start simply? Sign up to be a net control operator once this year. Yes, that sign-up sheet is active and you never know, you may have so much fun being a net control operator, that could launch you into being a net control for one of our public service events. Maybe you have experience in learning CW/Morse Code. What an amazing opportunity to teach others through Elmering! Maybe you are a brand new ham and learned a new way to program your new radio; you will definitely be able to teach our seasoned veterans a thing or two. Bottom line is that your fresh chapter starts today and that brewing in your spirit is calling you to something greater in amateur radio. In a short twelve months, how do you want your amateur radio experience to be summarized? My hope is that you are able to launch your time, talent and treasures into the simple concepts of small actions to create the snowball effect in your amateur radio journey.

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association

As we quickly wrap up another calendar year, it is great to reflect back on the progress the PRA has made in living out its mission:

“Our mission is serving others in promoting amateur radio in the community and providing the training and support required to become an amateur radio operator. We will develop, enhance and maintain radio systems suitable for providing communications for the benefit of the community; and when requested, to assist civil authorities. We will continue to promote a culture that gives opportunities for amateur radio enthusiasts to socialize, learn, exchange ideas and contribute to the enjoyment of our hobby.“

Before you continue reading, I encourage you to get your favorite beverage or make a meal for this month’s column. It’s a long one, but one well worth the price of admission; at least the author agrees.

We kicked off the year with some necessary repeater maintenance in January, which allowed our assets to be used to their full capabilities for the benefit of members and the amateur radio community. Also in January, we braved the chilly conditions and operated Winter Field Day from an amazing historic location owned by our PRA member, Stan-N0KKY. Stan has been so gracious to the PRA and its members by sharing this treasure over the years and it makes for a great venue of radio, fun, and friendship.

We also attended a number of hamfests throughout the year and with no surprise, our tables were usually two or three people deep, with interest in the what was being sold and information about the Club.

Equally exciting were the Portable Ops Events! This showcased our abilities to operate portable, while learning from one another in a variety of different setups.

As Spring rolled into the picture, we participated in several Wings-Over-the-Rockies events where we were able to setup a special event station each time. This was also a great showcase of ambassadorship in amateur radio to the public. Hams from all over the country and world wanted to work W0R and we even created a great QSL card that was shared.

In the summer, we supported a great organization in Pedaling for Parkinson’s by providing reliable and timely communications over a large area for a cycling event. Every year, the event organizers remind us how valuable the amateur radio service is by telling us, “we don’t know how we can ever do this without you.” A true testament to the inherent value of amateur radio in a public service. A major kudos to Bill and Ben for their amazing efforts as net control ops! Speaking of June, we all know that June is the pinnacle of our events with ARRL Field Day. Even though band conditions were not cooperative, the PRA showcased some amazing setups and proved how a lot of hands can make light of heavy work. Great job by all who participated and by Dana, NN0G, our Chair this year.

In August, we participated for the first time in a Self Reliance Expo in Elbert County. What a great it was to showcase various amateur radio technologies for reliable communications when yogurt hits the fan. We were fortunate to garner several new members from that event and we look forward to supporting it in the years to come.

Throughout the year, we held monthly Elmer Nights that were led by several members that gave back of their time, talent and treasures to new or returning ham radio operators. A variety of topics were covered throughout the year and the most well attended were those that we built antennas that people not only got to take home, but put into use! The capstone of the Elmer Nights was the tape-measure YAGI that was put into use at our Chili Social and Fox Hunt event in October.

As you can see, the PRA is ALIVE and ACTIVE and it is the individual contributions, collectively, that continue the snowball effect of great things happening within your organization. Behind the scenes, your PRA Board of Directors has already laid out an amazing plan for 2023 for not only our events, but monthly presentations. A tremendous focus on basics and supporting the new ham radio operator is paramount to our mission, but a response to the feedback we’ve received on what members want. What’s important in this is that members spoke, leadership listened, and action is taken. You’ve probably noticed that a time or two throughout this past year as well; sometimes not at the speed you may have wanted, but remember, your PRA Board not only guards and guides the organization itself, the Board is 100% volunteer, with the primary focus on what is right for the PRA, its members, and amateur radio. We’ve also restructured some committees and we will have more information on those changes in upcoming meetings. A lot goes into running the organizational aspect of the PRA, which leads me to a modify a quote from President John F. Kennedy…

“Ask not what your amateur radio club can do for you – ask what you can do for your amateur radio club.”

Piggybacking off of an ARRL initiative for 2023, we are encouraging all members to take one small step up the ladder. Being in the PRA is one thing; serving the PRA is another. Your service does not need to be anything revolutionary…serve as a net control operator once a year, offer assistance with Field Day, support Elmer Nights and be an ambassador to the newest amateur radio operator. Want to really move mountains? Check in to our weekly nets and get on the air! Offer advice, updates, news, suggestions in these weekly on-the-air opportunities. Being radio active and encouraging others to do so is a huge step in continuing the momentum that the PRA has and we need your support by you sharing your time, talent and treasures in some small way in 2023. You’re only a few weeks away from setting a New Year’s Resolution.

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association

Over the past several months, there has been a resurgence in activity in our communities where public gatherings are becoming the norm and attending packed stadiums and arenas are once again common occurrences. This has held true for the PRA as we have continued to encourage a plethora of ham radio activities each month. Aside from our on-the-air nets and monthly meetings, we have had great Elmering (learning/teaching) events, antenna builds, Fox-Hunts, mountain/hiking climbs, portable operating, Field Day and community communication events where we get to showcase and be ambassadors to the amateur radio service. That desire to be part of a fraternal group while serving our community in some way is what brings a lot of people to the amateur radio service. At the core is service and it is by our individual and group service where we share our time, talents and treasures to make amateur radio captivating to the public.

The various committees in the PRA embody service and the countless hours behind the scenes serving the PRA. For those that are active and directly contribute in a committee and participate in some way, THANK YOU for your passion. It is by your passion that the PRA has been able to grow in membership and service offerings since our founding in 2014. Many hands make light of a heavy burden and there is no doubt that the committees within the PRA make the heavy lifting tasks look easy.

From an organizational standpoint, our leadership team of the PRA (it’s Board of Directors), is a group of volunteers that is nominated and voted into their respective offices every two years. To reiterate, the PRA Board are VOLUNTEERS that not only serve their respective positions with passion and duty, but this collective body always puts what is best for amateur radio at the forefront while guiding and guarding the PRA organization. Yes, the Parker Radio Association is a non-profit business corporation and your elected Board has the obligation to run the organization, based upon Colorado Law structure, in making decisions that not only benefit the members, but the amateur radio service in general. With 250+ members, there are times that decisions simply cannot please every single member. At the same time, too, this Board, sometimes does not always make correct decision in a snapshot of time. Those decisions are not erroneous or taken lightly. Just like our committees, there are countless hours of work, debate, and resolutions that go on behind the scenes monthly. What is refreshing is that this Board is a group of humble volunteers that take responsibility for mistakes, owns those mistakes, and corrects them moving forward. We don’t always get it right the first time; we listen, counsel, debate and agree with one common theme and question at the forefront; is this decision good for amateur radio and for the PRA? Outside of nets, monthly meetings, and monthly Elmer Nights, your elected Board meets at least monthly, over the course of a few hours each meeting, to discuss the current business of the PRA and its future with a clear vision and mission to make the PRA the choice in amateur radio organizations in our region.

That vision and mission is a tall task, but like our committee activities, many hands make light of a heavy burden. If you are not involved, we encourage you to get involved. Getting involved may be confusing or you may not be sure where to begin and that is A-O-K! We want to help you get plugged in so that you can contribute regularly while learning about the amateur radio service. If you have a special skill set, let us know about it because we may be able to tap your talents, and with a little time, be able to share those treasures with other members. If, by chance you catch yourself criticizing more than participating, we need you off the sidelines and in the game with us because you have a lot to offer! To be part of a fraternal group while serving our community in some way brings us together in the common passion of amateur radio. May we continue to hold true to our core belief in individual and group service where we share our time, talents and treasures to make amateur radio captivating to those we service today and in the future.

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association

In recent weeks, I noticed that the glory and majesty of the Colorado evenings have started to come a bit earlier in the day. The temperatures in the morning and the evening have started to show crispness and it is easy to tell that there is change in the air. As we close out the month of September and enter October, we are 75% through the year 2022 already. With Summer giving way to Fall and Fall will quickly give way to Winter, this is the time of year that I get more attentive to outdoor coax and antenna condition and upkeep. At the same time, too, being 75% of the way through the year is not just an indication of another year closing, but optimism can reign supreme with the relief that we still have 25% more to go!

As I reflect back on the activities and accomplishments of the PRA in 2022, I am amazed at not only our membership growth (now over 255 members), but the shear variety of events that allowed each member an opportunity to be ambassadors to the amateur radio service. From several Portable Ops Group “deployments,” to Wings-Over-the-Rockies special events, to Elmer Nights, and Field Day, these are just a few of the more public and on-display activities. Equally important is the work that goes on behind the curtain in our various committee work. Whether we’re welcoming new hams or new members, Elmering and encouraging a strong learning environment, launching a remote station, or working on the continuous improvement of our repeater infrastructures and website…the list is impressive. Most impressive is the amount of time, talent, and treasures that individual and collective members give to pull this off every week, every month and every year. There is no way that any of this would be possible without those elements of time, talent and treasures given towards the greater common good of the amateur radio service. For those that give some and for those that give a lot, THANK YOU for the amazing work you do routinely.

As we continue with momentum in the last quarter of 2022, your PRA is active, participatory, and strong. If you have not had a chance to get involved in some way, we encourage you to take that leap of faith and trust your own talent and treasures. You never know how your insight can be changing to the organization. With 25% more time to go in 2022, you have ample time to showcase your talent and treasures as an ambassador to the amateur radio service and the PRA.

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association

noun: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior; also : exchange of information.

In the amateur radio service, communication is what we do. Whether it is by handheld radio or an HF radio or anything in between, we are in the business of communication. Thanks to Merriam-Webster’s definition of communication above, it is important to grasp that communication involves both a process and an exchange. If we call CQ on HF or announce our callsign on a local repeater and we do not get a response, we are not communicating. All parties involved in communication require an agreed process and a common language (symbols/signs/behavior) in order for the exchange to be successful. Take out any element of process, exchange, or the system of language and we are left with no communication.

The PRA, as a membership driven organization, is not exempt from ensuring that communication happens with a regular cadence. What if we simply did not announce our special events or monthly meetings? What if committees did not regularly meet or have an agreed process to exchange information on their activities or progress on projects? Frankly, confusion and frustration sets in because assumptions and guessing-games of intent would dominate. Just like getting on the air, communication requires the process to which the exchange between individual(s) are actually executed in order to be successful.

One of the beautiful characteristics of the PRA membership is that we are diverse group from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and professional experiences. Some members are in college, some members are retired; some are executives, some are programmers, while others are doctors and lawyers. Some are young and others are young at heart. What is at the core of this wide range of backgrounds and experiences is the common desire for consistent communication from the PRA as a organization, and from our fellow members and hams when we are on the air or meeting in committees, or planning special events. At the same time, too, as a member-driven organization, when we feel there is a lack of understanding or a of feeling “out of the loop,” may we have the bravery to step up, speak up, and ask for that clarity so that the communication process ensures that a 5NN or 59+20db exchange report happens.

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association

To those not familiar with Amateur radio, the service can be a complicated mix of technology and jargon. Too often, when people ask ham radio operators what that (or these) radios are all about, we provide an information dump and try to share every tidbit of information we can in that short window of opportunity to engage our audience. There is a beauty in the way people can make the complex simple. I had many of educators that were masters at that skill. All too often, they would remind me to not try and make the simple complicated, but make the complicated simple. As skilled ambassadors to the amateur radio service, it is important for us to not only share out time, talent, and treasures, but we should also share our knowledge of amateur radio in a way that brings simplicity to our very technical arena.

Professionally, one of my favorite exercises is the practice of an elevator speech. At its core, an elevator speech is typically used in career development where you provide a very brief (typically 30-seconds) way to introduce yourself, give insight (not an overview) of your career and what you are looking for that is in common with your audience. For those not familiar with elevator speeches, think of having a conversation in a typical elevator ride…you typically have less than 30-seconds. The intent is to stimulate interest, transition that interest, and share a vision. Recently, I had the opportunity to practice an elevator speech through a Workforce Commission Board of Directors event where I had 30-seconds to explain what the Workforce Commission was, who was involved, and what we do as a group of professional volunteers. After a few minutes of coaching, this room full of Executives were able to showcase and roleplay their talents in adlibbing their elevator speech.

At the conclusion of the event, as I was beginning my drive home, I powered on my mobile radio for a typical drivetime QSO. As I powered the radio, it dawned on me; do amateur radio operators have an elevator speech to briefly describe amateur radio that is stimulating, interesting, and casts a vision? What about when people see you with your Parker Radio Association shirt and ask, “what is the PRA?” Are our answers long, drawn out, and full of technological jargon? Or, is our response short, yet stimulating, that provides interest and a vision?

As my wonderful teachers of years gone by guided me in not making the simple complicated, so too do we as amateur radio operators need to embrace simplicity in our explanations. As technology advances, amateur radio will become increasingly more technical, which is exciting. Ambassadors to amateur radio will not only embrace these technological advancements, but will be able to provide basic and simple responses, to those unfamiliar with the service, that remains stimulating, interesting and casts a vision.

As I practiced my concept of an amateur radio elevator speech with Mrs. SRK, she told me, “honey, that sounds amazing and very, very interesting, but you’re still a nerd.” The good news is that I was able to stimulate some interest, transition that interest, but I did not quite share a common vision. That is OK, because it gives me something to work towards improving.

What is your amateur radio elevator speech? What does your PRA elevator speech sound like?

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association

In 1928, Paul M. Segal, W9EEA wrote The Amateur’s Code. Through the test of time, Segal’s six elements of what the Radio Amateur is remains a great reminder to what each ham needs to be. Whether you are new to amateur radio or you have been licensed for a few decades, this nearly 100 year old piece is not only a classic piece of amateur radio insight, but its principles resonate today. When we look around at the membership of the PRA, it is obvious that not only do we play radio, have fun and keep the squelch loose, but we live out Segal’s six elements daily.

From Segal’s The Amateur Code, we learn that “The Radio Amateur is:

CONSIDERATE…never knowingly operating in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

LOYAL…offering loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs and the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.

PROGRESSIVE…with knowledge abreast of science, a well built and efficient station, and operation beyond reproach.

FRIENDLY…with slow and patient operation when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance, co-operation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.

BALANCED…Radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.

PATRIOTIC…with station and skill always ready for service to country and community.”

As I have reread Segal’s passage many times over the last 30-years of my amateur radio journey, at least one of these elements becomes a good reminder, from time to time, what amateur radio is all about. I know that when I am frustrated in learning a new mode, or my SWR readings are not cooperating, or the RF noise is blanketing a DX pileup, or I am struggling programming a new radio; Segal’s basics bring me back to center. What is most inspiring to me is watching these words become action with the PRA. Simply watch (or better yet, participate!) in the various monthly activities we have going. Member or non-member, we want you to not only be a part of our organization, but we are ready to meet you where you are in your amateur radio journey.

As we embark on the second half of 2022, we look forward to continuing to give of our time, talent, and treasures as individual radio amateurs and as a collective group of passionate radio hams that are considerate, loyal, progressive, friendly, balanced and patriotic.

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association

As we hit the month of June, it is hard to fathom that we are already in the sixth month of 2022 and the halfway point of the year. For amateur radio operators, this month is typically filled with anticipation of one of the most fun operating events, ARRL Field Day. For those familiar with Field Day with the PRA, you know the event is filled with lots of learning, fun activities, and lots of laughs. What many do not know is the amount of planning that goes into such an event. Field Day simply doesn’t just happen where the radios arrive and antennas are set. Coordination and teamwork, like any organization, remains paramount to a successful event and the way things are coming together for our 2022 Field Day, those familiar and unfamiliar with Field Day are in for a treat.

Often, we talk about the giving of our time, talent and treasures within the PRA. This year, like every previous Field Day, we have an amazing Field Day Chair, Dana-NN0G. Dana has been working tirelessly behind the scenes for the last several months in coordinating everything from radios and antennas to coax and cooking…parking spots and tent locations, computer logging, operating schedules, batteries, solar…almost an endless list of checks and ‘must-dos’ that equate to an amazing Field Day. Dana has shown that to pull off a great event not only takes careful coordination, but a collective effort of those that pitch in to help where they can. Amazing things happen when a collective group offers their time, talent and treasures towards a common goal. We are fortunate to have great members like Dana-NN0G that not only coordinate great events, but are true ambassadors to the amateur radio service. Thank you, Dana and here’s to a great Field Day!

Speaking of ambassadorship, Field Day typically has an equal amount of draw from family members and guests and may not be totally familiar with what is happening. All of us have a duty and obligation to the amateur radio service and the PRA to be stewards and ambassadors. First impressions last forever and can make or break someone’s curiosity into amateur radio. For me, if my first experience in amateur radio was not positive, I would have avoided it and moved on to something else. That holds true as amateur radio operators and acting as ambassadors. To promote the growth and appeal to amateur radio, particularly in our youth, our words and actions go a long way to developing and building our next generation of amateur radio operators. Field Day provides such a unique opportunity to not only demonstrate our technology, but gives our guests an opportunity to operate and make their first contact. Remember the first contact you made and how getting on-the-air may have given you some butterflies in your stomach? You can be the catalyst to launch a passion in our next amateur radio operator simply by being a solid ambassador and overall decent human being.

If this is your first Field Day, or maybe it’s your 8th with the PRA, may it be filled with “Having Fun, Playing Radio, and Keeping the Squelch Loose.”

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association

Over the last decade, I have been amazed at the number of new licensees to amateur radio. To date, there are over 776,000 licensed ham radio operators in the United States and approximately 3,000,000 worldwide. No doubt, by the numbers, the amateur radio service is strong. In Colorado, we are just shy of 20,000 licensed amateur radio operators. What is equally exciting behind the numbers is that with over 250 members, the PRA has roughly 1.25% of Colorado hams as members; not too shabby for an 8-year old group. What is also noticeable is that with 250 members, we get roughly 10% participating in nets and being active on our repeaters. Although not discouraged or disappointed in the numbers, I reflect back on when I was first licensed and what it took for me to break the threshold of feeling comfortable being on the local repeater routinely. Breaking that barrier took time, talent and treasures from a lot of fellow ham radio operators.

The buffet of options for newly licensed hams is something that I do not envy. When I was licensed in 1992, handheld digital modes like DMR, DStar, and Fusion were non-existent options. If you wanted a handheld radio, you operated analog. At that time, handhelds were mostly single band, but the emergence of dual band radio was slowly becoming more popular. Even with a dual band radio, analog was the only option. The great pains of programming radios without software was relatively simple with offsets and CTCSS codes being the only true elements needed to program your radio successfully. I lived for getting the hand-me-down of the ARRL repeater book from my Elmers to make sure I had my radio programmed with as much up-to-date information as possible. Yes, this was before the internet and readily available repeater directories online.

Fast forward to today and the plethora of handheld radio options are enough to make your head spin. Dual band, Tri-band, dual mode, analog/digital, DMR, Fusion, P25, D-Star. Now, add the programming logics of each that are independent by each mode and I can begin to see where today’s newest hams face a much steeper learning curve than what I faced 30-years ago. This, too, may also represent a barrier of getting on the air for the newest hams. With that, I am proud of the PRA membership that have stepped up to help new hams as an Elmer (a term used for those that help teach amateur radio). The monthly PRA Elmer Nights are a great venue for the newly licensed or returning ham to get up-to-speed and get questions answered on how to do certain things such as which radio is a good starter handheld, what programming software to use, what is a repeater, to name a few. This is also a great venue on how to make your first contact and how to check-in on a net. For many, checking in on a net is as simple as tying your shoes, but remember learning to tie your shoes? I remember the patience that both my parents provided during that learning curve. They guided me with patience, practice and mentoring to help me master the art of a sustainable shoelace tied well. The same premise and opportunity exists in amateur radio.

As outside activities are picking up and we are on the month-eve of our capstone event for the year, ARRL Field Day, may we have the courage to ask for help and guidance and may we also have the courage to share our time, talent, and treasures with our fellow amateur radio operators. Breaking those barriers generate benefits far beyond what we can see at that moment.

73,
Dan – N2SRK
President
Parker Radio Association