KF7MIX

For those who don't know, 146.520 is the national simplex calling frequency, or the frequency you might try in any given US city to find someone to talk with. In some areas most traffic will call only on this channel, and chat elsewhere, but in Phoenix it is a social gathering spot as well as a calling frequency.

I don't often have time to participate in the round table discussions, but I listen from time to time during the day. This page is just a place to record some thoughts and goings on at 52 in Phoenix.

Latest activity

Apr 12, 2011 - There is just not a ton going on at 52 lately... still a few familiar voices, but not a lot of activity.

Dec 8, 2010 - Overheard a discussion about the value of ham radio for the youth of today. The argument was made that from a "techincal impressiveness" standpoint, amateur radio could not complete with what young people have access to today. Cost-to-capability was also called in to question, with amateur radio equipment being rather expensive compared to other communicaiton technology out there.

I would say that you're never going to convince the general population, youth included, in the value of amateur radio. The ones that get into it will have some specific interest, whether it be technical, emcomm, social, DXing, etc. I would also argue that newcomers that go to ham radio for the social aspect are going to be limited indeed, with so many other social opportunities out there. For my part, it was and is primarily emcomm and self-sufficiency. Though, the hobby and social aspects are also turning out to be fun and interesting!