I dug out an old handheld amateur radio transceiver out of the closet, as part of the process of simplifying my life. I turned it on, scanned through the two meter band, and … nothing. The band was completely silent. The radio was working just fine, since I was able to hear taxi dispatchers and general business radio operations outside of the two meter band just fine. Eventually, I came across a lone man on one of the repeaters, just saying his call sign followed by “listening”. There was no response.
Several years ago, I let my amateur radio license elapse. I was enthusiastic when I first got it, but hearing repeaters filled with old men who ragchewed endlessly on just a few pet topics – home maintenance, aches and pains, and how things aren’t what they used to be since the no-code techs started coming onboard – I gave it up. I suspect that I’m not alone.
Hams of the SDMB, and others interested in radio hobbies: is amateur radio dying?
Every time I fire up the old 2-meter, I hear dozens of old coots discussing the weather and their health, just like 10 years ago (damn, I need to renew my license!). Maybe you listened during a quiet time? I don’t remember midday being the most interesting, early evening and through the night on weekends might see things pick up a little.
Still, I suspect it is shrinking. And I’m one of those who used to be far more active so I’m probably partially at fault.
Dying? Nah, it’s just finding a new niche. There’s still a fairly active 2-meter community around here, although I don’t get on and QSO as much as I used to anymore.
General Class here. I got my license to talk to people all over the world. I have my cards somewhere in a box from Pitcairn island, Pearl Harbor, most of the 50 states, etc.
Now, the World is Flat. Laying down the cash for some equipment just doesn’t have the same feel when I can video Skype for free across the world, email, and I travel. Guys like me no longer have the urge.
That leaves the tech guys (I hit 599 with two rolls of Reynolds and half an amp of power!), and the safety guys for natural disasters.
Oh yeah, and my homeowner’s group would never allow the 70 foot tower I used to have. I would have to get one of those new ones that supposedly can go flat in your attic.
I bought a receiver kit last October, and after three weekends ‘o’ soldering, I had myself a new reciever in a bunch of bands. I strung up 75’ of speaker wire through the attic, and am getting all sorts of stuff: WWV out of Fort Collins, CO; Radio Havana; the Voice of Russia. . .
. . . so yeah, I’m still listening. I don’t have a license or transceiver yet (that’s a few years down the road).
I think it’s, once again, that an old form of creative communication is moving to new technologies. Amateur radio programmes at least are moving to podcasts as it’s easier to find a new audience there. I don’t know if that rings true for “communicative” amateur radio.