[VHFcontesting] Bringing newbies to VHF-UHF

[Bill Burgess]

Much has been said about giving presentations to local ham clubs.  As a recent past president who has given talks several times at 4 clubs, I will tell you that a club's first mission in inviting you is to entertain, not educate for the evening.  Locally, the 3 clubs are trying to out-repeater each other, not promote full spectrum ham radio.  Leaders/misleaders are pushing everybody into handhelds and dual band gear to keep them close.  Try finding a directional antenna amongst them.  I gave presentations on making your own beams, having made several.  Not one stepped forward, even with my offers of assistance.  If it doesn't have a brand name it carries no status or credibility, so why use anything else?
Brand names are expensive too.

The better idea as spoken here is to do either or both of offering loaner equipment and antennas, or taking the newbie with you to see how much fun rovering, hilltopping and portable operating can be.  Also, to get the newbies involved in the local state or provincial QSO Parties, as they are friendly and less intimidating.

Antenna structures need not be elaborate.  While my Rovermobile is well set up now, I have also run qso parties with beam antennas on cardboard boxes on the rooftop.  Not so good if windy, but it does get you on the bands.  Improvisation reduces cost too.  Many other options available too, equally simple and efffective.

Those showing drive and ambition are best sought out and encouraged, before they become disillusioned by the repeater beaters and stray from this great hobby.

Bill   VE3CRU   /R often

FN03mu