04/25/2016
A new feature of ARRL EXPO[1] at Dayton Hamvention[2]?, May 20-22, 2016, will
be "Discover the HF Experience[3]" - an exhibit and initiative for new
operators and those inexperienced with ham radio on HF (also called shortwave).
Similar HF operating positions will be available, along with mentoring on how
to make an HF contact. Anyone interested can book[4] a 30-minute session, one
to a guest, and no license is required. Experienced operators will be on hand
to help.
"Our priority is non-hams, new hams, or those who have not experienced HF
operation," said Gerry Hull, W1VE, who established the Discover the HF
Experience program with Cary Rubenfeld, VE4EA. Inaugural Discover sessions in
early April in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Framingham, Massachusetts, each
attracted about 50 attendees. "More were long-time hams who spent more time on
VHF than HF," Hull said. "Some had given up HF long ago and gone to VHF." But,
Hull said most of the visitors at both locations were hams who already operate
HF, but wanted a refresher.
The initial sessions combined hands-on operating with talks on various aspects
of Amateur Radio, and HF operating in particular. Hull said topics covered in
supplementary talks at the Massachusetts session included radios, antennas, and
where to find help and information. Due to time constraints, Dayton's Discover
will offer just the HF operation component, and the program has been adjusted
appropriately. Hull said a team "with great Elmers" will be at ARRL EXPO for
all 3 days of Hamvention.
Also for newcomers attending Hamvention, the League will sponsor the first-ever
ARRL Youth Rally[5] on Saturday, May 21, open to youth and young adults from 11
to 26. Register[6] by May 1. The Youth Rally will feature a full program of
hands-on ham radio activities, discovery, sharing, and fun!
A Work in Progress
Hull recounted that at the Massachusetts Discover session visitors wanted to
listen to the talks and didn't have time to get on the air - although those who
did liked it very much. "In working with the 'students' at the stations, it was
readily apparent that a Technician license does not prepare anyone for HF
operation," Hull added. "So we learned to explain more."
Some operating techniques covered were pretty basic fare for HF veterans but
essential for newcomers to that part of the Amateur Radio spectrum - including
how to call CQ, how to respond to callers, and provide a signal report. "They
did not understand the QSO sequence and other aspects," Hull said. "They were
pretty green about HF - more so than I had anticipated." Hull allowed that
many, if not most, newcomers study for their Technician ticket by looking at
the question pool and answers and probably not learning very much about
hands-on ham radio.
"My goal, and that of everyone associated with this idea, is to get people
excited about HF," he said. "For new hams and wannabe hams, you have to get
them excited before they want to do the work associated with getting a license,
especially a General." Talks will be limited to 10 minutes each at future
sessions, covering "just the basics to wet their whistle," he said. "Operating
a station needs to be a mandatory step, not voluntary."
Hull had approached ARRL EXPO Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, to propose
bringing "Discover the HF Experience" to ARRL EXPO. "The exhibit ties in well
with ARRL's recently adopted Strategic Plan[7] and our goal to encourage
members to get involved, get active, and get on the air," Inderbitzen said.
Hull said plans are in place to offer a "Discover the HF Experience" at the
ARRL New England Division Convention later this year.
[1] http://www.arrl.org/expo
[2] http://www.hamvention.org/
[3] https://www.facebook.com/events/1158511334168305/
[4] http://hfradio.rocks/
[5] http://www.arrl.org/arrl-youth-rally-registration
[6] http://www.arrl.org/arrl-youth-rally-registration
[7] http://www.arrl.org/arrl-strategic-plan
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