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Amateur radio clubs are all over the place, some make their presence known while others seem to hide from the amateur radio world. There are different reasons amateur radio clubs exist. Some appear to be very focused as to their reason for existence, while others try to be the club for all reasons. Some clubs even appear to exist only on paper for reasons known only to the person in charge. Clubs really should not exist just for an individual’s benefit, I believe that it is counterproductive.
Amateur radio operators who are in the locale of an amateur radio club that really is active should join and take advantage of this valuable resource. Experienced amateurs can also benefit by adding to building the resource. It is rather easy to find out if there is a club in your area and the style of club will quickly become apparent if you attend only a few meetings.
Take advantage of the experience and knowledge of amateurs who have been licensed for a number of years by getting involved in an active amateur radio club. It is rather true that the only question that is “stupid” is the one that is not asked. Join an active club, listen to what is going on and ask questions in order to build your knowledge about amateur radio. Having your questions answered, by knowledgeable people, will enhance your amateur radio hobby. You can even ask for help with an antenna installation. If there are folks in the club who are able to help, they are likely to be more than happy to help you get on the air with a good antenna installation. Face it, just because you passed a test does not equate to “knowing it all”, you will never know it all. This rationale applies to all aspects of life where a test is passed to attain a certification or license.
Life is a continuous learning event, for many people. Amateur radio is a very good hobby for learning. An active club can provide a good environment to learn, given that the right people are involved in the hobby to learn from in your area. Take advantage of the resources at hand – join and participate in an active amateur radio club whether you just passed your exam or getting back into the hobby or someone who is a seasoned well versed amateur.
Information released by the American Radio Relay League July 7, 2016 indicates that as of June 28, processing amateur radio and commercial applications by the FCC has either stopped or is proceeding slowly. The issue may be related to a problem with your license or upgrade being issued.
For the complete article on this issue go to: http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-investigating-amateur-radio-commercial-application-processing-glitch
Many of us drive regularly and deal with the varied issues associated with driving, how ever small or large, on the highways. I may be able to offer some information that will make your commute four times safer! Whether you are going down the street to the convenience store or several states away to visit relatives or friends takes concentration. That “special advice” is – park your cell phone or park your vehicle, use one at a time. It has been determined that using a cell phone increases your chance of a vehicle incident four times. Amazingly with all the ads on television, radio and in print that people still choose to drive distracted, they think they can “multitask” in other words drive four times less safely. Do not kid yourself, we humans cannot “multitask”. What many consider “multitasking” is only quickly shifting your focus from one task to another for a short time span. In other words distract yourself from one task to another. Just remember there are others who are placed in harm’s way when you drive distracted.
Some may feel this is all hype but just Google the term “distracted driving” and read what has happened to others involved in distracted driving situations. By the way there are some distracted driving situations that cannot be published. Not because of the content but because the people involved were killed due to the distracted driving issue.
Just think before you pick up the cell phone to read a text or answer a call, otherwise that may be your last time you see your cell phone. Let’s remember distracted driving is not only a cell phone issue. How many times have you seen a driver looking at a map or reading a newspaper while driving down the interstate? Remember that distracted driving is also considered as bad if not worse than driving under the influence. Folks, it is ALL distracted driving, that distracted action can kill you and others. Be safe – park the vehicle or park the distraction.
So, you’re motoring down the road to your destination, when you hear an unfamiliar noise from your cell phone. Best thing to do is safely pull off the road then check your phone for the reason for the noise. When you check the cell phone you find out it just received an alert for a tornado for an area just down the road.
Sound plausible? It is. America’s wireless industry is helping to build a Weather-Ready Nation through a nationwide text emergency alert system, called Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), which will warn you when weather threatens. Many phones have this capability.
For details about this service click on the WEA logo to the left.
 The Quad-County Amateur Radio Club is a WRN Ambassador “Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ and the Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ logo are trademarks of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, used with permission.”
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