LEARNING CURVE
Regular readers know this column is dedicated to assisting hams, especially new ones, with becoming more acquainted with some of the intricacies associated with ham radio. Typically, new hams don’t enter this hobby by delving into microwaves; although newly-minted hams with Technician class licenses are certainly able to do so! To be sure, many hams classify microwaves as being in the realm of “exotic ham radio modes.” Exotic because not a huge number of hams are operating on microwave frequencies and equipment generally is not “plug-and-play.”
Many ham radio newcomers first involve themselves with FM VHF/UHF (very high frequency / ultra high frequency) repeaters. Chinese-made handhelds (HTs) are inexpensive and readily available. On the other hand, microwave equipment can be expensive, it involves DIY (do it yourself) building, and it appeals to a narrower niche of hams. Microwave QSOs (two-way conversations) are not as common as HF / VHF / UHF QSOs. Still, microwave frequencies are challenging, and the adventure associated with making QSOs is exactly what makes them fun.
Rather than delve into a microwave theory, construction, and components article, I’d like to share a narrative about my own foray, along with some friends, into the world of microwave ham radio. My hope is that the fun of using and learning about a new mode or band will serve to inspire you to pursue your own ham radio niche (even if it isn’t microwaves) and to find likeminded friends who, through shared experiences, will enable you to make your own ham radio journeys.
Friendships
Beyond a doubt, one of the greatest benefits of our ham radio hobby is the friendships made. Whenever a group of hobbyists gathers and strives to further their understanding of technology and attempt to push their limits; then good things result. Such was the case 10 years ago, when a group). I still listen for the beacon to this day when I am visiting new spots from which to operate. I have fond memories of gathering for breakfast at Denny’s restaurant () and afterwards proceeding to a nearby park to test our 10 GHz rigs across a field () and to listen for WB9PNU’s beacon. Those were exciting, heady days. Like kids opening Christmas presents, we eagerly gathered to see the first of our group make their initial 10-GHz QSOs 200 feet apart. Those outings inspired the rest of us to follow suit and finish our rigs. Not long afterward, I finished building mine. Harry Haeusser, WAØCNS (), brought his rig to the park so I could test my rig for the first time (). Our test proved successful and provided me with my first 10-GHz QSO with my own rig. I still have Harry’s QSL card to commemorate the test. Soon, we grew more confident in our equipment and skills and lengthened the distance to 5 miles, then to 40 miles then over a hundred miles. Over the years, some of my SLAMS friends have moved away, moved on to other activities or, unfortunately, became silent keys (SK), like my friend Dave Calvert, KBØPE (), one of SLAMS’s founders. However, there remains a core group of us in the area who are still “radioactive” and having fun.
