Friday, October 30, 2009

What is amateur radio?

Yesterday I got hold of a copy of the RSGB's guide to the Foundation license, Foundation Licence Now! Considering that the book is aimed at people who are not yet radio amateurs - including young children - I thought it could have been better written. The introduction explaining what amateur radio is seemed a bit muddled and used potentially confusing jargon terms like "PSK31" where they really weren't necessary.

It's easy to criticize. So, as I'm presently suffering from flu and don't feel much like doing any work or even playing with the radio, I decided to write my own version of What is Amateur Radio? and add it to my website. I'll be interested to see what you think of it.

3 comments:

PE4BAS, Bas said...

Very well written. I like the part "What do radio amateurs do?". Very often I'll be asked what I'm actually doing by neighbours. It's difficult to explain. I tell them but they keep asking the same questions. May be I better translate your writing to let them read it. 73 Bas PE4BAS

David, K2DBK said...

I think this is terrific. There are other sites that basically explain the same thing, but in particular I like the length of this and the fact that there's essentially no jargon.

In fact, I'm going to put a brief post up on my own blog right now and point to this.

Well done!

73,
David, K2DBK

Paul Stam PAØK said...

Hello Julian, first of all, rest awhile and recover from the 'swine' flu and get well soon. Your article is clear and to the point. In the early days I build my own equipment. Nowadays I buy the stuff, and many of us, I think. When building radio's yourself gives a good understanding how things work. I gave up to explain people what amateur radio is. They stare with disbelief in their eyes, I think sometimes they feeling sorry for me. ;-) 73 Paul PC4T