Put down that cell phone and pick up that microphone! It just takes a press of a button to open up an extraordinary world of communication. Here are some of the advantages of having a ham radio:

1. It works when nothing else does

2. It makes you part of a worldwide community

3. The opportunity to help neighbors by providing public service and emergency communications

4. Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet

5. Some of the smartest people you'll ever meet

6. Some of the most interesting people you'll ever meet

7. Some of the most generous people you'll ever meet (along with some of the cheapest!)

8. Lifelong friendships

9. Friends around the world (including those you haven't met yet)

10. The opportunity to go interesting places you might not otherwise go to

11. The opportunity to do interesting things you might not otherwise get to do

12. The opportunity to expand your knowledge of geography

13. The opportunity to expand your knowledge of earth and space science

14. Practical uses for high school math

15. Practical uses for high school physics

16. A good way to practice a foreign language

17. A good way to keep in touch with faraway friends and relatives

18. A good way to get driving directions when visiting someplace new (with or without GPS)

19. A good way to find the best places to eat when visiting someplace new (with or without GPS)

20. Finding “non-touristy” off-the-beaten-path places to stay, eat, visit, etc.

21. A good way to learn about virtually any topic

22. A good way to bridge the generation gap

23. A good way to keep tabs on elderly/infirm people

24. People named Joe (Walsh, Rudi, Taylor)

25. How many of your non-ham friends have actually talked to someone in some remote place such as Cape Verde or the Seychelles?

The above is not even half of what can be done with or taken advantage of with a ham radio. For more information, tips and ideas please go to CQ Amateur Radio’s website.

This is a hobby and eventual necessity that men, women and children can enjoy. Classes in proper ham or C.B. radio etiquette are everywhere.  Enjoy and be at on with the ham!