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I'm proud to say that I have been a ham radio operator since 1966. My callsign is AE6SS and I hold an Extra Class radio license. Before 2002, my callsign was WA9ROB. I'm originally from Indianapolis, Indiana.
If you are not familiar with amateur radio, I encourage you to visit the ARRL web site to learn more. Anyone can become a ham and the procedure for attaining a license is much less rigorous than in the past. Most any ham is more than joyful to mentor ("be an Elmer to") anyone interested in getting started. And, that includes me.
Hams are often maligned as geeks with ugly antenna systems -- a potential home owner whose presence is to be feared in the community. There are really more hams around than are visible by virtue of an antenna farm. Hams are ingenious at hiding antennas and operating in limited space situations (stealth operation). In fact, most people are not aware that many great innovations in our country were created by ham radio operators. Very often, ideas for creative methods of communications come from the ham community and then find their way into commercial and government-supported products and programs. Ham radio provides a very valuable realm for experimentation and personal creativity. Electronics built by hams are things that can be put into actual use and experimentation.
The amateur radio service provides valuable emergency service and support efforts in times of national or local disaster. Many cities enlist the help of local radio clubs for public events and service works.
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