KB5TX

ARRL on the purpose of Amateur Radio

For over 100 years amateur radio and ARRL — the National Association for Amateur Radio® — have stood for the development of the science and art of communications, public service, and the enhancement of international goodwill. Amateur Radio’s long history and service to the public has solidified the well-earned reputation that “Amateur Radio saves lives.”

Amateur Radio Operators, due to their history of public service, their training, and the requirement that they be licensed by the FCC have earned their status as a component of critical communications infrastructure and as a reliable resource “when all else fails."

Amateur Radio is about development of communications and responsible public service.  The ARRL Operating Manual will tell you it is about operating.  All the technology and procedures in the world are no substitute for hams getting on the air and making contact.  That is what the Kendall Amateur Radio Society (KARS) is about.  You may have taken an interest in ham radio because of your interest in public service, emergency communications or interest in electronics. Or you want to experience the thrill of working another amateur in a far-away land.  KARS is involved in all of these activities.  As you become proficient in your chosen activity, you will find so much more to learn and become engaged in; your Amateur Radio license is your ticket to explore.  

Although we operate four repeaters (two VHF and two UHF) with multiple capabilities, we are not a repeater club.  We encourage our members put away their hand-helds and explore the world of High Frequency operating, from Voice to Digital, and for new Hams, to learn CW.  Then there is the world of VHF and UHF beyond FM and Repeaters. There are portable/mobile operations, most particularly Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) and Wires-X which we recently implemented.  ARRL Field Day held the last full weekend in June is a club activity where we try to provide operating experience to members new to HF.

At some point many Amateurs become interested operating awards such as Worked All States (WAS).  This normally leads to chasing foreign countries and entities (DX) and related operating awards for HF.  Many enjoy chasing grid squares on 6 meters, or maybe just the thrill of contacting another amateur in a far-away place.  However, sooner or later you will find the best way to collect states for WAS and countries for DXCC is to operate in a contest.  Hesitant to jump in?  We give you "how-to" ideas in this website and have a number of members that will show you how.

Contesting, software, ideas for your first radio and antenna are spoken to in the following pages of this website and in periodic presentations presented by various Club members and guests.  Regardless of the mode, and regardless of the activity, you will find an Amateur in KARS who likes to do this and willing to help you get started.  All you need to do is ask.  You will find our members helpful, congenial and that we follow The Amateur's Code.

The Amateur’s Code

The Radio Amateur is:

• Considerate…never knowing operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

• Loyal…offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, and the American Radio Relay League, through which amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.

• Progressive…with knowledge abreast of science, a well-built and efficient station and operation above reproach.

• Friendly…slow and patient operating when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner; kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others.  These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.

• Balanced…radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.

• Patriotic…station and skill always ready for service to country and community.

Paul M. Segal, W9EAA (SK), 1928, The ARRL Operating Manual for Radio Amateurs, 11^th Edition, Copyright 2016, ARRL, page v.