What Can I Do
With Ham Radio
Most new Hams like myself eventually ask the question, “what can I do with Ham radio?” or “What fun activities are there in Ham radio?” Ham radio is far more than just grabbing a handheld and spinning up on a 2 meter channel and talking to another person. Although that does play a role, there are many more things you can get into with this hobby. Remember in my videos I spoke about going down rabbit holes? Well, since you asked, we are going to open up that can and see what we find. From my research and from suggestions of other Hams in the community, the following things are what I have found that you can do aside from just an HT and a license.
- Nets
- Local and neighborhood
- Official (ARES, RACES, etc.)
- Social
- Gatherings
- Clubs
- Socials, POTA, SOTA
- Hamventions, hamfests, expositions, exhibitions, and conferences
- Training, sharing, build-it nights
- Contesting
- Fox hunts
- Logging your radio contacts
- Earning awards with Ham Radio
- Digital radio (DMR)
- DIY
- Building Antennas or Radios
- Experimenting
- Repairing
- Contacting methods
- Space contacting
- Contact the ISS
- EME
- Satellites
- Giving back
- Join ARES
- Join RACES – Google Search for your local RACES
- Sign up with the Red Cross
- Become a Volunteer Examiner
- Become an Elmer
- Teach ham radio courses
- Serve in events and weekend watches
- Monitoring
- Other
- Learn Morse code (CW)
- Spotting
- Join ARRL
- ATV
- Repeaters, repeater verification
- Skywarn