If you are new to all this, and really don't know much about the hobby of amateur radio, just for a moment,put away from your mind any preconceived ideas you may at the present time have about it. It is not just an "old man's" hobby...On the contrary. Oh sure there are some older hams, some as old as 84 years old, BUT you know a lot of hams live a long time, maybe this is the reason. But the ages range from something like age 12 on up. The average age is somewhere around 58 and mostly of the male persuasion though there are some women too but not enough.
Three years ago I was just like you, I had no idea what this hobby consisted of. In the past, I have mostly been involved in music, writing, and recording. But the last three years have been a real eye opener for me. I can't tell you what a thrill it is to make those first contacts. And it never ends. It is Always a kick to get those great far reaching signal reports. The best way to describe it is comparable to catching that huge 4lb catfish for the first time. I am still considered a new ham and I'm still excited about this hobby. Mainly I guess because it is so interesting. I believe it keeps you thinking young when you are always learning new things and boy with this hobby, there seems to be "absolutely no end" to the learning and the places you can glean information especially today. Mike AA8kb sent me this link to a very interesting interview, with our own Moody WQ6I, http://www.theconnection.org/shows/2005/07/20050729_b_main.asp which explains what ham radio is all about very well.
When it comes to antenna's and radio equipment, everybody has a different opinion . And what works for one may not work for another. I hope to be able in the future to add additional information here as I learn more and more info becomes available that will benefit the ham community. The more we get involved , the better.And the challenge of getting more young people involved is something worth undertaking too. Check out the new Smeter.Net
that Bob
has going and see what ham radio is all about. Also you can read some older Letters from Listeners of the Pahrump Station. See my little ESSB Promo. ESSB enhanced audio has the most wonderful sound you can imagine and you really won't believe it's coming from a ham radio. You might have to make yourself a pot of 
to be able to stay up into the night to hear them, but it's worth it. Most of the 3840 group is really into ESSB these days. This link explains everything you need to know about it. WithESSB or (Extended Single Side Band)
, which is any bandwidth which exceeds the traditional 2.4khz and above. You can do so much more with 2.9 - 3.6 wide audio. It sure makes it more pleasing to the ear that's for sure. This is yet another interesting aspect to ham radio. It just never ends. There just isn't any words to describe what all amateur radio entails, you just have to experience this for yourself. I really DO Love this hobby and I believe you will too.
oH yEAH!
73 Trish-k4ze
