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HAM Radio (amateur radio)

With all the postings on this subject I have noticed that only one
posting
mentioned HAM Radio. Our Troop teaches the Radio Merit Badge yearly.
This
Badge teaches the Boys about 70% of the necessary knowledge for passing
the
FCC Exam. By expanding the information base to 100% our Troop has 9
licensed
HAM operators. Using 5-watt transmitters and several 35+ watt mobile
car
transmitters we have no problems with reception. We do not need to
"convoy".
We have not sixteen but thousands of channels to choose from. The US
Code
governs the rude chatter and the overwhelming majority of HAMs follow
these
rules. On the used (almost new) market a 5 watt handheld HAM receiver
cost
only about $75, this is less then those 1/3 watt FRS Radios and there
rude
chatter.

We have "Radio Campouts" where the Boys set up their own Radio Tent and
transmit around the world. Our Troop has also done this at Camporee’s.
What
an interest among the Scouts and the Scouters while communicating with
Europe
etc.

Meanwhile the Boys have learned about electronics, physics, and proper
communication skills. Gee, I thought these were Merit badges also.
Maybe
some of you Senior Citizen Scouters may need to upgrade (modernize) your

thinking some. I am 62 and received my FCC license last year.

At summer camp this year there was an accident (Broken Leg) on a High
Adventure Trail, miles from anything. The MEDAVAC helicopter could not
respond because of the terrain and a response team would take 6 hours to

respond. But our HAM radios let an Orthopedic MD talk with the injured
man
and those caring for him, calming them all down until help arrived.

Nuff said
YIS

J Clow
Good Ol’ Fox
District Committee, Boy Scout and Cub Leader Training
Committee Chair Troop 468
Cubmaster Pack 489
Committee Member Troop 468

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