Seems my “Ham Radio” hobby has really changed since 2017. DXing has become nothing more than lazy, brainless, automated, remote computer scripted text messaging anymore. After 53 years a ham I’ve shifted gears back to some of my past hobbies I really enjoy – motorcycling and weightlifting. More weights, more motorcycling and less Ham Radio.
If a good DX station comes up on those “Human Modes” (CW and Phone) I’ll slide back into the chair and give it a rip, but for the last 8 years or so CW and Phone mode use has steadily declined, replaced by what true communicators know is nothing more than fake Ham Radio, FT8.
And if that’s where Ham Radio continues to go? Well, I may not like it but I have options. We all have options. Life evolves, and so do we.
I have one Ham Radio friend he decided to buy a boat. He’s having a blast. He told me a few weeks ago, “what the hell was I thinking with Ham Radio when the chicks are lining up to water ski, tube and enjoy the boat with me?” I can’t argue.
For me I reworked my chopper, bought a new Harley Road Glide CVO last year and have started lifting heavy in the gym again. And here I am my nose ready to fall off from sunburn after riding all day, writing a post after 1 AM and haven’t turned the radios on a single time today. No reason to.
My other hobbies – last weekend my chopper won a slew of awards in its first Bike Show. And the new 2025 Road Glide CVO I bought late last August already has 14K miles on it. ‘Twas a great Winter here in Denver! Along with riding, 3 or 4 sessions a week on the weight pile is a whole lot more fun than listening to white noise too.
Anyway, life moves on. If and when there’s a decent pileup or some rare DX working human modes my Amateur Radio station stays at the ready, but for now? Fuck it, I have other hobbies way more interesting.
What are your “other hobbies” besides Ham Radio? Comments are open but remember if you come around here with worthless “FT8 is saving Ham Radio” bullshit, move along because it won’t get posted here – post it on your own blog.
N0UN
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Reading, writing, gardening and a never ending list of “to do” as a homeowner are my hobbies besides hamradio. Not having much time besides my job. 73, Bas PE4BAS
I bird. Wife and get outside in the natural elements and look for birds. Just got back from a trip off the NJ coast near Atlantic city, looking at shorebirds who were resting on their way to South America. Kind of like chasing DX. We look for “rarities” and always looking for a good food spot on the road. It can be competitive if you want or not at all. You can do it solo or with some friends. Its really amazing you wrote this post, because I did the same EXACT thing, traded Dxing for a different hobby and I really enjoy it! Beats being a lazy couch potato. Keep moving forward!
Amen, Wayno! After 64 years on the air I still am but never FT anymore from home. I tried it for awhile but the thrill went away quickly. Nowadays I am on talking live with friends and/or I park on a DX station I cannot hear until the band shifts and I can. As a “little pistol” I am in no hurry but have leaned some tricks to succeed through the years. Congrats of the bikes, a good YL and living life your way!
Hi Wayne: Love that Harley!! I still remember my friends 1969 Electro-glide! Congrats on the Awards!! Just finished checking in to the Sunday Drake net on 7.238. Now lots of white noise.
Where is everyone…yes, I know…fake ham radio. What a shame, I am a retired broadcast engineer, radio & TV. I know that if we don’t use our ham frequencies, they will be gone…thanks to FT8.I am retired now and don’t care for the empty bands. Enjoy your chopper, and hope to hear you on again some time. Maybe people will wake up and start using SSB and CW again…its our only hope to keep the hobby! Cheers.. kc9ys…
Wayne,
I don’t blame you. After fifty years of being a ham I just shake my head. I can remember studying hard to get may general. I had to have my older brother drive me to Indy to take the
test. I felt I earn it !. Now three box top covers off a cereal box and here you. And now with FT8, just set your radio and walk away! Good Luck to you Wayne. If your in Indiana stop in and see me.
Greg Sparks W9GS