First of all, let me introduce myself.

My name is Rick Donaldson.  I'm a ham radio operator, also known as an Amateur Radio Operator.  I belong to an organization called the American Radio Relay League which has been in existence since 1914.  Originally it was organized as simply a ham radio club.  Eventually, it came to be the largest radio related organization in the world related to Ham Radio. 

Today, the organization works closely with the Federal Communications Commission to assist in keeping our radio bands open, and the ARRL helps us to keep folks active.

I've been an Amateur since about 1990 and hold an Amateur Extra Class license, call sign N0NJY.  Locally I am a technical specialist under the Colorado group helping Bob Witte, K0NR and many others to assist ham radio operators in the area with technical issues.  I just received this appointment last month, and I thank Bob Witte for getting me on the team.  So far, in an official capacity I've not yet been able to assist anyone -- but soon.

Today, I'd like to invite folks to spend some time learning about Amateur Radio.  I'll give you a couple of links to examine.  I understand it isn't for everyone, but, I think if you get the chance to try talking on the radio with someone across the country or around the world in person, rather than through email on the internet, you might get a kick out of it. 

Ham radio is a very old hobby -- starting when radio was invented in the late 1890s.  It is a rewarding and fun hobby, and can be expensive, like any hobby, but it can also be accomplished without a vast investment.  You will learn about radios, morse code and how to communicate. 

Communications, especially radio communication comes in handy in emergencies, and you don't pay "minutes" like you do on your cell phone.  You'll make new friends, and perhaps convince others to join you in the hobby.

So, I'd like to ask you each to spend just a few minutes in the next few days looking into Amateur Radio. If you have questions, you can write me directly at my email address and I'll do my best to answer your questions or point you in the right direction.

http://www.k0nr.com/  Bob Witte's site
http://www.arrl.org  The American Radio Relay League

So, check out the second site especially and see what you might do in Ham radio and what Ham radio can do for you.

Good luck, and

73

Rick Donaldson