At Day Wireless Systems (DWS), we recognize the invaluable role that HAM radio enthusiasts play in the world of radio communications. Our team is filled with passionate individuals who have transformed their love for HAM radio into successful careers in radio service and technology. We believe that engaging with the HAM community not only enriches our industry but also paves the way for future innovations and talent in the field.
Many of our technicians and experts trace their fascination with radio back to their youth. For instance, Steven Allred [NC6R] , Sacramento California Service Shop Manager, first became interested in HAM radio at the age of 12. Like many others, he was captivated by the ability to communicate with people far away using nothing but radio waves and ingenuity.
Hearkening to experiences of some of DWS’s seasoned techs, HAM and its associated technology has recently been featured in the hit 1980s-themed streaming show Stranger Things [Netflix]. Similar to the show’s preteen characters, our DWS sales representative Nicholas Brown [NI6CK] reports strapping a CB radio to his bicycle handlebars with a 102-inch whip antenna mounted to the fork as he rode around his childhood neighborhood, trying to extend two-way radio coverage with his cousin.
Allred’s passion for HAM radio led to a powerful experience that showcases the real-world impact of this hobby. During a major typhoon that hit Thailand, Steven was able to use his HAM radio skills to patch communications between Thailand and the United States. He relayed messages to relatives, informing them about their loved ones’ safety and needs. This experience underscores the critical role HAM radio can play in emergency communications and humanitarian efforts.
HAM to DWS
The journey from HAM hobbyist to professional often begins with a spark of curiosity. For Troy Warner, it started with building a computer and led to obtaining his HAM license before turning 16. This early exposure to electronics, HAM’s use of mathematical calculations, and the principles of radio communication laid the foundation for his future career.
Doug Hilton’s [KI6EBF] story echoes a similar path. Starting with toy walkie-talkies and progressing to more advanced systems, Doug’s passion for radio communication grew. His involvement in emergency communications during events like Hurricane Katrina showcases how HAM radio skills can be crucial in critical situations.
Nicholas Brown, who applies his passion for HAM radio to a sales role, highlights how the hobby can complement professional work. His understanding of radio technology gives him an edge in sales, allowing him to bridge gaps between technical and commercial aspects of the business.
Commitment to HAM
At DWS, we value the unique perspective that HAM radio enthusiasts bring to the table. Their experience often translates into excellent problem-solving skills, out-of-the-box thinking, and a deep understanding of radio principles. As Steven Allred puts it, “What I learn in the HAM radio world translates to commercial and vice versa.”
The hands-on nature of HAM radio equips enthusiasts with practical skills that are invaluable in professional settings. From building antennas to troubleshooting complex systems, these experiences foster creativity and resourcefulness. As Warner notes, he comes back to first principles learned in HAM radio nearly every day in his professional work.
For aspiring service technicians looking to follow a similar path, our experts unanimously recommend finding a mentor. The HAM community is known for its willingness to share knowledge and experiences. This culture of learning and experimentation is something we strive to foster at DWS.
We’re aware of the challenges and opportunities in bridging the HAM and commercial worlds. We’re committed to building positive relationships with the HAM community. We’re exploring ways to offer support, such as providing mentorship, deprecated equipment, and hosting clubs or meetings.
HAM’s Unexpected Impact
In addition to starting careers in radio, most DWS technicians have experiences using HAM radio similarly to how DWS customers use it for public safety, experiences that have further solidified their connection and commitment to two-way radio.
Troy Warner [KB7UZZ] shared a memorable story that illustrates how HAM radio skills can make a real difference. He once heard a distress call from someone stranded in the back country, in an area with no mobile phone coverage. Using his HAM radio, Troy was able to relay the stranded person’s information and location to a tow truck company, potentially saving the individual from a long and uncomfortable wait in a remote area.
Doug Hilton’s story echoes a similar path. His involvement in emergency communications during events like Hurricane Katrina showcases how HAM radio skills can be crucial in critical situations. During Katrina, Doug, who was 15 at the time, leveraged his teen hobby to set up receivers and portable access points, helping to relay messages and set up email and cellular communications when traditional infrastructure had failed. This incredible video shows some of the ways HAM radio operators helped in Katrina response through recorded broadcasts.
Another interesting fact about HAM is that radio was the original internet, according to our aficionados, allowing users to gather information from around the world. And, like early information technology, they translate graphics into digital and transmit them over analog relay (as did fax over phone lines and early analog computer modems).
Inspiring many were HAM operators who bounced signals off the moon. When the moon is full, operators transmit on 50 – 900 Mhz and exchange contact off the reflective signal from the moon. This technique also works with satellites, noting that the most reliable is the one on the International Space Station, whose astronauts will often answer HAM queries.
Future of HAM
Looking to the future, we see great potential in nurturing the connection between HAM radio and professional radio services. We believe that by engaging with HAM operators and enthusiasts, we can encourage the hobby while also cultivating a pipeline of skilled, passionate individuals for our industry.
The skills that HAM radio enthusiasts bring to the professional world are numerous and valuable. From understanding signal propagation to creative problem-solving, these abilities are essential in tackling the complex challenges of modern radio communication systems. As Doug Hilton’s experience troubleshooting persistent issues with a radio clients has demonstrated, the skills honed in HAM radio can be directly applied to solve real-world problems in commercial settings.
Stranger Things Have Happened
As we look to the future, we can’t help but wonder: like the famous final season scene in Stranger Things where two characters sung Neverending Story to each other over the airwaves during a pivotal crisis, If HAM operators were to choose a song to sing over the airwaves, what would it be?
Perhaps it would be “We Are the World” – a choice that embodies the global reach and community spirit of HAM radio. This song not only showcases the ability of radio to connect people across vast distances but also represents the collaborative and supportive nature of the HAM community. Just as the song brings together diverse voices in harmony, HAM radio unites enthusiasts from all walks of life in their shared passion for communication and technology.
When asked of the DWS service tech crew, Steven Allred said he would sing Aerosmith’s Dream On, symbolizing “what inspires us” as radio operators. Dream until your dreams come true!
Rock on, HAM and two-way radio aficionados!
DWS & HAM
At DWS, we’re excited about the possibilities that lie at the intersection of HAM radio enthusiasm and professional radio services. We believe that by fostering this connection, we can drive innovation, improve our services, and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in radio communication.
DWS HAM OPERATORS & CALL SIGNS
Nicholas Brown, NI6CK
Steven Allred, NC6R
Troy Warner, KB7UZZ
Doug Hilton, KI6EBF
If you have radio passion and want to start a career… view open positions or contact us.