Not sure that it ever left. But I'm seeing more makers get into software defined radio due to the very low cost and the growing base of hams to exchange ideas

Not sure that it ever left. But I'm seeing more makers get into software defined radio due to the very low cost and the growing base of hams to exchange ideas with. There are also new digital modes that require less power to complete back and forth messages. Lots of cool things to work with, easier than ever licensing, have kept the hobby active.