4 ms·

Is there something like Messier objects for radio? I imagine some kind of numbered, curated list of radio achievements that would be a mini-lesson on gear need

Is there something like Messier objects for radio? I imagine some kind of numbered, curated list of radio achievements that would be a mini-lesson on gear needed, antennae, frequencies covered, theory and what the goal is. Or maybe they're more like Scout badges. Anyway, I have drifted in and out of a fascination with radio. When I drift toward it I often find I am quickly in over my head — or rudderless.

topspin 3y ago
> I imagine some kind of numbered, curated list of radio achievements Yes, this is widespread. The ARRL in the US tracks such achievements. A simple example that comes to mind is Worked All States[1]. But that's just one: there are contests, events, records, etc. If you want to put your callsign on a list somewhere there are lots of opportunities. Just having a callsign in the first place is the start of it. Those are usually assigned by whatever national government you live under. And they typically have grades: Technician, General and Extra in the US, for example. [1] http://www.arrl.org/was http://www.arrl.org/was
jayknight 3y ago
Some clubs have awards you can work toward, ARRL has a bunch [1]. SKCC [2] and NAQCC [3] have some for folks who like to work Morse code/CW. I'm sure that whatever aspect of ham radio folks are into, there is wallpaper you can earn while doing it. [1] https://www.arrl.org/AWARDS https://www.arrl.org/AWARDS [2]https://skccgroup.com/ https://skccgroup.com/ [3] http://naqcc.info/challenges_rules.html http://naqcc.info/challenges_rules.html
wrycoder 3y ago
There is a wide range. In the US, the ARRL (arrl.org) handles the majority. There are awards for “worked all states”, “worked all continents”, and so on. There are various contests every weekend. There is “Parks On The Air”. It’s called radiosport these days. You could join the ARRL and hook up with a local group for guidance - the addresses are on the website.
dbcurtis 3y ago
Countless things to go after. Some straightforward, some esoteric, some ridiculously challenging, like making contact with 100+ 1x2 degree grid squares via 1.2GHz Earth-Moon-Earth ("moonbounce") -- that will take some effort, I guarantee. My thing is HF contesting. Scratch building antennas is also a kick. If you are interested in radio, find a club. They will help you get oriented.

topspin 3y ago

> I imagine some kind of numbered, curated list of radio achievements Yes, this is widespread. The ARRL in the US tracks such achievements. A simple example that comes to mind is Worked All States[1]. But that's just one: there are contests, events, records, etc. If you want to put your callsign on a list somewhere there are lots of opportunities. Just having a callsign in the first place is the start of it. Those are usually assigned by whatever national government you live under. And they typically have grades: Technician, General and Extra in the US, for example. [1] http://www.arrl.org/was http://www.arrl.org/was

jayknight 3y ago

Some clubs have awards you can work toward, ARRL has a bunch [1]. SKCC [2] and NAQCC [3] have some for folks who like to work Morse code/CW. I'm sure that whatever aspect of ham radio folks are into, there is wallpaper you can earn while doing it. [1] https://www.arrl.org/AWARDS https://www.arrl.org/AWARDS [2]https://skccgroup.com/ https://skccgroup.com/ [3] http://naqcc.info/challenges_rules.html http://naqcc.info/challenges_rules.html

wrycoder 3y ago

There is a wide range. In the US, the ARRL (arrl.org) handles the majority. There are awards for “worked all states”, “worked all continents”, and so on. There are various contests every weekend. There is “Parks On The Air”. It’s called radiosport these days. You could join the ARRL and hook up with a local group for guidance - the addresses are on the website.

dbcurtis 3y ago

Countless things to go after. Some straightforward, some esoteric, some ridiculously challenging, like making contact with 100+ 1x2 degree grid squares via 1.2GHz Earth-Moon-Earth ("moonbounce") -- that will take some effort, I guarantee. My thing is HF contesting. Scratch building antennas is also a kick. If you are interested in radio, find a club. They will help you get oriented.