this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2024
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Right target, wrong reason: Testing for HAM makes complete sense. It's government imposed to get licensed, and that's because the equipment required for HAM could be easily modified to interfere with other electronics or run up against communications laws. HAM being self-regulated (in that everyone is a snitch if they find out you're operating without a license) is only going to be possible if everyone is a snitch. Also, everyone has to share the radio spectrum, so you should know how to be a good actor before you get the chance to go on air.
But there is gatekeeping in HAM in how few beginners focused resources there are. At least in Canada, I found only one set of books that taught the latest HAM exam and one series of YouTube videos (thanks Ylabs!)
I have found very few "your first radio" resources. Hunting for that sort of thing is an intimidating experience, full of jargon and acronyms (not stuff like "VHF" and stuff you need for the exam, but model descriptions and stuff). Lots of sites and radio club web pages aren't kept up to date, and it's a lot to ask of new people that they come out to field day for in person meetups when it's just a bunch of strangers.