ICQ Podcast #399 – Hamzilla 2023

In this episode, I joined Martin Butler M1MRB, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT and Edmund Spicer M0MNG and discussed the following topics:

• Echo of BBC’s first broadcast in Scotland 100 years ago is heard from centenary event at Pacific Quay

• Steubenville-Weirton Amateur Radio Club Donates Books to Library System

• Is there a Better Way to Safeguard Vital Repeaters?

• In the Car, Podcasts and Online Audio Continue to Grow

• FreeDV Aims to Bring Open-Source HF Digital Voice Into the Mainstream

• Astronauts from UAE Taking on Space Education

The episode’s feature is about Hamzilla 2023, a hamfest in the U.K.

Hams actually listen to us?

I’m always pleasantly surprised when I run across hams who say that they listen to the podcast. Mostly, it just seems like we’re babbling when we record the podcast, but when people say that they enjoy listening to it, it makes doing it all worthwhile.

Last week, at the HamSCI Workshop, I introduced myself to a fellow who said, “I know who you are. I recognized your voice from the podcast.” We proceeded to have a really nice conversation about the workshop.

Last night, I worked someone on 30 meters, and my being on the podcast made it possible. He emailed me after contact saying, “I’m a new CW operator and I heard your call tonight and recognized it from podcast fame, so I answered. I appreciated that you slowed down right away, but I immediately regretted my decision when you sent more than RST and state.” That is to say that he probably wouldn’t have answered my CQ if he hadn’t recognized my call sign.

I replied, “I could tell that were a bit unaccustomed to ragchewing, but kudos to you for trying!” I went on to say that I hoped that he should feel free to call me anytime. The only way to get better, after all, is to make contacts. I hope that I get to work him many times in the months ahead.

I’ll extend that invitation to all of you. If you ever hear me on the air, or see me at an amateur radio event, please feel free to say hi.