Much has been said about giving presentations to local ham clubs. As a recent
past president who has given talks several times at 4 clubs, I will tell you
that a club's first mission in inviting you is to entertain, not educate for
the evening. Locally, the 3 clubs are trying to out-repeater each other, not
promote full spectrum ham radio. Leaders/misleaders are pushing everybody into
handhelds and dual band gear to keep them close. Try finding a directional
antenna amongst them. I gave presentations on making your own beams, having
made several. Not one stepped forward, even with my offers of assistance. If
it doesn't have a brand name it carries no status or credibility, so why use
anything else?
Brand names are expensive too.
The better idea as spoken here is to do either or both of offering loaner
equipment and antennas, or taking the newbie with you to see how much fun
rovering, hilltopping and portable operating can be. Also, to get the newbies
involved in the local state or provincial QSO Parties, as they are friendly and
less intimidating.
Antenna structures need not be elaborate. While my Rovermobile is well set up
now, I have also run qso parties with beam antennas on cardboard boxes on the
rooftop. Not so good if windy, but it does get you on the bands.
Improvisation reduces cost too. Many other options available too, equally
simple and efffective.
Those showing drive and ambition are best sought out and encouraged, before
they become disillusioned by the repeater beaters and stray from this great
hobby.
Bill VE3CRU /R often
FN03mu
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