Author Todd Ellis balances his work life with community volunteerism.  A Critical Infrastructure communications expert, Ellis helps design systems for rail, bus and airports and was awarded two related patents.  After hours, Ellis is an Auxiliary Police Officer in his local township, teaches firearm safety courses, is an adult Scouter and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.  Ellis and his wife Stacey reside on their uniquely sloped property known as Leprechaun Hill in southeastern Pennsylvania.

The Internet is a wonderful tool for people to communicate with each other via e-mail and websites. Newer technologies like video conferencing have moved from the business world to everyday use. Different video conferencing platforms like “Microsoft Teams” or “Cisco Webex” or “Zoom” are great, but contact has to be pre-arranged; rarely will you bump into someone online for a chat. It also requires good data speed or bandwidth, and reliable connectivity.

There are some older communication technologies that need reconsideration. One method is amateur (or “ham”) radio. The term “ham” started in the 19th century when telegraph stations using Morse code had poor technique – they were said to be “ham fisted”, and the term stuck. The wonder of ham radio is that it does not require an internet connection, and ham operators are located worldwide, so it’s a great way to make new friends all across the globe!

So, how do you get started? It’s a little technical. People must take a test as stipulated by the Federal Communications Commission (or the federal agency in their own country abroad) and receive their license to operate. However, if you can figure out how to set up a computer and run programs, you’re probably technically minded enough to pass the test.

Once licensed, hams can buy two-way radios and talk to one another both locally, and over long distances. Generally, your capabilities are limited to your interest in the hobby, how much physical land you own, and your bank account. Some radio equipment is very cost-efficient and good for using around town. Some people have erected small radio towers or erected large antennas that allow reliable communications worldwide. Most find a place in the middle that allows for high enjoyment with moderate cost and effort.

Ham radio operators come from every walk of life. Everyone from truck mechanics to physicians have come hams. Some of the more famous people who have been licensed hams include Senator Barry Goldwater and King Hussain of Jordan. However, the most important folks are those who use their radios during emergencies to provide communications where no communications infrastructure exists. Case in point, amateur radio has certainly been in use across Kentucky during December’s awful tornado event. Following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, ham radio was the only method to reliably connect with those in the affected area.

Those who have limited mobility or other disabilities enjoy the hobby. It’s truly gratifying to know about people who have made friends in other countries without ever leaving their home. Radio allows people to broaden their horizons who otherwise would have been limited to their immediate surroundings. It’s amazing to finally meet someone face-to-face without ever realizing they were physically handicapped. In one memorable situation, a young man who professed to have “a map in my head” really did – he had memorized directions from listening to taxi dispatchers and had effectively memorized a map of a city. However, being completely blind, he had never actually “seen” a map, yet he provided cheerful assistance to anyone asking for local road directions.

The hobby also causes one to use one’s brains! Cognitive decline happens faster with those who put their brain in neutral; having a somewhat technical hobby can help keep you sharp. Making new friends along the way is certainly a terrific side effect!