What use is an F-call?

Every week between midnight and 1am UTC we host a 'net for new and returning hams. It's called F-troop and can be accessed in VK6 via VK6RAP, 146.7 MHz and via IRLP node 9558 or Echolink conference VK3JED. Conversations are about all things Amateur, upgrading licenses for those inclined, Morse Code, antennas, choosing HF rigs, logging software and any question in between. We recently celebrated 100 nets.

The more we talk, the more we realise that Amateur Radio is a vast hobby that includes technologies far and wide. From propagation, dealing with the ionosphere, ground waves, Kepler elements when talking to satellites or the International Space Station, the Internet Radio Linking Project, electronics, audio, antennas, social activities, talking on-air, microphone techniques, physics, chemistry, competitions, software, hardware, you name it, and you'll find a link back to Amateur Radio.

The most powerful part of this wide span of interests is that it all relates back to a single purpose. With people conversing and sharing on the subject, you're never short on a subject that might catch your fancy. And if you're in a situation where the topic at hand is done and dusted, the people around you come from such a wide range of society that there is more than enough other things to talk about.

If you're wondering what to do, get involved, check into the 'net, or if you don't yet have a license, visit your local club and get one. A Foundation or F-call can be obtained over a weekend and you'll be able to do more than dip your toes into this fine hobby, dive in and get wet all over - you know you want to!

In case you missed it, F-troop is one of many places where you can join in, VK6RAP, 146.7MHz, IRLP node 9558 or Echolink Conference VK3JED, Saturday morning, midnight to 1am UTC.

I'm Onno VK6FLAB