You rang? 😁 – thank you for your kind words

@Bluewing@lemmy.world, probably not dull, but I’ll carry on regardless … I started in amateur radio to get away from my day job in computing. I chose it because it was technically challenging, did science, had a large community and was something I’d come across several times in my life previously.

I discovered an amazing collection of humanity, some good, some bad, mostly amazing and a deep joy in discovering everything that it has to offer. I also have to admit that getting away from computers was clearly misquided, since there’s plenty of opportunity to integrate these with each other.

That said, there’s plenty of non computing activity to engage in. Amateurs are known for experimenting and testing. We find any excuse to “activate” (build and operate a radio station) anything, from Parks, to Peaks, from Bridges to Toilets, Carparks and Light houses (I maintain a list: https://github.com/vk6flab/activations-on-the-air)

I like to describe amateur radio as 1,000 hobbies in one, essentially it’s a glue (or an excuse) to do something, like go for a walk, camp out, do a competition, or a BBQ.

As for soldering. I’m not that great at it and my eyesight is making it worse, but a magnifying glass and a third-hand is still letting me melt components and the odd bit of solder.

As hobbies go, you can involve yourself as much or as little as you like and you’ll find people across the planet who are interested in the things you’re pursuing, plenty of opportunities to engage and have fun.

You can get started before you have a license by playing with things like WebSDR, KiwiSDR and plenty more.

If you have questions, feel free to ask.

73 de Onno VK6FLAB