It used to be that one could get a transmitter at low cost - I am
talking about only a few dollars.
The parts from a TV repair shop (and as junk TV) could get you on the
air and learn a bit about building your own gear.
Those days are gone now, except for a few QRP kits such as the "Tin Can
Tuna" ones that I believe are still available from Rex Harper. There
are a few more kits from places like 4States QRP and NOGA that one can
build with just a few dollars.
Those can enable young beginners to get on the air, but they also need
an "Elmer" to guide them along (soldering help as well as operating).
QRP is difficult operating for beginners, so they need help.
Individual assistance for the beginners is essential, but most of the
stuff I see is oriented toward just passing the Tech test. More than
that is needed to retain the young hams who often do not have the funds
to purchase a transceiver.
Those QRP kits are for HF and Techs have only limited operating space on
the HF bands.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 8/30/2025 8:05 PM, Thaire Bryant via Elecraft wrote:
Check your own town on QRZ. The total after deducting for SKs, lapsed, unused
(lookups less than 100) and moved may be closed to 25% ! We need new blood,
but we also need to try to keep those who at one time had an interest. Trying
to get the young interested is good, but it’s an expensive hobby and it takes a
special kind of interest to start out with QRP, a wire and cw. Those folks
just retiring or close to it should be our focus. They have time on their
hands, are open to learning something new and they have the money necessary to
get going in this hobby!
My 2 cents,
73
Thaire W2APF
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