A new dawn: Reigniting my passion for amateur radio

Since I was first licensed in 1991 I have sadly had two extended periods between then and now when I was not actively involved in this wonderful hobby. I was QRT from around 1994 until September 2005 and then again from April 2015 until January 2024, a total of around 20 years (out of the 33 years that I have been licensed) that I was not actually involved with amateur radio. 

A YouTube source of inspiration for me was Walt (K4OGO)

As I write this in August of 2024 I very much hope that further lengthy periods of inactivity will be avoided. To that end I am very much aware that I need to do everything that I can to get involved in the hobby instead of looking in from the outside (through the medium of YouTube) and watching everyone else enjoying the hobby.

What I have seen though is that I am not alone in reactivating my interest in amateur radio. 

As the hobby has evolves, so too do people who may have been inactive find new aspects of the hobby that interest them. In my case it was new small portable radios (I have a Xiegu G90), FT8, and portable operating with end-fed vertical wire antennas.

Having given it some thought, here are some steps I or others can take to progress from watching all of those YouTube videos, to active participation:

1. Dust off your old equipment: If you still have your old gear, give it a good once-over. Check for any obvious issues, replace old capacitors if needed, and test it out. Even if it's not cutting-edge, it'll get you started.
2. Join local clubs: Look for amateur radio clubs in your area. The RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain) website has a club finder tool. Attending meetings will help you connect with other hams, learn about local activities, and possibly even borrow or try out different equipment.
3. Get on the air with what you have: Don't wait for the perfect setup. If you have a basic HF rig and a simple wire antenna, that's enough to start making contacts. Remember, a compromised antenna that's in use is infinitely better than a perfect antenna that's still in your imagination.
4. Experiment with digital modes: If you've never tried FT8 before, give it a go! You'll need a computer, a sound card interface (or a built-in sound card if your radio is newer), and the free WSJT-X software. FT8 is excellent for DXing, even with modest antennas and low power.
5. Brush up on your CW: If you're rusty on Morse code, there are great online tools and apps to help you practice. Start slow and work your way up. Remember, many CW operators are happy to slow down for you if you send "QRS" (please send more slowly).
6. Build some simple antennas: Start with an end-fed half-wave (EFHW) for multiband operation. They're simple to construct and great for portable use. Experiment with different lengths and configurations.
7. Try portable operations: Pack up your gear and head to a local park or hilltop. Portable operation is a great way to combine your love for radio with the outdoors. Start with a simple setup – perhaps a lightweight transceiver, a battery, and that EFHW antenna you built.
8. Explore RTTY and other digital modes: While FT8 is popular, don't forget about RTTY and other modes like PSK31 or MFSK. Each offers a different experience and opportunity for contacts.
9. Participate in contests: Contests are an excellent way to hone your skills and make lots of contacts quickly. Start with shorter contests or just spend an hour or two in a longer one. The RSGB runs numerous contests throughout the year.
10. Stay informed: Subscribe to amateur radio publications like RadCom (the RSGB magazine) or join online forums and groups. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the hobby.

Remember, the key is to start small and build up. Don't feel pressured to have the latest and greatest equipment or to be an expert in every mode. The beauty of amateur radio is in the learning and experimenting. 

Above all though, just get involved in whatever ways you can, and before you know it, you might be the one with a YouTube channel inspiring other hams to get back into the hobby!