N8YQJ Shares His Ham Radio Journey and Explores Linkpoon at Talkpod Zoom Meeting

Talkpod Facebook Linkpoon User Group recently hosted a Zoom meeting featuring N8YQJ, a licensed ham radio operator with over 30 years of experience. N8YQJ's story offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of amateur radio and the evolution of communication technologies.

A Spark Ignited: Discovering Ham Radio
N8YQJ's journey began with a desire to connect with his brother living five miles away. Back then, phone calls were expensive, so they turned to CB radios for their weekly chats. This experience sparked a curiosity about broader communication possibilities. He stumbled upon shortwave radio and found himself captivated by the conversations of ham radio operators on the 40-meter AM band.

Inspired, N8YQJ pursued his ham radio license. He studied diligently, eventually passing the exam to become a Technician class licensee. However, limited band privileges initially restricted him to CW (Morse code) on the HF bands. N8YQJ embraced the challenge and developed a passion for CW communication. He later upgraded his license to General class, expanding his operating capabilities.

The Rise of Voice Over IP (VoIP) in Ham Radio
N8YQJ's exploration continued into the realm of VoIP (Voice over IP). A friend introduced him to online communities like EchoLink and Zello, where ham radio enthusiasts could connect through digital channels. These platforms offered new ways to interact with fellow hams beyond traditional radio frequencies.

Finding a Ham Radio Community: Linkpoon Enters the Picture
As some online platforms evolved, N8YQJ sought out new avenues for connection. Through fellow ham radio operators, he discovered Linkpoon, a virtual amateur radio platform by Talkpod. He found a welcoming community on Linkpoon's dedicated channels like the 85145 Raise Channel, where he could interact with other operators. This platform offered a unique blend of traditional ham radio spirit and innovative digital connectivity.

A Look Forward
N8YQJ's story highlights the enduring appeal of ham radio as a hobby and its ability to foster a sense of community. It also showcases the ongoing integration of new technologies like VoIP, which is transforming how ham radio enthusiasts connect and communicate. Talkpod extends its gratitude to N8YQJ for sharing his valuable insights and experiences with the ham radio community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQr3h3NuZhw