Beware the whacker
Are you new to ham radio? Welcome. There are many facets of this hobby which are technically progressive, rewarding and, yes, sometimes, I repeat sometimes, helpful. Then there are other times…
As you grow and learn in this new hobby you may well run across a fellow ham who will try to recruit you for one of the several so called Emergency Services composed of radio volunteers from various walks of life. Two of them come to mind…
You know the saying… “If it sounds too good to be true…”
Both of the above organizations have many chapters around the country and even the world. Their mission is a noble one, but, as in any group, there are always a few folks who tend to go a bit too far with a fantasy of being something they are not. This is what whacker means. You will find such folks with amber light bars on their cars, magnetic signs on their car doors and other such paraphernalia suggesting to the general public “look at me.”
To be sure, amateur radio operators can and do help out from time to time in various roles. Be it passing health and welfare traffic in and out of areas stricken with severe weather (Katrina) or simply helping out the many volunteers for a local charity marathon, amateurs have a role volunteering on equal footing with any other volunteers in your area.
…but when you look like this…
…be afraid… be very afraid.
Don’t take your new hobby too seriously. It is just a hobby after all. Sure you can be prepared for the worst and it does happen from time to time. However, just enjoy your hobby, keep those batteries charged and you will be more prepared than most whackers.
Remember, a mind is a terrible thing to waste… so is a good honest volunteer.
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Tags: ARES, lights, REACT, volunteer, whacker
I have two comments, first to the author of this post and the second to new hams.
First, I do not know who you are due to no name or call on this post, or why you have an issue with amateur radio operators volunteering to assist agencies in the time of public need. Can you explain to the other 700 + thousand amateur radio operators in the United States why this is bad, should not be part of amateur radio, and how it is giving the hobby a black eye. In addition, what is “too good to be true…”
As a member of ARES, there is no “If it sounds too good to be true…” part of the group. I and the other ARES members train to be useful during an emergency, but none of us wish that our training will be put to use.
Please tell us why, when working with emergency groups, disaster relief, and public safety agencies, that finds amateurs in the field that wearing identifying clothing, car signs, safety vests, and amber lights is in any way bad for the hobby. How can amateurs provide assistance to these agencies and not expect to be safe, while their serving agency counterpart have these things. I am not talking about red/blue lights, illegal in most states.
Last thing for the author, why not sign your name / call to your posts to let everyone know who we are talking to. I have found some good things on this site, but every post on emcomm, there is a very noticeable bad taste on amateurs volunteering.
Second, to new amateur radio operators. I agree, do not take this hobby too seriously. There are many aspects to this hobby and there are things for everyone. Joining ARES, Skywarn, or any other amateur radio emergency group to support a public or relief agency should be considered. I am not saying you should join, but at least know that “keeping your batteries charged” is not an option. These groups train constantly and much more is required then charged batteries. All I am asking is that you do your own research before making up your mind.
C. Phil Brunson, N7YBH