I have completed the test from Industry Canada to become a licensed HAM radio operator. This is another milestone in my effort to learn new and useful skills. As mentioned back in October, I have also participated in the ARES Simulated Emergency Test and may be gradually migrate to work with GWEN - an HF band variant of ARES.

I'm not asking everyone to be a HAM operator, and I can say from what I've seen it is not cheap. However this kind of operation is where the average citizen can innovate and adapt without waiting for large corporate vendors to develop a technology. It reminds me about the open-source movement and the amazing capacity for error and focus on user interests.

I will be at the NPARC Big Event, helping and scanning through the inventory of amazing components. It is a great event to ask vendors and fellow HAMs about new trends and missed opportunities.

You can find more information at:
Radio Amateurs of Canada - http://www.rac.ca
ARES - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_Radio_Emergency_Service