Ham radio becomes life-long hobby
John Hartmann of Dyersville is a licensed amateur radio operator. He has been involved with the hobby for over 60 years. This is his set-up at home. (Photo by Deirdre Errthum, Dyersville Commercial)
By Deirdre Errthum
Dyersville Commercial
In 1964, John Hartmann of Dyersville began a job with Neil Webster at his TV sales and repair shop in Guttenberg. Little did Hartmann know that this would feed into his passion for electronics and get him started in a hobby that would prove useful for his entire life.
Webster was a retired Air Force veteran and was a licensed amateur radio operator. Not only did he teach Hartmann the ins and outs of the business, but he sparked his interest in the ham radio hobby (amateur radio is also referred to as ham radio.)
“I was curious. I grabbed on and ran with the knowledge,” Hartmann said. “Curiosity is what got me into this to start with. I have always loved electronics what makes things tick. I have a passion for things like this and I like to talk to people. When I was younger, I built my own antennas and radio shack.”
After some time, Hartmann got his own amateur radio license and bought the business from Webster. He called his shop John’s TV Service. He loved his profession, but felt his amateur radio hobby was his true passion and calling.
“Amateur radio excites me,” Hartmann said. “This was always fun to learn. You can help others and meet new people too.”
According to Wikipedia, “Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of the radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radio sport, contesting and emergency communications. The origins of amateur radio can be traced to the late 19th century, but amateur radio as practiced today began in the early 20th century. In most countries, an operator will be assigned a call sign with their license. Amateur radio licensing in the United States contains different levels based on technical knowledge: three sequential levels of licensing exams (Technician Class, General Class, and Amateur Extra Class) are currently offered. An exam, authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is required for all levels of the Amateur Radio license.”
Hartmann’s call sign is WA0LMH and he announces this every time he goes on and signs off of his amateur radio. He began with the first level of licensing and has worked his way to the top. He has been a licensed amateur radio operator for over 60 years.
“The possibilities and capabilities of this are really endless,” he said. “It’s always an exciting experience when you’re communicating. You meet so many different people.”
Hartmann commented that an amateur radio chat is called a “rag chew,” and he has contacts all over the world. His furthest is in Antarctica. He believes this is a fun hobby that has taught him a lot, but it can be useful too — a lot of times when modern technology is not working, amateur radios can still be used. They can communicate with many emergency agencies too.
Hartmann feels because of the capabilities of amateur radio, it is important to keep this technology alive. He has even taken on an apprentice and helped him to get licensed in amateur radio as well. Will Roth is a senior at Clayton Ridge High School in Guttenberg and is off to Iowa State University in the fall to study meteorology. Hartmann met Roth at a garage sale in Guttenberg. Roth bought an amateur radio and Hartmann explained its uses and thus sparked the young man’s interest.
“My grandfather was into amateur radio,” Roth said. “John helped me get licensed. This is something of importance. You only need a few things and you can communicate with others. It’s a fun hobby, but it can be used for a purpose too. These are real-time observations.”
To get started, Roth and Hartmann stated you need to get study materials and pass your test for a license. Then you get a radio, transmitter, outside antenna and microphone.
“This is an old technology,” Roth added. “It’s something I can enjoy — I look forward to signing on when I get home from school. This can help me with my future career too.”
Roth’s call sign is KF0RLZ.
Like Hartmann, Roth also loves amateur radio for the connections.
“My favorite part is the friends I have made,” Roth said. “I have contacts around the world now. This has shown me that the amateur radio community is great. It’s people helping people.”
For more information on amateur radio, visit the National Association for Amateur Radio website (https://www.arrl.org).
