Become Beginners Again!
18/04/26 09:06
04/24/26 – Returning to Our Roots
The Weak Signal Net on 144.180 MHz will return Sunday, June 21st at 6:30 PM.
In the meantime, we’ve already transitioned back to full activity on 146.520 MHz, and our weekly CQ 52 Net continues every Monday at 6:30 PM.
Back in 2006, when we formed the Unusual Suspects, our focus was simple: Promote Amateur Radio—and have fun doing it.
And we did exactly that.
We became known as one of the most friendly, energetic, and welcoming groups around. Other clubs—and even the local Amateur Radio store—pointed new hams our way as the group to get involved with. Why? Because we were active. We lived on 2-meter simplex, monitored 146.520, and actually talked to each other.
We were the UNCLUB—no rules, no officers, no drama. Just radio and good times.
What really made us different was that we were a family group. Spouses, kids, and even grandkids were part of the fun. From remote Field Day camping trips during spring break, to antenna builds, to our monthly Meet & Greet breakfasts—and those regular informal Friday breakfasts—we weren’t just operating…we were building a community.
And here’s the kicker—we did something very few clubs ever pull off: We brought new people—and their families—into the hobby.
Then something changed.
As I became more focused on Weak Signal Operating, the group followed. We became very successful in promoting VHF/UHF weak signal activity—no question about it. Events like our Lunch & Learn sessions were a hit.
But somewhere along the way… we lost part of what made us “us.”
We stopped doing the simple, fun things.
So now—it’s time.
LET’S ALL BECOME BEGINNERS AGAIN.
We are returning to our roots. We are bringing back the UNCLUB spirit.
LET’S ALL BECOME BEGINNERS AGAIN.
The HAMsters Weak Signal Group is evolving into the HAMster Amateur Radio Group.
We’re not abandoning weak signal—in fact, we’ll continue to push it forward, including:
And the fun stuff? It’s coming back too.
And beyond that?
Anything FUN in Amateur Radio that helps new operators grow and get excited about the hobby.
Bottom line:
We built something special once. Now we’re going to do it again.
LET’S HAVE FUN.
The Weak Signal Net on 144.180 MHz will return Sunday, June 21st at 6:30 PM.
In the meantime, we’ve already transitioned back to full activity on 146.520 MHz, and our weekly CQ 52 Net continues every Monday at 6:30 PM.
Back in 2006, when we formed the Unusual Suspects, our focus was simple: Promote Amateur Radio—and have fun doing it.
And we did exactly that.
We became known as one of the most friendly, energetic, and welcoming groups around. Other clubs—and even the local Amateur Radio store—pointed new hams our way as the group to get involved with. Why? Because we were active. We lived on 2-meter simplex, monitored 146.520, and actually talked to each other.
We were the UNCLUB—no rules, no officers, no drama. Just radio and good times.
What really made us different was that we were a family group. Spouses, kids, and even grandkids were part of the fun. From remote Field Day camping trips during spring break, to antenna builds, to our monthly Meet & Greet breakfasts—and those regular informal Friday breakfasts—we weren’t just operating…we were building a community.
And here’s the kicker—we did something very few clubs ever pull off: We brought new people—and their families—into the hobby.
Then something changed.
As I became more focused on Weak Signal Operating, the group followed. We became very successful in promoting VHF/UHF weak signal activity—no question about it. Events like our Lunch & Learn sessions were a hit.
But somewhere along the way… we lost part of what made us “us.”
We stopped doing the simple, fun things.
So now—it’s time.
LET’S ALL BECOME BEGINNERS AGAIN.
We are returning to our roots. We are bringing back the UNCLUB spirit.
LET’S ALL BECOME BEGINNERS AGAIN.
The HAMsters Weak Signal Group is evolving into the HAMster Amateur Radio Group.
We’re not abandoning weak signal—in fact, we’ll continue to push it forward, including:
- Growing VHF/UHF Weak Signal activity
- Expanding into entry-level EME
- Beginning to explore microwave operations
- A strong return to 2-meter FM simplex
- Daily activity on 146.520
- Encouraging operators of all levels to get on the air
And the fun stuff? It’s coming back too.
- The return of our 146.520 FM Simplex Net (alongside 144.180 SSB)
—the net they said couldn’t be done… and proved them wrong. - Remote Field Day camping weekends returning
- Balloon launches and experiments are back
(Yes—we’ve got balloons ready to go!) - The return of our informal breakfast gatherings
(because radio and coffee just belong together) - Our monthly Meet & Greet + Swap Meets
- And the comeback of our Saturday morning HF DX hunts
And beyond that?
Anything FUN in Amateur Radio that helps new operators grow and get excited about the hobby.
Bottom line:
We built something special once. Now we’re going to do it again.
LET’S HAVE FUN.
