I am not a ham operator nor do I have a license, but do have an interest in pursuing this hobby. I came across this video on the lack of activity on repeaters. This video was publish 5 years ago so I don't know if repeater activities got better or worse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d417_7ohs8E

I'm pretty sure on emergencies, these repeaters will be buzzing with activity, but on an ordinary day, If you're a ham operator and use repeaters, how is it today? 73

Sorry for this question. I feel this question is not suited in a linux forum.

I found some similar threads in http://radioreference.com website.

73

Any hobby has its ups and downs... I suppose it depends on where you live. Some cities have more activity then others but it is not what it was 20 years or so ago. Not to reveal my true age but I have been licensed for >30. The average age is at least 50 in the US from what I can tell by pure observation. Not sure what the total number of operators in the US is but I guess somewhere around 800,000.

Amateur radio is quite diverse. It has many different aspects and operating modes and not everyone wants to talk on VHF/UHF FM repeaters. Do not let it stop you from getting a license. The sun spot cycle is on the back side so long distance communication will be bad for a few years but that means this is the time to get prepared.

There are a number of Hams on the LQ website.

Linux makes an excellent platform for code repeater, translator, or compressor for amateurs practice and special purpose rigs. I regret not going for my license when I could.

"73's!"

No, amateur radio is not fading away, but it certainly has changed.

One of the most-useful things about our licenses is something that we see when we're going to an event or hiking in the woods or what-have-you where cell service is not reliable. We can tune our radios to an agreed-upon "simplex" frequency and chat among ourselves freely ... even at an event or on ski-slopes where the "Family Radio" users are facing a hopelessly-crowded channel.

Here's podcast you might find interesting: Linux in the Ham Shack.

From just a year ago: http://www.arrl.org/news/us-amateur-...-all-time-high

Local repeaters don't seem to be as active as they used to be, but I feel that's largely due to how many there are (and on so many bands). It used to be everyone was on 2m. Now, we've got 6m, 70cm, 220, and 1.2ghz repeaters all active.

Despite still relatively poor conditions, HF is pretty active when I go on there (even with my really poor antennae due to lack of space).