Right you are. And hams have more exotic means of communication in addition to good old shortwave. Years before the Internet became popular, many ham radio operators had modems and computers hooked up to their radios and used packet radio to communicate digitally (and packet radio is still popular). Also the Russian MIR space station had an amateur radio station on board, as did some Space Shuttle missions and as does the International Space Station. And hams have had their own communication satellites (that they built themselves) for forty years.
A lot of young people grew up learning about technology, math, geography, etc. thanks to ham radio. And I would rather see a child collect stamps than be obsessed with the latest video game. Who is likely to have a better future? The youngster who is into amateur radio/shortwave listening and/or stamp collecting or the child whose proudest achievement is learning how to play "Grand Theft Auto"?
I would appreciate it if you experts would provide information on how one might start out as an operator. Please suggest any links, recommend equipment and offer any suggestions for the total novice.
Thanks!
if MSM says it's not cool, it must be wholesome.