Results: Sample page
This sample page contains a fraction of the nearly 250 graphs available to those who complete all six parts of the Census.
Note that all graphs on this site are real-time results updated every time a participant submits a Census.
FILL THE COMPLETE CENSUS
and gain access to the full results: nearly 250 graphs and hundreds of messages of hope and frustration from hams to federal authorities, manufacturers and each other!
Messages from our participants to authorities, manufacturers and other hams
At the end of Part VI of the Census, participants are given the chance to write three messages to:
- Federal authorities and national associations
- Gear manufacturers
- Other amateur radio operators.
Below is a very small sample of the latest ones. You'll see all the others when you finish filling in the six parts of the Census. And of course, you will get to post your own messages!
To authorities and associations
To gear manufacturers
To fellow hams
FEMA and CISA need to work more with groups like the ARRL and NARA to get auxcom classes more accessible to hams.
2025-06-12 at 22:40 GMT+0000 UTC
FCC: Hire actual RF engineers to work with the Part 97 rulemakings. When I retired in 2021, I was the only actual RF engineer at HQ. EEs rarely get RF engineering instruction at any degree level. Make it a requirement that the attorney responsible for Part 97 enforcement be FCC-licensed in the amateur service or at least have a GROL. You can’t properly enforce the rules if you don’t at least understand them and personal experience augments that ability. To the ARRL: Get that chip off your shoulder when you visit the FCC – it doesn’t help you. Reduce the CEO’s salary to $200K or less. $330K is ridiculous. Your responsiblities aren’t that great and the money should go into programs that support the amateur radio service advancement.
2025-04-19 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
Many radio regulations have not kept pace with today’s technologies. They need to be updated.
2025-03-20 at 19:15 GMT+0000 UTC
More active monitoring of ham bands!
2025-02-27 at 17:44 GMT+0000 UTC
Maintain current frequencies for amateur radio
2024-12-15 at 22:41 GMT+0000 UTC
National organisations need to move into the 21st century. Many still operate a 20th century model, exercise a special hubris and do not listen well to members. They tend to be inwardly focused and set priorities that are no longer relevant. The culture needs a complete overhaul – and many within our hobby need to accept that times must change.
2024-07-26 at 04:06 GMT+0000 UTC
We must concentrate more on quality of operators, rather than quantity, even if that means a reduction in level of Ham Radio businesses.
2024-01-25 at 07:54 GMT+0000 UTC
The ARRL should make direct “Be Prepared” appeals to Scout groups. They should also be helping non-hams get licensed in other, no-license radio services (such as in the U.S., the General Mobile Radio Service whose license covers an entire family and allows the use of repeaters).
2023-12-03 at 00:23 GMT+0000 UTC
1. Inject humor and lightheartedness into amateur radio activities and events, create funny skits, jokes, or light-hearted competitions that bring a sense of fun and entertainment to the hobby, making it more appealing and enjoyable for newcomers.
2. Improve the public image of amateur radio by actively engaging with diverse memberships… pay for a booth and raffle it to qualifying clubs that promote amateur radio in minority groups.
3.Organize ham outings or trips to interesting locations where amateur radio activities can be combined with sightseeing or other recreational activities… camping, cruises, beach days, battleship tours, NASA field trip/tour. This can foster camaraderie among ARRL members and create memorable experiences.
2023-05-31 at 01:13 GMT+0000 UTC
N/A
2023-05-15 at 18:55 GMT+0000 UTC
You need to find a way to lower your prices and get more entry-level radios for new generals. Maybe an HF radio that just does WARC bands, or single-mode radios that are cheaper. You see how popular QRP radios are. How about a 50-watt, 20-meter radio for $300
2025-06-12 at 22:40 GMT+0000 UTC
Add quality TNCs and quality Bluetooth into your handheld, mobile, and shack radios. Packet radio is making a comeback. Up your game if you don’t want to be beat by the cheap Chinese manufacturers. Offer more quality. Add some digital modes (signal types) into your radios to reduce the number of special cables and add-ons we need to work the various digital modes. Look at the popular modes like CW, RTTY, FT8, JS8Call, and packet radio. For your HF rigs, develop internal software that can read CW in all types of environments, signal strengths, noise, and poor hand-sending.
2025-04-19 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
Keep inventing new technologies.
2025-03-20 at 19:15 GMT+0000 UTC
The market is changing, not dying. Less CW==>more digital.
2025-02-27 at 17:44 GMT+0000 UTC
Keep it up. A good spread of gear and very affordable.
2024-07-26 at 04:06 GMT+0000 UTC
I can’t carry so many radios for all the modes, consolidate !!!
2024-05-22 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
You can reduce the number of “levels” of your products (example: fewer HF radio versions). We will still buy your radios. Use the savings to reduce bugs and to offer more frequent firmware updates. PLEASE!
2024-01-25 at 07:54 GMT+0000 UTC
1. Organize entertainment events at ham festivals, such as concerts or a beer/wine garden. This can attract a broader audience and create a more festive atmosphere, making ham festivals appealing to a wider range of people.
2. Work with Royal Robbins, Patagonia, North Face, or REI to do Cross-Promotion, Bundled Offerings, Retail Partnerships, or Product Collaborations
3.Establish a donation fund where a % of proceeds go to provide free wheelchair rentals for randomly selected individuals during amateur radio events. This promotes inclusivity and shows the hobby’s commitment to accessibility. (cause related marketing)
2023-05-31 at 01:13 GMT+0000 UTC
Keep up the good work on your products, especially ICOM and Heil. FlexRadio should lower their prices to make their radios a bit more affordable.
2023-05-15 at 18:55 GMT+0000 UTC
Thank you for as much standardizing and automation as has been included in the recent VHF and HF transceivers I have purchased. They work for me at my low level of understanding, and have built-in features for when I take time to learn their uses. Not the big heavy boxes of tubes I remember from the 50’s. Keep up the good work! Hint, for better user learning, have people from the USA write the manuals.
2023-05-14 at 03:13 GMT+0000 UTC
Times are changing, more youth and new people are getting involved, and it’s okay. If they call CQ on a local repeater, great, answer the call. Maybe it’s time for fewer nets and more informal round tables and ragchewing? Let’s reduce contests and bring conversation back to HF!
2025-06-12 at 22:40 GMT+0000 UTC
Consider contacting your local (county/city/parrish) emergency manager (EM) directly to volunteer for emergency commnications (EmComm). That EM will probably point you to the local ARES or other organization that is used for EmComm. If there is none, please consider getting trained and volunteer to set it up. If that organization gives you a hard time, report that back to the EM. The EM controls government EmComm (See 47 CFR § 97.113(a)(3)(i) and §407). I used to advise EMs and EmComm organizations nationwide and learned that many organizations have leaders who are full of themselves – not helpful. After serving 13 years at the Commission, I learned that without EmComm the amateur radio service would no longer exist.
2025-04-19 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
Get on the air and operate.
2025-03-20 at 19:15 GMT+0000 UTC
It’s a hobby, not a lifestyle. Respect your family.
2025-02-27 at 17:44 GMT+0000 UTC
Hope to meet you on the bands
2024-12-15 at 22:41 GMT+0000 UTC
Have fun
2024-05-22 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
Continue to promote Ham Radio to others. Remain active. Expand your Ham Radio interests. Mentor others whenever you can.
2024-01-25 at 07:54 GMT+0000 UTC
Volunteer with your other club members to get into school after-school programs. Kids enjoying playing with walkie-talkies and getting on the microphone for ARRL’s School Club Roundup. Again, these are AFTER school programs and most districts are keen to offer new programs.
2023-12-03 at 00:23 GMT+0000 UTC
1. Set up a craft area at events where non-hams can create amateur radio-related items for their ham friends or family members. This provides an opportunity for non-hams to engage with the hobby and learn more about it in a hands-on and creative way.
2.Promote the adventurous aspects of amateur radio, such as portable operations in remote locations. Emphasize the thrill of amateur radio in camping, hiking, biking on trails, skydiving, rock climbing, & overloading.
3. Replace traditional raffles with more interactive ways of winning prizes. Consider activities like Fox Hunts, trivia contests, or Bingo to engage participants and make the prize distribution more exciting.
4. Embrace different modes… not just the ones you are loyal to
2023-05-31 at 01:13 GMT+0000 UTC
N/A
2023-05-15 at 18:55 GMT+0000 UTC
To authorities and associations
FEMA and CISA need to work more with groups like the ARRL and NARA to get auxcom classes more accessible to hams.
2025-06-12 at 22:40 GMT+0000 UTC
FCC: Hire actual RF engineers to work with the Part 97 rulemakings. When I retired in 2021, I was the only actual RF engineer at HQ. EEs rarely get RF engineering instruction at any degree level. Make it a requirement that the attorney responsible for Part 97 enforcement be FCC-licensed in the amateur service or at least have a GROL. You can’t properly enforce the rules if you don’t at least understand them and personal experience augments that ability. To the ARRL: Get that chip off your shoulder when you visit the FCC – it doesn’t help you. Reduce the CEO’s salary to $200K or less. $330K is ridiculous. Your responsiblities aren’t that great and the money should go into programs that support the amateur radio service advancement.
2025-04-19 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
Many radio regulations have not kept pace with today’s technologies. They need to be updated.
2025-03-20 at 19:15 GMT+0000 UTC
More active monitoring of ham bands!
2025-02-27 at 17:44 GMT+0000 UTC
Maintain current frequencies for amateur radio
2024-12-15 at 22:41 GMT+0000 UTC
National organisations need to move into the 21st century. Many still operate a 20th century model, exercise a special hubris and do not listen well to members. They tend to be inwardly focused and set priorities that are no longer relevant. The culture needs a complete overhaul – and many within our hobby need to accept that times must change.
2024-07-26 at 04:06 GMT+0000 UTC
We must concentrate more on quality of operators, rather than quantity, even if that means a reduction in level of Ham Radio businesses.
2024-01-25 at 07:54 GMT+0000 UTC
The ARRL should make direct “Be Prepared” appeals to Scout groups. They should also be helping non-hams get licensed in other, no-license radio services (such as in the U.S., the General Mobile Radio Service whose license covers an entire family and allows the use of repeaters).
2023-12-03 at 00:23 GMT+0000 UTC
1. Inject humor and lightheartedness into amateur radio activities and events, create funny skits, jokes, or light-hearted competitions that bring a sense of fun and entertainment to the hobby, making it more appealing and enjoyable for newcomers.
2. Improve the public image of amateur radio by actively engaging with diverse memberships… pay for a booth and raffle it to qualifying clubs that promote amateur radio in minority groups.
3.Organize ham outings or trips to interesting locations where amateur radio activities can be combined with sightseeing or other recreational activities… camping, cruises, beach days, battleship tours, NASA field trip/tour. This can foster camaraderie among ARRL members and create memorable experiences.
2023-05-31 at 01:13 GMT+0000 UTC
N/A
2023-05-15 at 18:55 GMT+0000 UTC
To gear manufacturers
You need to find a way to lower your prices and get more entry-level radios for new generals. Maybe an HF radio that just does WARC bands, or single-mode radios that are cheaper. You see how popular QRP radios are. How about a 50-watt, 20-meter radio for $300
2025-06-12 at 22:40 GMT+0000 UTC
Add quality TNCs and quality Bluetooth into your handheld, mobile, and shack radios. Packet radio is making a comeback. Up your game if you don’t want to be beat by the cheap Chinese manufacturers. Offer more quality. Add some digital modes (signal types) into your radios to reduce the number of special cables and add-ons we need to work the various digital modes. Look at the popular modes like CW, RTTY, FT8, JS8Call, and packet radio. For your HF rigs, develop internal software that can read CW in all types of environments, signal strengths, noise, and poor hand-sending.
2025-04-19 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
Keep inventing new technologies.
2025-03-20 at 19:15 GMT+0000 UTC
The market is changing, not dying. Less CW==>more digital.
2025-02-27 at 17:44 GMT+0000 UTC
Keep it up. A good spread of gear and very affordable.
2024-07-26 at 04:06 GMT+0000 UTC
I can’t carry so many radios for all the modes, consolidate !!!
2024-05-22 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
You can reduce the number of “levels” of your products (example: fewer HF radio versions). We will still buy your radios. Use the savings to reduce bugs and to offer more frequent firmware updates. PLEASE!
2024-01-25 at 07:54 GMT+0000 UTC
1. Organize entertainment events at ham festivals, such as concerts or a beer/wine garden. This can attract a broader audience and create a more festive atmosphere, making ham festivals appealing to a wider range of people.
2. Work with Royal Robbins, Patagonia, North Face, or REI to do Cross-Promotion, Bundled Offerings, Retail Partnerships, or Product Collaborations
3.Establish a donation fund where a % of proceeds go to provide free wheelchair rentals for randomly selected individuals during amateur radio events. This promotes inclusivity and shows the hobby’s commitment to accessibility. (cause related marketing)
2023-05-31 at 01:13 GMT+0000 UTC
Keep up the good work on your products, especially ICOM and Heil. FlexRadio should lower their prices to make their radios a bit more affordable.
2023-05-15 at 18:55 GMT+0000 UTC
Thank you for as much standardizing and automation as has been included in the recent VHF and HF transceivers I have purchased. They work for me at my low level of understanding, and have built-in features for when I take time to learn their uses. Not the big heavy boxes of tubes I remember from the 50’s. Keep up the good work! Hint, for better user learning, have people from the USA write the manuals.
2023-05-14 at 03:13 GMT+0000 UTC
To fellow hams
Times are changing, more youth and new people are getting involved, and it’s okay. If they call CQ on a local repeater, great, answer the call. Maybe it’s time for fewer nets and more informal round tables and ragchewing? Let’s reduce contests and bring conversation back to HF!
2025-06-12 at 22:40 GMT+0000 UTC
Consider contacting your local (county/city/parrish) emergency manager (EM) directly to volunteer for emergency commnications (EmComm). That EM will probably point you to the local ARES or other organization that is used for EmComm. If there is none, please consider getting trained and volunteer to set it up. If that organization gives you a hard time, report that back to the EM. The EM controls government EmComm (See 47 CFR § 97.113(a)(3)(i) and §407). I used to advise EMs and EmComm organizations nationwide and learned that many organizations have leaders who are full of themselves – not helpful. After serving 13 years at the Commission, I learned that without EmComm the amateur radio service would no longer exist.
2025-04-19 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
Get on the air and operate.
2025-03-20 at 19:15 GMT+0000 UTC
It’s a hobby, not a lifestyle. Respect your family.
2025-02-27 at 17:44 GMT+0000 UTC
Hope to meet you on the bands
2024-12-15 at 22:41 GMT+0000 UTC
Have fun
2024-05-22 at 20:25 GMT+0000 UTC
Continue to promote Ham Radio to others. Remain active. Expand your Ham Radio interests. Mentor others whenever you can.
2024-01-25 at 07:54 GMT+0000 UTC
Volunteer with your other club members to get into school after-school programs. Kids enjoying playing with walkie-talkies and getting on the microphone for ARRL’s School Club Roundup. Again, these are AFTER school programs and most districts are keen to offer new programs.
2023-12-03 at 00:23 GMT+0000 UTC
1. Set up a craft area at events where non-hams can create amateur radio-related items for their ham friends or family members. This provides an opportunity for non-hams to engage with the hobby and learn more about it in a hands-on and creative way.
2.Promote the adventurous aspects of amateur radio, such as portable operations in remote locations. Emphasize the thrill of amateur radio in camping, hiking, biking on trails, skydiving, rock climbing, & overloading.
3. Replace traditional raffles with more interactive ways of winning prizes. Consider activities like Fox Hunts, trivia contests, or Bingo to engage participants and make the prize distribution more exciting.
4. Embrace different modes… not just the ones you are loyal to
2023-05-31 at 01:13 GMT+0000 UTC
N/A
2023-05-15 at 18:55 GMT+0000 UTC
FILL THE CENSUS
and gain access to the full results: nearly 250 graphs and hundreds of messages of hope and frustration from hams to federal authorities, manufacturers and each other!
