Silent Keys Remembered

In memory of those who've passed,
Their voices once so clear.
Their absence leaves an empty space,
Yet their essence lingers near.
Through the airwaves, they did speak,
Their messages like art.
Now they're silent, but not forgotten,
Forever in our hearts.

Created by
MarkWaldrop
August 29, 2023

Amateurs’ Noble Code

Ham radio equipment
In the realm of waves, where signals soar,
Amidst the ether's boundless shore,
There dwells a code, a noble creed,
For amateurs to follow, indeed.

Considerate hearts, with empathy aglow,
Never to disrupt, but kindness show,
Ensuring joy in every transmission,
A harmony of waves in coexistence.

Loyal souls, united in their quest,
With bonds of support and friendship blessed,
To clubs and leagues, their hearts extend,
Amateur Radio, a united blend.

Progressive minds, in knowledge steeped,
With stations strong, their prowess peeped,
Their skills honed well, beyond reproach,
Advancing science with a sturdy approach.

Friendly gestures, a gentle pace,
When novices seek a guiding grace,
In counsel and advice, they're rich,
Patiently leading, like a lantern's pitch.

Balanced lives, with wisdom sought,
Amateur passion, never overwrought,
Family, job, and community first,
Radio a joy, but never an all-consuming thirst.

Patriotic fervor, within each heart,
Radio's power, a chance to impart,
Service to country and community strong,
A beacon of hope when things go wrong.

Paul M. Segal's legacy is profound,
A code for amateurs, forever renowned,
Let these principles guide us all,
In the world of waves, where voices call.

Taken from THE AMATEURS CODE
By Paul M  Segal, W9EEA, (1928)

Created by
MarkWaldrop KE4WA

Ham Family’s Sunshine Journey

In a world where signals dance across the air,
Where frequencies hum and voices declare,
There shines a beacon of radiant light,
Solana, our sunshine, gleaming so bright.

A Field Day Event sparked her youthful desire,
In 2019, her heart caught fire,
Ham radio's magic captured her gaze,
A passion ignited in those early days. 

With her mother, Mari Ann, by her side,
They ventured forth, their knowledge to abide,
Technician class exam they did take,
At nine years old, a milestone they did make.

Solana, N4SOL, her call sign they gave,
A mark of dedication and courage so brave,
Mari Ann, KD4SGC, her mother stands tall,
Together they embrace the radio's call.

April 26, 2021, a day to remember,
Their General licenses, a glowing ember,
As a Ham Family, they proudly stand, Grandparents, Randy, W4YSN, and Patti, KB4PAT, hand in hand.

Solana, a granddaughter cherished and dear,
Bathed in love from those so near,
A lineage of hams, a legacy shared,
With every transmission, their bond is declared.

This past weekend, Solana did shine,
Field Day with WAARC, a moment divine,
With the Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club,
She immersed herself, her spirit did scrub.

A coach for the GOTA station, she guided with care,
For youth, a mentor, her wisdom to share,
The control operator on SSB she danced through the night,
A voice of passion, reaching great height.

But beyond the airwaves, her heart takes flight,
For dancing is her joy, a dazzling sight,
Ballet, Tap, and Contemporary too,
Her movements grace, her spirit anew.

Solana, our sunshine, a beacon so bright,
In the realm of ham radio, a radiant light,
May your journey be filled with joy and delight,
As you dance through life, forever taking flight.

Created by
MarkWaldrop KE4WA & AI

Penned for 
Solana J Stevenson N4SOL 
Mother Mari Ann KD4SGC
Grandparents
Patti Altona KB4PAT
Randy Altona W4YSN

Field Day

In the realm where signals soar,
Where frequencies unite,
Amidst the airwaves' boundless lore,
Shines a beacon of pure light.
On the fourth weekend, every June,
When summer's warmth does play,
A gathering of hearts in tune,
For Field Day we make our way.
Amidst the land of red and white,
From sea to shining sea,
Enthusiasts, with hearts alight,
Set up their stations, wild and free.
Amateur radio, our shared delight,
A symphony of waves we send,
Across distances, day or night,
Our voices on the wind.
With antennas reaching for the sky,
And Morse code tapping away,
We strive to make connections fly,
To those who share our fervent sway.
From the rolling plains to mountains high,
In cities bustling, and fields serene,
Our camaraderie shall never die,
United in this cherished scene.
In Canada and the U.S. wide,
A bond that cannot be undone,
Across the borders, side by side,
We reach out to everyone.
For on this day, our spirits soar,
As contacts spark and friendships bloom,
The thrill of radio we explore,
Our passion casting away the gloom.
So let us gather, one and all,
For Field Day's grand embrace,
Where echoes of the radio call,
Connect us in this sacred space.
Amidst the crackling static's sound,
A symphony of voices rise,
Amateur radio, forever profound,
We reach for distant skies.
With every contact, every word,
We bridge the gaps that separate,
Amidst the airwaves, undeterred,
Love and kinship radiate.
U.S. ARRL Field Day, a cherished morn,
When thousands of kindred souls convene,
In the tapestry of radio, reborn,
A beacon of unity, resplendent and serene.

June 23, 2023
Created by 
MarkWaldrop 

POTA

In the wild and open spaces,
Where nature's beauty graces,

There lies a hidden world to find,
A world where ham radios unwind.

With POTA, we connect,
Our passion for amateur reflect,

In the heart of nature's grandeur,
We share our love for radio's allure.

From national to provincial parks,
We set up our stations and embark,

On a journey of communication,
And emergency awareness activation.

Inspired by the work of KX9X and W3IZ,
We carry on the legacy with pride,

Promoting amateur radio's mission,
To serve and protect in any condition.

With every signal that we send,
We connect with fellow hams and friends,

Sharing our passion for this craft,
In parks that offer a perfect raft.

So welcome to POTA, come explore,
The wild and open world we adore,

With ham radios and nature's call,
We'll make connections that will enthrall.

April 21, 2023
Compiled by 
MarkWaldrop
For Jack Espinal KY4EA

Propagation

Propagation In the Ham community, it is a common word
Refers to the atmospheric conditions that make weak signals heard. 

Propagation in my spiritual life means something entirely different
It's my closeness to God that makes His word most Magnificent

Both in Amateur Radio and my Spiritual life propagation increases the signal
Both theories, whether earthly or spiritual, are surprisingly very simple 

One depends on the physical composition of the atmosphere 
The other depends on the nearness to God; to become very clear. 

Either way, understanding propagation
I can make it work for me
To help make the received message better heard and clearer to see

March 9. 2023
Mark Waldrop

A good signal report

Being a Ham, I have always transmitted varied signal reports
Is there so much QRM on my spiritual signal it's challenging to sort

What would be the remedy to increase my signal status
A better receiver, an amplifier or some other apparatus 

Being spiritual, I suspect none of the above will be useful
Being close to God would be very crucial

A 5/9 will come with fellowship with other hams
A 20-over will come with a prayer to the Great I Am. 

Knowing when the propagation is just right
For me, it comes with the dawn of morning light

Good luck with your distant QSO with God Above
Making contact, you won't believe His incredible Love

January 1, 2023
Mark Waldrop

 What kind of Antenna should I choose

What kind of antenna should I choose?
If the price is right, not one, would I refuse? 

Maybe a Dipole, Beam, or a Magnetic Loop
put some fire in the wire and QSO the whole group. 

Location and space would be two choices that would greatly matter. 
The more money you can invest, I suppose would be for the better. 

Invest as much money in your antenna as in your rig.
Your fellow hams will always give you an S-Signal that is quite big.

I’m grateful no antenna is required,
to connect with Jesus and his love. 
There is no cost to bow our head on bended knee, 
having a QSO with our savior above. 

October 13, 2022
Mark Waldrop 
Inspired by Matthew KJ4TN, Jimmy NR4W