Ham I Am

Courtesy Photo | Some of Stull's radio equipment, including a new multiband radio. (photo courtesy of Leo Stull)  

SEATTLE, WA, UNITED STATES

03.01.2018

Story by Kasey Krall 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District

Leo Stull, a lock and dam operator at Lake Washington Ship Canal, is a ham radio enthusiast. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national association for Amateur Radio®, defines amateur radio, also known as ham radio, as “a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones.”

Stull has been a licensed amateur radio operator, also known as a “ham,” since June of 2017, but his affinity for the hobby has been around much longer. He became interested during his youth due to his family’s involvement – his uncle owned a shop that sold and repaired radios and other electronic equipment. Stull and his grandfather would often visit the shop and Stull would help out by installing components into radios, soldering, and replacing diodes. He would also get the chance to meet and talk to other radio operators who came into the shop.

During his time in the Army as a fire team leader, Stull gained more experience with radios and related equipment. He expanded his knowledge of antennas and learned how to work various types of radios.

There are different sizes and styles of antennas that a ham could use for communication depending on what frequency and band they’re utilizing. Stull enjoys testing out different materials for his antennas and often communicates on air with other hams about what they have found works best. “Ninety percent of the hobby is the antenna,” Stull explained. “A big part of it is getting involved with other people and learning as you go, sharing ideas of what you experimented with and what works for you and what doesn’t.”

Stull currently belongs to the Puget Sound Repeater Group (PSRG) and is in the application process to be a Seattle Auxiliary Communication Service (ACS) member. PSRG is comprised of over 200 amateur operators in the Seattle area. They meet on air at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily and host a net, a group getting together to transmit under the guidance of a net administrator, on the very high frequency (VHF) radio spectrum.

The VHF spectrum is usually used for local communication but has the potential to reach other operators within North America, depending on the band meter.

ACS also uses VHF, but the primary goal of this group is to practice readiness during emergency situations. In the event of a breakdown in standard communication forms, ACS members would assist authorities and emergency operations in receiving and transmitting messages. ACS augments the city’s emergency disaster response.

Stull said a primary reason for making contact on air is to test equipment and make sure everything is functioning properly. He and other operators committed to assisting during a crucial event want to be certain that their equipment is consistently functional, and daily or weekly tests are the best way to do so.

In addition to communicating through the two locally based VHF groups, Stull is also interested in communicating longer distances with high frequency (HF) radio. HF is capable of traveling intercontinental distances and operators using this spectrum could potentially reach others around the world.

Many ham radio operators enjoy keeping a log of contacts they’ve made. They usually record the other operator’s call sign, location, and the date and time contact was made. Some people even exchange QSL (call sign) cards, like business cards, through the mail. Although Stull has not yet made contact with any operators outside of the country, he has talked to other operators in the Seattle area who have made contact as far away as Canada, England, and even Guam.

“Communicating through ham radio operation really is a great and exciting hobby,” Stull said. “You are always learning something from people you meet.”

Knowing that he can help keep the lines of communication open when all other methods have failed gives Stull a sense of pride and peace of mind.

“I really enjoy what I do and knowing that I have the capability to communicate during an emergency situation. Ham radio is a valuable asset to our communities during times of need.”

Stull is interested in hearing from other Corps members who also have an interest in ham radio operation. He can be reached at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 03.01.2018
• Date Posted: 12.28.2018 17:22
• Story ID: 305708
• Location: SEATTLE, WA, US