1,033 words, 5 minutes read time.
Ham radio has always been a world of curiosity, experimentation, and connection. It’s a hobby that brings people from all walks of life together to explore the wonders of radio frequency (RF) communications. But recently, there’s a troubling trend in the community: gatekeeping. Some veteran operators, often known as “sad hams,” have started making it harder for newcomers to learn and grow in the hobby. Instead of offering guidance, they often tear down new operators who make simple mistakes or don’t have the “best” equipment.
One of the most frustrating aspects of this gatekeeping behavior is the response newcomers get when they experiment with lower-cost or entry-level setups. Take, for example, my own experience. When I started using a Raspberry Pi Zero + to run a hotspot for my station, I was met with a flood of dismissive comments from some experienced hams. They told me that my hotspot “shouldn’t work” because it was running on such a low-cost piece of equipment, and insisted I upgrade to a maxed-out Raspberry Pi 5 to make it work properly. These were experienced operators, and they really thought they were helping by advising me to spend more money on more expensive gear.
But here’s the thing: My Raspberry Pi Zero + worked just fine for my needs! I wasn’t looking to have the most expensive setup—I just wanted to get started and experiment. It wasn’t about the price tag of the gear, it was about learning the basics and growing from there. Instead of encouraging my interest in experimenting with the technology, these “sad hams” jumped straight into criticism, telling me that my setup wasn’t good enough for their standards. That kind of response doesn’t help anyone—it only discourages newcomers who may not have the resources to upgrade to top-of-the-line gear right away.
Sadly, this type of gatekeeping isn’t unique to just one piece of equipment. Newcomers often face similar responses when they make small mistakes or try using less expensive equipment. The result? They feel unwelcome or unsupported in the community, and it might drive them to leave the hobby altogether.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Ham radio is about experimenting, learning, and sharing knowledge. Everyone, from the brand-new technician to the seasoned extra-class operator, should feel welcome and encouraged. It’s not about having the latest and greatest gear—it’s about understanding the technology, experimenting with different setups, and growing in your knowledge.
I’ve made my own fair share of mistakes in the hobby, and I know that I’m not the only one. We’ve all been there—whether it’s struggling to get an antenna just right or not understanding how to configure a new piece of equipment. But instead of tearing each other down over minor errors or budget setups, we should be offering guidance, support, and constructive feedback.
The true value of ham radio lies in community. It’s about sharing our experiences, learning from each other, and helping those just starting out. When a newcomer tries to learn, whether through a simple setup or by making small mistakes, they should be met with encouragement—not judgment. For instance, instead of criticizing someone for using a Raspberry Pi Zero + for their hotspot, we could offer advice on how to improve it or suggest ways to optimize it—without making them feel bad for not having the most expensive equipment.
At the end of the day, we all started somewhere. Every ham operator—no matter how experienced—was once a beginner. We all made mistakes, and we all had questions. It’s time to shift the culture away from gatekeeping and start building a community that is supportive, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone, regardless of their gear or experience level.
To the “sad hams” out there: It’s important to remember that ham radio is not about proving who has the best equipment or the longest license history. It’s about experimentation, learning, and connecting with others. Instead of focusing on what someone is doing wrong, why not offer them guidance and encouragement? The true strength of the ham radio community comes from everyone’s willingness to help one another—whether that person has been a ham for 30 years or just passed their technician exam last week.
To the new hams reading this: Don’t be discouraged by negative comments or gatekeeping behavior. There are so many hams out there who are more than willing to help you on your journey. Keep experimenting, keep asking questions, and don’t be afraid to try new things—even if your setup isn’t the most expensive one. Remember, you belong here, and the ham radio community is better with you in it.
Let’s work together to foster a more supportive environment in the world of ham radio. The future of the hobby depends on new blood, new ideas, and a welcoming community. Let’s make sure that newcomers have the opportunity to grow and succeed, not because they have the most expensive equipment, but because they’re curious and passionate about this amazing hobby.
