With The Handi-Hams

The knowledge to make dreams come true 

(This article ran in Worldradio, April 1998)

The Courage HANDI-HAM organization has been helping people with disabilities enjoy the hobby of Amateur Radio for over 31 years. They understand that people with disabilities are sometimes on limited incomes and cannot go out and purchase brand new equipment. Having volunteers who can turn old Amateur Radio equipment into working equipment allows HANDI-HAM members to enjoy Amateur Radio.

Rex Kiser, WØGLU, and Ken Williams, WØJKM, are two volunteers who donate their time repairing used, and sometimes broken, radio equipment and turning it into something useful at Courage Center in Golden Valley, Minnesota. With their knowledge and experience, they can turn an old radio into a working rig for a member to purchase at a cost that is affordable. These people want to be able to enjoy Amateur Radio, but do not have the money to purchase new gear. Many people with disabilities are on a fixed income such as Social Security or Supplemental Security Income, (SSI) and want to have the opportunity to enjoy Amateur Radio.

Kiser and Williams know they are making a difference in a person's life by making it possible for them to purchase radio equipment through HANDI-HAMS. Kiser went to electronics school in 1951 and 52. His instructor told him about a begin-ner's Amateur Radio class. He thought he should give it a try and found he enjoys talking to people all over the world. Rex heard about HANDI-HAMS through Ward Jensen, who was a friend and the owner of an electronics store. He began volunteering for Courage HANDI-HAMS in 1971 doing what he enjoys, fixing and repairing used radio equipment so a person who is on a fixed income has the opportunity to enjoy radio communications.

Rex invited his friend Ken to join him, so they could work together repairing old radio equipment for HANDI-HAM members to enjoy. They began working together in 1984. They enjoy working together in the repair shop at Courage Center because they realize that they are doing something to enable people to purchase their own Amateur Radio equipment. 

Ken says, "Amateur Radio has changed like night and day since Rex and I became involved. The biggest change is the equipment. Forty years ago, you needed a strong back to move the station. Now, it can be tucked under one arm."

Digital modes such as packet, Amtor, and RTTY, which allow amateurs to communicate with each other by using a computer and a Terminal Node Controller (TNC) are big changes to Amateur Radio. Amateurs, even deaf amateurs, are able to leave messages and communicate without depending on having to hear the audio. Another change in Amateur Radio was when modulation went from AM to SSB.

Rex Kiser, WØGLU, and Ken Williams, WØJKM, enjoy their jobs at Courage Center and know HANDI-HAM members appreciate the equipment program. Because of their willingness to share their time and expertise, many Hams around the world enjoy getting on the air with affordable equipment. 

Do you need more information about the HANDI-HAM equipment program? Contact Chris Peterson, KGØBP, at 612/520-0513, or via e-mail at handiham@mtn.org. Please consider a donation of usable radio equipment to the non-profit Courage HANDI-HAM System.

Courage HANDI-HAM System, 3915 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley, MN 55422; 612/520-0511; handiham@mtn.org; www.mtn.org/handiham

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