Ian Powell first became interested in amateur radios when he would go hunting with his dad. The 15-year-old said there wasnât cell service in some of the remote areas; however, they werenât cut off from communicating with others because of a mobile unit and handheld radio his dad brought on the trips.
That initial exposure, Powell said, has further developed into a personal interest in ham radios. In addition, he said it has helped him in being more social with others, resulting in not being as shy.
âI just like talking to new people,â he said. âI have talked to a lot of nice people on the radio.â