The Southern Peninsula Amateur Radio Klub (SPARK) is a vibrant community of amateur radio enthusiasts who come together for a wide range of activities aimed at fostering camaraderie, promoting knowledge sharing, and enhancing the radio operator experience. Among our various events and initiatives, SPARK is well-known for its antenna parties, station setup assistance, educational nets, and annual participation in the ARRL Field Day.
Although people join the hobby for many reasons, all gain a basic knowledge of communications technology and operating principles, demonstrated by passing at least the basic Technician class FCC multiple choice examination. Operators gain additional operating privileges by passing the General class and Amateur Extra class exams. The fact is that this is a lifelong learning experience; no ham knows everything about the hobby and is always working to expand his or her knowledge.
Another aspect of amateur radio is Emergency Communications (EMCOMM). Many of our SPARK members are members of the Hampton Public-service Team (HPT). Please explore the Hampton Public-service Team website to discover our engagement in EMCOMM.
Amateur Radio is FUN!!! Photo by Melissa Buss
Edward Shuman, WD0FYV (SK)
You will be missed.
Ed was a kind man, a smart man, and a funny man—someone who could always be counted on for a helping hand, a good story, or a well-timed joke. As an Air Force veteran, he served his country with honor, and as a longtime HAM operator since 1979, he served his community with dedication.
Ed was an integral part of the Hampton Public-service Team (HPT), where he was a key part of our EMCOMM capabilities, ensuring reliable emergency communications when they were needed most. He was also a proud member of the Southern Peninsula Amateur Radio Klub (SPARK). His passion for amateur radio extended far beyond the hobby—it was a way for him to connect, teach, and support others. As a Volunteer Examiner at SPARK-sponsored exam sessions and a teacher in the Amateur Radio Classes for many years, he played a crucial role in guiding new operators, sharing his knowledge with patience and enthusiasm.
Ed was also instrumental in our Field Day operations, playing a key role in networking and digital communications setup. Whether it was configuring systems, troubleshooting connections, or ensuring smooth digital operations, he made sure everything worked seamlessly. His technical expertise and willingness to help made him an irreplaceable asset to the team.
More than just a mentor, Ed was an Elmer in the truest sense, a digital guru who helped program countless radios and troubleshoot endless technical challenges. His contributions were invaluable, and his presence in our community will be deeply missed.
Though he may no longer be with us on the airwaves, his legacy lives on in the countless operators he inspired, the friendships he forged, and the knowledge he so generously shared.
73, Ed—thank you for everything. You will be sorely missed.
If you are interested in taking the a class, contact Don (KJ4MZ) at don.kj4mz@gmail.com
The instructors and team members who make this class possible deeply appreciate the thoughtful recognition from the students of the recent Technician Class.
