AMI Beginnings:
In the late 1980s many AM ops were concerned about FCC rule making that would threaten AM or even make it obsolete. In the early 1980s the FCC proposed making Peak Envelope Power the uniform way of measuring transmitter power output. During the comment period when this rule was under consideration it was pointed out that this would have the effect of making illegal many previously “legal limit” homebrew and commercially manufactured amateur AM transmitters. When the rule making was finalized the FCC gave a ten year grandfather clause to allow these high power AM stations to temporarily continue to operate.
A number of AM operators began planning how to respond to this. From face to face contact with FCC administrators we learned that they significantly underestimated the number of amateurs that were still using AM and who planned to continue using AM. What we needed in the AM community was organization and visibility. A national organization, the “Society for the Promotion of AM” (SPAM) was interested in helping and we planned to offer breakout sessions at high profile hamfests to bring AM ops together and demonstrate our numbers to the larger amateur community. The first SPAM Forum was at the Dayton Hamvention in 1989. By 1991 we realized the relationship with SPAM wasn’t working out as we had hoped and a new organization was necessary.
In 1993 the formation of Amplitude Modulation International was announced at the Dayton Hamvention. We took the name from an earlier West Coast amateur radio organization that no longer existed. The new AMI was dedicated to the enjoyment, promotion and preservation of AM. Our hallmark programs included numbered membership certificates, an organization of ten regions with directors, annual operating events, hamfest presentation packages, local club support and monitoring of FCC, ARRL, etc. activities that might affect AM operation.
Unfortunately, after hundreds of supportive comments were submitted to the FCC to maintain the maximum AM transmitter power, the reduced PEP power measurement was mandated. But, the good news that came out of this was a strong FCC statement in support of AM’s continuing important place in amateur radio in the United States.
Submitted by Dale Gagnon (KW1I), one of the AMI’s founders
Executive Director
I’ve been involved in AM since 2000, mostly operating on the west coast. Did spend some time in broadcast on an AM station as a morning show host and ran a internet radio station. My favorite mode is AM for its warmth and friendly atmosphere, however I do run practically every mode available.
As of March 2024 we have 1916 members on the roster. With the website and more activity on AM it seems that membership is slow and steady. 2000 here we come!
I look forward to working many of you in the coming years. Feel free to contact me with any ideas and observations you have. I will strive to fill Dale’s shoes as the Executive Director to the best of my abilities.
Executive Vice President
Judy McGrath (W9AMI) of Kennesaw Georgia.
Judy has been hamming it up since 2010. And some would say the executive director of John. She does enjoy AM and belongs to SAMRC and AMI #1778.
Being a Senior level Treasury professional she will be evaluating AMI partnerships and setting objectives for each upcoming year. She designs the spreadsheets and manages the final tally for the AMI Jamboree Rally. Furthermore, perform
duties of the Executive Director if he is away or unable to perform.
Vice President of Communications
Welcome to Jeff Bourque (KK6IRZ) of Chino California.
Jeff will help with organization and promotion of AMI through email and our newsletter. Review and/or promote suggestions of AMI activities from members and facilitate the growth of the AMI organization through member involvement.
Jeff, originally from the east coast is an avid AMer. He has built many home-brew transmitters and operates a very nice 5-500 modulated by a pair of 813 all hf band transmitter. Jeff is always around to offer his fellow operator a helpful hand. He will be a great asset to AM International.
