I've always been at least slightly interested in ham radio, in fact, back in college, I often hung out at the ham radio station.
When 9/11 occured, I figured that one way to help out, (and to have my own emergency communications) was to get my Amateur Radio license (Call sign KG2V, ex KC2IXE), and join NYC ARES
Since that time, I became (and left) the position of Queens County ARES "Emergency Coordinator"
As part of my "emergency preparedness", I always carry a Go Bag
NYC ARES recommends that you equip your rig with Anderson Power Pole Connectors. More Info HERE
Projects
My latest Ham Radio project is to modifiy my old Bencher key to have a 1/8" Mini-Jack
Another common project for me is to make adaptors to Yaesu G-8xxx series rotors to the common T2X tailtwister or Han IV bolt pattern
I sell these, and they are P.O.R., as the raw materials (6" diameter 6061 slabs 1 inch thick) change in price dramatically
