Wife Installs Pay-As-You-Go Device On Radio

Ham Hijinks staff report

BONIFACE, Minnesota — A local ham radio operator is facing a significant barrier to getting on the air, and it involves his wife.

Wendy Johansson, a self-described entrepreneur, has turned her husband’s hobby into an income generator. She drives a new car, wears expensive furs and takes exotic vacations.

Johansson was reached by satellite phone while on a cruise of the River Nile in Egypt. “I had hoped to help moderate his time in his radio room, but instead it became a significant wealth-driver for the family. I’ve been able to send the kids to college and buy some nice purses,” she said.

The source of the wealth? A coin-operated pay-as-you-go device that requires payment before allowing the radio to turn on.

“I didn’t realize how much time I was spending on the radio,” says Luther Johansson, the amateur radio operator.

“At this point, I’ve cleaned up all loose change in the couch cushions and under the car seat, and gone through every pair of pants in my closet. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to resist my five-year-old’s piggy bank,” he said.

Johansson plans to start a Kickstarter account to fund his involvement in the phone portion of Sweepstakes.

“But, this weekend is the trader’s net! I have no idea how I’m going to pay for that air time,” he said.

Mrs. Johansson says she plans to manufacture more of the devices and sell them to other radio wives in nearby clubs.

Ham Hijinks interns are looking into FCC rules regarding this matter. So far, it appears the law says nothing about an XYL having pecuniary interest.

### HamHijinks.com