They don't play Words With Friends, but some have friends across the world.
Their electronic accessories don't begin with "i."
In the event of an actual emergency, you would be glad to have one for a neighbor.
Ham radio operators have always been a subset of society, but with digital devices making everyone a communications guru of sorts, it's easy to forget this small segment of the population. Yet, for the civic-minded sort with a hankering to connect and serve, there's a local source for would-be radio folk.
East County has an enclave of hams with a vivid social life. Delta Amateur Radio Club members meet in person at 7 p.m. the last Thursday of every month at the Pittsburg Environmental Center, 2581 Harbor St. They come together to swap stories and equipment and technical tips. Newcomers are welcome.
"If you think you might like to become a ham, come to a meeting!" club president Mary-Jane Walker insisted.
Or maybe take in a breakfast with members of the larger county club, club treasurer Drew Hanson said.
The perception that amateur radio operators are shut-ins is untrue. Walker started hamming it up 30 years ago. Newly widowed, her daughter and son-in-law encouraged her to join them in their hobby.
"I joined to meet people," Walker said. "I've made a lot of friends over the years."