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A New Ham's Perspective
Greg Johnson (KC9ERZ)
on
February 14, 2005
View comments about this article!
A new hams prospective...
I am 38 years old and received my Amateur Radio Operator's license in September of 2003. I became a Ham because I wanted to learn more about RF and electronics. Two years ago, the company I work for decided to get into the Fixed Wireless Broadband service. The company has been in the Telecommunications business for 50 years as a Local Exchange Carrier and an ISP for 12 years, but the wireless world was something completely new. I felt that I needed a better understanding of the basics in order to support and grow this wireless network... Why not Amateur Radio? My Grandfather (SK W9ASM) was a Ham, so I knew a little about the hobby already (or so I thought).
In July of 2003, I purchased the ARRL study material for the Tech and General examinations and started studying. At the same time, I also started learning Morse Code. As a person with absolutely no background in RF and electronics, I was excited to learn some new (and yes very basic) concepts. Wow, Ohms Law, so cool. Yes a first year EE student would probably laugh, but for me, I was taking some big steps. By mid-September 2003, I had passed my Technician and General exams as well as the Morse Code test. I was so happy and proud and ready to get on the air.
When I first started studying Morse Code, I thought it was simply something I had to get through (kind of like taking medicine) and then I could forget it. I knew it was something I had to do to gain access to HF. But something funny happened along the way. I actually started to enjoy learning code and it became a challenge. After I passed the Morse Code test, I thought to myself, do I really want to let all that hard work go to waste and forget the code? No way! After making my first CW contact, I was hooked and do more CW than any other mode today. I have found that from an academic prospective CW is very relevant. I absolutely DO NOT have the ability to design and build from scratch my own transmitting and receiving equipment. But in my quest to understand how they work, I find myself turning to the well-documented CW projects and kits on the Internet (e.g. Tuna Tin 2). I feel that many of these designs are the building blocks from which every other more sophisticated radio is built.
I have also enjoyed building and experimenting with Homebrew antennas. In the past year, I have built and tried many wire, beam and vertical antennas with varying degrees of success.
Working in Telecommunications for the past 10 years, one thing I have found is for certain. There is no Telecommunications infrastructure that is amune to the affects of a disaster. This includes the Public Switched Telephone Network, the Internet, Wireless (Cell Phone) networks, etc.
By now I am sure you are asking yourself, what is the point of this article? The point is Ham Radio is what you make of it. For me, I wanted a better understanding of RF and electronics and Ham radio is helping me achieve that goal. Am I qualified to build RF equipment for NASA….NOT EVEN CLOSE, but I am learning something new every day.
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by N1GXC on February 14, 2005
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Gregg...keep that attitude. It works. I am not a technical person. I have never built anything electrical. The inside of a radio is like snow...Cool to look at but I don't want to go there. I operate basic phone and CW from a very simple station. For me this is a hobby. For some it's their life. I think thats fine. Ham should be what you want it to be. I think you have done a great job.
Dan N1GXC
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by ALEX_NS6Y on February 14, 2005
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Ohm's Law is cool! Just think of electricity being like water, resistance is a blocked place in the pipe, voltage is like the pressure, amperage is like the volume of water. Makes it easy to visualize.
Antenna stuff is different, need to know Maxwell's Equations to really know it, but you can also just kind of think in terms of fields, like I do.
There's tons and tons and tons to learn in this stuff, and a lot of engineers (who are EEs but don't specialize in RF) don't know the stuff some hams do. This is what I like about it, there's always more to learn.
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by KG8JF on February 14, 2005
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Welcome to a wonderful hobby! I am 63 years old and have spent a lot of my life around radio and electronics. I got my first ticket when I was 16 years old and spent 6 years in the army as a radar repair technician. Most of my electronics experience is from the vaccuum tube days. The point is that I am still baffeled and facinated by RF. It can and does do strange things. The great thing about ham radio is that one can take many different paths to fulfilment. I, personally, enjoyed PSK 31 a few years back and have a rig dedicated to it. Have fun with a great hobby.
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by WA3IRJ on February 14, 2005
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I agree. I was away from radio since 1971. Just got back to it February 11th. I had to retake the test's. as my License had expipred long ago. Kids, houses,educations, and careers.. You know thew rest.
But it just as exciting today, as it was then. The technology sure has made a few quantum leaps ! Great hobby ! Sure wish I had stayed with it. But at least I made it back..glad I did !
JohnB
KB3LXY ( new old ham)
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by AP2WF on February 14, 2005
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A very nice article. I am not an Electronics and Communication Engineer, did my Graduation in Biology, dragged to Accountancy by my elder brother a FCA and then completed my M.Sc in Computer Science. I worked a lot on kits initially while I was a High School Student and then started building my own Circuits. I got my Ham Licence during I was serving Articles with a Chartered Accountant Firm for the Accountancy. Till then I had already designed and made about 19 SSB Exciters for other Hams. My enthusiasm was to the extent of Craze. I made my first transmitter with the Half Latice Crystal Filter made by myself by grinding a pair of second world war surplus Quards Crystals using an old Valve Broadcast Receiver and a Transistor Oscillator as tool. Worked on different Antennas and repaired a number of Commercial Communication Rigs for others. I am now 55 and Technology has taken a big leap but I still enjoy the thrill. Professionally I have to work a lot on Computer Networks and have noticeable edge because of the Communication knowledge I got through this great hobby. So my message is "Keep it up".
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by W8KQE on February 14, 2005
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Congratulatons Greg! It's people like yourself that ably and enthusiastically embody the true spirit of Ham Radio! Hope to work you on the bands someday!
73,
George
W8KQE
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by W8KQE on February 14, 2005
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Congratulatons Greg! It's people like yourself that ably and enthusiastically embody the true spirit of Ham Radio! Hope to work you on the bands someday!
73,
George
W8KQE
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by K1CJS on February 14, 2005
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Welcome to the many worlds of ham radio, Greg. Learning about radio and the many different modes that can be used is just the tip of the iceberg--and icebergs can be many, many times larger than the tip visible above the waterline. Find what you like and what interests you and go for it. You are one of the people who are the true future of ham radio. 73!
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by W4SK on February 14, 2005
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Thanks, Greg, for your article. Excellent.
Seems to me you are taking advantage of the classic Ham spirit.
CW is great. I use it 99% of the time here. But SSB and FM are also great fun, and you'll meet lots of fine folks there, too......not to mention the multitude of data modes.
Enjoy!
-73- de W4SK
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by K4JF on February 14, 2005
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Excellent article, Greg. Wish all hams would read it! Welcome and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have for the past 30 years! Hope to wk u sometime.
73, Jim
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by W3DCG on February 14, 2005
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Right On!
This is a very unique hobby, definitely.
Sure glad you're enjoying it!
There's something for everyone even
moderately technically minded.
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by WR8D on February 14, 2005
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Very nice article Greg. Honestly most of us really aren't rocket scientists. When you get comfortable with one thing they come out with something new everytime. Surface mount stuff is beyond me. I enjoy restoring an old boat anchor from time to time and pranking around with antennas like you do too. Amplifiers is another thing, i can fix mine and keep them going but i'd never work on someone elses. lol
This is a wonderful hobby and we get out of it what we put into it. You certainly have the right attitude and i wish you many many years of enjoyment.
73, John WR8D
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by K0EWS on February 14, 2005
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Your story is similar to mine. I enjoyed reading it, and am about the same age as you, and like you have come to really enjoy CW. With some truly great elmers, I've also learned some homebrewing, and have experimented with antenna systems, contesting, etc. I tell you what, for an inquisitive mind, there can be no boredom in ham radio; there is just so much there that can be learned. Anyway, nice story, and best wishes!
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by VE3UFI on February 14, 2005
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Very nice article. It reminded me of my initial interest in Ham Radio. I didn't have an electronics background either. However that added to the wonder and magic of radio and made each new learning experience all the more enjoyable.
Like the commercial says:
New antenna ……………$500.00
New Rig …………………$2000.00
Becoming a Ham………Priceless
Hope to meet you on the air
VE3UFI
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New Ham = New Fan dipole Convert
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by KA4KOE on February 14, 2005
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As a new ham, you should immediately do all the research possible on the venerable fan dipole.....
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by WILLY on February 14, 2005
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"I am 38 years old and received my Amateur Radio Operator's license in September of 2003."
Welcome! :)
"I became a Ham because I wanted to learn more about RF and electronics."
Excellent reasons.
"...
My Grandfather (SK W9ASM) was a Ham, so I knew a little about the hobby already (or so I thought). "
A little positive exposure sure helps too! :)
"...
I was so happy and proud and ready to get on the air. "
No way to really put it into words, is there?
"When I first started studying Morse Code, I thought it was simply something I had to get through (kind of like taking medicine) and then I could forget it. "
This is not unusual.
"I knew it was something I had to do to gain access to HF. "
Have you ever said a LOT with this one sentence! :)
Thank you for once more proving that dedicated people, that want it, not only can but do - do it.
"I have also enjoyed building and experimenting with Homebrew antennas. In the past year, I have built and tried many wire, beam and vertical antennas with varying degrees of success. "
RF and electronic theory you can learn from a book.
Antennas that work - this is more like Black Magic - trust me on this one. >g<
On a less silly note, two things come to mind regarding antennas. Books by W6SAI (sk) Bill Orr, and right here in these forums. There are lots of helpful folks here willing to share their experience.
...
Wishing you many years of fun with ham radio.
73
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by X-WB1AUW on February 14, 2005
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Have you considered applying for your grandfather's call?
73
Ssssssh. That CW is FUN is a BIG secret now.
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by N6AYJ on February 14, 2005
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If you're really honest with yourself, though, you have to admit that it's a pretty dumb hobby.
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by K0RFD on February 14, 2005
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Ham radio IS what you make of it.
And no matter how quaint, irrelevant, or outdated some people think it is, there's nothing quite like that signal crackling into your receiver from halfway around the world in response to YOUR signal crackling into HIS receiver halfway around the world.
It's still magic.
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by WL7KV on February 14, 2005
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Welcome Greg!
It's nice to hear your enthusiasm. That's what this hoby needs. I've been licensed for just over 10 years, but I am also a very new ham myself, not really very active. But I want to get on the air more, and hearing comments such as yours and others who added comments makes it more so.
Keep up the good work
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by K4JF on February 14, 2005
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<If you're really honest with yourself, though, you have to admit that it's a pretty dumb hobby.>
If you take part and are really truthful, you will recognize that there is NOTHING dumb about it!!!
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by KE7CDV on February 14, 2005
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Ham radio is a dumb hobby? Compared to what? Almost by definition, a hobby is something you do for *FUN*, not something inherently meant to advance the state of mankind...
Football, sailing, hunting, stamp collecting, etc. are all 'dumb hobbies' too, no?
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by AE6IP on February 14, 2005
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Well said.
It doesn't matter how you stack up against a EE. All that matters is that you're learning something you want to learn and getting a kick out of doing it.
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by K6BBC on February 15, 2005
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Great story Greg! Welcome to ham radio.
Now, lets hope the FCC drops that stupid code requirement.
K6BBC
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by N6HBJ on February 15, 2005
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FINALLY a new ham with something positive to say about the hobby instead of lecturing all of us about the pitfalls! Nice article. Right on!
We should ignore N6AYJ. He is always negative. An anomaly.
73 Mike
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by ALEX_NS6Y on February 15, 2005
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N6AYJ if you don't like ham radio, don't do it.
Meanwhile the rest of us are having fun here.
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by NL7W on February 15, 2005
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Wireless communications is pure magic; it is taken for granted by many in today's high-tech world. I believe most hams really appreciate the privileges they've earned at some point in their ham travels. Or, I'd like to believe this to be the case. 73.
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by K4JF on February 16, 2005
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<Now, lets hope the FCC drops that stupid code requirement. K6BBC>
Oh, good grief. Give it a rest!!! He said he enjoys CW - as has everybody I ever met who gave it a good honest try!!!
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by KB0GU on February 16, 2005
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I learned in graduate school for psychology the direct proportionate realtionship of difficulty of attainment to appreciation, things which are more difficult to attain are more highly valued.
Congratulations on your efforts and earned entrance to this fascinating and rewarding life long hobby.
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by WILLY on February 16, 2005
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by K6BBC on February 15, 2005
"...
Now, lets hope the FCC drops that stupid code requirement. "
Nice to see you've gained some wisdom. Yep, going down to only 5wpm was not too smart, and you are right - they should go back to 13wpm and 20 wpm.
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by KD5ZAT on February 16, 2005
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Greg,
Excellent article. Now you gone and done it. You have inspired me to study code and get my General ticket.
Have fun with the hobby. You have a great attitude!
Brad
KD5ZAT
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by NI0C on February 16, 2005
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This article is a like a breath of fresh air! Nice job & happy hamming!
73 de Chuck NI0C
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by PE1NPG on February 17, 2005
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I do have a degree in electronics and technical computing, but I still learn everyday in this hobby...
Now working on DDS and DSP. 73 de Jean-Pierre
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by WA3IRJ on February 17, 2005
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Hello..
I am a re-tread. Was licensed thirty plus years ago. Got side-tracked with career...kids...educations. Sound familiar? One day, I was on ebay just surfing around, and wound up looking at some old ham gear.
I ended up buying a Swan 500 that was used in a Pennsylavania civil defence net. It still had the "cold war" civil defense decals !
All I had to do was fire up the trans'cvr and hear a few side band stations and the jucies started flowing all over again. Re-took the general exam, and I am again on the air. And I have been adding to the equiptment ever since.
Some say that Ham Radio is on the down swing, because of the internet etc. I am 52 years of age...and each and every time I get on the air there is always something different to be found...The thrill is still there. Great hobby !!
PS..Still have the Swan too !
73
JohnB
KB3LXY (re-tread)
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by WD4ENA on February 17, 2005
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Way to go, John. It has changed just a little since your 1971 ticket. Right? Hang in there.
Bill WD4ENA
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by WA3IRJ on February 18, 2005
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Hi Bill..
Yes it changed some alright ! The solid state equiptment is "Amazing" ! But the overall spirit de corps is there !
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by WA2JJH on February 22, 2005
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Nice artical. Like the author said, you may not end up designing RF for NASA, but you will learn much.
One can always re-invent the hobby how they want to.
I got a K2. This is a radio that one can modify and fix
on your own.
Still got my Drakes and Kenwood. However the ultra openess of the K2 is an experimenters delight.
I find the 15W max output decent enough.
Does not have to be a new rig either. Buy a broken rig and attempt to fix it. I see rigs for under $100, that used to cost $1000 or more.
Try solar power. I have been in the hobby almost 30 years. Yes, I have taken long breaks from ham radio.
Coolest NASA like thing I saw a ham do.
He took a model gas plane. He used 440 to control it.
He had a 6M TX transmitting video from the camera mounted on the back.
Got some excellent aerial 30 frame color video of the hamfest. I joked with the fellow ham.....Maybe you can put in a zoom lense. Let his model aircraft find the hamfest bargains for me!!!!!
DO NOT LET THE FEW SOUR BALLS RUIN IT FOR YOU.
Hope to work you with 15W or less, some day.
73 MIKE
However I always get pulled back.
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by WA2JJH on February 22, 2005
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Greg, when you build the TT-2, use 2n3866 transistors instead of the 2n22222's.
You use more collecter current in the oscillator and amp. You can get almost 1 watt out clean.
Then again do not. try the 2n2222's first. You should get 300-400
millwatts
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RE: A New Ham's Perspective
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by HAMVERYSOON on February 28, 2005
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Greg, your story sounds quite a bit like mine, except that part that deals with my vocation. I am a material handler so electronics and communication needs are few and far between.
I am 39 and don't know why I didn't start studying sooner. I just put it off again and again. Let this be a lesson to all the younger want-to-be hams reading this. Time gets away from you, don’t put it off any longer, and get license now.
I have always been fascinated by amateur radio since I saw my grandfather's shack (W8IAO) at a very young age. I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Sadly he passed away before I could learn anything from him. I do have his speed key, but it will forever be silent as I am getting it mounted with a brass plaque.
My Uncle just received his technician licenses and that has caused me to make up my mind. I will get my licenses, come whatever or high water. I have even talked my XYL into studying for her technician licenses.
73, Bill
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by N9YNG on March 1, 2005
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Wow... new ham in your late 30s.
I got my ticket at age 21, after lusting after one for half my life. At age 32 now, I'm still sad that there aren't more people my age in the hobby.
I think we really need to start an organized effort to recruit younger adults and older children into the hobby.
Maybe I'm speaking from our bias, but kids today, who have grown-up with the internet and video games for entertainment and communication, maybe would really find amateur radio interesting.
Then again, I may be wrong... I worry that there are not a lot of new hams anymore.
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by WA2JJH on March 1, 2005
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THE OM that just got his ticketin his 30's, I just wanted to say welcome. Also a question. Did you know about ham radio when you were younger?
The reason why I ask is that I think many think ham radio got combined with CB. Remember that Convoy song.
I always thaught that many forgot about ham when the CB craze of the late 1970's came around.
Many in earlier times got introduced to ham radio in the BOY SCOUTS. The merit badge for learning morse was considered cool.
How do new hams find out about ham radio? You certainly did not see a BDCST PSA. Ham radio used to be
considered a very popular hobby. Perhaps personal computers attenuated the ham radio star?
73 DE MIKE
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by W7DUD on March 5, 2005
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Greg:
That is a very nice article. I got my Novice license in 1956, at the age of 14. I was very interested in Electronics, while in grade school. I began to build Vacuum Tube electronics circuits, and built a Heathkit DX35 transmitter. Along with a National SW54 receiver, I had fun doing CW. I still do.
After about 49 years, I realize that I probably would not have completed an ASEE degree and a BSEE degree if Amateur Radio had not 'sparked' my continuing interest in Electronics. In addition, Amateur Radio RF circuit experience, along with a test, enabled me to obtain my FCC First Class license, and very good employment as a Radio and TV Broadcast Transmitter Engineer in the 1960s.
I still very much enjoy Amateur Radio. This hobby is what you make out of it, and what you can learn from it. Sometimes it can even help you build a career.
Good luck. I hope I work you on CW someday.
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A New Ham's Perspective
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by JRHALLI on April 3, 2005
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I found this site tonight while searching the internet for "live" air traffic control for my 8-year old daughter to listen to. The link I came in on was something about an FCC regulation and 10Meter amplifiers (I think it was) being sold on e-bay. I read that article and a few others and I started to blow this site off because so many of the replies had a certain "tone" that seemed to suggest HAM radio folks were a better breed.
A little background:
I'm 39 now and I first became interested in radio as a kid in the mid 70's when the CB craze hit. My mind exploded with curiosity about RF. I mowed yards until I had enough money saved to buy a 3-channel hand-held radioshack special. I messed around with that thing taking it apart and putting it back together, etc... I didn't know what I was doing, but I built antennas out of coat hangers, climed up on the roof of our house and mounted them on the chimney just so I could talk with the big boys. Eventually all the experimentation broke the hand-held. Back to yard mowing...finally saved up enough to get a 23-channel mobile unit from a pawn shop, 50 feet of coax, a power suppy, and a $20 1/4 wave antenna. I spent most of my time talking to girls who were sitting out in their driveway talking on their dad's mobile! :) All this lasted about 2 years and then sports, school, and girls took over and I dropped the radio hobby.
Fast forward 11-12 years or so to my senior year in college. I had a buddy that was on the road a lot and he bought a CB radio to help reduce the number of speeding citations he was getting. I went with him one time and when I heard that radio crackling that's all it took...and I was back. Next thing I knew I had a Cobra something or other in my vehicle.
After graduating and getting a job I had decent money (read - was living with the folks) and had met a few "radio" people in the neighborhood who told me where the electronics stores were. At that time I purchased a brand new Uniden and paid the "tech" to modify it for everything it was worth.
On to the next phase:
I had learned what a linear amp was back when I was a kid and I knew they were illegal, however I soon found myself with one nonetheless. Funny thing about that though. The "power" phase of my interest didn't last long. Maybe a couple of months at the most. Being able to disrupt people in California (I was in Texas) was not any fun...I liken it to an athlete who is breaking all the records but is on the juice (steroids). It just doesn't have any appeal for me.
New Phase:
I started reading about HAM radio, electronics, RF, and antennas. That led to an intense period of antenna building where my challenge was to dial my radio down to 1/4 watt and make distant contacts on little dipoles I had wound on PVC pipe hanging from my ceiling. I would reach up and grab the downpipe to turn the antenna and I would sit there for hours trying to make contacts with that 1/4 watt and my $5.00 antenna.
I started studying code so I could go "legit" but honestly, I had a difficult time maintaining enough interest on a day-to-day basis to learn it well enough to test. Anyway, I continued making contacts in different mainland states, a few in Canada, and one in Hawaii. Once I had done that and I hadn't learned code I didn't really have anywhere to go with it so I began losing interest. By then my job was requiring 10-12 hours a day and I just didn't have the energy when I got home to study code or even mess with the radio...so I sold everything I had.
OK, I think I can make my conclusions now (thank you for bearing with me):
1. There are jerks on both sides of the fence (I hope you all see me as being one from the other side of the fence that was NOT a jerk).
2. I'm glad I found this article before I left the site because it is nice to know not everyone involved in HAM feels the same towards people like me as do some of those in the other articles I read.
Will I get back into radio in some way? I don't know...right now I'm interested in efi high performance racing engines.
At the very least, I hope I was able to provide some insight into the hobby from another perspective.
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