Helpless Hams
(WY3X)
on
November 12, 2005
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Here's one you can discuss -- what do you do with hams who, in spite of your showing them how to do something repeatedly, show up at your doorstep asking you to repeat the same lesson over and over and over? I'm going to make a poorly humorous attempt to describe these various hams. If you see yourself, please just laugh and move on....
Ham #1: Enjoys buying broken stuff, and brings it to you because you have repair skills. Scanners, old TV antenna rotators, pocket radios, even cordless drills! If it runs on electricity, you can make a safe bet that they'll buy it at a yard sale and the item will show up on your doorstep for repair. Of course, you do the repair for free because they're "your friend."
Ham #2: Likes to use computers, has been using one for years, but when it breaks, is totally lost on how to repair the problem! It makes no difference that they can buy a repair manual at the local Barnes & Noble, it's easier (for them) to pack up the whole computer in the car and drop it off to you to fix their problem for them. It doesn't matter that you've told them you don't have the time or room to work on it, and your wife told you no more junk can enter the door of your house, they won't listen. You tell them they'll have to hang around while you work on it so they can take it when they leave, but after the first hour, they have to leave. Your wife comes home 5 minutes after they leave to find computer parts all over her dining room table. Guess who gets blessed out? Not your buddy who dropped the computer off! But they're your friend, and again, expect the work to be done at little or no charge.
Ham #3: This fellow has been bringing stuff to you that needs to be soldered for years. A soldering iron is less than $10 at Radio Shack, even cheaper at many yard sales, but for whatever reason, they won't buy one. When you offer to teach them how to solder, they refuse, citing some reason that sounds plausible. "I can't see up close", "my hands are too unsteady", "I don't have the room to do any work". I've heard them all.
Ham #4: Hardly ever comes around, but when they do, they have a doozy of a problem! They've made an attempt to fix the problem, and failed. Or couldn't find it. They're fun to work with, eager to learn and can implement your teachings, but most of the time are too busy to hang out while you fix the problem. They refuse to let you do any repairs for free, and will hide money in your house for you to find later if you won't take it from their hand! Really, please hang around! I'll put on some coffee and listen to what cool DX you've been working before your radio broke! I don't really want your money! Don't stop in for a visit if you can't stay for a while.
Ham #5: The most desirable ham. Exchanges repair information and ideas. You fix things he can't fix, and he fixes thing you can't. Never brings anything for you to repair, always makes an attempt after learning as much as he can before tackling a repair. Usually just stops in for a visit and asks a few questions. Together, there is nothing you can't repair! You happily sponge off of each other's knowledge, and you have such enjoyable discussions that you always learn something, even from a short visit.
Darn it, we're ALL hams here! We should ALL know how to do simple electronic repairs when something breaks, or make an effort learn how. Non-hams come to us to get things repaired because we have a mystique about us that we can fix or do ANYTHING! (My kids, all adults now, call me for chainsaw repairs, how to cook stuff, how to spell words, satellite dish repairs, car repairs including brake jobs, motor rebuilding, stereo installation, plumbing repairs, etc. I don't know how they're going to survive when I pass on to the next world!) I can completely understand if someone has a physical disability. But each and every one of us HAS the mental ability to do many simple repairs to our radios and computers, or we would not have been able to get our amateur radio licenses! If someone has to show us how to do something, we should pay close attention so we can do it ourselves the next time we run into the same problem. We should ALL be experts in how to solder, NO EXCUSES! If you can't put a coax connector on, or do simple repairs that require little to no troubleshooting, it's time to find a class and learn how.
Make an effort to learn what the correct size wire is for your application. Do the math so you know what size power supply to purchase. Subscribe to QST and read the Helpful Hints and Technical Tips articles. If you don't understand them, read them over and over until you do. Discuss your problems on your local 2M nets so that others will learn from your mistakes. Spread the education. Buy the ARRL amateur radio handbook and antenna handbook. These two books are indispensable to a ham operator's library! Make an effort to look up information before you ask others. It's ALL in print if you're not too cheap to buy the books. Even if you're on a fixed income, save $5 a month and buy the books after 6 months. Don't be too cheap to buy basic tools.
Tools you're likely to need if you're going to stay in this hobby are a good digital multi-meter, some jeweler's screwdrivers, and a pair of surgeon's forceps, flush-cutting diagonal pliers, needle nose pliers, regular pliers, and a set of nut drivers. Keep a fit-all (crescent) wrench on hand to tighten up loose SO-239 connectors. It won't hurt to own a pair of scissors (useful for trimming coax braid). Keep a large but sharp sewing needle on hand for picking out coax braid and separating multiple wire conductors. You'll need a 25 to 40 watt pencil iron for working on microphone connectors and the internals of radios, and a big 100+ watt gun for installing PL-259's. Throw a roll of electrical tape in your box. Buy the good Scotch brand stuff, it's only $3.00 a roll but much easier to work with than the 79 cents a roll stuff. And it won't get gooey as quickly. Get some self-vulcanizing rubber tape for sealing connectors that are used outdoors. It's hanging next to the electrical tape at Home Depot. Also put some jumpers with alligator clips on your shopping list. Buy them at a local Hamfest for about $5 a dozen. I'm sure there's other stuff I haven't thought of. This is, after all, a spur-of-the-moment article.
I don't mean to step on anyone's toes or make anyone feel unwelcome who comes to visit me. But please, let's make your visits more fun by not making every visit a WORKING visit! Just come by to chat sometimes instead of bringing a project with you. Come over and we'll work some DX together. My shack stays a mess, but I'll make room for an extra chair or two. Bring a non-ham and we'll both talk them into getting their license!
Some things that I feel ALL hams should be able to do after 5 years in the hobby:
1. Install a microphone or coaxial connector.
2. Make low-voltage measurements.
3. Replace fuses, even if inside a piece of gear.
4. Check coax for shorts and opens.
5. Check SWR and make antenna adjustments.
6. Should know resistor color code like the back of your hand.
7. Should know how to test diodes and capacitors.
8. Should be able to identify all internal components of a radio (i.e. transistor, resistor, capacitor, potentiometer, etc.)
Do I think less of you if you can't do the above? To be truthful, yes, I do! (Just kidding...)
Sure, I'll be there when you need me. I feel obligated since we both have ham licenses and you've asked for my help. But please, do me a favor -- make an effort to do stuff for yourself sometimes. Buy your own basic tools and use them instead of depending on me every time you need something done. Please? Pretty please?
KR4WM
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Helpless Hams
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by SFD301 on November 12, 2005
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Blah, blah, blah....some good points from a new hams perspective, but it's showing that even hams can be stuck up.
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by K3AN on November 12, 2005
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If you do it more than once or twice you're no longer an elmer, you're a sucker.
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Helpless Hams
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by KG4WLP on November 12, 2005
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This is human nature. It exists in all endevours. There
are those who can, those who can't, and those that won't.
You are describing society in general, not just ham radio.
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by N6AJR on November 12, 2005
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on the other side of the coin, I am physically unable to do a lot of stuff any more, and I have friends who come over and put up antennas for me build my roof tower, build my actual shack, and so on. and I treasure their friendship. but I do have something to offer back. I always have some "extra coax", and I have lots of tools to borrow, and am always willing to supervise.
alot of the folks you spoke about, do they only come over to get stuff fixed, or do they also take you out to lunch now and then, or pick you up and take you to the ham fest, or club meeting.
Most times any relationship worth a plug nickle has a two way give and take. it may be something obscure, but there is usually a back and forth of some sort.
beside's real friends don't keep score.
just my opinion, YMMV
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by KB1GMX on November 12, 2005
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Been there, done that. Have the full suite of BTDT gear.
Really, the few I consider friends, true friends are
considerate of my skills and willingly exchange theirs.
The biggest exchange is of their time with me.
That list of things every ham should be able to do is pretty reasonable. If there is some infirmity or handicap it's undertood but even then, ones time would
still available to participate, talk or share a coffee
while hackin the hardware.
Allison
KB1GMX
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Helpless Hams
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by K0RFD on November 12, 2005
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Quit your bitching.
If you want to become a grumpy old man, do it on your own time.
If you don't want to help, don't offer to help.
But quit your bitching.
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by N3JBH on November 12, 2005
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Ok web is right we should all be willing to learn and do it ourselves. say me for example i need to learn to spell. But i personally enjoy writing littile how to articles and helping others. As far as folks with disabilty's go ok i agree i am physcally disabled i will never put up another tower. i done sevral and enjoyed it. but hey i can make you a dipole or solder a connector. heck i just built my own 6 meter amp. so folks dont let your disabilty be your reason. you probally can do some stuff.
what we need to do is not fix items for them folks who allways ask. but talk them threw the process. guide them if you will. that way the will learn that they can do it. and maybe they wont be bringing that 1941 hoover over saying can you rewind this armature.
and if that dont work. well motivate them some. a simple kick in the back side can do wonders. ok i stop bitching also JEFF/ N3JBH
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by N2WEC on November 12, 2005
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G3SEA I am what most would consider an apliance operator. However I build all my own antennas, install all my own coax and mic connectors. I can take basic electrical measurements and can apply most of them at one time or another. I still rely on those with more experience to help or even do major repairs on some of my very complex equipment. Yes a factory tech has tools and other equipment specifically made to work on some radios. I help others less fortunate or less educated than myself. Think twice before you speak with forked tongue.
William Chapman RN - N2WEC (Technician class op)
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by W4CNG on November 12, 2005
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Have Soldering Iron, Won't Travel, ie., Have Gun Will Travel, Wire Paladin San Francisco. Lessons available in Atlanta Ga. First soldering in 1961, am way better since then. SMD no problem. See you on the HF Bands or VHF Bands locally. Call me when you find me on the air.
Steve W4CNG
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by W6TH on November 12, 2005
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.
KR4WM
..................How true your article..............
...............The world is full of users............
..............When will we learn to say no...........
....It is a fool who makes the same mistake twice....
Who will volunteer to fix my crystal radio as I do not hear the dx my neighbor hears? I can't find the battery or the battery holder. Please help me.
W6TH
.:
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by G3SEA on November 12, 2005
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To N2WEC
IF you can do the things you state then you SHOULD be able to handle the elementary listed 8 items otherwise how on earth did you get a licence ? :)
G3SEA U.K. Class A Licence ( USA EXTRA class Priveledges )
Telecomm / Wireless Professional :)
No forked tongue this end, maybe a tuning fork :)
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by N2XE on November 12, 2005
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"And then switching power supplies come along, followed by Surface Mount Technology."
Don't know about you but in my mind there ain't a whole lot of difference between a class C amp and a switching power supply. SMT components don't present a problem that a magnifying lens, tweezers and two soldering irons can't solve.
Come on now, be a manly ham and fix your own gear ;-)
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by KILOWATT on November 13, 2005
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>Quit your bitching.
If you want to become a grumpy old man, do it on your own time.
If you don't want to help, don't offer to help.
But quit your bitching.<
And therein lies the problem.
In our "modern society", if someone expresses their disbelief, disgust and/or(god forbid) the truth about something, they're considered to be "bitching".
People are lazy and their children are even more lazy. It's a sad thing to watch(and I watch it every day) but there's not much that I or anyone else can do about it. It's the result of lazy-assed parents planting their lazy-assed kids in front of a t.v. or computer monitor in order to keep them entertained(quiet) while they go out and live their mundane lives.
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by HA5RXZ on November 13, 2005
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Well, maybe some of us fix stuff for different reasons:
1) I like pulling stuff apart, I've been pulling stuff apart since I was knee high and I bet I'll never change. If someone asks me to have a look at their toaster/CB rig/TV/whatever I'll probably have a look just so I can see inside.
2) It doesn't hurt to be nice. I met my first girlfriend after her sister broke the wires off the battery connection on her radio and I offered to solder them back on again.
3) You may learn something new. Want to know how a furnace controller works? Try fixing one.
4) If the computer runs MS Windows I won't fix your software problem. I will however wipe your hard drive and load Linux for free then show you how to use it.
Now, granted, some folk can be a pain in the ass. I once had someone turn up on my doorstep with a hank of wire 'just in case I could use it'. Then there was the guy who wanted me to look at his VCR which wouldn't load tapes. It turned out that his daughter thought that the VCR was hungry so she fed it a jam sandwich. Granted, hams should know the basics and how to apply this knowledge, but it doesn't hurt to be nice once in a while.
HA5RXZ
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by WR8D on November 13, 2005
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I can relate to all of the above. With the exception of the resistor code though i always ask my wife. "Eat your heart out guys". She always says you're the big shot extra and i'm just a little general, you're supposed to know all that. She always helps me out though. Then there's the times the tv has to be fixed and i tell her my hands and fingers are way to big i might get into high voltage and she needs to fix it because her hands are real little and she can get in tight places with out getting fried. This works without a hitch. Most times in my home i let her do the repairs so she can prove to herself she still has the edge. Yeah i know i got it made. hi hi. She used to work for radioshack was the manager of her store and did all the electrical repair work instead of sending stuff off to be fixed. She can repair anything but sometimes i get a little ticked off at her when she comes around and takes the tools out of my hands. Usually though i don't stay ticked very long, a nice spread of turkey dumplins and ham and all the trimmings brings me right out of it. Happy Thanks Giving guys and gals. 73 WR8D
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by N3JWN on November 13, 2005
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I can really appreciate this article and agree with you whole heartedly I have been there in all cases. Hurray for Jeff n3jbh.... But less face it folks I must agree with KG4WLP SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?? SOME ARE INTERISTERED IN HOW THIS RADIO SIGNAL GET'S ON THAT WIRE AND A BOX CAN TAKE THOSE SIGNLES AND MAKE SINCE AND DESIPHER IT BACK TO CW, MUSIC OR VOICE DARN CAPS LOCK!! Can’t type or spell either...Jeff n3jbh I sure agree with AE7G... I worked as an electronics tech in the 60's in the Navy on Radar/crypto/radio/ecm gear and worked 37 years at Bethlehem Steel as an electronics tech!!. People I worked with me were just scared of switching power supplies and surface mount tech.. We in our shops all did board repairs from x-rays to Motorola radios repeaters and all and anything in Industrial Electronics..So I guess technology scares a lot people and Hams. I also worked with engineered and people with fist class FCC licensee and couldn’t fix a friggen flash light!! So we really need a Heathkit type company in this country again ?? Perhaps we just don’t manufacture anything anymore?? What I am trying to say is those that will I guess....and those who won't I am you are all know the big mouth Extra Ham you ain't a Ham less you know and can do CW 25-45 wpm and hay Pal I've been doing this for 25 years on the DXCC list and I know all and are the best CW operator etc...Etc... So I asked this blowhard Ray ka3gmp !! Hay Ray Andy Kb3ifk and I want to start a CW practice net on 40 meters and 144.100 or so for the guy's in the area and we need a good operation will you help?? Hell no... No I ain’t helping the no code CBer that’s all they are anyway!!!! They want it all for nothing.. But would he help no way.. By the way Andy is an old CW operator from the Navy in the 60's and in the past 3 years has gotten into Ham radio.. And has elemered 2 dozen or so in the past year and a half with CW and all the no coders are Generals and some went to Extra and VE's so much for the EXPERIENCED Ham helping others.... You got them that do and them that don't care for then selves and are just blowhard appliance operators.. Just help when and who you can I've done so much free repairs and given parts out I could have retired 3 times.. But I enjoy it .. And you can tell who needs and those who just sponge off your parts and talents... I enjoy helping those who are say on fixed incomes disables and you repair a rig for them and you bring it Back and see the gleam in their eyes when the rig works ..." well what do I owe you man " I say a cup of coffee please that will do... We had and electronics teacher at the Point for the Apprentices who was afraid of anything over 5 volts and that’s the truth again the public some can some can't I guess it depends on you interests deep down... I think from what I seen and heard CW is really booming and thousands of us no good cb’ers no code Techs but are advancing just fine thank you... It’s very hard to build Ham gear from scratch these days can’t get the parts ! Please don’t tell the crew of guys that have opened up the world of software designed Radios just fantastic so those who want to will!! Have a safe time enjoy the Hobby. Experiment, build and design antennas what ever go out and help your buddy put up a dipole even if he's just a cb'er type or a short wave listener. YOU and all of us will be better for it Have a great day thanks for the article very nice!!!!! Dick / n3jwn
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by N4VNV on November 13, 2005
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My first response is; "say no"! You have to choose between being everyones repair GURU and the (popularity?) that brings with it. Or turning them away. I had a "home repair business", but "friends" seem to think it's a "get-it-done-free-right-now" shop.
Second response is reference the "help the physically challenged" ham. Myself and three friends traveled 25 miles each way to change beams on a tower for one of those. TWICE in six months. He never once said "Thank You"! I was raised in North Carolina, and I was taught to say "please" AND "thank you". Since I'm offended by those who don't say those magic words, I have not been back. I will help anyone who can not read and write. Otherwise you can do what I did; LEARN!
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by NA4IT on November 13, 2005
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Here's a twist on the "why" factor...
We had a ham who did this to 2 or 3 of us all the time. You know why?
Fellowship. He just simply liked being around the other hams.
Something we can always use.
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Helpless Hams
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by WA8VBX on November 13, 2005
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Not all of are experts or even close, not all can work with the current surface mount parts, not all of are physically able to do things. If you don't want to repair something for the other guy there is a simple 2 letter word you could always use, NO
Kurt
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by KG6AMW on November 13, 2005
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Interesting article but somewhat silly in prospective. Some can repair equipment while others put their lives in jeopardy when they get near exposed electronics. I have a friend who worked on the air at NBC radio in New York. He can’t repair anything to save his life. Carry on with your hobby but get a more realistic point of view.
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Helpless Hams
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by WA1RNE on November 13, 2005
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This article may have been received more positively had it been written without the initial reference to the ham who continues to show up at the door for a quick fix. As others have indicated, that "problem" can be addressed by saying no.
It could also be "fixed" with a little Elmering, with the stipulation that you will help only if you agree to watch, learn and help out.
This article could also be viewed in a different way: How about applied learning via a revamped amateur testing process?
Looking at the author's list "Some things that [I feel] ALL hams should be able to do after 5 years in the hobby", most of these skills would be beneficial for the new ham, but not necessarily in a 5 year time frame. Most should be acquired much sooner, in addition to some others not on the list.
It would be a reasonable goal for amateurs and the ARRL to incorporate a Demonstrated Skills Element into all exams within the next 2 years. Everything on this list could be learned with revised study guides and handbook references. Knowing the resistor color code, etc. is not an absolute necessity. Some engineers still haven't memorized them and they get by.
Imagine the changed mindset in new applicants who show up to take a General exam and knows they must be able to demonstrate how to hook up that new IC706 to a station supply, solder a new mic connector, cut a dipole to the correct dimensions, check it's SWR, check for a shorted piece of coax, etc., etc.
Bottom line: This new amateur exam process would seperate the folks who really want to learn vs. the ones who just memorize answers to obtain a piece of paper to hand on the wall and go plug'n play.
73, Chris
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by KE6OUD on November 13, 2005
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6. Should know resistor color code like the back of your hand.
I'm color blind, does that make me a whiner?
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by W7TUX on November 13, 2005
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Good article, been there and done all of it. The complainers of this article probably dont have any friends.
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Helpless Hams
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by KG4YJR on November 13, 2005
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>>Some day, and that day may never come, I'll call upon you to do a service for me.<<
Vito Corleone, The Godfather Part I
Seriously, there is an old saying that I try to live by,
"If you do a favor for someone you should forget it, but if somebody does you a favor, you should never forget."
Something like that.
73
Dave
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Helpless Hams
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by KB7LYM on November 13, 2005
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Here is my 5 cent worth.
First of all let me inform you that I was in charge of over 140 employees. If someone had a difficult time in mastering a certain technique, I showed him how to do it the proper and correct way. It does not matter if you have to show them 2-10-20 or more times... you do it till they know. If you give up ..let say half way.. you, yourself are NOT a teacher.
On the bright and humorous sight about repairing
radio Equipment.
The rumor went around that I could fix radio's
Soon they came... broken down toasters,answering machines,sewing machines etc
The cream of the Pie was that at 11:45 pm a knock on my door.
There stood an Old Senior ( 85 ) dressed with an apron.
She asked me if I could fix here radio because she could not listen to her favorite night show.
I thought...well its late and being the Good Samaritan I said... OK let me get my tools. I have the radio right here she replied ! Dumfolded like an old Mule I looked at her... I did not see any Radio ! Then like the late Houdini she fished an old Resistor radio from the age when Napoleon invated Russia and handed it to me. After inspecting her dead Radio I saw that the batteries where as dead as Napoleon. Inserted a few new ones and like a stroke of the Guru's the Rdaio was working.
Next day a few Oldtimer complimented me. They had heard that I fixed Old Misses so and so Radio.
I was a very smart man they told me. Skilled in the
Electronical World. I walked proudly down the street saying to myself... Here walks a Genius !!
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by THERAGE on November 13, 2005
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=Good article, been there and done all of it. The complainers of this article probably dont have any friends.=
Looking at the authors bio on QRZ, I don't think he has too many freinds either. This article is just another piece to flame one another. That's too bad.
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by W0MT on November 13, 2005
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First Point - Back in the good old days (remember those?) Ham radio was much simplier than it is today. My first transmitter had three tubes and it was about 2' x 2' x 3'. Every component was visible if you removed it from the case. My receiver was slightly smaller and had 6 or 7 tubes but you could still see every component. When something "broke" trouble shooting was pretty straight forward. Today my transciever is 18" x 12" x 6". If something "broke" in it, it would go to a repair shop. Does that make me lazy? (or smart?)
Second Point - Because Ham radio today is so much more complex, it is harder to have a great depth of knowledge or skill in all areas. I know Hams who are great at one or two aspects of Ham radio but there are other areas in which they do not have the skills, experience, or knowledge. The common term for this is specialization.
Final Point - As most of us age we are faced with limitations brought about by time. There was a time when I would climb towers, roofs, or trees to put up antennas but not today. I know some whose eyesight or steadiness of hand precludes doing fine detail work.
I think criticizing a Ham for lack of skills for whatever reason is detrimental to Amateur Radio.
Just my $.02.
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by WL7CMG on November 13, 2005
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If there's anything I can't stand is a back-stabber. If you don't want to fix somebody's gear then just learn how to say NO!!! BUT....don't do the poor sap a "big" favor by making him "feel" like he has a friend in you, and then bad mouth him after he leaves your house. It's not his fault that you can't handle your guilt if you say "NO"...!!! Yes, if you do say "NO" then you may not see him again. But if that ends up being the case then at least you'll both know where each other stands.....RIGHT???
73s OM.....
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by W5HTW on November 13, 2005
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Many of the comments on the article define clearly why ham radio is no longer a technical hobby. That, in turn, defines why ham radio no longer provides that pool of electronics experts the FCC rules have mandated, and hasn't for some time, nor does it provide a pool of trained operators.
That's OK, but it IS a redefinition of ham radio. This redefinition has been going on now for a couple of decades, and it is certainly the mark of the future. As we redefine ham radio, maybe we should ask just what ham radio DOES do, if it doesn't do the things in paragraph one, above. And I doubt many of us have the answer. Other than, of course, it lets us talk.
I don't think it is just the SMT components, though I admit I, as a long time real radio technician (the professional type) don't like working with those components. I have, though, done it.
There are many hobbies which do not require technical expertise. Just for example, riding a motorcycle. That's fun. But one really doesn't have to know anything about the workings of a motorcycle in order to ride one. If something goes wrong, heck, that's why they make motorcycle repair shops. Yet, the majority of motorcycle riders DO have some knowledge of at least the minimum repair requirements.
One does not have to know how to adjust triple carbs to drive an old sports car, but it sure helps. Consequently, those who wish to drive a 50s or 60s sports car may forego that pleasure, if it requires they learn much about the mechanics of that car. Does that mean they are still a sports car hobbyist because they know how to get into the seat and turn the key? Well, no, I don't think so. But they may indeed be a sports car driver.
So we can be a radio user. We redefine the word "operator." Or perhaps we delete it. Many hams of today do no more than the police dispatcher does - they push the PTT button. So perhaps they are a radio 'user.' If that is where ham radio is headed, then so be it. It will be fun for the millions. But it will never again be a technical hobby. It would be hard to guess how many hams today choose not to be technically minded in this hobby, but it is certainly a very sizabe percentage.
That there was a time when almost all hams were technically minded may simply be the era in which they lived. A ham does not need to be technically qualified today. Honestly, it really isn't necessary. In fact, as we become less and less technical, I expect our ham radio exams to eventually consist of a few rules and that's it. But the radios will have to match the qualifications - or lack of same. The funny thing is, of course, those hams who manage to mount a radio in the car, and string the coax to the rear antenna, think of themselves as highly skilled technicians. So even our definition of the word "technical" has changed. Pretty much now it means "Able to find the power switch." Ah, if we redefine the word "technical" in that sense, then, of course, ham radio remains a technical hobby. Guess it's all in the semantics.
How, then, do we define ham radio, then? It has certainly swung strongly toward being a user hobby. My guess would be less than half of the active hams (not even thinking about the total of those holding licenses) have any degree of technical knowledge or skill at all, and certainly not enough to do any kind of repairs.
And the need for the technical ham is just about gone. Thankfully there will be a few around, for a few years longer, to help with those projects mentioned in the original article here. They will disappear, and are disappearing fairly rapidly, as today's Elmer, the Extra Class, is asking Novice class questions. That leaves no-one as the expert. And no one to ask.
The question becomes, with the Extra Class as the learner's permit rather than the teacher's license, are experts even needed in The New Ham Radio?
I doubt it.
Ed
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Helpless Hams
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by N6TZ on November 13, 2005
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KR4WM - YOU ARE RIGHT ON
If the new hams want to be a part of a technical hobby, then they should work to "become part of a technical hobby". This is not meant to be another CB band.
I have met way too many "hams" that don't subscribe to one ham magazine, do not own a handbook, and don't know a ground plane from a ground rod- - but what is worse is that they don't seem to think that is not the norm !?
I still help them along with their problems, and I don't give them a bunch of gruff about it, but I sure drop hints that they need to become a little more self sufficient, and I do it in a very incentive manner.
I give some of my old books out where I think they may be used, but not to where I believe they will never get opened. There are sadly cases where you just know the person has a life habit of not learning.
On CW, I am for the Extra Class license having the bottom 25 kHz of each band and the Extra license requiring at least 10 or 15 wpm.
When I hear a fellow complain that: "he has a real mental problem that prohibits him from learning CW" ; I find upon further quizing that the person never really tried, or he sat down for about three times and tried to grind it in with sessions of 45 minutes or more and burned out in a couple of days and now hates it (and doesn't understand why).
OK all you no-coders, your turn to flame me. Enjoy, go ahead and show your lazy "we want it for nothing" attitudes !! Don't hesitate, light up those flame throwers, you can spend your time here flaming and fuming instead of studying and improving your lot..
Hal, N6TZ
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by KI6YN on November 13, 2005
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N6TZ is absolutely correct. I disagree about one thing, I'd openly tell the person that my hobby is amateur radio and in my case, that means a lot of CW contacts. It doesn't include working on projects that are basically tedious or can be done by the person requesting that I do it while they watch TV or play video games. I have elemered several hams and have taught quite a few classes.
I recommend that we borrow something from the Russian amateur system, the candidate has to build their own rig! They must learn to solder and mount components. There is no excuse for not learning how to make basic repairs. This all just proves that our licensing tests are pure nonsense, what good is memorizing a bunch of disjointed theory? Make them learn proper operating habits. Knowing Thevin's or Norton's theorem doesn't in anyway contribute to their operating skills nor ability to analyze and solve problems!
Let us all help those that are willing and capable of helping themselves and want to learn, the rest, "let them eat cake".
Fred
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by WA6BFH on November 13, 2005
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Yup, I’m in pretty close agreement with the author. I won’t work on anyone’s stuff unless we know each other, and I mean “know them”. If they are “users” they are out of luck, if they are legitimately baffled, and otherwise handy and self supporting sort of Hams, I will extend the help. Usually I will go and visit them -- it saves any chance of equipment at my place that I have no interest in fixing -- it also prompts them to buy the tools they need!
I have better choices for the technical books mentioned, but I share that ethic too!
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Helpless Hams
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by OBSERVER11 on November 13, 2005
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Web, you are on target again!
Amateur Radio is as much a TECHNICAL hobby as it is a COMMUNICATING hobby. EVERY ham should be able to do the basics, know - REALLY KNOW - Mr Ohm's Law and how it applies to every day life. Every ham should be able to build basic antennas, solder coax connectors, crimp SMA connectors for the techs on VHF/UHF.
We are too much a "plug-and-play" society and get lost with the simple things. If this were not the case, we would not have "what are the red and black probes for on this meter?" question in the Elmers section.
There is a catch phrase that is starting to become annoying, "you are ruining ham radio", well in this case, the P-N-P types are doing just that. If you remove the technical aspect of ham radio, you might as well have a Nextel phone.
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by W6SN on November 13, 2005
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One thing I wonder about, and whether anyone else actually realizes it...
Consider for a moment, and possibly even assume that amateur radio is still a mostly technical hobby. There are many people who get into the hobby, and do repair work on their gear, build antennas, do new things with their gear, whatever. What are the chances you will actually hear from these people in terms of them asking you for help? If they are intelligent enough to do many basic and perhaps even more advanced tasks, maybe they are intelligent enough to not ask you dumb questions, but rather, go look them up themselves.
Consider now, the new ham who doesn't quite know what's going on with his gear, and you go in there, and "work your ham magic". What have you accomplished? You've fixed their gear, sure. You may have started spewing forth terms that they may not have understood, but they would feel even dumber had they bothered to ask you what those terms meant. The old saying, "If you buy a man a fish, he will eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime," goes without saying here (even though I just said it anyway).
There are a very good number of very technical new hams that I have had the pleasure of running into on the air recently (new being a relative term, but most of them are newly licensed within the past 5 years). There are always those hams who get in, and don't know much about 'lectricity. Teach them in an appropriate way. Don't just show them "how it is". Show them "why it is".
Jason (W6SN)
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Helpless Hams, To help or not to help!
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by WA2JJH on November 13, 2005
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Good artical. Some stereotyping. HUMOR and some truth.
One of the first things I was taught when I was selling Apple II's.
NEVER ASK SOMEONE......"CAN I HELP YOU".
I certainly feel helpless with the innards of the new rigs. I can fix older rigs. Align them and enjoy em!
However I find the newer rigs with SMT technolgy, 4 layer PC boards and proprietary chips impossible to grasp!
Like it or not HAM RADIO has changed. I miss the days
when Ham Radio was a hobby that shocked and awed non technical/engineering people.
When I got my first engineering degree, my Ham Ticket opened MANY doors!
Today even engineering profs. no longer tell students to get Ham or 1st class phone!
Many new hams just want to communicate with others.
They have absolutly no interest in furthering state of the art.
The communications act of 1934 pertaining to ham radio can be ignored, I guess.
However I found many appliance operators to be knowledgable in many other area's! I do not look down at the so called helpless. True some do not know "JACK"
about how the radio works. They just have other interests. True, I cannot have THE type of QSO I like with them.
True, a few are total dolts with just about EVERTHING! However lets face facts. 75M and 2M do attract some that will act helpless!
I lOOK AT THIS as a humor piece. I did enjoy your wit! Reductionist thinking has it's applications!
However the term "HELPLESS" can be taken MANY ways!
True, I do have a problem with operators that mock or resent those of us that CAN BE HELPFULL or like to.
I also do not have explain to the ignorant, that I like the fact that I took all my exams at an FCC field
office. NO, I did not walk 30 miles in the snow in bare feet to the FCC field office. I TOOK A TAXI OR WALKED the 1/2 mile(:
I have also found many NCT's to have a desire to learn more. Many of the new non tehnical hams have experience in area's, I know nothing about.
I have no problem with some of the more stereotypical if not amusing helpless. As long as they
do not bother me. The worst are the types that hate you for asking if they would like some help.
I got my quirks too. I HATE IT WHEN I WALK INTO A RADIO SHACK, AND GET TREATED LIKE A "WAR CRIMINAL" FOR ASKING IF THEY HAVE 10K RESISTOR!!!!! (:
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by KC8VWM on November 13, 2005
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OK all you no-coders, your turn to flame me. Enjoy, go ahead and show your lazy "we want it for nothing" attitudes !!
------
I don't see what learning code has anything to do with a persons technical or electronic skills. I learned code when I was around 13 years old, but had no real use for it ever since. I was really just into collecting radio's and SWL'ing. Guess I had other things to do at that age, like chasing skirts etc.
Then my lazy no code lifestyle took me to College where I started a career in the Health Sciences Field. I was in my 20's and I was employed / going to school / chasing skirts or whatever.
Let's see, I paid the rent, bought food, keep the rolling rustbucket running. etc..etc.. A $1000 ham radio (even a $500 one) was certainly out of the question when my College tuition needed to be paid and the alternator needed to be fixed on my car.
However, I still enjoyed SWL'ing on and off during that period. I did have a few SW radios in my possession.(mostly deals I found at yardsales from people that didn't really understand the equipment)
I would listen to CW on occasion and I could still cite a few letters and numbers in my head, but sitting down at my SW radio and listening and deciphering characters other than "CQ CQ CQ" seemed to be out of the question at that time during my life. Use it or loose seems to ring true. So, don't preach lazy to me because I took the time to learn Morse code and I am still a NCT anyways. ...Strange huh? You can't possibly stereotype and lump every NCT into the same category. ...But yet everyone does anyways.
After my skirt chasing college days, The early 90's brought in an increased popularity in computers and this then became a hobby for me instead of ham radio. I got away from the ham radio license idea altogether and started setting up BBS's, running fidonet nodes and building PC's as a hobby.
However, I was still an occasional SWL during this period and I would always build and design my own antennas, repair radio equipment, fix toasters and repair other people's broken VCR's , computers or anything else that had a plug on the end of it for that matter.
Recently, I have become licensed as a lowly no code tech. I have turned 42 and through my no code laziness, I have somehow amazingly started and now own a successful business. It seems I just now have a little more time available on my hands. In my opinion, setting up a business has taken a lot more perseverance and hard work than learning Morse code when I was 13 years old in comparison.
I have recently entered into this hobby at a time when Morse Code seems to be on the way out. Even as a current NCT I don't use my transmitting equipment much. Maybe I turn it on once every two months to see if it still works.
I am really still an avid SWL for the most part and I make a hobby out of collecting and restoring old military boatanchors. For me this is my hobby. I don't need any qualification or license to continue what I enjoy. I am not so sure that even if I had an Extra ticket if I would use it any more than my current license qualification.
Some people call this lazy. Some people call it not necessary. You can choose to call it whatever you like. Even 10 year olds pass the Extra exams. I have chosen not to bother with it. I don't need it and the last time I checked, I couldn't find any law or mandatory requirement for anyone to upgrade their license. That is why they have different classes in the first place isn't it?
This isn't called being lazy, or "wanting something for nothing" This is a called "necessity" and quite frankly I have no "need" As far as I am concerned, they can keep or drop Morse code as a requirement as it won't change my situation any differently than it is now anyways.
Similarly, I don't need to acquire a CDL license to run and operate my business. I have simply hired the services of a truck driver for this purpose. Note that the need isn't there for me learn to drive a truck.
I still enjoy SWL'ing and restoring old radios. That is what I really enjoy doing. In fact, I don't even need an amateur radio incense at all to do it.
So, please explain why you have the need to view all NCT's as being lazy or why someone should be required by your standards to upgrade their license?
I mean instead of encouraging people to join the HF ranks, some people choose to call all NCT's lazy or stupid for not upgrading??? Perhaps, this is a secret ploy to really discourage them instead?
Upgrading your amateur radio license is a choice a person makes. So why is there this constant mentality to ram it down people's throats?
Do you actually think all NCT's actually have an interest in transmitting on HF? ...I don't. Should I ? Why?
As a NCT I will still help people setup and build their stations, put up a nd build their antennas and repair their radio equipment when it breaks. What will change?
73 Charles - KC8VWM
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by N8NOE on November 13, 2005
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I Can "ONLY" say......................
AMEN!.........!!!!!!!!!
But remember, there giving Tickets out now, and because you can't do anything don't mean you cant get a Ticket!.. this would be a Viloation of "Some" Law or Something!..
"STUPID PEOPLE HAVE RIGHTS 2 (or) Two (or) TOO (or) To"!..
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Helpless Hams
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by AI2IA on November 13, 2005
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If you want to help a fellow ham, help him and let it go at that. Never bad mouth him for not being grateful. If you don't want to help the other ham, let him down easy. Your satisfaction is in giving the help, not in getting recognition. If you have the patience, be an Elmer without being arrogant about it. Teach with a little humility. If someone comes back often for the same help, have him do it while you look over his shoulder in a non-intimidationg way. Do you ever ask for help? If you never do, then you really need the experience. If you do, then keep in mind what it feels like to be on the receiving end. And, seriously, while you are doing all of this, don't forget to have fun at the same time (but not at the other ham's expense).
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by N6AJR on November 13, 2005
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And please remember folks, eham is internet, not radio.
there is a difference..
now go build a fan dipole and get on the air.
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Helpless Hams
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by N3QT on November 13, 2005
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Issued 2005 Nov 13 2107 UTC
Flux: 88 A-Index 14 K-Index 2
Actv:SW:minor RB:R1
Fcst:RB:R1 No space wx storms expected.
Troll Index: 237
73
N3QT
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by KC8VWM on November 13, 2005
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And please remember folks, eham is internet, not radio.
there is a difference..
-----
There is a difference but remember that the Elmers section is a valuable tool for hams that don't have any willing Elmer's in thier immediate area that are willing to help them out.
Helping out others *is* what ham radio is supposed to be all about. This is regardless of the mode or method of communication used including the use of the internet.
Eham is a valuable resource for hams. Please consider donating.
73 Charles - KC8VWM
"How may I help you?"
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by N4VOX on November 13, 2005
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Pardon me, I had you confused with someone who was a friend. Maybe you should put in a moat.
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by RobertKoernerExAE7G on November 13, 2005
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So far, the only surface mount work I've had to do is modify the speedometer in my motorcycle. It read about 10% to high.
Seems as if my ability to focus on near objects decreases a little every year.
Next change, if I want to stay rather self proficient, will be switching to a crank up tower from my Rohn 45.
Sleepless nights worrying if other hams approve of my electronics knowledge, zero.
Time spent wondering if any ham can repair gear if it breaks down, also zero.
Just about the only question I ask others about my gear is about how my audio sounds.
Bob
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by KC8VWM on November 13, 2005
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I HATE IT WHEN I WALK INTO A RADIO SHACK, AND GET TREATED LIKE A "WAR CRIMINAL" FOR ASKING IF THEY HAVE 10K RESISTOR!!!!! (:
----
Mikee,
You obviously need to be reported to the authorities who runs the HOA... or um I mean the Gulag.
My motto every time I walk into that holocaust of a store is:
"You have questions?.. We have blank stares"
Ever wonder why they demand (not ask) your zipcode, date of birth, and a complete sequence of your genetic code in order to buy a 9-volt battery?
Well, it's because Radio Shack is staffed by aliens and is the only place where you can find the 1/4" to mini jack adapter technology. You see, competitors like Walmart have hidden the 1/4" to mini technology from all of humanity for many years now.
Maybe these Radio Shack aliens will eventually turn out to be benevolent -- although, based on the hassle they give me when I try to return something like a .99 cent piece of unused velcro, that doesn't seem very likely in the immediate future at this time.
Still, maybe these aliens will someday impart their often misunderstood technological advances to us humans: ie; their remote-controlled truck technology, their 5-in-1 electronics kit schematics, and more importantly, how they've ever managed to stay in business all these years.
We'll probably all need to sign up for a new cellphone plan first before they expose these alien technology secrets.
Now here's something interesting: Ever wonder why they come back with a DC plug adapter when a person asks for a PL 259 connector?
Interesting isn't it?
Because if it were a cell phone plan request or question... no problem! They can easily explain in great detail to you how they fabricated the very chips inside the phone by extracting sand from the ground during the manufacturing process to how they manufacture the buttons on the phones!!
This is considered as a "simple basic question" for most radio shack "associates" (ie. alien beings) to answer if you should ask them.
However, what is perplexing is when you ask them a question pertaining to electronic parts or whatever, they stare at you blankly, then they wander aimlessly through the store until you point to the thing you're looking for?!
You see, all Radio Shack employees are instructed by the mother ship to know that you need a new cellphone plan. No matter how much you may think you only needed that PL-259 connector, you really need a new cellphone plan. Even if you are locked into a 15-year service contract with a another cell phone carrier, or even if you are Amish, or even if you live in a place without cell phone coverage like Antatica, you MUST have a new cellphone plan from Radio Shack, which of course you will want to buy at the checkout counter as an impulse purchase...
It's all becoming clear, very clear --
Does any of this sound familiar?
It should. It's a well planned national conspiracy by aliens from another planet who are all employed at radio shack stores...
73 :)
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by KF4VGX on November 13, 2005
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Quote
If there's anything I can't stand is a *back-stabber*. If you don't want to fix somebody's gear then just learn how to say NO!!! BUT....don't do the poor sap a "big" favor by making him "feel" like he has a friend in you, and then bad mouth him after he leaves your house. It's not his fault that you can't handle your guilt if you say "NO"...!!! Yes, if you do say "NO" then you may not see him again. But if that ends up being the case then at least you'll both know where each other stands.....RIGHT???
...........................................
The Truth shall set you free!
You hit the nail on the head!
Back Stabber is saying it mildly
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by KF4VGX on November 13, 2005
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BTY, I'm a local Amateur to this guy.
Never have I taken any equipment to him for repairs.
I just fix my own ;->.
However I do and have done minor repairs for a few amateurs.
I would never embarrass those by posting such trifle on Eham.
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by KA0GKT on November 13, 2005
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...Then there's the ham who really doesn't know what he thinks he knows starts out with a small problem digs himself in deeper and deeper.
Because somebody belittled him at one time, he is afraid he will be ridiculed for his lack of knowlege, told that he bought a piece of junk or that boatanchors are worthless etc. ad nauseum so when he finally comes tgo you with the problem, the unit which was a simple fix but a few days before is now nearly a basket case.
Too often, we as amateurs forget the Amateur's code.
Specifically,
Article two: The Amateur is loyal; he offers loyalty, encouragment and support to his fellow radio amateurs...
Article four: The amateur is friendly; Slow and patient sending when requested, friendly advice and consul to the beginner...
73 DE KAØGKT/7
--Steve
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by KC8VWM on November 13, 2005
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I would never embarrass those by posting such trifle on Eham.
-----
Post away! There is no such thing as a trifle question on the Eham elmers forum. The only "bad" question is a question that is left unanswered.
"How may I help you?
Sincerely,
Charles - KC8VWM
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by N2XE on November 13, 2005
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"So, please explain why you have the need to view all NCT's [sic] as being lazy or why someone should be required by your standards to upgrade their license?
I mean instead of encouraging people to join the HF ranks, some people choose to call all NCT's [sic]lazy or stupid for not upgrading??? [sic] Perhaps, this is a secret ploy to really discourage them instead?"
Nice try Chuck. Nobody is calling all NCTs lazy and stupid. A good many of us object to the NCTs fighting to eliminate the Morse requirement so they CAN operate HF. Those are the lazy and stupid ones that always find themselves beaten up by the pro-coders.
BTW, I'm not buying your story about no interest in HF. I don't want to go into the full psycho-analysis but there's way too much HF envy in your post.
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by WA6CDE on November 13, 2005
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Good article and I think you covered most of the bases too.
In aviation we have the same problem. these guy want to be your best buddy so long as your fixing their plane and when you give 'em the bill. You would think your commiting a crime. When they find out your charge them for the use of your tools, time and parts... suddenly your not their friend any more. To which I reply... C YA.
Their are those people who feel like they are important. have a champain taste and work on a beer budget. These people feel like you owe it to them to do their work. And when you tell them to go away they feel like you are discriminating against them.
Hams have lost the touch, feeling or what ever you want to call it... Look at the 706 article and read some of the replys. You would think hams should be able to at least read, look at pictures and comprehend but, not finding it true. Electronics is not one of their better fortays.
yet on the ham bands most are frendly and want to help till their true color shows up.
I noticed tonight that they had a search for a missing girl on the news and that they asked for volenteers yet, the ham club is saying geee were just not asked to help any more. go figure... maybe too much like work ???
Hams helping hams... used to be the motto till the ARRL went for the big bux and mess everyone up for the sale of it. How many hams or clubs actually help hams or hams become hams at their meetings ?? I recently went to 4 different groups and not one has a class for hams to improve. Instead we heard about the jacket sales, hat sales and how much money the coffers have in it for the club. Oh least we forget the party discussion. I kept thinking ... what has this got to do with ham radio... and when they said keep informed here is our web site... I wondered what happend to using a radio instead of the computer.
Helpless ham always return with the comment ... your old school... we don't have to study no stinking code.. and we don't have to know about electronics, radio or otherwise. And if you don't give me my license (extra class of course) with a prestiege call... why we will go away and you will not have the pleasure of their company. Didnt CB radio do this... and look at the final results.... no license, no reason, no cost. Yet if you listen down their you will find some good people too... just a little hard to pick the good apples from the bad ones though...
when we travel we usually listen to the truckers who know the roads and happenings. Hams don't or at least they don't want to be bothered with helping. volenteer is not in the ham code of sayings from the ARRL.
But, things are changing.... why just look at the little QRP cw operator getting run over last weekend by the big RTTY guys. I noticed on 7.040 that the CW guys are now sending QSY to let the RTTY guys know they are their... almost everyone on the band was sending the same thing to the RttY stations... and I guess it worked.
But, what contest. How can you say a computer can be the operator when all the contacts are made, log'ed and maintained by the computer. The operator just drinks his soda and watches the screen fill up with contacts that the computer is making... gee that sounds like fun and practical too...
Yes sir the ham of today is not like yester years technoligical smart, respected ham that knew electronics and radio. All these newbies are being brought to you by the grand master back east in the golden alpha bet chicken roost... Technology is grand... so long as you know what your talking about... which most don't today.
Now let see how do I hook up the battey charger.... hay anyone know what the battery looks like that the charger goes into????
Like your article... 73's
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by KC0VCU on November 14, 2005
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Fun article, lots of good, and not so good responses.
I happen to think pretty highly of my grandfather. About as close to an elmer as I ever had, though he was not a ham.
He was a blacksmith and a general machine repair engineer at a tractor factory in Minneapolis that closed down about the time he retired. I don't think they were related events, though in all honesty it would not surprise me.
In any case from a kid's perspective I have never met another person who could teach the way he did. First show how. Next allow you to do with supervision. Then suggest you to do on your own.
An example most of us can recognize, the kids in the neighborhood would come in with a bike with a flat tire. He would show the kids how to find the hole, rough up the rubber around it, apply a patch, then put everything back together insuring that the tire didn't still have the nail in it that caused the original hole. Next time the kids came in, he would explain that he was a little busy at the moment, but they were welcome to use his garage, and there should be some patch material over in that bucket by the door. He would watch and as he observed a need for help, would provide. Next time he would be even more busy, and eventually the kids would explain that they needed to patch a tire, did he mind if they took care of it. Of course not.
At the same time if someone came along who needed help, but was not interested in learning how to fix things himself, my grandfather knew how to set a price that was reasonable.
If it is your wife who is going to complain that there is too much junk being dropped at the door, then when someone offers to drop off something to be fixed, explain that you are going to have to have something to buy off your wife's ire. That may be a gift to the house, or perhaps even flowers to her in thanks for your help and her understanding. Flowers are not significantly expensive, however the effort to get them and the thought behind them will probably go a long way further towards easing any complaints than the money that such services would cost at a competent service center.
That is the other side of this. You are standing in for a service center in the first three examples. Likewise for those installing stereo's for their grown kids, and the like. One of the service centers I used over the years had appropriate sinage indicating that 'talking with the mechanic is appreciated, we bill by the hour.' It may be an in-expensive education, or create an extra charge to the repair, but that is up to the customer.
The ham who is not willing to learn is usually going to be a customer. If you don't have time to do their repair, then they will need to take the repair to someone who does have the time, or will make the time available for money. It's up to them if they are going to decide if their own down time is worth the repair costs.
All that said, sharing knowledge with other hams or people who can do their own repairs and sometimes helping each other, as well as occasional (read rare) others, as well as being helpful with people who are honestly trying to learn what you are willing to teach is going to be a lot more rewarding than not.
Then again, I could be wrong. These are just my observations.
-Rusty - kc0vcu
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by WB9JTK on November 14, 2005
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When a person of type #1 drops off something that needs repair, just quietly accept it, saying "I'll get to it as soon as I have time".
About 2 years later, when they keep asking when you are going to have time, tell them, "well, come on over right now. I will make time for it now". AFTER he arrives, start looking for it, but be sure you cannot find it until after they leave !
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by K8MHZ on November 14, 2005
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Perhaps the most important reason I got into ham radio was that it was required to take part in our county’s volunteer emergency service. I joined forces with hams from many different disciplines that came in with the same goal. At the time that goal was so different from our local ham club that we were two totally independent organizations.
I’m the type of person that likes fixing things. A good part of my career as an electrician revolves around repair. Before I was an electrician I was a master automobile mechanic. But, as I said earlier, the others may or may not have such a background or desire to do their own repairs.
At least initially. When I started I had no intention of getting an HF ticket and working DX. I am sure that when some of the others started they had no intention of building antennas and tearing radios apart. But the ham radio bug has bitten us all and we, over the years, do more and more ‘ham stuff’. We have salesmen and cops fixing things now, and I upgraded and can be found occasionally on 40 meters. About four years ago the emergency group (MCARES) joined with the local club (MAARC) and it has been good for both groups.
I got tired of trying to keep my friends and relative’s cars, garage doors, bicycles, motorcycles, computers, gadgets, etc., in a state of repair long before I got my ticket. It is hard to say no. But that is what is needed to be done if one with a knack for fixing things does not want to spend a good portion of their free time fixing stuff that does not belong to them.
I also noticed that there was only a small portion of folks that I could depend on for help when I needed it. Some would be there any time I needed them. That group is the only group, and their number is few, that I do freebie repairs for. The other group gets charged a small but fair fee for my time if I am not working, and are told that I am just too busy if I am.
I also try to ‘make deals’ when I can. A person may have a small item that I have had my eye on for a while. A short ‘Hey, I sure could use a hand putting up a tower here soon' not only circumvents the inequity a bit, but provides a means for those with physical prowess to return favors you have done that required technical prowess.
I have found that the amount of folks that don’t do anything for themselves is much higher outside the ham radio world than it is inside. Notice I said don’t as opposed to can’t.
Society now puts the value of what something looks like far ahead of how it works. The outside is far more important than the inside. This detracts from the motivation to see how things work. People just don’t care how things work anymore.
I decided not to be an enabler for those folks years ago. I purposely keep my workbench buried with tools and disassembled projects. If someone wants to drop something off I just show them the bench and tell them when this stuff is done I can get to theirs.
Most, after seeing the bench, have no desire to leave anything of value anywhere near it. ;)
Before I scoot, I just want to mention one thing. Harrasing the NCT’s does nothing at all constructive. I spent an entire decade as an NCT and it suited me fine. I upgraded because I met and respected the local HF group. They NEVER ONCE gave me a hard time about upgrading. I did it to join their world. If I had been treated like the hams (not all, of course) treat the NCTs here on eHam I would never have upgraded and I would never have cared to.
The best way to assure that a person won’t upgrade is to have one that has degrade them.
73,
Mark K8MHZ
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Helpless Hams
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by KD6NIG on November 14, 2005
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Except for resistor color codes, I think I would qualify. Ok, thats because I have a degree in electronics, but even then they told us to use refrence material always to make sure.
I would think if you either know what you have listed, or have the ability to look it up and understand it (ie, you may NOT know where something is in your transmitter, but if you have the schematic and with THAT you can find it) then you qualify too.
I can't always retain all of the stuff I learned in the old noodle, but I also know that if I forget something, a refrence manual will get me going again.
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by KC8VWM on November 14, 2005
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Nice try Chuck. Nobody is calling all NCTs lazy and stupid.
---
...Really? I could cite a few examples from a few individuals if you like.
Perhaps the one I really liked in particular was the email I received exactly 2 days after getting my license.
It made a reference to the effect of, "Upgrade your license and do the code you lazy no code sloth."
Yep, that's right, just two days with a license in hand and I guess this email was supposed to be my welcome to ham radio greeting.
Now, I really don't need to explain why I have chosen to remove my email address off my profile on this site and from QRZ do I?
Other than that sort of experience, ham radio has been an interesting ride and I help others where I can.
73 Charles - KC8VWM
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by N2XE on November 14, 2005
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Chuck Wrote:
"Perhaps the one I really liked in particular was the email I received exactly 2 days after getting my license.
It made a reference to the effect of, "Upgrade your license and do the code you lazy no code sloth.""
_______________________________________________________
Maybe, maybe not. I'm having a really difficult time believing that. I've never received anything like that unprovoked--even provoked.
Now, if you spouted off about how useless CW is and how outdated blah blah blah, then yea, I can see a nastygram coming your way.
I guess what a lot of folks who don't know CW and don't use it, don't understand it is that it's highly abrasive to the folks who do know it, do understand it and know the merits of CW. That's why there's all this contention over the issue. Many of us feel that CW is the heart and soul of Amateur Radio. To have a newly licensed ham lecture me about what an idiotic mode it is, especially when they are totally clueless themselves is... well... obnoxious.
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by WA6CDE on November 14, 2005
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Now that you mention it… I found that the hams, which hated CW actually finds it interesting once, they get a little exposed to it. Strange that something that old could be so outdated. Wait till the RTTY guys find out they are next on the hit list…. After all why have RTTY when you can go PSK-31 or digital. Even SSB is on the hit list as the new digital radios are making their way into the spectrum. More efficient, use less power and less bandwidth… so when others start talking about the old modes of commutations… well
Besides CW was the first real true digital mode of commutations….
After the tally on the NPRM came in… almost 50 to 1 in favor of keeping CW what will the ARRL do now? You notice that they are not saying anything along with the FCC… so how will they shove it down our throats when the people have spoken…
Is/will CW die … not from what I have seen happen in the last few years. I would gander to say that more people now are on CW than ever before. With the fun of making your own transmitter and working CW QRP (which is the hottest area of ham radio right now) I have to say I think CW is on the rise.
Sure the newbies will wait around till HF is given to them. Especially if they know the ARRL is fighting for them so they don’t have to work at learning the code. But, then again years ago that is why we had the tech class license… to allow them to talk on the UHF/VHF bands… and if you put out just a little effort why you could get down on the HF bands.
I find it interesting that the FCC and ARRL is concerned about what other countries are doing… when they could care less about what the US hams are doing… this is evident by the blatant operation of their sideband in our CW portion of the band plan. They know were their… but, they laugh in our face and make US hams cringe and bite their lip when they operate cross band so they don’t have to compete with other US hams in the same area…. Again an unfair advantage and as such I think they should not be even mentioned in any competition unless they conform.
The fun is back in CW again… this time QRP… and most who were against it now are for it…. Excluding some of the grumpy hard cases which oppose cw and only want to flap their lips about dribble on the HF section after all… it should be given to ‘em… they have their rights too… huh…
As to the degradation of hams which don’t want to learn anything…. naw they miss, out on the fun… sure its work but, so is riding a bicycle or anything else…. After all if you don’t do the time where is the joy….
Let the techs stay up on the UHF/VHF… get rid of the computer links and give back ham radio to the adventuresome….
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by N2XE on November 14, 2005
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...Now that you mention it� I found that the hams, which hated CW actually finds it interesting once, they get a little exposed to it...
That's me! I learned it because I had to. I didn't think I'd like or use it. I failed the 13 WPM test four times but then again, I wasn't using CW on the air at the time. A few weeks after I passed the Morse test, I picked up a Ramsey 20 meter CW transmitter at a local hamfest.
I put it together, grabed a SW receiver for RX, cut a zip cord dipole and stretched it out along the hallway in my house. I called CQ, a ham in Detroit answered (I lived in Manassas, VA then), I was hooked. A week later I was copying comfortably at 20 WPM and kicking myself for the torture I endured trying to pass 13 WPM.
You're right, QRP is the hottest thing in Amateur radio today and I'm working more and more new CW converts.
If Morse is such a useless mode, how come the Adventure Radio guys aren't using SSB? Actually, I've already answered that question. See http://mysite.verizon.net/n2xe/id5.html
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by KF4VGX on November 14, 2005
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I would never embarrass those by posting such trifle on Eham.
-----
Post away! There is no such thing as a trifle question on the Eham elmers forum. The only "bad" question is a question that is left unanswered.
"How may I help you?
Sincerely,
Charles - KC8VWM
.......................................
Point understood and well taken!
Elmer's needed !
whiners ,get a life !
:->
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by KC8VWM on November 14, 2005
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John, I know it's hard to believe but the email happened completely unprovoked. The funny part about all this is that I am not against code or anything. In fact, I would prefer that they preserve it as a tradition or as an art.
I have no problem with learning code again. I admit, my J38 has been a little rusty for the past 25 years.
We used to have a weekly CW net on VHF in my area that I would participate in. I thought I was getting pretty good at it for a while, but then the CW net has since disappeared. In fact pretty much all VHF activity has dried up in my area altogether. I tried talking to a few regulars on the local machines about restoring boatanchors and such things, but I don't think they were really interested or even understood what I was talking about. So, that is not much to write home about so my VHF radio equipment just collects dust instead.
So, I guess I have to play CW with my practice oscillator if I wan't to play on HF. You know the drill, I play a few renditions of "Gords" tapes and then play on the code oscillator.
But even that gets boring after a while especially when you can't do it live over the air with another individual.
I then tried to listen to some live CW nets on 40m to hone my skills, but quite frankly most of the guys are speed demons (or using computers) and it's virtually impossible to try and listen and copy them by hand. I was forced to hook up my receiver to a computer and used a few code programs and it helped a little bit. But I have a long way to go if I want to decipher code by ear at these speeds. In fact, I am convinced that everyone is using computers to send code anymore. Whatever happened to using a "fist?"
The CW characters just collide together like a modem data transmission while I try and fill in the blanks. :)
So after I get frustrated with that activity after a a few hours a week, I play with my boatanchor restoration projects and build antennas.
Looks like I restored two BC 348's, an R-390a, and a R1051 during these past summer months. I built a 3 element 6m beam in hopes that I could put it up and make a few DX contacts, but as it turns out - I can't (HOA) so the project is still in my garage waiting for next years field day I suppose.
I did however manage to design and put up a few stealth HF antennas and they do seem to receive pretty well. How does one hide a 135 foot longwire at an HOA? Well, trust me it can be done.
So while the repeaters in my area are dead and/or lacking any technical content anyways, I decide to hang out listening to the AM boatanchor net on 80m like I always have before for the past 25 or so years.
I have to admit, I have always managed to learn something when I am just listening. You would be amazed what a person can learn about in amateur radio from 25 years of SWL listening.
I am always scanning around looking for a good technical discussion to monitor. 160m is pretty good for that too.
Finally John, you were right in your earlier assessment. It's just apparently not my time or my turn yet.
I suspect that will eventually change.
73 Charles - KC8VWM
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by KC9AGG on November 15, 2005
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hah! unconscious message: " i'm so damned talented people are knocking down my doors to get to me" hah!
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by K8MHZ on November 15, 2005
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Charles,
My experience with getting e-mail from hams here on eHam has been very good.
After all the good e-mails I have recieved I sure don't think I would remove my address over one or two bad ones.
It may have been because of my listed address that I was given a bunch of HF gear. The gear included a beautiful Swan 350 and a Kenwood TS-440 that was outfitted for a blind person. I gave the 440 to a blind ham in our county.
It also allows me to be contacted off-line to further discussions others may not be interested in.
Sorry that you got off to such a bad start.
73,
Mark K8MHZ
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by WA2JJH on November 15, 2005
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MARK, I think it is great you got some decent rigs for free.
However, I must agree with Charles VFW. I got a death threat QSL card in the mail!
This fellow EHAMER gave me enough data to use certain resources to get his real address! He used a P.O. box. Using certain resources I even found out the repeater club he belonged to!
The QSL card death threat is still at my local police
PCT. Dang, I could get a PCR analysis of the envelope he used to get the conjugate base pairs of nucleotides
of this psyco's DNA!
This fellow EHAM poster did not scare me at all.
I wanted forensic bio-tech experience! So perhaps publishing my email address benefited me! I also got to
learn a few P.I. and M.O.S. internet tricks.
I also removed my data from QRZ. If someone needs my shack address or email, they can request it from the FCC!
However, if someone wants to give me a $30,000 MOTOROLA service monitor or Motorola's new 500W HF
rig, I might change my mind!
Also Mark many non hams read EHAM. I even saw MY review of a rig used by a non ham to try to get top dollar for a rig he had for sale on EBAY!
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by K8MHZ on November 15, 2005
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"However, I must agree with Charles VFW. I got a death threat QSL card in the mail!"
What has this got to do with e-mail?
"This fellow EHAM poster did not scare me at all."
"I also removed my data from QRZ."
Huh?
Let's both apologize to the author for getting so far off topic...way off, it seems.
73,
Mark K8MHZ
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by WA2JJH on November 15, 2005
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AGREED. Just wanted to clarify why many have elected
to be removed from QRZ.
So a term is in the ham radio lexicon.
A HELPLESS HAM!
For sheer sophestry can one extrapolate on this topic.
Perhaps HOPELESS HAMS, HOMELESS HAMS, HOLISTIC HAMS,
HYPOCRIT HAMS, HAM ON RYE, KOSHER HAMS. HEURISTIC HAMS
HEDONIST HAMS.
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by WA0DTH on November 16, 2005
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Well the way I look at it we all have different abilities and tools at our disposal.
Some of us are builders and have all the tools.
Some of us are mainly operators and lack some of the skills and tools in soldering and connector assembly.
Some of us are elderly or have medical problems which limit what we can do. So we seek help.
I think its good to have the skills to do your own fix it.
But I wouldnt feel condemed if I couldnt for one of the reasons stated. There is no one mold we should all fit in.
Also I think Ham Radio Should be a brotherhood.
When it comes to helping our fellow ham.
Lets go back to the song. "He aint heavy, he's my brother". Right?
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by KE7ATE on November 16, 2005
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Actually, I have had more non-hams come to me with these problems....especially computer problems....than hams. I think it shows that they respect my skills and knowledge whether they want to learn the fixes for themselves or not. I treat it as a compliment and see them as a friend who keeps coming back. 73's
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RE: Helpless Hams PEOPLE IN GENERAL
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by WA2JJH on November 16, 2005
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Hams or not, some people will appreciate when you help them. They perhaps might help you with a non technical/ham issue.
I have just met too many "takers" in business. These people just feel that the world owes them everything!
It is funny when some non hams you help, will accuse you of giving them TVI!
Before the PC, hams were considered an asset. Funny how Hams almost have computer geeks as competition to
give out technical advice for free!
Another poster had the same good old wisdom.
"Better to teach a brother how to fish, then just buying them a fillet-o-fish from Mickey D's. :)
Who did write that 1960's tune.....he aint heavy...he is my brother?
73 to all de Mike WA2JJH
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RE: Helpless Hams PEOPLE IN GENERAL
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by NS6Y_ on November 16, 2005
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I like to think I'm a Type #6, can't fix everything but between myself and a friend or three, there's nothing WE can't fix. Can solder, know the color code like the back of my hand, etc all that stuff.
Yes, it's true, then came switching power supplies, digital um, everything, and SMT technology. ..... There's a remedy for that and it's called ELECRAFT.
Look at your local train shop, they have neat stuff for working on small stuff, plenty of old duffers with old eyes building beautiful layouts, they just used magnefiers etc and get it done.
I wish I had a big house with a big garage, I'd set up 6 or 8 soldering stations and hold a kit club, hams could get together and we'd built kits socially. It would be a blast! We could build Elecraft kits, those small ones to start, NorCal SSTs, all kinds of useful stuff, and we'd all learn by troubleshooting and fixing the ones that end up built with "personality". I'd have coffee and donuts and we'd build stuff and talk and make jokes and have a good old time. The sweet smell of Kester #44 would fill the air. The neighbors would complain and the EPA would shut us down. But it would be fun while it lasted!
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by N0AH on November 17, 2005
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How about Hams WHO make things then ignore you when you come over and complain it doesn't work? ie: MFJ and the morons who design their pooh pooh?
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by KC7EKK on November 17, 2005
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What is the big deal? This guy writes a self- improvement article for the average ham and everyone gets all excited. Didn’t you read the disclaimer at the top?
“I'm going to make a poorly humorous attempt to describe these various hams. If you see yourself, please just laugh and move on....”
Please, read it again (with an open mind this time) and you may even learn something. I did.
Put your pride away, its hanging out all over the place.
Only a fool takes offense when there was none.
73
John
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by G0GQK on November 17, 2005
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Real radio amateurs should be able to take roll of copper wire, cut it to the appropriate length, make a T piece, solder some co-ax or open wire feeder to it, make a balun and put some co-ax and a plug on the end, shove it on the back of a $4,000 tranceiver and talk to somebody.
It seems that the vast number of those magical bits of wire named the G5RV are sold because people who can pass radio exams, can't make themselves a dipole, the simplest antenna in the book. Perhaps that's why QST has a 2 page article every 3 months on how to make one !
Mel G0GQK
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by K4EJQ on November 17, 2005
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Well Said Web!!!!! Now if your in Myrtle Beach and it's cold up here in the Mtns , how's about us getting together at your digs for a Loooonnnnngggggggggg winter's eyeball qso to sort out our broken radios and friends. Bunky, K4EJQ
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by WY3X on November 17, 2005
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Bunky, you're welcome ANY time! I just got in some green coffee beans for the roaster, and there's nothing else like fresh-roasted, fresh-ground coffee! Or a fresh homebrewski! I'm headed for Saginaw, MI for Christmas, and hope to see some REAL snow! 73, -Web
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by KI4CRA on November 21, 2005
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Yet another post from one who is physically disabled. Although I am disabled, I too can at least solder a coax connector on, can put on a microphone connector, and even do most of my own computer repairs. Having said that, due to my disability there are some things I just cannot do. Some days my hands shake so bad I have hRD TIME GETTING DRESSED SO SOLDERING IS OUT OF THE QUESTION, see there I go again. I will probably not put up the dipole I'm working on myself, I will need help. But I too can offer some help too those who can't (or wont), I usally give more than I take, I like helping people when I can. Be that as it may,you are right, some people just want you to do it because they are lazy, (there I said it). Anyway folks, this IS soceity like it or not, there are going to be those who for one reason or another will not do any of there own repIRS. sUCH IS LIFE, 73 ALL and wish one and all a healthy and HAPPY THANKSGIVING. See you on the air.
Mark
AI4HO
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by AB5XZ on November 21, 2005
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"Real friends don't keep score"
N6AJR hit it right on the head there.
Early this year, I spent several Tuesday evenings at the local Denny's going over the Extra Class exam material with a friend. He was a pleasure to work with, because he always came prepared with his questions, and he had always made a serious attempt to work out the tough ones himself. All I had to do was give him a slightly different explanation of the concept, and he was off and running to the next snag point. He took his exam and passed it the first time.
I have offered to do this kind of tutoring to any and all in my ham club. No need to keep score, just pass it on.
73TomAB5XZ
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by TX_DREAMWEAVER on November 21, 2005
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Too often, we as amateurs forget the Amateur's code.
Specifically,
Article two: The Amateur is loyal; he offers loyalty, encouragment and support to his fellow radio amateurs...
Article four: The amateur is friendly; Slow and patient sending when requested, friendly advice and consul to the beginner...
73 DE KAØGKT/7
--Steve
***********************************
Well said Steve!
In my case I came here tonight to look up an answer to a problem I have, found a "possible" in the Elmer column of answers, then came here thinking, "Okay, if you have a problem ask an Elmer, isn't that what I've been told since I was a child? Elmers are good guys, Amen". But now I don't think I'll ask. It would seem that I have a few strikes against me already, from the looks of this thread;
A: I have an IQ of 149 and can do a lot of things, including being able to build/rebuild a computer, or an engine since I was 10, and put a sinking company back on it's feet, but I have no idea what most of you are talking about when it comes to radio repair. That was always my Momma's job, fixing the technical stuff (it still is, and she's 84, but knows nothing about TX and RX, so I came here).
B: I was an EMT-SS/FF in my younger years, and took great pride in my abilities. I later went into the medical management field to help others. I was forced to retire 5 years ago with a major heart problem i. e., disability. I recently made the decision to get into amateur radio after being a survivor of a major hurricane that sat over my house for 9 hrs., because I knew that there had to be others, like myself, that were scared and confused, and had no way of getting news in OR out, because all the major stations were down for weeks, except Houston, who reported nothing except news about Beaumont. After reading this thread it seems my idea of being able to help others in my community in times like those isn't really a priority of HAM's anymore. All that matters is that you can repair a radio.
C: I just got my NCT license, and was very proud of the fact that I actually studied for it, and didn't just memorize the answers, BUT now I see I'm just another one of those dumbasses that passed without code, and therefore, it seems, not worthy to speak.
I was always told, "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask". It seems my elders were wrong. It looks like that quote needs to be amended to include, "unless you ask an Amateur Radio Operator who has had a license for more than 5 years, in which case EVERY question is a stupid one".
I applaud the gentlemen here that do think that lending a hand is still the most common of courtesies, in any situation. I wish you gents happiness in all your endeavors.
Signed;
Sally, KE5GOB
The Newbie Amateur "User"
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by TX_DREAMWEAVER on November 21, 2005
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Mail this to a friend!
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Too often, we as amateurs forget the Amateur's code.
Specifically,
Article two: The Amateur is loyal; he offers loyalty, encouragment and support to his fellow radio amateurs...
Article four: The amateur is friendly; Slow and patient sending when requested, friendly advice and consul to the beginner...
73 DE KAØGKT/7
--Steve
***********************************
Well said Steve!
In my case I came here tonight to look up an answer to a problem I have, found a "possible" in the Elmer column of answers, then came here thinking, "Okay, if you have a problem ask an Elmer, isn't that what I've been told since I was a child? Elmers are good guys, Amen". But now I don't think I'll ask. It would seem that I have a few strikes against me already, from the looks of this thread;
A: I have an IQ of 149 and can do a lot of things, including being able to build/rebuild a computer, or an engine since I was 10, and put a sinking company back on it's feet, but I have no idea what most of you are talking about when it comes to radio repair. That was always my Momma's job, fixing the technical stuff (it still is, and she's 84, but knows nothing about TX and RX, so I came here).
B: I was an EMT-SS/FF in my younger years, and took great pride in my abilities. I later went into the medical management field to help others. I was forced to retire 5 years ago with a major heart problem i. e., disability. I recently made the decision to get into amateur radio after being a survivor of a major hurricane that sat over my house for 9 hrs., because I knew that there had to be others, like myself, that were scared and confused, and had no way of getting news in OR out, because all the major stations were down for weeks, except Houston, who reported nothing except news about Beaumont. After reading this thread it seems my idea of being able to help others in my community in times like those isn't really a priority of HAM's anymore. All that matters is that you can repair a radio.
C: I just got my NCT license, and was very proud of the fact that I actually studied for it, and didn't just memorize the answers, BUT now I see I'm just another one of those dumbasses that passed without code, and therefore, it seems, not worthy to speak.
I was always told, "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask". It seems my elders were wrong. It looks like that quote needs to be amended to include, "unless you ask an Amateur Radio Operator who has had a license for more than 5 years, in which case EVERY question is a stupid one".
I applaud the gentlemen here that do think that lending a hand is still the most common of courtesies, in any situation. I wish you gents happiness in all your endeavors.
Signed;
Sally, KE5GOB
The Newbie Amateur "User"
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by KD4SQ on November 27, 2005
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Mail this to a friend!
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Sally, there is no shame in being an NCT. Sometimes on the internet with the anonyminity of written communications, some of us forget our manners. And even leap to conclusions. You said you came here looking for Elmer help. Fire away your question, and if I don't have an answer, I will guarantee to find you one. If you are afraid that it will get you branded a hopeless appliance operator then send it to me privately at Skyray at skyray.com. But being branded an appliance operator is not that bad, it has happened to me many times over the questions that I ask about digital modes, and I built my first three transmitters, two from scratch and one from a HeathKit. I just ordered a blind tracker kit from Byonics, and I had to order it built because of hands that shake too badly to solder. I can solve the failing vision with a 7.5 magnifying headset, but I haven't found a way to beat the hand shaking yet. So I guess I fall into two or three, whoever it is that can't solder.
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by K4SCI on November 29, 2005
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Mail this to a friend!
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Another Disabled Ham reply. Look at my call sign suffix - Spinal Cord Injury...I'm typing with my mouth right now. First My Buddies who have done so much: N4VHF, KD4KW, N4HV, NN5I, W4KWD, WD4IGK and so many others.
Amatuer Radio is a super hobby for the disabled. The above put up a 70' Rohn 25 tower, built or assembled many antennas, climbed over and over, soidered countless connectors on RG-213, and on and on. Thank God that Ham's are so nice.
Being a Quadriplegic, I'm an appliance Ham: Buy it, hook it up, have fun. But just because I'm disabled doesn't mean I don't try. I have 5 wpm (tech, tech plus, general working on extra) when I could have exempted the code I didn't.
Even though I can't use my arms or legs, I still understand all the theory, and can talk non-hams through putting up dipoles, double bazooka's, and my Windom hsq. I once helped a blind ham, by giving him the play by play on a full day of antenna work we did at his QTH.
Moral of the story: Please help the disabled hams in your area. We need it, but don't like to ask. Many disabled Hams have fianance problems and could use old gear donated to them.
For those that do help, Thank You so much. You are an asset to all of us.
73's - k4sci
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by TX_DREAMWEAVER on December 1, 2005
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Mail this to a friend!
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Thank you both for your posts Doug and Eric!
To tell you the basics; I have a dual band Yaesu FT-7800R with a 50 amp power supply. A couple of HAM ops in the area came and helped me set up 3 weeks or so ago and put up my Tram #1411 discone antenna. We threw a line from my rod & reel over a tree limb (about 30 ft. high) from the roof, and the next day I tied on the 48 ft. nylon line they told me to get, and tied the other end to the center of the discone, taping the line straight up the 5 ft. top element with black electrical tape, and then reeled it up as high as I could. Then I went on the rook and hauled it up higher to about 25 feet above the window where my desk is, and tied it off. That is ALL I have done. I rec. WX and local police (scanner stuff) fine, but hear nothing yet on repeaters or scanning freq. spans (say 144.3 to
148.0 etc.). From this point what could be the problem? Any help will be most appreciated.
P.S. Tonight I keyed the mic and said KE5GOB monitoring on our local repeater, and heard what I think is a courtesy tone (since I never heard one I don't know), but someone gave a call sign. I asked them to repeat it, but no answer. Maybe I'm finally getting it!
73's, Sally KE5GOB
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RE: Helpless Hams
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by KD4SQ on December 5, 2005
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Mail this to a friend!
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Not familiar with the Tram Discone, Sally, but I have a Diamond Discone that is supposed to be good from 25 MHz to 1.3 Gig. It is great for scanners at higher frequencies, but I tested it with a sweep generator, and it has very negative performance at two meters. It might be somewhat better at 70 centimeters, but I didn't have the generator to test it there. Another antenna might serve you better.
I hope you are getting more than courtesy tones by now. Have one of your ham friends come by with his hand-held so you can listen to the repeater while you transmit and see what is happening. I worked a blind tracker around here for about two weeks because I had no way to monitor output. Turns out that the store bought mike cord didn't have the PTT (Push to Talk) installed and wasn't keying the transmitter. Meanwhile, I couldn't find me on find u.
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