My Perspective as a Newcomer
Don (AE6AT)
on
March 5, 2003
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The Ham Community is amazing! I have been a Ham for only a little
over a year and had almost no contact with Ham Radio before that.
What I have experienced in that year as a Ham has caused me to
have great regard, respect and admiration for Hams, and a sense of
pride being one.
At first I listened a lot on the HF bands and heard the professional
sounding way Hams talk to each other. Call signs, answering with
information about their location and equipment, always courteous
and considerate. I heard people who didn't want to have a long
conversation continue talking and politely answer questions. I heard
people make mistakes and be embarrassed but be politely excused
with friendliness. I heard people helping people and talking about
their problems with a sympathetic ear. I heard a Ham using a Braille
machine get patience and understanding.
I read Ham magazines and was astonished at the level of technical
expertise and detail I saw. Astonished at the wide variety of Ham
activities; Casual operating, kit building, contesting, Morse code,
Amateur TV, satellites, repeaters, antennas, mountain topping,
Dxpeditions, collecting counties, states, countries, QSL cards, public
service, experimentation, clubs, Hamventions, Hamfests. The list
goes on and on and on with each individual Ham choosing his
favorites. I expect to be able to explore and enjoy the Ham
experience the rest of my life.
So far I have principally operated on HF phone with only one
simplex VHF contact since my location is in a rural mountain valley
and is not very good for VHF. Although I can hear a number of
repeaters I think repeaters are to be used for purposeful
communications such as calling specific Hams, asking directions,
talking to people you know or emergencies, so I don't use them.
I am working on my code speed and have great respect for the time
and effort it takes to get to 20 words per minute. Being a new Extra
Class I feel guilty and not genuine at only having to pass the 5 word
per minute code test and have vowed to get to 20 words per minute.
I can't imagine how anyone can do 30 or 40 or faster. Amazing,
unfathomable.
I have read that Ham behavior on the air is representative of the
behavior of the general populace. I don't believe so. From what I
have seen and heard the Ham community is much better than that
and I aspire to be a contributing and positive part of it.
When I am driving on the freeway and some one cuts me off and my
temper goes past the legal limit, I remind myself I am Ham and what
that means to me and it is easy to let it go.
I thank the Ham community for giving me this perspective and feeling
of pride.
Respectfully from one operator to another,
Don
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by WA9SVD on March 5, 2003
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Don,
Congratulations on getting your Extra. Do NOT feel you are NOT a real ham, and do not let anyone tell you that! You have passed the exam, and you have every right to be proud of that fact.
You will meet a few "grouchies" here and elsewhere, who will say that if you didn't "hike 25 miles in 6 feet of snow when it's 20 below zero" just to take your exam, you had it too easy. Just Ignore them, and consider the source.
The important thing is be as courteous an operator as you can be, be helpful to those around you, respect other operators, and have fun! I hope to meet you on the air sometime soon!
73,
Larry WA9SVD
P.S. You will eventually recognize the callsigns of the "grumpies" an be able to filter out or ignore their negative comments. And remember, they are a minority.
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KC0PED on March 5, 2003
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I just got my Technician license on Feb. 17. I've been reading all I can in magazines and online. I just purchased a VHF/UHF radio, my first (Kenwood TM-D700A). I've been listening to conversations and have yet to make a QSO because, honestly, I don't want to screw up and violate any sort of norm or embarrass myself on my first attempt to contact someone.
I have a computer background and am fascinated at what can be done with packet radio and even with what is being done with Echolink and ARPS.
I live in Minnesota and most of the conversations I've listened to are on a repeater I found on (or near, I'm not sure. I think the St Paul club runs it, but am not positive yet) 146.850. I was amazed at the number of hams that checked in on Sunday night.
Passing the test was easy. Learning how things really work is much more difficult. I'll probably keep lurking in the background listening in and gathering information till I feel more comfortable with my radio and more secure in what I'm doing. In the mean time, I'll keep getting ready for the next test.
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by KE2IV on March 5, 2003
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Don,
Bravo! And welcome to the wide, wonderful and (sometimes) crazy world of ham radio.
As to your Extra - look at it this way. I was first licensed in 1964 but didn't get my Extra until 2000 when they first dropped the 20 WPM requirement.
It's a long story about "stolen" frequencies due to "Incentive Licensing" etc. But never let anyone tell you that you are not a true ham! If you like CW then enjoy it - - it not - - that's great too! These days we have a multitude of modes and bands and only a few old codgers still believe that being a "real" ham requires mastery of a antiquated skill originally used to communicate messages between railroad stations!
Enjoy ham radio with two caveats:
1) Minimize your time on these websites - they eat up "on the air" time and they tend to be habituated by cranky old, unhappy (usually white) men.
2) Stay away from 75M phone for the same reasons!!!
73,
George*
KE2IV
*and yes, I am white, and yes I am getting old(er), but hopefully not too cranky and I only work DX in the window on 75M!!
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by N6AJR on March 5, 2003
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Congrats on your new found hobby. I was a 2 meter tech from 1978 (I never was a novice) untill a couple years ago. It was always the code holding me back. I kept my license current but basically went inactive untill feb of 2001 when I bought a vx5r. What a neat little rig, when my last one was a new ft 101 ee!!
I decided to study for my general, and found I could be grandfathered in as a general as I had already passed the (then) general test and the 5 wpm in 1978. so I upgraded and a week an a day later I passed my extra. It was always the code holding me back. ( I don't do well on foriegn languages either), any ways I had the knowledge thanks to 8 years in the Air Force in classified electronics, and I'm glad I am an Extra now.
Remember that you passed the test they gave at the time you upgraded, that is decided by the FCC not you. I am an extra lite with a quarter century of dues paid so where do I fit, ??? Any where I want.
Get on the repeaters and make frends, its just one more way to be aham. My buddies and I spot interesting DX now and then and tell each other on the repeater, amoung other things.
There are so many things to do as a ham, from antennas to satilites to tv to teaching others to helping with disasters and so on. I'm proud to be a ham, and at age 54 I am thinking about finally going after a private pilot license, if I pass the physical. why not, after all I made my extra and it only took 20 something years .. enjoy ... 73 tom N6AJR
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KG4RUL on March 5, 2003
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As far as repeaters:
If we do not use them, we will lose them! More accurately, we will lose the spectrum they are operating in.
Dennis - KG4RUL
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by NI0C on March 5, 2003
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Great thoughts. May your enthusiasm for this wonderfully diverse hobby never wane. Your code speed will improve by listening to lots of good code at speeds just slightly faster than you are comfortable with, and by enjoying lots of conversations on CW. Thanks for your write-up-- it is a breath of fresh air.
73 de Chuck NI0C
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KC8RXE on March 5, 2003
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Congratulations!
I too am a recent Extra, and I can appreciate your perspective. It took me about a year after getting my tech license to get enough courage to get on 2 meters and actually TALK to someone. I've been an Extra for 8 months, and just last week made my first HF QSO via PSK31. When I took the 5 WPM General test I felt anxious knowing most of the VE's had taken the 20 wpm, but they were genuinely nice and made me feel like I had accomplished something when I passed. I've had some bad experiences with hams on websites like this, but most of the hams I've talked to "on the air" have been very helpful. I still feel like I'm somewhere between being a Tech and a "Paper Extra", but I'm learning quickly and more importantly having a blast.
So have fun, and maybe I'll hear you on airwaves sometime.
Regards,
James Rice KC8RXE
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by W0HFG on March 5, 2003
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I hope you never wake up from that dream.. What a GREAT attitude....
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by K9WLF on March 5, 2003
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Don, congratulations on not only being a new ham, but an Extra also. We need to have more operators with as positive and an uplifting attitude as you. I, too, am an "Extra Lite", being licensed in 1999 and made Extra in 2000. In my short time as a Ham, I have seen both the good and the bad of Amateur Radio, but I love the hobby as much as you do. I love working HF mobile and psk31, and doing public service--especially the Ft Lauderdale Winterfest Boat Parade. Keep up the great attitude, help the hobby grow and become even better than it is. Remember, it is not just a hobby, it's an obsession!
73, Tom, K9WLF/4
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by K8AG on March 5, 2003
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From a ham who had to do 20 wpm to get his Extra, don't feel guilty! You have earned your Extra ticket and that is that.
Sometimes reading the flames that go on on the postings here and on qrz.com makes me wonder if hams are really as polite and positive as you say. Then I get on the air with an op who becomes a friend and I realize that these boards do not represent hams as a whole.
Great to have you aboard.
BTW: When I got my Extra, they had just recinded the 5 years as a ham requirement to get an Extra. I didn't feel guilty then either.
73
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by K2GW on March 5, 2003
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Excellent article. Although I've been licensed for nearly thirty years, I've recently relived the thrill of a new amateur as my wife and my daughter both obtained their first Amateur licenses within the past six months.
As has been mentioned in this thread, some new hams have a bit of trepidation about actually getting on the air. One suggestion is to get a copy of ARRL's "The Radio Amatuers Operating Manual". As you explore the wonderful variety of Amateur Radio activities, you can read the appropriate chapter in it to get you familar with the pecularities of a given mode/activiity before you actually try it. Having that knowledge greatly increases your confidence!
That goes for us older hams who still have the wonder of talking through the air and want to try something different!
73
Gary, K2GW
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KC0ODY on March 5, 2003
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Great article! I concur with your fascination with this hobby. I am a newcomer too (just upgraded to General 1/03) and I'm going to start studying for the Extra soon. KE2IV is right- stay mostly away from the discussion type forums and newsgroups, because the whiners and cranks tend to hang out there and there's no reasoning with these people. There is some good info to be had too, such as product reviews and homebrew advice, but you really need to separate the wheat from the chaff. I find it's better to talk with local hams and attend club meetings for good advice.
The good news is that there are lots of interesting, knowledgeable people out there to learn from and make friends with, so if you haven't already joined a radio club, I encourage this if there is one in your area. Hams are very helpful people and like to share with they know with newbies.
KC0PED- I noticed that you're local to me- the 146.985 repeater belongs to WB0OND, is located in Inver Grove Heights and gets a lot of use. I belong to the St. Paul Radio Club, they are meeting this coming Friday at the Red Cross Building in downtown St. Paul, Robert & Plato Streets (basement level). I just joined and it seems like a fun group.
Here's to RF (radio fun)!
Jackie KC0ODY
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by K1FOO on March 5, 2003
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Wow! Don, you have expressed exactly what I have experienced in the year since I too got my ticket. I have found ALL the hams I have met to be friendly, helpful, technically informed, and totally willing to answer my dumb questions and not give me a hard time when I mess up. I have begun studying for Amateur Extra, aand also have vowed to get to at least 20wpm. Good Luck, great article!
Chris K1FOO
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by W0FM on March 5, 2003
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Holy cow, Don! Nicely said. It is very refreshing to hear someone new to the hobby express the same enthusiasm most of us had as newbies. I was first licensed in 1962 as a Novice and didn't have the time (or desire) to crank up the code speed until 1996. I practiced for a couple of weeks, then decided to take the Extra written to get it "out of the way". The VEC talked me into taking the Extra code portion of the exam as long as I was there. I was more surprised than anyone when I passed it....but that was the same way I had felt when I passed 5WPM and 13WPM. It's all relative.
Welcome to the greatest hobby on earth! Learn all you can and share it with others. Please continue to share your wonderful attitude too! It's so nice to hear.
73,
Terry, WØFM
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by N2XE on March 5, 2003
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Don,
Please don't feel guilty about being a 5 WPM Extra. You are 100% pure ham Extra. FYI, the code test way back in early last century was 5 WPM and those guys are regarded as gods.
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by WA9PWP on March 5, 2003
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Don,
Welcome! As Riley Hollingsworth likes to say, talk on the air as if the world is listening, (you are the voice of the USA), because they are listening! Keep it up, I hope to work you on HF CW soon!
73, Paul
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by K3UOD on March 5, 2003
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Quite a few new hams on this thread. That sure cheers me up. We need new blood for sure.
Congratulations to all of you.
I was licensed as a novice in 1962 and passed the general exam at the FCC field office in 1963. I didn't go for extra until 3 years ago, sweated over a hot computer until I could copy 25wpm, passed the test, and I've only had 2 CW QSOs since. I like CW, it's just that I love to rag chew and I can say/hear a lot more in a given time on phone.
Listen for a topic on your local repeater that you know something about. When you feel that you have something to contribute, pipe up with your call sign and join in the conversation.
As for 75 meters, there are a few groups of grumps, but many more great people there. Just listen, you'll find them. (Try 3768 in the evening)
I too have always felt a sense of pride in being a ham. There is a lot of good stuff going on on all modes and on all frequencies. COMERCIAL BREAK...Consider getting involved in ARES and RACES...END OF COMERCIAL.
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by W4CNG on March 5, 2003
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Thanks for a great Positive article Don. Find out who is active in ARES/RACES in your area, they can always use additional motivated supporters. Yes, ignore the negative, and keep on the positive Fun side of Ham Radio. Hope to work you soon in or around one of the various pileups on HF!
Steve W4CNG
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by K0RGR on March 5, 2003
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Welcome to all the newcomers here, and what a refreshing change to hear that you are all happy!
By all means, be 'radio active'. Try as many different things as your time and budget will allow, and keep working to improve you station. If you can contribute to the development of the new technologies that keep exploding all around us, please do. If not, be supportive of those that can!
Get involved with your local radio club (St. Paul is a good one!) and maybe try some public service events, do Field Day, and go see what your local ham neighbors demo at their meetings.
I don't know what an Extra Lite is - are those of us who took the Extra back in the 70's 'Extra Heavies'?
I resemble that remark! Work on getting your code speed up so you can get bigger scores in the contests and actually enjoy using the mode...
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by W4WNT on March 5, 2003
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Congratulations and welcome to ham radio. I concur with all the comments to concentrate on the positive. Ham radio has lots of activities going on. Find a club, DX, VHF/UHF, general interest or whatever and get involved. Learn what can be found at hamfests, look for antennas in fleamarkets and look for new activities to involve yourself. Just when you think you've seen it all, someone will invent a new mode or a gadget that makes communicating easier.
Good luck, I hope to work you on the air soon.
Bill, W4WNT
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by N5XM on March 5, 2003
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Way to go, Don. I've been a Ham for 7 years, and I feel exactly like you do. I have a feeling that whoever Elmered you did it right! It is so wonderful to read positive things, as most stuff is someone telling us how wonderful and smart they are, or they or whining or complaining about some meaningless bullroar.
You will find your niche. Be patient. Don't worry about CW either. I would hope you might give it an extended try, as regardless of how old the mode may be, it gives great reward to those with the perserverence to develop some skill.
It is the hobby of a lifetime, that is for sure. Ham Radio is much more than operating, whatever might be your favorite mode. It is an attitude and a lifestyle. If you feel this way now, I would almost guarantee it will only get better for you. Don't worry about any idiots you run into, just don't let them upset you. I sure hope to run into you on the air sometime soon. A salute to you! Richard, n5xm
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by KC1MK on March 5, 2003
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Don,
Welcome to ham radio, and remember you earned your Extra. I was first licensed as a Novice in 1971, and I still remember how much fun I had operating CW on 80,40, and 15 meters with a Heathkit HW-16. I still enjoy ham radio very much, and it's one of my two main hobbies (the other is playing music, mostly bluegrass).
One of the great things about ham radio is that there are so many facets to explore. There's always something new to learn and experience. One of the other great things is the interesting people you meet. Like society at large, there are a few bad apples, but the vast majority of hams I have talked to over the years have been friendly and interesting, and I've learned a lot from them.
73,
Jeff, KC1MK
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by W5HTW on March 5, 2003
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Welcome! Glad you're here and glad you're loving it.
Make up your own mind! If you want to give 75 meters a try, do it - don't let someone else tell you it is a "bad band." It isn't. Lead yourself, don't let others lead you.
Listen, and not just to one frequency, whether it is 20, 10, 75, 40 or somewhere else - tune the band. You'll find cliques - or the "bad dudes" - on every band - guys (and sometimes gals - of every color) who only talk to their long time friends (though not as cliqueish as the spouse 'cell phone' conversations on 2 meters) and you'll find those who welcome you with open receivers. Pick the ones you like, on any band, ignore the ones you don't like, on any band, and don't automatically accept someone else's opinion as being the opinion YOU should have. Think. Listen. Choose. Do.
Explore the hobby. Don't close doors because someone tells you to. Figure it out yourself, and FOR yourself.
Welcome, and enjoy
73
Ed, W5HTW
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by KB5IAV on March 5, 2003
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First thing I'd like to say is welcome to ham radio. It's always great to see a new ham, especially someone with your enthusiasm for the hobby. You have made a good start and if you stay on that path, you'll be one great ham.
I started my ham career in December 1988, when I got my Novice license. 6 months later, I upgraded to General and then in August 1990, I did Advanced. I stayed at Advanced until January of this year, when I finally upgraded to Extra. I enjoy working CW too, but that 30-40wpm stuff isn't for me, I'm perfectly content with 10-15wpm on my straight key.
When I'm on the air, I always exercise a level patience with other hams like what you've described. How important that is really hit home early on in my ham career, when I worked a station in Alexandria, Louisiana, which was only around 90 miles from where I was living at the time(Lake Charles, LA), on 80 meter CW late one night. When I got the QSL card in the mail, I learned I had been talking with a blind ham because the card was in Braille. That card was one of my favorites, and still is a decade later.
In addition to new modes, try getting involved in public service events, such as providing communications with a group at public events. Try getting involved helping others learn about ham radio, or become a Volunteer Examiner. There are so many things hams do to give back while enjoying the hobby.
Don't let anyone tell you you aren't a real ham, because from what I see, you are. Don't worry about the "Extra Lite" thing. I'm a 13wpm Extra as opposed to a 5wpm Extra, does that make me an "Extra Medium?"
Welcome to ham radio, and I hope you stay with us for a long time to come,
73,
Jonathan, KB5IAV
http://www.qsl.net/kb5iav
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Welcome
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by JJ1BDX on March 5, 2003
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Don, welcome to the ham radio world, and congratulations for your Extra ticket.
I took JA no-code phone operator license on 1975, the station license of JJ1BDX in 1976, when I was 10, upgraded with a 5WPM telegraph operator license in 1979. I was indeed a kid then, but I had a dream of talking with North American people from Japan (remember no Internet in 1970s for a general public :-))
I once decided to quit amateur radio on 1992, however, after a whole bunch of pain and agony against packet radio networking using TCP/IP in Japan, mostly because of bullying by JA old timers. I was also chasing an illusion - doing a DX on 6m with a dipole, when 99.9% of 6m activists in Japan use 6 element yagi. No HF gear I could use then. I thought I lost interest in the amateur radio.
After ten years, on June 2002, when I knew the packet radio friends went into the good-old HF DXing exploration and after my recovery of a nearly-lethal allergic syndrome which lead to a hospitalization of three weeks, I decided to reactivate my license, following the friends. The only gear I could use was a 50W ICOM transceiver with an external tuner and a 7-meter length wire antenna, but thanks to the Cycle 23 condx, I found I could contact around the globe by CW. And my Internet skills helped me a lot to discover a huge resource, which didn't exist in 1992.
26 years after getting my first ticket, I realized I could really enjoy ham radio. HF below 30MHz is a lot of fun, even with a random wire! I have confirmed more than 100 DXCC entities, in less than 7 months. Of course including many American States and Canadian Provinces/Territories.
I decided to take exams for the JA 1st class operator license (equivalent to US Extra), because the JA 3rd class license did not allow me to QRV on 30m/20m bands, and the output limit of 50W. I passed the exam on December 2002, with some painful requirement of 80% solid copy of 12WPM English Morse code.Some JA OTs are picky on this because they had to also pass 10WPM (or 50-characters-per-minute) Japanese Katakana Morse code exam for their 1st class license, but I don't care those narrow-minded OTs; a first class op earns the first class anyway.
I should say the same on the 5WPM criticism from people who had to pass 20WPM exams; though 5WPM is rather slow on the air, the fact that you only pass the 5WPM exam does not restrict you from learning and improving your CW proficiency for higher speeds. Of course in the actual QSOs you should be capable to send/receive 20WPM or even faster on CW, but I respect the requests to QRS, becaust there's no legal requirement of faster code proficiency. So Don, don't be afraid of sending slow CW, and do request QRS if you need to do so. ARRL provides a very good learning material of W1AW Code Practice files, even in the MP3 format; I often listen to their practice files of 20WPM and faster for my own practice.
I should also say that the hardest part of ham radio exams is to understand the basics of electric/electronic circuitry and the math behind the theories, including complex numbers and polar coordinates. I know some JA friends who have passed the code exam element but still struggling to pass the radio-engineering exam element. So I guess those who have passed the Element 4 of FCC exam have achieved a lot!
Recently I also got the US 5WPM Extra license on February 2003 as AE6LI, by having all 4 exam elements in 2 hours, at an ARRL VE session in Tokyo. I studied a lot; I needed to concentrate on reviewing all the question pools, and I learned a lot about US FCC regulations, the background philosophy of American ham radio which is quite different from the Japanese one. I even had to fly from Osaka to Tokyo. So I am proud of being an Amateur Extra licensee. Next time when I visit the States I will surely activate my US license :-)
The good part of ham radio is that you can keep improving and learning new things, and find out people who you can share your thoughts. The bad part is that you need to tolerate people who have different attitudes, habits, or tastes, but that's what we all should do because we live in a society anyway.
So keep going, Don, and I hope to have a QSO with you soon.
73 de Joe JJ1BDX/3 es AE6LI
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RE: Welcome
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by WS4V on March 5, 2003
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Don, welcome to the hobby. Enjoy yourself! It's a fascinating hobby and it still amazes me when I reach someone in another country or another state for that matter. You've entered the hobby at a great time with technology. The best, I'm sure, is yet to come...73!
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by AE6AT on March 6, 2003
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I read all your comments up to this point after work today and I thank you for the advice, encouragement, stories and friendship. This response reinforces my belief that Hams are the most courteous, friendly and helpful people. What better group could there be to be "Ambassadors to the World" or to be a part of.
Respectfully from one operator to another,
Don
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by ZS5WC on March 6, 2003
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Welome Don!
Your enthuisiasm reminds me of my first experiences on the air here in South Africa (ZS).
To make the whole experience more memorable, I passed the 12wpm CW at one of our Anglo-Boer war commemorative special event stations-on tha actual battleground, beneath the thorn trees!.
You will meet Many intersting fellas on air-and some with less than wholesome manners as well-but it is a great hobby!.
Try some homebrewing-nothing like building your own station from scratch-The most rewarding experience ever-especially when the reports are totally flattering..
Have fun, see ya on the bands!
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by VK3YE on March 6, 2003
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A great read Don and welcome to AR!
However re your point about repeaters being only for 'purposeful' communication, I say don't worry about it! 99% of all our amateur communication could be considered 'trivial', 'unimportant' or not 'purposeful'. This includes 100% of the most interesting contacts you hear on the air! This is not a criticism, merely an observation. Besides, must all we do have a purpose?
'Calls to specific hams' and 'talking to people you know' on repeaters are just as purposeless as other amateur communication. They should not be considered to take priority over 'general calls' and 'talking to people you don't know'. Indeed it could even be argued that the latter is closer to that spirit of amateur radio than the former.
Any time a repeater is left idle, is a communications opportunity lost, never to return. Use repeaters as much as you please and do not hold back because you consider that your use of them is somehow less purposeful than others' use of them.
Of course this feeds back into the 'no activity on repeaters' threads, which I think could be related.
73, Peter VK3YE
www.radiofun.cjb.net
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KB9CRY on March 6, 2003
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Way to go Don and welcome. I concur with your observations that 99.9% of the radio operators I've come to know are top notch folks. Most are very willing to share their experiences, once you get them to open up and start talking.
If I may offer a method I used to increase my code speed and to do it via a live qso on CW. I too was very nervous striking up a qso on code; worried about making too many mistakes and forgetting where I was in a conversation. I developed a printed script. It's one page and on it I printed my qso information and also entered blank fields for the other person's info, like name, qth, antenna, power, etc. As you've heard, most CW qsos at least start out with the same information being passed back and forth, info as listed above. I vowed to do two qsos per day. I got on 40M and called cq, and/or called a station already on the air, and went by the script. Having the script already printed out helped me to remember my place when I sent my info; I just sent the info off the script. As I got more proficient, I embellished more and later found I didn't need the script. Try it and again, congrats. Cu in the pileups, Phil KB9CRY
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by MY_OPINION on March 6, 2003
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Welcome Don! Your article is a refreshing addition to the sometimes negative posts on eHam. Thanks for focusing on all of the benefits and pleasures of amateur radio. I think that your article reflects many of the best aspects of amateur radio and can serve as a reminder to the rest of us to focus on the positives!
73
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KB9WSL on March 6, 2003
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Great message! I have been a "Ham" almost two years. I began as a No-Code Tech but have passed my written General test. I am currently working on passing the "code". Might I suggest you join an "active" local amateur radio club. I did, and am now serving my 3rd year as Club Secretary. Just dive in and take the plunge....you'll be glad you did!!!
Tom Murray KB9WSL
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by N1RJA on March 6, 2003
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Don,
Congrads on passing your EXTRA! Great feeling, isn't it?! Forget about the guilt thing. You passed the test that was put before you, just like the rest of us. Your attitude is just simply infectious! What a breath of fresh air. It is hams like you that get me excited to have QSOs with. Ever considered digital operating on HF? As an avid digital operator myself, I'd love to QSO you on PSK31 or MFSK. Hope you consider it - you won't regret it!
73, Rick
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by WB2WIK on March 6, 2003
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Nice article, Don. Welcome to the hobby!
And don't let anyone cutting you off in traffic bother you. I've always driven, since my first hour behind the wheel almost 35 years ago, with the attitude that everyone is entitled to cut me off or do whatever they wish, and I couldn't care less. That was 1.4 million miles ago, and I've never had, or been in, an accident.
Keep up the good work!
73,
Steve, WB2WIK/6
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KC0LKE on March 6, 2003
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Hello, Don Goo job for getting you extra ticket. Im working on mineand I have also had my liscence for a year. I have liked about every contact. 73 KC0LKE
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by G3VGR on March 6, 2003
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Don,
I'm certainly glad you're getting plenty of enjoyment from Ham Radio. After hearing all the doom & gloom about how the hobby is deteriorating etc, it's so refreshing to hear from someone fired up with enthusiasm. My Old Timer's advice? - just carry on having fun
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by RobertKoernerExAE7G on March 6, 2003
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Congrats on your accomplishments!
"I am working on my code speed and have great respect for the time and effort it takes to get to 20 words per minute. Being a new Extra Class I feel guilty and not genuine at only having to pass the 5 word per minute code test and have vowed to get to 20 words per minute."
You can only take whatever test is offered. When you pass the test, you have earned your new ticket.
Your goal of 20WPM should bring you a lot of fun; and you will discover more about yourself in its pursuit.
I took my general test at an FCC office. Had to get up before the crack of dawn and drive over an hour to the test site. Plus find the building and be there in time for the test session. Didn't get a lot of sleep the night before.
The VEC program is so much NICER!
Took me a few years to get my extra. At the time, I was an extra light since I used the Bash Book to study from, and took the test with VEs from the first question pool.
Once you pass your test, the only thing that is important is good operating, and by my point of view, to help hams, and keep learning about our hobby.
Have FUN
Bob, headed thru my third sunspot cycle.
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KB1HVS on March 7, 2003
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It feels great huh? I was a swl for years. I learned code in sea scouts but never once bothered to become a ham operator. You will have a ball. Congrats! 73 de kb1hvs
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by AB8PR on March 7, 2003
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Having gotten my Extra under the new 5 WPM rules, I felt the same as you Don. Thing is, the rule changes aren't under our control. I had my 13 WPM General for about seven years and had a study book for getting my Advanced. Had to switch gears when they shuffled things around. :)
My opinion now, and is shared by most of the respondents, is that you have your ticket. How you got it isn't the issue, that you have it is. Be it 20 WPM or 5 WPM, it's an FCC mandated test that you passed, thus satisfying all the legal mumbo jumbo you need to operate. Don't let a few stuffed shirts tell you otherwise. You're not a fraud, you're not a 'cheater', and you're by no means not qualified. The fact you passed the test is proof enough of that. You're a bona fide ham, and thus welcome to the team.
See you on the airwaves.
Shane
AB8PR
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by WA2JJH on March 7, 2003
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Congadulations! Some have said the Extra Exam is as taxing as the old 1st class commercial raio telephone.
No CW required. I passed the 2nd class phone many years ago. Wanted to get my 1st class phone. Missed
by 6 points. By the time I wanted to take the first phone again, the FCC did away with it. So my commercial ticket says GENERAL RADIOTELEPHONE. No one
can tell if I passed the 1st phone.
Do not let the 5 WPM get you down. You earned your EXTRA, no if's and's or but's! I did not pass the 20 WPM until the CW test went to comprehension. the old EXTRA and General CW test was to copy random letters and numbers error free. Failed the 13 WPM twice.
You got advanced electronic theory down. It is up to you if you want to get your CW up or not.
You will encounter a few EXTRAS that passed the 20WPM
that will "COP A TUDE". A new friend who I met on Eham
is a vibroplex wizard. He can do 35WPM. He has a little joke about phone only people, but that is just his humor. Why he is not a comedy writter is beyond me.
Some feel that my 20 WPM test was comprehension, and not the harder random numbers and letters, make me
a less than EXTRA EXTRA.
On a good day I can only copy 10-13 WPM.
You passed the CW test. There are many that complain
that they should have to pass any CW test at all!
There is a movement to have a CW free testing system.
You should be very proud. I found the EXTRA just as hard as the 1st and 2nd class commercial test.
If you are interested, the Commercial phone test is given by FCC autherized testing centers. You just passed the extra, I am sure with a little study you can pass the commercial ticket. The ticket you get from the FCC looks 10X better than a ham ticket.
Since the FCC is out of the licensing business, General commercial class holders can get Commercial TV and Radio broadcasters licensed.
Just an idea. strike when the iron is hot!
Best of luck to you, and welcome. Hope to work you on the air. Remember you do have the first 25KHZ on most bands for CW. There are some EXTRA only vioce freqs too.
You could also get your speed up on CW in the novice segments.You will be doing a great service. Hey you might want to get up to 15-20WPM to use the EXTRA only CW portions.
That is incentive. If you can do CW at 10-20WPM, I do not think any EXTRA can say BOO to you.
Again congrats and 73 de WA2JJH
T
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KE2IV on March 7, 2003
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Okay, everyone, I think two things are obvious:
1) Don wrote a great piece and we are all thrilled.
and...it worked...
2) THE DRINKS ARE ON DON. YES, OH, YES, OH YES!!!
73 All,
George
KE2IV
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by WA2JJH on March 8, 2003
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When I first got my novice ticket, I was so nervous to operate CW. If you can get a few Ham buddies in the shack with you for yor first CW contacts. They can help you receiving the code from the sation your working. I had no problem transmitting. I got my ticket from the hall of science ham club.
There I was making my first CQ on 40M. Other hams helped me receive the code. I was nervous. After about
six CW QSO's, I did not need a second pair of ears.
Your first CW QSO you will never forget! If you operate CW for afew weeks you will be up to speed and greater. I know it is tempting just to go on 20 meter phone and forget about CW.
I often work the novice sections on CW. I think you
will find it a real thrill. Those first couple of CW QSO's. Before you know it your code speed will be up
to 10WPM. Then check out the general CW section.
You will be ready!
Also do not be intimidated by those sending at close to 40WPM. They have either been hams a long time, or some just use a commercial piece of software for your PC to decode the CW.
Best of 73 MIKE
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KA5G on March 10, 2003
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Don,
By now I'm sure your busting the buttons off your shirt with all these wonderful responses. Well keep right on busting. How refreshing to see positive comments on this site.
As stated many many times before. Your ticket doesn't say anything on it but Extra. How you got there doesn't matter any more. It's YOUR TICKET NOW!
Hope to catch you on the air...
73s
KA5G
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KC8Y on March 13, 2003
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Super on attaining your EXTRA---I was first licensed in 1967...went from novice, tech, general, advanced (20-years), got my extra about 7-years ago...very proud that I had achieved 20-wpm ...although not very active on the bands throughout my ham career, always kept upgrading my license...it's a GREAT hobby and you should be PROUD of yourself...hope to meet you on the air-sometime
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by KC8Y on March 13, 2003
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Super on attaining your EXTRA---I was first licensed in 1967...went from novice, tech, general, advanced (20-years), got my extra about 7-years ago...very proud that I had achieved 20-wpm ...although not very active on the bands throughout my ham career, always kept upgrading my license...it's a GREAT hobby and you should be PROUD of yourself...hope to meet you on the air-sometime
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My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by WB8ROL on May 1, 2003
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Congrats on the Extra license. And don't worry about the code unless it truely interests you. I still can copy and send 20 wpm and higher BUT don't use it any more I find other things in Ham radio that are much more exciting to me. What really matters is that you do what interests YOU and not necessarily what others think you should do.
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RE: My Perspective as a Newcomer
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by CROWN1 on February 14, 2005
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HEAVENS !!! I just signed up onthe internet for HAM
but I am at sea just do not know which should be my next step.
Where do I begin and where do I go - Iam in Toronto, Canada
Million thanks
Agnel
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