Am I a HAM ???
Henri de Wet (N5KA)
on
October 11, 2003
View comments about this article!
Here is a quote from someone on another "reflector".
QUOTE:
You know I've never seen a hobby that is so filled with people who want to keep others out. I have to wonder why anyone would WANT to be a HAM when post like that are the "greeting" they get.
I've been a HAM for almost 10 years and have an Extra Class ticket, yet I'm "not a real ham" because:
1. I didn't take my test in front of the FCC
2. I only had to pass a 5wpm CW test
3. I am under 70 years old
5. I have not been in the hobby for 40+ years
6. My radio is solid state
7. I have a PC in my "shack"
8. My shack isn't a shack
If you keep this "private club" attitude up you'll find that the bans are going to be very empty !!!!!!!
I need to find a new hobby...this one just isn't fun anymore!
UNQUOTE
I am just plain tired of reading this kind of nonsense, and I wish some of the folks out there would "get a life", and try to make it fun - it works, you know.
I also:
1. Did not take my test in front of an FCC inspector, admittedly I took a 20wpm test and passed,
2. I am under 70 years old,
3. My radio IS solid state,
4. I use a P/C extensively in my "shack",
5. My "shack" is also not a real shack - I operate from our living room.
I challenge anyone out there to tell me I am not a real RADIO AMATEUR in the true sense of the word - but I do something about making it FUN.
I have worked 300 countries overall, more than 175 countries on each of 7 HF bands, WAS on each of SSB and CW on each of 6 HF bands, I am the "lead" VE in our club's VE team, I give regular code practice to interested parties, I was Field Day Manager for our club this year, I work 5 different digital modes, I have organized antenna "parties" to help disabled hams, etc., etc.
HOW ABOUT SOME OF YOU WHINERS OUT THERE DOING JUST A FRACTION OF THAT, AND SEE IF YOU DO NOT FEEL LIKE A "REAL" RADIO HAM.
Instead of just whining, get out there and EARN the privilege to be accepted -- yes, it is not a RIGHT, it is a PRIVILEGE, and the sooner you accept that the sooner you will get out of your RUT and have FUN.
73, Henri -- N5KA
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KF4MGH on October 11, 2003
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I wonder the same thing sometimes. " I'm I a real ham?"
I have a technician class licence w/no cw under my belt. I get accuse of being a Chicken Bander all the time and get looked down on for not expanding my hobby. Thats it, it is "My Hobby" so why must I be forced to upgrade if I am happy where I am at during this point in my life. I may in the future. But give me the reconigtion for what I have accomplished, please.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by CODEBASHER on October 11, 2003
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Thechnican with out code are "Ham's" also now wether or not the Generals and Extras accept that fact or not is up to them. They were brought up with the attitude "Novice" is only a 1 year ticket and they MUST upgrade or loose thier ticket! However the RULES changed and they didn't. S the Technician graded is nothing to them but an entry level and should be limited to a corner of the hobby, (not in "thier" end of the bands) unless you learn the coded. and when the pro-code group sees the FCC petitions to eliminate the code they figure that we (thats the technicians) have put them up to it. If you look at the petitions before the FCC it was Generals and Extras that made the petitions. However they (pro-code group) think it's gong to allow CB activity on Ham bands (they already have that with them knowing code!)And automaticly catagorize ALL Tech's into this group...right, wrong or indifferent. However they do this catagorizing without getting to know any of us, Just throw the cat out with the litter, thinking we all stink.
This is evident from the past code/no-coded postings.
I am not whinning, for I don't care if the code is dropped or not, I have had some real good 2mDX as well as some excellent 6m contacts.
As I homebrew all my antennas, Battery back-up system (2-350AH 6v cells) I can go without commercial power for about a month before I need to crank up my 5500 A enerator for the radio setup (I do not use any manufactured power supplies).
To all those Technicians: the issue of the code is in the hands of the FCC not the current Ham community, we only give the FCC out comments.
I think I have said this without calling anyone names or referencing anyone as a CBer. keeping my opinion civil. Spelling cops have at it. You can probably find enough spelling errors to complain. We will see if I get flamed or not
73's de N0KLU, Mike
Rolla, Missouri
NCI-4743
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KD7KGX on October 11, 2003
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Anyone with an amateur license is a ham... so why is there antagonism between long-time hams and new licensees?
I think the reasons are twofold. First, many new hams (like many people who are new to any hobby) think that because they've read a book and passed a test they are instant experts, and hit the bands like the proverbial "bull in a china shop." These are the type of folks who tune up next to a QSO they want to join, use improper procedures on a repeater (they may be what is in the book, but they're not what the regulars use, and because of this the newbie inadvertantly interferes with others holding a QSO), run lots of power and too much volume on PSK31 and splatter all over the band, or commit other minor operational errors and yet won't ask for, or accept, help or suggestions from others. Many new hams criticize long-standing traditions or operating practices without a full understanding of why these exist, and again argue against any disagreement with their limited experience as being "old-fashioned."
Second, many old hams are rather crusty and acerbic, and perhaps because they feel threatened by many of the newer, younger faces entering the hobby under terms which are admittedly not as difficult as those THEY had to pass before being licensed. The ham hobby expanded greatly after WWII, with hundreds of thousands of government-trained radio operators released into the general population, and these folks were trained to a level of operational and technical skill that comparatively few of us will ever attain. They needed that training in the military because lives depended on it. As hams that training was invaluable because commercial radios were few and far between, and hams had to be able to build and fix their own gear. Now that today's ham can whip out the plastic and buy a station with capabilities that these older hams could never have envisioned 30 years ago, our NEED to be as highly-trained has diminished... we can buy equipment, from antennas to automatic antenna tuners to Morse code decoders and keyboard senders, that can make the moderately skilled and technically adept newbie the operational equivalent of the old-timer, at least until the power goes out and all of that fancy equipment can't be used as a crutch... when it's just us and our battery-powered keyer and our paddle and our battery-powered transceiver and our pencil and pad.
Newbies have to recognize that respect isn't given... it's earned. So you read a book, studied for a week or two and got your Tech license. Congratulations... you are now ready to LEARN. You are not an expert, and it would be good sense and good manners to emulate more experienced hams and accept their advice without taking offense. You have the right to your opinion on the code, licensing requirements, etc., but don't be offended if more experienced hams value the opinions of their peers over yours. Do expect to be treated courteously, but don't expect to be treated with the same respect when it comes to amateur-radio-related matters as an Expert with decades of operating experience who has run into and overcome the problems that still stump you.
Old-timers need to recognize that without new blood the hobby will slowly die, and to realize that if they value traditions and long-established procedures, then they are responsible for passing them on to the newbies... and also for passing along the logic behind the traditions and procedures. Remember that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, and that telling people how to do it right is a far better approach than denigrating them for doing it wrong. Be willing to talk to new hams and if you run across someone who is doing something wrong, offer to explain what is wrong and how to fix it rather than condemming the offender as a 'lid.' Most important is to be a good example to new hams.
This, combined with a little chilling on behalf of everyone, would go a long way to fix the antagonism between newbies and the old-timers.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by CODEBASHER on October 11, 2003
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Passing this along from the ARRL letter:
==>FCC INVITES COMMENTS ON ADDITIONAL MORSE CODE-RELATED PETITIONS
The FCC has sounded the bell to begin Round 2 of the Morse code debate by
inviting public comment on another group of seven Morse-related petitions
for rulemaking. The FCC put the petitions on public notice October 8, and
comments are due by November 7. Members of the amateur community may make
their opinions known on any or all of these filings using the FCC's
Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) <http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/>.
The petitions are RM-10805 through RM-10811.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W4WCC on October 11, 2003
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Just because you have the ticket doesn't mean you're a ham.A true ham has love and respect for the hobby.If you truly love what you are doing,you will strive to learn more about it-and in that learning process grow to love it even more.What you did to get the ticket has nothing to do with it-it's what you do after!
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by HAMSHARK on October 11, 2003
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N5KA,
Congratulations on being a "Real Ham" (and yes, you most certainly are a real ham), and I hope you get many more years of satisfaction from this great avocation.
I have been licensed for 30 years, took two amateur exams and two commercial tests in front of FCC Engineers, hold a 20 wpm Extra ticket, and am sick and tired of the vile treatment given to newcomers in Amateur Radio by many of my peers, the "other" old-timers.
You know how one or two hecklers at a press conference can command all the attention? It's a lot like that here, too. A few angry old men making a lot of noise does not represent the majority of the elders in this hobby. I, for one, take a progressive position and believe Amateur Radio, like anything else, needs to adapt and change with the times. I know many "OF's" that do not align themselves with the bile-filled characters that often hang out in these forums like snipers, looking to exact some sort of revenge. Keep you head up, and be proud.
Congratulations on your Amateur Radio accomplishments. I am glad you are a part of this great hobby. We need more like you.
Rock On!
HAMSHARK
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Am I a HAM ???
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by G5FSD on October 11, 2003
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If all your friends and family think you're a ham, then by golly you ARE a ham. Having a licence/callsign proves it. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
This is YOUR hobby, don't let any grumpy old men spoil it for you. If you don't live up to their expectations that's their tough luck. Keep to the rules and enjoy your interest!
73
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KB9ERU on October 11, 2003
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If you have an Amateur Radio call sign issued to you by the FCC, then you are a ham, regardless of rank.
That's pretty bad when a bunch of old farts tell you otherwise... You would have thought that their parents would have taught them better than that...
Things like this keep the hobby from being promoted. I bet those types don't want the hobby promoted; they just want to pop a squat on "their" frequency and complain.
I guess they feel like too many hams will take up "their" frequency :)
Keep on hamming, and don't let anyone tell y'all otherwise!
Mick KB9ERU
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KC2SSB on October 11, 2003
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Hey Eham moderators! Haven't we beat THIS dead horse enough? QRZ.COM finally got wise and is removing any code/no code posts. Why not follow suit!?
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KB9YUR on October 11, 2003
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Is someone who obtained a drivers license 30+ years ago a 'real driver' vs someone
who obtained the license just 3 years ago ?!?
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KG4RUL on October 11, 2003
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I am a Tech licensed on 02/02/02. I consider myself to be more of a "Ham" than most I have encountered. I am a Navy Mars operator. I work the Amateur satellites. I have built my own azimuthe/elevation rotor comntroller interface and writen DOS software to control it. I am exploring APRS, PSK31, WSJT and various digital operating modes. I am writing logging program. I have operated in two Field Days. I am about to operated in my second JOTA. I have participated in several VHF contests, several times as a Rover station. I am Vice-President of our Radio Club, Public Information Officer, Net Control for our weeky 2Meter net and publish the Club Newsletter. I have a soldering iron and have actually used it for projects. And yes, I am only 57 years and, I am waiting for the code requirement to be dropped.
I am sorry if I don't measure up in others eyes.
Dennis - KG4RUL
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K3BU on October 11, 2003
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>>Just because you have the ticket doesn't mean you're a ham.A true ham has love and respect for the hobby.If you truly love what you are doing,you will strive to learn more about it-and in that learning process grow to love it even more. What you did to get the ticket has nothing to do with it-it's what you do after! <<
Precisely, Amen, Ditto!
The best "ham school" back in old days was SWLing. It gave you chance to observe, learn and grow to be a real ham, before jumping in like a bull in a china shop. It took tens of years for hams to fine tune the operating manners, be self policing and respecting each other. If someone insists on bringing CB and other bad manners into ham radio, that will not put them in being "real HAM" position, it will cause bands to deteriorate to CB like "operating". There are some written and unwritten rules and those wishing to join this noble hobby/sport/public service should first observe, listen around, adjust and join the rest so we can all enjoy it.
If we hear bad operating practices, we should politely notify the budding ham, maybe they do not know better. If it doesn't help, well, they will keep demonstrating their ignorance and be dumped on and feel unHAMy. There are all kinds of people and that reflects on HAMs too, we get our portion of bad apples.
Keep it clean, be nice, it is only a hobby!
Yuri, K3BU
p.s.
You want to find out if you are a Big Gun HAM? Get into contesting. Each contest is new competition and by showing how well you can place, you demonstrate how good of a Ham are you and no need to care what anyone says. In contesting everything comes together, tech skils, operating, propagation, endurance. You will not find bad ham amongst contesters (maybe occasional cheater, but that is usualy short lived).
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W3DCG on October 11, 2003
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Hello Code Basher, and all monitoring-
I guess I'm more apt to flame and name call UPs...
Unidentified Posters, hi.
Tnx for the ID. Now I feel like I'm on the ham bands and will refrain from name calling and such.
I must admit, I have no generator here, and I mistakenly bought a Pegasus when I probably should have gotten somethine other- something useful, like HF-UHF portable transceiver I could use if the power went out. I simply could not resist the temptation of a full featured IFDSP super duper QSK, FB SSB radio alive in my computer. I am addicted and reliant on High Tech, too.
Whenever I am looking at the Pegasus and operating the Kenwood beside it, I occasionally comprehend the lameness of that purchase decision.
In this case CW being merely an aspect of a most excellent hobby, in my book, I must consider N0KLU as better than I.
And hey, what is:
NCI-4743
?
I am under 40, all my rigs are solid state, and if anyone is interested in a FB Pegasus, I'd consider trades-selling so I might be able to operate on emergency power for extended periods and be a REAL HAM.
I may love and know CW, it may be my primary motivation and activity in the hobby at present, but in deference to the Service aspect of the hobby, it is hard to consider one-self a REAL ham if they possess not the ability to operate with via independent power sources.
73.
W3DCG ok for now.
W3DCG confined to HT tri-band spectrum low power if GA Power service is interrupted.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KC0HST on October 11, 2003
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Yes! You ARE a ham. Are you real?...I can't say for sure. The only evidence I have is some ASCII characters coming across my internet connection, hi hi.
73 Paul
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K4FAU on October 11, 2003
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I actually think being told you are not the average "ham" should be taken as a compliment.. judging from what I have seen at the last two hamfest that I have attended (Shelby and Augusta)...
as for me its pretty simple -- you got a call sign -- your a ham... and why do you even care what other people say -- really -- who gives a crap.... I got my Amatuer Extra 20 years ago -- and the only time I ever used code was the time I took the test ... I couldn't send an SOS if my life depended on it -- but hey -- the IATC and FCC says that no one uses code anymore so why should I care...
Me i find it great that there are tons of more poeple on the HF bands now to talk to.. sure there not Americans becuase we are hung up on this code/no code thing... but last night I talked to two guys from Sweden and from Germany that just got into HF becuase their country dropped the code requirment... they were on new clean crisp clear equipment .. used the right terminology .. and was a pleasure to work the airwaves with ....
The only ones that are losing out are us, the Americans ... I don't hear any other contry at all complaining that more of their people are getting into a hobby .. just us...
To bad though that the only ones that are on the losing end of this are the Americans ... for those that think that the FCC is going to make a decision in the next few months are crazy -- the FCC normally has a fielding plan process that takes 48 months from the time that a final petition is approved -- and they are still in the process of going through at least 16 petitions .. and have only got through 7 so far ..
so the simply math is that they will not make a decison until probably 2008 -- think about it - they have to allow every petition to be processed, voted on by the subcommittee (which contrary to popular opinion ARRL has absolutley nothing to do with), discussed with the FCC lawyers, voted on by the FCC sub committee, then forumed, then discussed with the FCC executive office .. the NO Code Tech took almost 10 years from the time the first petition was filed...
so my advice would be -- suck it up ... learn the code.. get the license... never use the code ... but at least you won't be 85 years old before you get your license...
Brian
Amatuer Extra
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KC8YIU on October 11, 2003
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I recently received my tech ticket at age 47 and didn't realize that there was so much resentment to wards us newbies with the way we got our license.If they want the hobby to die that will probably help it along.I haven't bought a radio yet and don't know if i will at this point.I heard talk about maybe they should retest before renewing a license. Maybe they should I don't really know, this is a hobby I thought but if they should retest for this then they should also retest for driving privileges,how about taking a 9th grade proficiency test like the kids do now to receive diploma from high school.
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Am I a HAM ???
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by WR8D on October 11, 2003
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RE N5KA Well Henri you're a ham in my book. Let me explain what is going on here and what all the fuss is about.
It does'nt matter to any of us if a person has waivered the code with a doctors help years ago. Or if they are a nocode tech...or a 20 wpm extra. What all the fuss is about is the type of person many of us has had experiance with lately on the bands. These folks have no respect for anyone. Have no pride in their license. Generally they just want to go against the grain and do things to tick others off. They want to use cb handles and say 10-4 on the hf bands and on 2 meters. Usually they are just doing this to tick older hams off. Now there's plenty of nice folks that have never heard or experianced any of this. Most times they think the ones of us that have are making it up. Its very serious though and happening in more and more places now across the country. We call these folks "cb types".
Many of the guys and gals that have been a ham for at least 10 years will just put them all in the same bucket so to speak and then lash out at all the folks with a nocode or lowcode ticket. This is what you're seeing and what all the stink is about though.
Most of us always help new hams. Some of us are more fortunate than others but thats just the way the system is in Americia. We all help new folks in the hobby. What we're seeing now though is a type of person that will cuss you out if you try to elmer them. They dont want to use "good amateur practice" on the bands. They were the type that played music on cb and cussed and thats the same type of operating they do on the hambands.
The older hams are simply afraid if the tests are made any easier then more and more of these hard core types will be showing up. Thats the bottom line.
It does'nt matter if you have one little radio in the corner of a living room. Or if you have a big shack like i have. None of us look down on anyone. It does'nt matter if you're 12 or 70. It makes no differance if you run solid state or have old tube gear. What makes the differance is when you come to the hambands...have pride in your license...observe good amateur practices...obey all rules. This is what makes a ham.
Get on the air and have a good time. All this mess will sort its self out sooner or later. If you are'nt one of these cb types then dont pay any attention to the comments directed at these types of folks. Hopefully they will go away.
73
John WR8D
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by WA9SVD on October 11, 2003
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You're a "HAM" if you have a license. That said, a "Real HAM" will be someone who follows the rules and regulations (that goes without saying) is courteous to other operators and Follows the Amateur Code (Corny? Maybe, but it's not a bad code to by which to live, or operate)and tries to improve their operating skills and knowledge of the various aspects of Amateur Radio. And most of all, is enthusiastic about Amateur Radio and is willing to share his enjoyment of the hobby with others, "OF's" and "newbies" alike.
OK, IMHO. Good operating to all, and have fun!
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KD5UJX on October 11, 2003
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"p.s.
You want to find out if you are a Big Gun HAM? Get into contesting. Each contest is new competition and by showing how well you can place, you demonstrate how good of a Ham are you and no need to care what anyone says. In contesting everything comes together, tech skils, operating, propagation, endurance. You will not find bad ham amongst contesters (maybe occasional cheater, but that is usualy short lived)."
I disagree. I think contesting is a great way to get Mic shy new hams on the air. "KD5UJX you are 5/9, QRZ" That’s all you do. You don't have to sound intelligent. You don't have to know "Engeneese" speak. You just get on, make contacts and move on as fast as you can. This was how I got on HF for the first time. Our club was running a "special events" station, and I didn't want to get on the air as I had never made a contact on HF before. My club president sat me down and said give out the call (W5C). With in 10 minutes I was making contacts like an old pro. My jitters were gone! It was a blast!
That said, I do not fine contesting to be the best way to "demonstrate how good of a Ham are you ". Don't get me wrong, there is an "art" to contesting, I watched in awe at field day as K5YKX hammered out contact after contact for our total score. This man was a demon! But, this to me is not "Ham" radio. Ham radio to me is making the obscure contact, sitting and "rag chewing" for a half hour, helping a new ham with a problem, tweaking that last bet of punch out of your rig, THAT is ham radio to me, not sitting there hour after hour, "you are 5/9, QRZ".
Flame on brothers,
73 de KD5UJX
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KD5UJX on October 11, 2003
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"p.s.
You want to find out if you are a Big Gun HAM? Get into contesting. Each contest is new competition and by showing how well you can place, you demonstrate how good of a Ham are you and no need to care what anyone says. In contesting everything comes together, tech skils, operating, propagation, endurance. You will not find bad ham amongst contesters (maybe occasional cheater, but that is usualy short lived)."
I disagree. I think contesting is a great way to get Mic shy new hams on the air. "KD5UJX you are 5/9, QRZ" That’s all you do. You don't have to sound intelligent. You don't have to know "Engeneese" speak. You just get on, make contacts and move on as fast as you can. This was how I got on HF for the first time. Our club was running a "special events" station, and I didn't want to get on the air as I had never made a contact on HF before. My club president sat me down and said give out the call (W5C). With in 10 minutes I was making contacts like an old pro. My jitters were gone! It was a blast!
That said, I do not fine contesting to be the best way to "demonstrate how good of a Ham are you ". Don't get me wrong, there is an "art" to contesting, I watched in awe at field day as K5YKX hammered out contact after contact for our total score. This man was a demon! But, this to me is not "Ham" radio. Ham radio to me is making the obscure contact, sitting and "rag chewing" for a half hour, helping a new ham with a problem, tweaking that last bet of punch out of your rig, THAT is ham radio to me, not sitting there hour after hour, "you are 5/9, QRZ".
Flame on brothers,
73 de KD5UJX
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Am I a HAM ???
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by K0RFD on October 11, 2003
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Oh, I don't think the problem is confined to Ham radio.
I like to flyfish. That's not to say I've never fished with a worm, a lure, or PowerBait(TM). Just that sometimes, for reasons known only to me, I find it relaxing to stand in a river and wave a 9-foot stick over my head.
Within the flyfishing community, there are those who look down their noses at bait fishermen, at lure fishermen, at anyone who fishes with a graphite rod instead of a bamboo rod, at anyone who fishes with a nymph instead of a dry fly, and especially at anyone who learned to flyfish AFTER the movie "A River Runs Through It". Sound familiar?
The world is full of people who need to feel superior to somebody else, even if they're not.
I've never had a bad time fishing. And I've never had a bad time on the radio.
If you're licensed, use your radio, obey the rules, operate courteously, and elmer others, you're a Real Ham. Now get on the radio, enjoy yourself, and quit worrying about it.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KD5HIY on October 11, 2003
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Ill have to agree with this articles. the next generation is moving in with the oldtimers and using modern stuff too.
chris
kd5hiy
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by AE4X on October 11, 2003
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If you have a passion for radio, enjoy it as a hobby and are licensed by your country's government to operate radio in the designated amateur radio frequencies while abiding by the rules and regulations you're a HAM.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by TECH2003 on October 11, 2003
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I am sam.
Do you like greaen eggs and ham?
I do not like them, Sam I am.
I do not like green eggs and ham.
I do not like in a house.
I do not like them with a mouse.
I do not like them here or there.
I do not like them anywhere.
Would you eat them in a box?
Would you eat them with a fox?
Not in a box.
Not with a fox.
Not I a house.
Not with a mouse.
I would not eat them here or there.
I would not eat them anywhere.
Would you?
Could you?
In a car?
Eat them!
Eat them!
Here they are.
I would not, could not in a car.
You may like them.
You will see.
You may like them in a tree.
I would not, could not in a tree.
Not in a car.
I do not like green eggs and ham.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
A train. Atrain.
Could you, would you on a train?
Not on a train. Not in a Tree.
Not in a car. Sam. Let me be.
I do not eat green eggs and ham.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.
…
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by RobertKoernerExAE7G on October 11, 2003
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Why pull some inane ranting from another site, post it here, and respond to it?
"I challenge anyone out there to tell me I am not a real RADIO AMATEUR in the true sense of the word.."
Why would you care if anyone did?
What would you do if someone did?
Argue with them?
Why bother?
Bob
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Am I a HAM ???
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by ON4MGY on October 11, 2003
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Interesting question!! You're for sure a ham! But am I??
I passed the morse test here in Belgium, but I've never made one CW-QSO!
I don't have a tower or a beam, I'm just using my small vertical antenna.
I don't have a FT1000MP MK V or IC-756 PRO II, I'm just using a 20-year old TS-830.
I don't own an amplifier, but am using 100 Watts max.
I did work 144 countries in 11 months.
I had some QSO's on satellite.
On 144 MHz I've worked 20 countries and had some MS contacts.
I'm using SSB, PSK31 and RTTY for my QSO's.
I've worked all continents, including Antarctica, in 2 weeks.
I'm always looking to work some nice dx (yes, that's possible with a vertical and 100 Watts!!)
Am I a ham?
Yes, because I'm using the ham-bands and I'm having fun.
Yes, because I'm always trying out some new modes or bands for me, even when I'm very limited in space and money.
Our radio-hobby is a great hobby with lots of posibility's, so everyone can use the band, mode or operating style he likes. Just have fun and enjoy our wonderfull hobby!!!!!!!
73 to all ham's from ON4MGY Nic
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W5HTW on October 11, 2003
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Got a valid ham license? If the answer is "Yes" then you are a ham.
The question arises in what do you do with that license. If you sit at the keyboard and "work" the internet, you are not "doing" ham radio. If you get on the air, whether it's on VHF, UHF, or HF, then you are "doing" ham radio.
If you are licensed, you are a ham.
Next question: Do you use ham radio? Or do you use the internet? (It's OK to do both.) The answer to that may determine whether or not you are actually participating in ham radio, or perhaps you are into ham internet, which is talking about ham radio (like we are not) but without a radio.
"You don't get no respect?" Maybe you don't show any. Maybe you have no respect for those who have been in the hobby many years longer than you. Perhaps you came into the hobby thinking you have learned it all in a few days or a few weeks, or even a few months. Well, it isn't just ham radio that will be aggravating. Almost any activity you could enter where you walk in new to it and tell those who have been doing it for a long, long time, that YOU have all the answers, will get you shunned. Whether it's ham radio, golf, fishing, flying, hunting, football, engine rebuilding, etc.
It's really YOUR attitude that sets the stage. Want to be an expert? Listen and learn. Want to be accepted? Keep in mind you are the newcomer, and there are many before you with far, far more experience, and probably more knowledge, than you.
Finally, don't come in to change. Come in to enjoy what is there. Changes can come, but don't make them on your first day.
73
Ed
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Am I a HAM ???
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by N3JI on October 11, 2003
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Gents,
Sorry, but I have to disagree with those of you that say that "If you have a 'ticket', then you're a Ham". I say that if you have a license, then you're lincensed to be an Amateur Radio Operator. To be an Amateur Radio Operator, you have to OPERATE!!! I don't care if it's on 2m FM, PSK31, or CW. I also don't care if you're an Extra (whichever flavor), a Technician, or even a Novice (yes, there are a few still around!!). Just get on the air and use your priveleges!!
If you want to be an "Outstanding" Amateur Radio Operator, show others how to do what you do, and set an example!!
I rarely ever post, but I couldn't resist this one -- excellent post, Henri!!
I didn't take my test in front of the FCC, but was Elmered properly.
I'm not even HALFWAY to 70 yet!!
I passed my 20WPM code test, but not intentionally!! Just wanted 13 & Advanced.
I haven't been a Ham for 20 years, but I've been licensed since 1987, and been active since '93.
I DO run tube gear on AM, but I also work the satellites (including AO-40), and have solid-state rigs with a pro audio chain.
My shack is my garage, and I use a PC in it (sometimes).
I've been the Field Day Coordinator, and a Director in two clubs.
I have no idea how many countries I've worked, but it's over 100 -- I don't chase DX for the "Paper".
Bottom line is that if you want to "feel like a ham", get involved!! Help with Field Day, JOTA, a special event, or organize a multi-op contest run with some friends. Before you know it, you'll be talking on the local repeaters about the event you're planning and getting others involved, too. When I first moved to Dallas almost 4 years ago, I didn't know a soul. I got involved with the local club and haven't looked back.
To the guy asking whether or not a driver for 3 years is a "real driver", ask the insurance companies. There's a reason you get a break when you turn 25!!
I whole-heartedly agree with the statement that your first license is a lisense to learn. However, I think all licenses are licenses for learning. I've been an Extra since '95, and I'm still learning. I fail to see how anyone can be in this hobby and not learn. There are too many facets and technology is continuously advancing -- no one could keep up with EVERYTHING!!
Good Luck and 73 to all,
Joe,
N3JI
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K3DML on October 11, 2003
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The best way to make sure our hobby stays strong is to elmer someone into the hobby. The highest compliment paid to any ham is when some calls him/her 'Elmer". My friend introduced me as his elmer to his friends at his most recent birthday party. He just turned 90 and got his ticket 10 years ago. He upgraded quickly to Advanced. Plus he is a whiz on his computer as well.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KG4PFO on October 11, 2003
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I sure consider myself a HAM...............
I have a room full of equipment.....but find myself ALWAYs operating state of the art....from my bedroom shack...:->
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Am I a HAM ???
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by K0RGR on October 11, 2003
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Ham Radio is a fraternity, and those who've passed the test - whatever that test may be - to qualify for any kind of a license are members of that fraternity.
Unfortunately, ever since a 5 WPM license (the Novice) was instituted back in the 1950's, there has been a vocal minority convinced of their superiority. Back then, they would proclaim that they would not work any "Lids, kids, or space cadets". The descendents of these invertebrates are still with us, proclaiming themselves self-made men, and worshipping their maker!
There is one big advantage to learning the code. It doesn't matter if you are black, white, 14, or 94, a high school grad or an MD, you basically sound the same on the air! I used to work 'Jim' on CW 3 or 4 times a week. I always thought he was a lot like me, until one day, after years of CW QSOs, I met 'Jim' and found out that he was black. I had another black friend my own age, Tom, who was a great CW operator, too. This may sound strange to you in 2003, but in 1965, before integration really happened, this was big news! I don't know how many YL's named Kim or Terry I have called OM until corrected. I had several real OT's that would call me when they heard me on.
Of course, some people are complaining that those licensed since the 5 WPM tickets came along aren't really any good at CW!
Please accept my apology on behalf of the amaterur fraternity for any of the morons who have tried to make you feel that you don't really belong.
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Am I a HAM ???
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by W2LJ on October 11, 2003
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I'm getting real tired of this "real Ham" (excuse my language ...) crap! Did you study to get your license? Did you pass a test? Do you get on the air? Do you make contacts?
Congratulations! You're a real Ham. End of story!
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Am I a HAM ???
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by LU1YNE on October 11, 2003
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The answer is easy...
This is taken from Paul M. Segal, he wrote it in the 40´s. It was then taken by Fancisco J. Rojas (YV3BX) as a base to his work and translated to Spanish. I couln´t find the original version, but translated YV3BX´s version into understandable English, at least that´s what I think.
THE RADIO HAM IS:
I – Gentleman/Noble: He acts with nobility and kindness. The nobility makes him to be generous and the kindness influences him to be a honest man.
II – Cordial: He have to be affectionate and sincere showing love and frankness.
III – Careful: Trying hard to care for his language to be correct, appropriate and decent. He will never commit even the most little blameworthy lack of refinement.
IV – Diligent: Active, responsible, when taking charge of any management, he will accomplish it without any delay until the end.
V – Organized: He doesn’t interfere his work hours or home obligations, with the tasks of the radio.
VI – Patriot: He will ever praise his country without falling in exaggerations. He will never transmit concepts that degrade his fatherland, he needs to know that his words represent it in front of the world, and that’s why he have to do it seriously.
VII – Progressive: That’s why he have to be up to date in what respects to activities of the radio hams in the world. If he can, he will participate and enjoy the different subjects that the hobby offers.
VIII – Responsible: He will not offer what he can’t accomplish. He will confirm every first contact with the respective QSL card. It is an unavoidable duty, because of gentility and courtesy.
IX – Serviceable/Kind: His biggest pride is to serve humanity. He won’t lessen efforts to fulfill these obligations.
X – Truthful: He will never transmit data or information of which he has any doubts or that are unknown for him.
While we argue about it, and even about code/no code, these guys clearly knew what it is to be a radio ham 6 decades ago ...
73, and think about it.
Ed - LU1YNE
lu1yne@yahoo.com.ar
http://www.lu1yne.tk
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Ham shmam
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by VE7AZC on October 12, 2003
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Ham Shmam ... who gives a ...
This is just another hobby. When I get tired of it, I'm sure that another hobby will be there.
H
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KA4KOE on October 12, 2003
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I'm not a real ham at all. I'm a SPAM operator. Just takes a little key to open up the bands....good for most anything.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W0OOW on October 12, 2003
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I agree with the what you do after! Having a ticket is not the same as using it. I remember back when I "finally" made it to black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I was told that "now" I was approved to begin. Begin? A ham radio ticket is only the beginning. What is your attitude? Do you just possess a ticket, or do you at least want to be involved? Some persons are limited in time, but still manage to get on as time allows. They don't just possess a ticket, they actually use it when they can and most likely wish they had more time. A ham? Use the license when you can and get involved to the best of your ability!
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KQ6YF on October 12, 2003
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"Am I a HAM ???
by LU1YNE on October 11, 2003
The answer is easy...
This is taken from Paul M. Segal, he wrote it in the 40´s. It was then taken by Fancisco J. Rojas (YV3BX) as a base to his work and translated to Spanish. I couln´t find the original version, but translated YV3BX´s version into understandable English, at least that´s what I think..."
The twice translated version of the amateur code seems to have picked up a lot on its trip through 2 languages. For what it's worth, this is the 1978 version of Paul Segal's words. The ellipses are in the original as published in the 78 handbook.
The Amateur's Code
ONE
The amateur is considerate ...He never knowing uses the air in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.
TWO
The Amateur is Loyal ...He offers his loyalty, encouragement and support to his fellow amateurs, his local club, and to the American Radio Relay League, through which the amateur is represented.
THREE
The Amateur is Progressive ...He keeps his station abreast of science. It is well built and efficient. His operating practice is above reproach.
FOUR
The Amateur is Friendly ...Show and patient sending when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others; these are the marks of the amateur spirit.
FIVE
The Amateur is Balanced ...Radio is his hobby. He never allows it to interfere with any of the duties he owes to his home, his job, his school, or his community.
SIX
The Amateur is Patriotic ...His knowledge and his station are always ready for the service of his country and his community.
Cheers!
B
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K6BBC on October 12, 2003
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I agree. Too many mentally old geezers in the hobby. They should all go find a new hobby like selling dietary fiber. I’m just sick of them. And while I’m on a rant, when did VHF repeaters become the land of silence? I live in the Los Angeles area where there are hundreds of repeaters and nobody talks. We need fresh blood in the hobby – not tired old nerds or geeks.
K6BBC
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Am I a HAM ???
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by W6EZ on October 12, 2003
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I guess I am not a real ham either.
I didn't take a test from the FCC.
I too passed a 20 wpm cw test, but it was multi question, not solid copy.
I no longer own anything with a tube/valve except for my microwave and an osillyscope.
I started out as a CBer.
I haven't been a ham for 40+ years.
I feel doomed.
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KC8KEQ on October 12, 2003
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I remember a phrase that said:
"If you compare yourself to others you may become vain or bitter, for ALWAYS there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself."
There are those who can solve any problem in mathamatics. Some have a hard time balancing their checkbooks.
There are those who can build and launch spacecraft. There are some who can't change the sparkplug in a lawnmower.
We are all born with different abilities which is what will keep the world moving ahead. ALL of us have our shortcomings, it's part of being human.
However to use what gifts you have been given to belittle and hurt others is worse than having no abilities at all.
There are some hams who can solve any technical problem with there equipment.
However there are those who refuse to accept that there are some in the hobby who cannot grasp things such as morse code, or building their own equipment and constantly belittle these people because of it.
What a terribly boring world this would be if we were all the same.
Are you a ham? Yes you are even if all of your views and interests are different from mine. I have no right to consider your views and interests as being wrong and mine being right. I can only say that they are different than mine.
KC8KEQ
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K6BBC on October 12, 2003
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KC8KEQ - BRAVO! BRAVO!! BRAVO!!!
Here in California we threw out a rotten governor. Hams should throw out the president of the ARRL and replace him with KC8KEQ. The hobby would then have an excellent good will ambassador.
THREE CHEERS FOR KC8KEQ
K6BBC
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KD7KGX on October 12, 2003
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Re our shortcomings...
No one should be belittled for their shortcomings. However, the amateur radio exams are a standard, and we should NOT weaken the standard because some people have a problem meeting that standard. Otherwise, why have standards?
I am 5'6"... was I owed a spot on my high school basketball team? I can't play the piano very well... why should Billy Joel get rich playing when people will pay me to stop? I am a private pilot... should we give people who have no spatial ability or vertigo pilot's licenses in order to celebrate our differences? Would you want that person at the controls on your next airline flight?
In my opinion, people SHOULD be belittled for whining about test requirements when they haven't made a sincere effort to meet those requirements... regardless of whether we're talking about Element 1 or Element 4. And EVERYONE has the right to their opinion... but not the right to force their opinion on others.
For better or worse, obtaining an amateur radio license is deemed a PRIVILEGE rather than a right. That means that it has to be earned at whatever level the individual wishes to attain. If you don't like the current standards, then by all means exercise your right to petition for changes. However, respect the right of others to argue against your petition.
Finally... replacing David Sumner or Jim Haynie as the previous poster suggested is ludicrous. Whatever you think of these gentlemen, what ARRL certainly DOESN'T need is someone who is afraid to make a judgment and act on it.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W5HTW on October 12, 2003
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By the way, what does the acronym "HAM" stand for? "Hot And Mad?" "Horny And Mobile?"
Actually it's "ham" not "HAM"
And if you are a "ham" you have a license.
But if you are a "ham radio operator" then you operate a ham radio!
Big difference!
73
Ed
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K6BBC on October 13, 2003
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The ARRL takes no stand. In the past 20 years the hobby has gone to hell. Low bands are full of nets and cliques. VHF / UHF are polluted with open repeaters where everybody is afraid to talk -- Where calls for QSOs are generally ignored because many hams today are suspicious of strangers. Where closed repeaters are even aloud. Where large sections of our spectrum are empty (anybody ever here anything between 14.100 and 14.150?) the ARRL leadership is populated by old guard geezers who just wish it were 1963.
K6BBC
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by AE6IP on October 13, 2003
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KD7KGX,
I'm an extra, a VE, and can copy code 20wpm.
I think that the element 1 test is a bad idea, and the US should go along with the IARU recommendation to drop it.
What should I be belittled for?
73,
Marty
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Am I a HAM ???
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by N3TNQ on October 13, 2003
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Are you a Ham? Some have said that if you hold a license you are a "real ham". I disagree. NOWHERE on that license does it say you are a ham. It says that you are a licensed Amateur Radio Operator. I have been on this soapbox before, so pardon me while I reiterate it :) If you got your license just to have those "stop and grab a loaf of bread on the way home" with your spouse, you are not a "real Ham". If you are not willing to provide the service part that is clearly identified in the term "Amateur Radio Service", then you are definitely NOT a "real ham". I am not saying you need to strap on the HT and go out and work walk-a-thons and such, but if you are not willing to use your equipment to help out when you are truly needed then you are not a "real ham" and do not belong as a member in the Amateur Radio Service. It is funny that I have been flamed by some for those beliefs (I still think that those who have done so probably are not Hams), because although I know many people who do not frequently operate public service events and such, I have NEVER met a ham who would not be willing to put him/herself and their equipment to use when/if it were needed.
Actually it is a simple question to answer... Are you willing to fulfill the purpose of Amateur Radio Service should you ever be truly needed? If the answer is yes, then you ARE a real ham and the heck with what anybody else has to say about it. :P
Howard
N3TNQ
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KD5RBO on October 13, 2003
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Fear not Henri, Mrs. Rikki assures us that, yes, you ARE a ham! hi hi hi :)
Michael W5NIG
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by G5FSD on October 13, 2003
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>by N3JI
>Sorry, but I have to disagree with those of you that
>say that "If you have a 'ticket', then you're a Ham".
>I say that if you have a license, then you're
>licensed to be an Amateur Radio Operator. To be an
> Amateur Radio Operator, you have to OPERATE!!!
This seems to be from the camp of "if you've not achieved much, we don't respect you" and yet strangely flies in the face of the usual line we get from them. They usually comment that if you're just an OPERATOR then you're little more than a CBer and not a REAL HAM.
How odd!
A licence is permission to learn by doing.. a student is still a student as soon as he/she starts studying. If you've passed the test and have been granted a call, then you're a ham. Achievements may add to your perceived status, but the basic 'title' is yours right from the start. BTW, if you worry what other people think of your progress in the hobby, maybe you're in it for the wrong reasons?
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by G5FSD on October 13, 2003
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>Amateur's Code
>SIX
>The Amateur is Patriotic ...His knowledge and his >station are always ready for the service of his >country and his community.
What on Earth does patriotism have to do with Amateur Radio? I see no reference to it in the IARU definition. There is no mention of it in the UK's legislation either. I know the USA has extra clauses in their reasons for having Amateur Radio (that no other country does), but even that is simply acknowledging the worthiness of having amateurs ready to assist with emergencies. Surely this is just humane community spirit (admirable as it is) rather than flag waving patriotism?
It's all very well to be proud of the best aspects of your country (and don't forget I wrote that), but closed mind patriotism has been responsible for the deaths of millions in countless wars throughout the ages. It's sickeningly childish to say 'my country's better than yours' etc... I know you USAians are intensly proud of your country but come on - if church and state are logically separated then amateur radio and state definitely can be!
The amateur's code is great, it really shows up some of the usual bigots who disrespect newcomers, but I really can't see how a personal hobby, even with a community service dimension, should be in any way related to the worst evils of blind patriotism.
Flame away. Stoopid replies will only show up the authors.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by ZEROTWO on October 13, 2003
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Hi
Yourself, KQ6YNF and LU1YNE are really getting towards the point of what a Ham operator is supposed to use as his culture.The definition of Patriotism defined by Segal is the correct one because "patriotism" should not be a subject on the bands under any circumstances whereas the willingness to serve your country using your skills and equipment is...however the first thing that goes to war or into storage is Ham gear when she is on because of 5th column possibilities.
Ham radio is not a privileged soap box for patriots or hobbyists or motor mouths . Ham radio transcends all those ideas and concepts. The theory is simple but so few get it. That is fundamentally a fault of the licensing authority and the ARRL being too slack and liberal to enforce and stamp amateur radio with its real meaning and to police it rigorously. Blabbing on and obeying the code even...is not being a Ham.
Clearly most of those who wrote in are simply licensed people, not Hams and until they know and accept and operate as a Ham and not a glorified chatterbox then they never will be a Ham. You may have an AOCP or a Novice or restricted but you are no Ham.
To my mind the chap from Belgium was also heading in the right direction too, and so were one or two others vaguely but it seems that no one in the USA can grasp this simple fact...
Amateur radio existed to allow and foster experimentation with all aspects of Radio communications. The codes written up here by KQ and LU were a part of the operating practice ..and still are supposed to be so.
However you can be the most wonderful operator on earth but if you are not experimenting and operating as a scientific operator who tests systems and equipments and the propagation etc etc FOR THE PURPOSE OF FURTHERING TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE WITHIN THE FRATERNITY and sharing it then you are not a Ham and all the talk in the world will never make you into one .
Certainly the attitudes and speech of many of those who answered and mocked just sound selfish and infantile. And these are Hams??
When experimenting you are to obey all of the code of practice as well.Number one is experimentation and number two is tradition and number three is the code.
Sure it is difficult today with plastic sets and plastic licencees who are like that because they are modern....they have no tradition and no roots in anything to do with effective self discipline least of all in the the Amateur Service.
That's why we do talk about the old days and the old gear and the amateur service code and CW as being the essences of making the Amateur Service cake. It takes practice and generosity and experimentation and a good soul to make a good Ham. It also takes the grit today to stand up and demand standards are maintained and the elements of the service are kept thoroughly intact.
I don't see any competition with my views in saying that we need less licences and more Amateur radio hams...ie people who are dedicated to the history and furthering of the ideals and practices of the traditions of the Service. I said elsewhere that 10,000 would be plenty so long as they were Hams because then they could get on the bands and experiment without the people cluttering up the band who have licences to chatter away, no code, no interest in experimenting, no grasp of the CW tradition.
Having turned 10 (ok 11 to the new chums) metres into a nightmare for all unlicensed people they set about making a small effort to get a licence and bog up the real Hams, many of whom just eventually closed up shop, distressed and disappointed. If you guys think that's a joke, or bad luck, or who cares, or that you are suddenly now "big time" and its all "your right as a ham, with all rights and privileges" well I guess that just proves my point about how far down the food chain and intellect you are when it comes to understanding the amateur radio service.
The first break away was the VHF UHF group...too lazy to learn the code or use it up there and wanted to be thought of as precious. Ok in the earlier times they also contributed huge amounts to Radio experimentation and the understanding and design of gear and propagation and so were a sort of "breakawy" group which skated on the thin ice that keeps a CB operator from a licensed Amateur.
Today most of that is gone, like much of the quality of life and there is virtually no difference between them except in Mhz and that's not much. Next we introduced Novices on the incorrect assumption that we needed quantity and that giving people an easy entry would give them the break to get really enthusiastic. That largely failed. Quantity was definitely not quality...it just let anyone in, no character tests, no science, no tradition, just go and buy yourself a rig and start talking away just like CB.
The most primary gain to save the Amateur Radio service is to secure the Ham Bands forever in law and then we will not feel we have to justify ourselves forever by filling the licence numbers up so as to give the illusion that there are millions of Amateurs out there and so we need the bands.
I'd rather see 500 real Hams (defined now) furthering the Amateur Radio Service than 5 million making it into a gibbering nuthouse of scientific nothingness. We have limits of course and today, unless the band is pretty bare I think the chap who said he runs AM ought to go ssb until he can take two sidebands and not afect other hams.
Power should be no more than 100Watts because no one really needs that. We should be encouraging lower and lower power because then experimentation WOULD be needed and the amateur service would start to rise again.
With high power all you do is multiply everyone else's problems. It isn't so terribly effective but it really is a pain when the bands open up or when you are trying DX undr 100W. You cannot say that if everyone runs 5 to 100 W there will be the same problem, it just does not follow. Try 100w with 3 to 15 dB gain that you make yourself using copper and alloy and insulation, make your own matchng, make your own antenna tuners etc and see how much of a thrill that can be from personal pride and endeavour and knowledge...experiment.....
You want to experiment with high power?? ok.. then I guess that maybe ought ought be a limited club activity on a small segement of the band but nowhere else..
HF is a real pain for operating amongst noise and solar flares and inversion layers and even worse mindless chatter and a complete lack of any sense of discussion of experimentation with the elements of the service. Sure antennae and propagation are just about all you have left when you dump all the other parts of the amateur service in the trash can but experimenting to see where or how many contacts and QSL's you can rack up is the hobby side...but unless you also do the serious bit, to my mind you should bow out and leave the space to the guys who might return and experiment in a scientific environment once more.
Fox hunts and all the rest were the lighter side of Amateur radio when Hams were hams, the fun side, the social side yet still experimental and testing...the so called "hobby" side is not not the whole of it. Amateur radio should never be a hobby, it is the amateur radio service, experimental radio (and TV) which as well has a social side and a competitive side...but they are not what makes the Ham.
If running canned packet and RTTY is your idea of experimentation then you are right offf the planet. On the other hand if you are modifying and changing and experimenting with serious aspects of it then maybe we are seeing a sort of "real ham" sideband being generated.
Is anyone getting it yet...apart from the half dozen who had some idea before or are we just going to go on with this tinpot "we are licensed and we do what we want" argument and all that seems to accompany it all of which proves you are frauds and, as well, too immature to be in the amateur radio service.
Ham radio is not the local disco. It isn't astronomy..though astronomy was a part of amateur radio once...it isn't a car licence nor a football game. If you don't understand the concept of the amateur radio service and 95% of people who reply do not understand....nor worse are proud that they don't... then you are part of a bigger fraud than Florida was.The results will be the same as well.
Is anything clearer to those enveloped in misunderstanding and have the intellectual shades pulled down low through design or misfortune ....?? I wonder......
Yes, like being say a petrochemical engineer...hams need to have good scientific minds and good self discipline, an artisan bent and a love of the new and the old. That cuts out a lot right at the start and that's how it should be unless you have a Novice band standing alone as their sort of "upgraded CB" situation on which no true ham ventures or is permitted to venture. Maybe 80 or the amateur 10 .or both at present could be taken over and given to Novice alone.
Cheers.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KQ6YF on October 13, 2003
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To G5FSD on the topic of "patriotism" and to all about being a "real" ham. Here is the "basis and purpose" of amateur radio as delineated by the FCC in Part 97 of its rules...
§97.1 Basis and purpose.
The rules and regulations in this Part are designed to
provide an amateur radio service having a fundamental
purpose as expressed in the following principles:
(a) Recognition and enhancement of the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary noncommercial communication service, particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven
ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art.
(c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communications and technical phases of the art.
(d) Expansion of the existing reservoir within the amateur radio service of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts.
(e) Continuation and extension of the amateur's unique
ability to enhance international goodwill.
As one can see, "patriotism" is not explicitly mentioned in our rules here in the USA.
With respect, FSD, I don't think that Mr. Segal's intent was jingoistic. As he wrote, "...His knowledge and his station are always ready for the service of his country and his community." If LU1YNE is correct, then Segal wrote those words at about the time that World War II was raging. This country, and, I dare say, most of the world was a very different place 60 years ago. If it's fatuous to say that these days, then forgive me.
Cheers!
B
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by G5FSD on October 13, 2003
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>by KQ6YF
> "basis and purpose" of amateur radio as delineated by the FCC
>(a) ... particularly with respect to providing emergency communications.
That's the one! As I was trying to say, there is nothing like that in the ITU regs, or British laws. In fact we have nothing like your "basis and purpose" whatsoever. We Brits simply acknowledge that the Amateur Service exists, and issue licences for it. So, any benefits to the community are not considered - the service is purely a personal quest for self learning/self training/intercommunication (see article S1.56). If humankind benefits in any way that's a bonus, but any hopes for such things are not recorded! (or legally required!)
So, the USA pens its hopes and dreams for the Service into FCC documents, but I believe it's the only country to have done so.
> Segal wrote those words at about the time that
> World War II was raging. This country, and, I dare
> say, most of the world was a very different place 60
> years ago.
Quite. Maybe it's time to amend the amateurs code then.. ;o)
..just imagine how much argument that would cause, and what an ungainly mess it would become!
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by G5FSD on October 13, 2003
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>by ZEROTWO
>I'd rather see 500 real Hams (defined now) furthering
>the Amateur Radio Service than 5 million making it
>into a gibbering nuthouse of scientific nothingness.
My my! You'd think that anyone smart enough to be actually advancing the radio art would be smart enough to realise how this isn't going to happen in a halfway democratic world.
Have it your way.. you can have 'Real Amateur Radio' defined and whittled down to 1000 licencees worldwide. You'll only need about 3kHz in each of a few small allocations here and there. The rest of us can keep the existing bands, with the 'Amateur (Non-Bigot) Service' and everyone will be happy!
Or perhaps the beauty of this hobby is that there actually is room for all.. and if you really are so advanced you should be grateful for that happy state of affairs.. and consider elmering people for respect rather than expecting it in return for a snotty attitude (which aint gonna happen).
If we're all operating according to the ITU articles, it's just tough luck if YOU alone don't like it and think we should be doing what YOU want us TO in OUR spare time.
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Am I a HAM ???
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by AD7DB on October 13, 2003
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Are you a Real Ham? The answer would depend on which decade the question was being asked. It kept changing...
REAL hams use spark gap transmitters, not CW.
REAL hams build all their OWN equipment, not like these appliance operators.
REAL hams only operated CW, none of this phone stuff.
REAL hams use AM, not this "Donald Duck" SSB stuff.
REAL hams have a good old W callsign, not one of these "kids" with the K callsign.
REAL hams don't have a Conditional license.
REAL hams have a 50 foot (or higher) tower.
REAL hams never operated on CB in their lives.
REAL hams use only tube based radios.
REAL hams would never use a radio with a parasite microprocessor inside it.
REAL hams have no use for a computer.
REAL hams passed a 13 WPM code test.
REAL hams passed a 5 WPM code test.
REAL hams have earned their DXCC or WAZ awards.
Here's how I'd answer it in ANY decade... do you have an amateur radio license from the FCC (or the equivalent agency in your country)? THEN YOU ARE A REAL HAM. I'll talk to you!
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KD5ZES on October 13, 2003
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I've experienced this attitude on occasion since getting my tech license. It reminds me of a similar situation.
Years ago, I shot tournament skeet. The skeet shooters were a jovial group, but the trap shooters seemed to always be having a bad day. I've never seen such a group of bad moods in my life. Needless to say, we didn't mix very much.
Perhaps the old grouches are closet trapshooters?
Frank Szabo
KD5ZES
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by TECH2003 on October 13, 2003
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I don't know. Are you a real ham?
Real hams don't cry that they can't or won't pass the exams. Real hams take them and if at first they don't succeed they try again.
Real hams don't insist that the rules be changed to meet THEIR NEEDS. Real hams rise to the challenge to pass the exams not insist that the standards be lowered so that they can get an easy license.
I don't know. Are you a real ham?
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KC0ODY on October 13, 2003
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Real hams don't denigrate the amateur radio service for what it is now compared to what it used to be, they don't insist that certain classes of licensees are undeserving of the title of "ham", and they don't talk trash about people who don't meet their qualifications of the term "ham". Lighten up. It's later than you think.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by TECH2003 on October 13, 2003
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It's not as late as you would claim it to be. The sky is falling. No it's not!!!
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W3DCG on October 13, 2003
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I've always wondered why Amateur radio operators are called "hams."
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by ZEROTWO on October 13, 2003
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Hi KCODY..well perhaps the difference between us I that I know what the Amateur radio Service and you simply do not want to know or you pretend that you don't because it hit a nerve. "Lighten up" is a term used by a particular mindset and "its later than you think" is one of those semantical jingles that never really meant anything. I can't see the point in pussyfooting around some of the mail that comes in on this subject and others, attacking the roots of the Amateur Radio Service with unlearned prattle.
You want to talk facts, that's fine but assertions that Real Hams don't denigrate Hams....who are the "Hams" being denigrated???. I have supported the hams and pointed the spotlight at the "others"...the licencees without comprehension or will or tradition who want this Amateur radio Service to become just another talk back radio session.As well pointed the finger at the source.
Emerging culture of personal selfishness and ego trying kill the traditions (its all too hard to be a "real ham" for them so lets drag it down to CB level) and the mismanagement of Novice licensing as is the FCC and the (mislead) ARRL, allowing such easy licensing to people who aren't ever going to make the Amateur radio Service a fine place meeting its traditions.
All these things can change and if it reduces the numbers on the Ham bands significantly well...that's a very good thing.I made quite clear "why" and that the Ham bands should be enshrined in Law and Novices separated from them altogether and their bands perhaps should be given some years of examination before any similar enshrining.
Cheers
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by ZEROTWO on October 13, 2003
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G5FSD
Hi. that you seem completely ignorent of the ideals and traditions the Amateur radio Service, (other than some ideas of operating rights when licensed) and talk about "YOUR hobby" speaks volumes for the selfishness of your approach.
All is clearly explained in my letter, you chose some ex-contextra stuff and tried to make a point. Sure that's your right but it doesn't show an educated approach. Try reading what is actually being said, it wasn't a difficult letter to read.
As I recall I said 10000 not 1000 but my letter (referred to...it was in another argument of guys trying to drag Amateur Radio down to below street level)and I referred to it in the USA andin my own country and by association...throughout each country. The point was clea, the Amateru service is far better with 10000 or 500 real experimenters and traditionalists than 5 million chattering selfish people who drive the real hams away.
You want it the other way around ..fine..but I am not going to pander to you or anyone else who wants to drag the Amateur radio Service down to CB level. Clearly that needs firm talking, looking at the letters coming in advocating the cultural disintegration of the Amateur radio Service. Why not get yourself onto the telephone and leave an extra space to some real ham to operate within if all you want the Service for is as glorified CB with a "Ham" badge.
Naturally we are going to fight against the destruction. Is that so hard to understand or are you just frightened you might have to make the grade and the quality and actually spend time experimenting scientifically not just trot off do some study to pass a pretty mediocre licence exam(ok you say you have one already) when the "old" guys whose service (insofar as what they created) you are using had to draw circuits, work out values and really know their stuff...They would then go out with pride of achievement and join the illustrious fraternity of Radio experimenters and operators which also, in part, included radio hobbies which also needed skills and inventions? Some of that homebrew is difficult now and I agree...but to deny that it can be done today is patently untrue. By the way you could always buy an old kit radio or transceiver or transmitter , pull it to bits and rebuild it and use it and discuss it on the bands...no?
Cheers
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by ZEROTWO on October 13, 2003
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Hi Frank
sorry to tell you this, because I think we may be in disagreement on the other subject!! but I shoot trap and sporting too and there certainly is a better attitude of friendship amongst the sporters although so many of the "trap" fellers are good blokes. Actually if you think of the skeeters as the walk about, observing innovating and experimenting hams and the Trap shooters(the ones who want"laissez-faire"once licensed) as the people who want to go nowhere, learn the basics and never move on to being competent other than point and shoot...maybe that's a fair definition of what are Hams and what are the rest.
Cheers
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by ZEROTWO on October 13, 2003
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Hi
yes KC8..but the seemingly lost point over there of "amateur radio" is that it is a skilled service with aspects of hobby.It is not what you portray, Like any scientific group you should not be able to get in without proof of ability and a willingness to contribute to the traditions and help in the tasks of science. The problem is that its exclusivity...so valuable to its survival with integrity got lost when people decided that more meant better.
Ok, if we have Novices and they want to stay that way then get them off the Ham bands. If they want to be hams...and whether there are 100 or 1000000 then they should have to prove themselves as being competent, able and willing to be scientific radio experimenters who also enjoy the hobbies that "real" Hams have created to have a social life and show their goods and ideas.
Cheers
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by ZEROTWO on October 13, 2003
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K2ACX
Hi
I presume you just left the "please" off because you forgot it ..
My call sign...as was given to "eham" but seems to have been lost is VK2MS.
Is that all you want to know K2 or was there a point...
Cheers
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by ZEROTWO on October 13, 2003
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Hi N5
I think you have got the ideas about face on who attacks whom. It is the Amateur Radio Service under attack by people who want to drag it down from its position of eminence and worthiness. Why should we let you do that?..........what have you got to offer in its place...I am seriously interested to know.
Cheers
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by ZEROTWO on October 14, 2003
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Hi G5
fair points but the code of practice is written into your RSGB handbook isn't it (I can't find mine and thus the uncertaintly) I agree the purpose was never to actually work for the commercial or other purpose but it simply isn't true that the expectation for british or any other hams to contribute in crisis has not existed since the outset...on the other hand the hams were responsible for virtually all progress of radio comms for a long long time. They also ran the few "public" stations and designed significant equipment. I haven't read the RSGB for years but I recall some designs around the '70' and 80's really were excellent. Their conversion of equipment like R1155's and 62 sets run in the popular radio mag's..not wireless world, a smaller less expensive mag...one was radio construction and the other was hi fi. There were other great projects including modulated light waves...we now have lasar! and all sorts of receiving and transmitting projects, circuit board layouts for them when solid state, lots of disposals and other ads at the back. It really was a great era....but now......?? the column speaks for itself. But you know...you can still buy oine of these old valve rigs and do the old conversions and install crystal ovens and better components or whatever to reduce drift. My URR 391...built 1954, 31 tubes, 31 crystal locked 1Mhz channels, mechanical digital dial, returns to the precise spot on the digital counters (metal) irrespective of how you run up and down the frequencies or spin the dial or how long it is left on or off. It is still the best receiver I have ever used and I have had it for 32 years.
"31 tubes" they moan...yes well your solid state gear might have thousands of transistors in it. Valve final transmitters have still a lot going for them and too I am sure they would be around by the thousands under benches and in shacks. How about we see a renaiisance fellers........get into the gear you CAN work on and get joy from...
I have to say that in all my time I have never heard an "ignorent" Britisher on the air like I have many many times from Australia (like me) and the USA. I think the Pomms probably understand tradition and contribution and dignity whereas it has been lost in the other two places as the good old boys fall away or go sk.
I am adament about what I say because I have been around some really fine men and women. Once I was dying to enter through the novice but I didn't and did it the hard way years later ....all licences on one day with extremely good passes, lowest mark 86 and better marks in full licence than in the restricted. I found that humbling as I said elsewhere...however NONE of that personal achievement is as important as my time spent with "real hams" watching, listening, getting involved with their homebrews and their midnight scheds, converting my own gear as a youngster and spending nights as an swl...trying to improve things with filters and rf amps and changing tubes and circuitry. I think I was on the cusp of an era about to lose its dignity and search for excellence and quality of artisanship.
It's so much more difficult to be like that today but a return to low power and homebrew would benefit the amateur radio service enormously in my view. No reason why circuitry cannot be developed to build notch filters, variable IF, band width filters etc just hams can get the thrill of building something that works and using it in theri store bought...or the Amateur service getting hold of modern disposals gear again and running coonversion circuits.
None of this will happen unless serious action is taken to limit licence numbers and to take affirmative action on experiments.
By the way I was impressed with the chatter on vhf antennae and plug problems elsewhere on this forum....look at the enthusiasm and the comparison chart and the shared experience...good stuff chaps!!
I think for the rest I have been pretty clear.
Cheers
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by ZEROTWO on October 14, 2003
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Hi K6
love your humour, truly and your openess about corruption ,..... but speaking of turfing Presidents for such reasons ...what about starting on the new Messiah and his cronies?
I wonder where that plane that hit his office disappeared to?...never saw "hide nor hair" of it from that day to this..did anyone?
Can't say that on the air..(very bad manners and naughty ) .or on the mobile phone without being filtered and recorded by your "Echelon" spy network.
I feel better now...I needed that change of subject while I picked my dummy back up........thanks.
Cheers
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by G5FSD on October 14, 2003
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>by ZEROTWO
> completely ignorent of the ideals and traditions the
> Amateur radio Service,
Not at all. I'm just saying you've no right to dictate to others how they spend their spare time, and if you look down your nose at others because they haven't caught up to your lofty status yet, that's revoltingly sad. Face it, the ITU definition includes BOTH experimenting and communicating, and the communicators far outweigh the experimenters. So, assuming you agree with the concept of democracy (if not please leave the western world) you must agree at least that there's room for all here. No amount of crowded bands actually stops YOU experimenting, so why does it concern you?
Please tell us just how you are researching radio technology in ways that no-one else has previously? I'd love to know exactly how you're advancing the art. Have you even got a callsign?
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Am I a HAM ???
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by N0FAA on October 14, 2003
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Well, it doesn't matter what class your license is, or even if you don't yet have a license. It doesn't matter what type of equipment/mode you own/build/operate/buy/borrow. It doesn't matter if you only "ragchew" 2m or pound brass at 40 wpm.
What matters is if you've learned Wouff-Hong and Rettysnitch lessons. Check out W4RNLs description of these devices:http://w8an.net/rettysnitch.html
Geez, these forums can get worse than 80m ssb!
Dave N0FAA
FWIW:
Only licensed since 02/03.
Less than 70 years old, but I've learned some good stuff from some CW guys over 70.
Ready to retake any test in front of anybody.
Passed 5wpm but working CW only every day; not be faster, but to be a better CW op. Speed will come or not.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K2ACX on October 14, 2003
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ZEROTWO: <<Is that all you want to know K2 or was there a point... >>
That's all I wanted to know, VK2; if I wanted to know anything else I would've asked. :)
K2ACX
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KC0ODY on October 14, 2003
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ZEROTWO: "Hi KCODY..well perhaps the difference between us I that I know what the Amateur radio Service and you simply do not want to know or you pretend that you don't because it hit a nerve."
It seems to me that you don't know me from Eve, so logically it follows that that you have no idea what I do or don't know about the amateur radio service. And I don't make any assumptions about what you know. Yet you seem to think I don't know about the ARS or "don't want to know...". Ah, you certainly are making lots of assumptions about people you've never met! That reflects on your character more than it does upon mine.
I am a new ham, yes, but I took the tests that are offered today without whining about what I needed to do; I am currently learning how to build receivers; I am experimenting with antennas; I am a member of a local ARES/RACES group. It's not as if I have to do or say anything to you or anyone else on this group to prove I'm a ham, but I just have to wonder about people who really seem to believe that THEY have all the answers and know what is wrong with this service/hobby and how to fix it. I really don't think the answers are quite that pat.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to make it better, but that's where talk must stop and action must start. What are you doing to make the amateur radio service better?
There are guidelines on what our service is about, but outside of following the rules and acting responsibly with respect to other amateurs, where are the hard and fast rules about what makes a "ham" written down? Your opinions on that are your own, and yet you have to share this service with others who may or may not agree with you.
When I say, "it's later than you think", I mean, try and have fun and don't take life too seriously-- you only get one go-around on this planet, so it's better not to spread ill will, just put your words into action. There is really very little you can do to help the ARS by slamming the service and those in it who you don't feel are conforming to your notions of what's right and wrong about it.
Good day and 73.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by TECH2003 on October 14, 2003
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You're right it is later than you think. Free license for everyone. Just memorize the answers, give your last two, get on the list and the DXCC is in the mail.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KC0ODY on October 14, 2003
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Hm, I've seen some of the proposals on these websites and have not come across one that says anything about "free" testing, using the last two of your call and getting a DXCC for nothing. If your issues are with the test pools being published and the code test being done away with, then the remaining points are red herrings. What's the real beef here?
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KC0ODY on October 14, 2003
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Got proof, or is that just speculation on your part?
Too many people here are on the extreme ends of the issues; those of us who attempt to stay somewhere in the middle in order to glean some substance from the debates are constantly drowned out by those who would rather insult, make accusations, toss non-issues into the mix, or troll for the sake further argument. It's much easier to speculate and argue about what might be than to attempt to intelligently, rationally address what IS. Like the BPL threat and other possible threats of loss of our spectrum... all very real.
Good thing the powers that be don't make decisions on the fate of amateur radio by reading these forums. We'd have been chucked off the bands one week after this forum came online.
Back to your regularly-scheduled mudslinging fest...
-.-. ..- .-..
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by TECH2003 on October 14, 2003
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No proof, No speculation, Just Sarcasm. I have no respect for W5YI or the NCI groups. I know that there a very good hams that are part of these groups so I don't mean to belittle them. It is the actual organizations that I detest and their leadership, or lack thereof.
W5YI has down more to hurt ham radio than any other group. Coupled with Gordon West they provide all the answer to the exams in a quick and easy to memorize WITHOUT LEARNING ANYTHING format. With the ARRL books you can actually learn something. The W5YI/Gordo West books just show little hints and tricks to help you memorize the answers. No work or understanding required.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by N0KFV on October 14, 2003
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EX·IS·TEN·TIAL·ISM
Pronunciation:
ig-'zist-'ten(t)-sh&-"li-z&m
Function: noun
Date: 1941
: a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for his acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad
HAM
Pronunciation: 'ham
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English hamme, from Old English hamm; akin to Old High German hamma ham, Greek knEmE shinbone, Old Irish cnáim bone
Date: before 12th century
1 a : the hollow of the knee b : a buttock with its associated thigh -- usually used in plural
2 : a cut of meat consisting of a thigh; especially : one from a hog
3 [short for hamfatter, from "The Ham-fat Man," minstrel song] a : a showy performer; especially : an actor performing in an exaggerated theatrical style b : a licensed operator of an amateur radio station
4 : a cushion used especially by tailors for pressing curved areas of garments
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Am I a HAM ???
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by W4VR on October 14, 2003
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A real ham is someone who minds his own business, became a ham without being elmered, and builds his own antennas. Anyone who does not meet these requirements is an appliance operator.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K6BBC on October 14, 2003
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"A real ham is someone who minds his own business, became a ham without being elmered, and builds his own antennas. Anyone who does not meet these requirements is an appliance operator. "
How insulting. Just because one has no interest in electronics opens one to ridicule according to the previous post. Well, I guess the best that can be said is as the years go be these old geezers go away.
K6BBC
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Am I a HAM ???
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by XE1UFO on October 15, 2003
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Great post Henri!! But OF COURSE YOU ARE A HAM!
Unlike other countries, yes, there are far too many American hams trying to keep people out of the hobby. I also don't understand all the attacks against Techs and also against CB people. The CBers enjoy radio communications, as do we. When I was a crazy shortwave-listening teenager in the early seventies in Irving, Texas, I knocked on many a door where there was a big antenna behind the house or on the roof. Without fail, the hams NEVER let me in to see the inside of their their shacks. The eleven-meter people always opened the doors, gave me a Dr. Pepper or a Coke, and taught me a lot about antennas and their rigs. And so .... I got vaccinated against hams for a good while. I even had a First Class Commercial FCC license, but was staying away from hams. (By the way, 40% of the eleven-meter QSL cards I recieved had ham call letters on them ... hmmm.)
Then Jay Smith, WB5PUN, came into my life. He figured I might be worth redeeming from the Chicken Band and invested quite a lot of time teaching me and three other CBers the code. We learned! I gave up my eleven-meter SSB rig for the Argonaut 505 he gave me (still have it!). Now I have a 13 word-per-minute Advanced (KA5SUT) and a Mexican Class II (XE1UFO).
And me? Yes, I could list over a dozen I have elmered into the hobby. If they are coming from 11 meters, so what? I respect their love for radio ... and show them the proper ropes. It is a great hobby!
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K6BBC on October 15, 2003
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In 1967 my neighbor, Mack Rose, WB6STM (died 1968) let me into his shack. I was hooked after he gave me the mic. A few of the QSOs sent me QSL cards! He was a great teacheras as he view ham radio as a hobby, NOT A CULT, as so many of the boring old geezers do today.
K6BBC
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KF6HCD on October 15, 2003
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Not only am I a ham, but a CBer, FRS, Part 15, any kind of radio I can get my hands on. I am not a snob and I think any ham who looks down on another because they don't match a certain "radio operations profile"is a snob and not worth my regard.
I enjoy radio of all flavors. I admire hams who have more experience than I do and I seek to elmer any ham who asks me to.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W9WHE on October 15, 2003
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I guess I'm not a ham.
While I have confirmed 256, I have never applied for a DXCC.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W9WHE on October 15, 2003
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I guess I'm not a ham.
While I have confirmed 256, I have never applied for a DXCC.
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KE4ZHN on October 15, 2003
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Got a legal callsign? If so,then your a REAL ham! Whatever ticket you hold entitles you to get on the air with those operator privelges and enjoy them, so dont pay any attention to the OF`s with a chip on their shoulder. Use what you have and enjoy it.
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Am I a HAM ???
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by AF4LL on October 15, 2003
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Great comments! Well, I like to say, I'm an old timer, but I don't think like an old timer.
1. Yes, I was licensed at the age of 12 in 1977.
2. I took two exams in front of the FCC before the VE system was instituted.
3. I passed a 20 wpm code test.
4. I am a life member of the ARRL.
BUT WHO CARES!!!! I say welcome to all of the so-called, not real ham types. Jump in, the water is warm....
Bill Bonilla
AF4LL
No Code International #2499
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You have a license, you are a real Ham!
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by W8KQE on October 15, 2003
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The question presupposes elitist attitude posturing amongst various classes of hams, or various levels of knowledge! As far as i'm concerned, if you are FCC licensed and have a heartbeat, you are a 'real ham'!!! We all learn at different paces, depending on level of interest, time availability, and other factors. We must welcome ALL classes of licensees, and all levels of knowledge to this service, or hobby!
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W5EEX on October 16, 2003
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Maybe the FCC should create an Appliance Operator license class......hmmmmmm.....here's what Jeff Foxworthy might say: "You could be an Appliance Op" if....
-You've never built and tuned your own dipole
-You've had to ask someone what BPL stands for
-You thought a Smith Chart was that thing your neighbor Ms.Smith has on her refrigerator door
-You thought ERP had something to do with stomach ailments
-You've used "Hey Good Buddy" ever in a QSO.....
-You have to ask what a QSO is....
-You think CW is a type of music played on the radio
-You thought Ohm's Law related to some traffic violation
-You thought a third harmonic was that thing you played back in Kindergarten
-You thought a log periodic was something carved from a tree trunk
-You've mistakenly remembered W1AW to be a brand of rootbeer
-You've wondered how a cold 807 could relate to beer
-You thought a DX-Pedition was a model of a Ford SUV
-You thought a two element quad was some sort of ATV
-You thought a G5RV was GM's fifth generation recreational vehicle
-You've ever gone to a hamfest to pick up chicks
-You thought tailgating was only something done at NFL football games
-And last....you thought getting into microwave meant going from the den to the kitchen to toss a bag of popcorn in it and push the button....like a real
appliance operator would.
All in fun guys.....it's just a hobby (but a fun one!)
73,
W5EEX
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KC8VWM on October 16, 2003
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You know you are a real ham if you have ever done any of the following:
- you buy electrical black tape in ten packs.
- you've stripped wire with your teeth.
- you've told your son that, "One day, all this will be yours", and he doesn't respond.
- you'd rather help a buddy put up a new tower than mow the lawn.
- you've grabbed the wrong end of a soldering iron.
- you start giving out RST reports when you are on the telephone.
- the propagation forecast means far more to you than the local weather forecast.
- the microphone or visual aids at a meeting don't work and you rush up to the front to fix it.
- you tell the XYL, when she notices a new rig in the shack, why that has been there for years.
- your watch is set only to UTC.
- at night, when you pray, it starts off something like: CQ CQ CQ GOD DE (your callsign).
- you ever had to patch your roof after an antenna project.
- Ham radio magazines comprise more than 50% of your bathroom library.
- you ever put a GPS tracker in the XYL's car, just so you could watch her on APRS.
- you and the XYL took a cruise so you could visit the radio room.
- you ever tapped out HI in Morse on your car horn to another ham.
- you ever had an antenna fall down.
- your teenager refuses to ride in your car because it looks like a porcupine.
- you know the Latitude and Longitude of your home QTH.
- you go into the local Radio Shack store and the clerk asks you where something is.
- you start consulting with other Radio Shack customers.
- you named your dog after popular amateur radio nets.
- your wife hands you the remote control and you start changing channels in search for a good D.X. television station.
- you drive your car scanning rooftops for antennas instead of looking ahead for traffic signs.
- you have RF chokes installed on all your kichen appliances.
- you have RF chokes installed on anything else in your home.
- you bring your ATV equipment instead of your ATV when you go hunting with a group of people.
- you are at a car lot and while your XYL is looking at the new leather interior, you look for good antenna mounting locations.
- you ever got blank stares from the plumbing supply representative at home depot.
- you think Radio Shack should change thier motto from "You have questions, We got answers" to "You have questions, We have blank stares."
- and finally, you are a real ham operator if you ever logged on to eham to find out just what a real ham operator is anyways.
73
KC8VWM
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by W5EEX on October 16, 2003
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KC8VWM-
Those are great! I think I scored about 90%....I don't know if that is something to be proud of or not :)
73,
W5EEX
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by AD6WL on October 16, 2003
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To the original author: Who said you are not a real ham?
I have been a ham about 3 years. I'm a 5wpm Extra and I have never had anyone tell me that I wasn't a real ham or try to put me down in any way whatsoever.
I think that people are dreaming this stuff up in their head. If you are talking about anonymous posters on internet forums then I can only tell you to quit falling for the trolls bait.
73, Jim
AD6WL
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by AD7DB on October 16, 2003
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Love it!
"The new 2004 Ford DX-pedition! Built for Today's REAL Ham! With plenty of room in and under the dash for all that radio equipment you need to have along! Lots of cargo space... for hauling your stuff from the flea market! Four wheel drive, to get in and out of those muddy Dayton parking lots! Specially reinforced bumper and side panels for mounting all sorts of antennas! All set for VHF, UHF, HF and APRS! Who needs a DVD player anyway when you've got all those other neat toys! Yes, today's Ford DX-pedition! See it at your local Ford dealer today!"
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W4PA on October 17, 2003
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An anonymous mouth typed:
>>>W5YI has down more to hurt ham radio than any other group. Coupled with Gordon West they provide all the answer to the exams in a quick and easy to memorize WITHOUT LEARNING ANYTHING format. With the ARRL books you can actually learn something. The W5YI/Gordo West books just show little hints and tricks to help you memorize the answers. No work or understanding required.<<<
Really?
Somewhere in Indiana, Dick Bash KL7IHP has drank his morning coffee and is out enjoying the day. The tens of thousands of hams that used his books to pass the FCC exams in the late 70's and early 80's are probably doing the same, and none of us or the hobby is any worse for it. Are all the so-called "Bash" hams, 20 years later, ruining the hobby? No way.
Studying for license exams is not the place to learn the hobby - the license exams are an entrance door.
Who could possibly understand the nuances of amateur radio from studying an ARRL license manual and passing the ham exams? One needs YEARS of practical experience from being involved in the hobby. How is using a quickie study guide to get involved in ham radio 'hurting' it? Not getting people licensed = no involvement in ham radio = eventual death of hobby.
'Splain this to me again, Lucy.
Scott Robbins, W4PA
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KC0ODY on October 17, 2003
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W4PA (Scott) said: "Who could possibly understand the nuances of amateur radio from studying an ARRL license manual and passing the ham exams? One needs YEARS of practical experience from being involved in the hobby."
Well put, Scott.
When I started in ham radio (last year about this time) I studied the ARRL guides to learn the material that would be on the exam. About the only thing I felt that I really "learned", in terms of understanding the concepts pretty fully, was what I needed to know to get on the air safely and without causing problems for others-- i.e., how not to electrocute myself, and how to stay within my band allotments.
I was a bit disappointed that I wasn't really very knowledgeable about more in-depth concepts after I got through the General manual, but I think my expectations as to what I would learn were set a bit too high.
I could see that the electrical and antenna theory concepts as presented in the Tech and General manuals barely scratch the surface of even the most basic knowledge. No one's going to become an EE or antenna expert from reading the ARRL study guides, that's for sure. So if one isn't already versed in those concepts, then it takes years of self-study and actual on the air practice to learn them.
Eventually, I need to start getting on with my Extra manual studies. I started reading the manual, then I put the book down once I got close to the electrical concepts part-- I'm just not understanding it, and feel that I should know enough about the concepts to make my studies worthwhile.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KC8VWM on October 17, 2003
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"Am I a Ham?" Please...
Where does this "REAL HAM" hazing mentality come from?
It sounds more like a challenge than a reality.
ie. "Your not a real ham until you climb that 100 foot tower carrying a 5 element 75 meter beam sideways on your back in the middle of a hurricane."
ie. "Your not a real ham until you ......... "
(You fill in the blanks)
This "REAL HAM" fiasco has been going on for years.
Recently, a newer, more friendlier version of the same mentality has emerged called "Appliance Operator."
Just because a person buys a quality built radio from a store doesn't automatically make them an "Appliance Operator."
What do they expect? They should break out the wooden breadboards and start building spark gap transmitters like they did back in the 30's?
Trust me, I built 2 or 3 of these in the past and they are not so great.
I have to laugh at these "judgemental" rock heads that actually sit on their high horse making such "REAL ham appointments" to other individuals.
I class these individuals the same as 1950's "rednecks" who made similar discriminatory statements about groups of individuals in thier local communities.
Any one making such assertions is really limited in grey matter.
On the other hand, if the intention is to learn more about the hobby, fine.
Everyone has thier own niche and no one is equal in thier level of operating skill. Everyone has something to contribute. No one person should be filling in the blanks based on another persons expectations.
73
KC8VWM
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by TECH2003 on October 17, 2003
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>>>>>W4PA (Scott) said: "Who could possibly understand the nuances of amateur radio from studying an ARRL license manual and passing the ham exams? One needs YEARS of practical experience from being involved in the hobby."
Well put, Scott.<<<<
Not well put at all. We have hams who are Extras after memorizing the exams and asking questions on Eham Elmer’s forums about dipoles, wiring a mic and soldering PL-259s. Your comments would hold some weight if you proposed a minimum time in each license class before upgrading. I would agree with that.
There is a northern CA ham that passed elements 2, 3, 4 in one sitting and failed element 1, which he passed 2 weeks later. The worst part is that he still cries about it to this very day. Of course, don't forget the highly successful "Extra in a Day." Which was an article on the ARRL website and did cause a little controversy?
Well, I can say that I have some decent Elmers here and I will learn the material before I take any exam and I won't memorize he answers. But that’s just me.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KC0ODY on October 19, 2003
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"Well, I can say that I have some decent Elmers here and I will learn the material before I take any exam and I won't memorize he answers. But that’s just me."
There is no argument from me; you are preaching to the choir. I did the same thing and don't advocate memorization of the answers because the little you do learn in these study guides is nothing to be skipped over via rote memorization.
My point about the other poster, by saying his post was well-put, was simply that it DOES take years to learn the ins and outs of this hobby, as there are so many things to learn. The license exams are a bare beginning and the material learned therein is scant, but it's still better to read and learn than it is to memorize.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KZ9G on October 19, 2003
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I'm with Scott, W4PA (BTW, a Ten Tec employee and GREAT operator).
These licenses provide an entrance to amateur radio. It's what the licensee does with it, the journey and pursuit of the technical and social aspects of the amateur radio that allow RF communication to take place with greater efficiency.
Personally, my only gripe is that the present day Extra Class license probably doesn't require the understanding and comprehension necessary for it to remain a prestigious license. New exams with multi-paragraph questions presenting situations within radio electronics and digital communications, as well as a myriad of 2, 3 or 4 sentence answers could help to ensure understanding and comprehension levels. Let's make this class license akin to the FCC radiotelephone licenses of years gone by.
Again, it's the self-taught journey, as well as the social and technical interaction between radio communications enthusiasts, that enables ham radio operators progress onward and upward. I'll stick with this line of thought.
73 de Steve, KZ9G
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by W6TH on October 20, 2003
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---
A real ham is food that you eat at a dinner table with a family and good friends.
...
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by K3BRJ on October 20, 2003
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I've been a ham for over 19 years now, I guess that you could say that it's been a family affair in one way or the other, my grandpa inspired me-in fact, this was his original call sign-when we lived in PA. I came up through the ranks-(skipping Advanced)and on February 16th, 2002, passed the test for Extra. All this is true, but does that make me a real ham? It does, because I have a love for the hobby. Therefore, let's make it fun for Everyone.
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Am I a HAM ???
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by N0TONE on October 20, 2003
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Well, I used to think I was a real ham. Here are my qualifications:
1) Been on air for almost 50 years
2) My exams included writing out long-hand one solid minute of CW copying at the then-maximum speed of 13WPM, then later doing the same exam at 20WPM
3) My exams also included hand-drawing schematics
4) Built my first transmiter and receiver - not from magazine articles, either, but from my own designs. Have continued to build much of my own gear, including a synthesized two meter FM transceiver before any commercial units were available. Presently am using commercial gear, with homebrew solid state amplifier. All my homebrew gear has been my own design, too.
5) 99.99% CW operator, and no, I do not use a keyboard to send, nor a computer to receive.
6) Have participated in all manner of operations including Field Day, contests, traffic nets, emergency preparedness exercises, casual ragchewing. Have always avoided the "DX net" as I consider it cheating, although legal.
7) Have operated every single amateur band from 160 meters through 24GHz at one time or another, except for the new 5MHz band which does not interest me. Even used 11 meters when it was a ham band.
However, I have been advised that I am still not a real ham, for several reasons:
1) I do not hide my hamfest purchases from my wife
2) I do not use phrases like "fine business" in person
3) I don't automatically go to every swap meet that is within two states' drive
4) I use soap on a daily basis
5) Beer is not found in abundance in my house
6) No shack computer
7) No paper awards on the wall
8) I like the ARRL
9) I like the FCC
10)No tower
I don't think anybody is a real ham, if you consider all the restrictions.
AM
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by N9XMX on October 20, 2003
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Boy this CODE vs NOCODE crap is getting old! EHAM.COM take note.... this is the first time I've logged in in months, and it looks like a few more months before I'll log in again. Why bother... same mindless babbling!
N9XMX (wanna know what class.... look it up, it's not important)
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by TECH2003 on October 20, 2003
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To KC0ODY, you seem to be on the right track. Hey, I'm not trying to learn everything at once, and I don't want to just memorize the answers. I am actually having quite a bit of fun listening on the Radio SW radio. The code is coming along slowely for me but I will get it. The guys around here are CW ops and they push it. They go out of their way to help me with anything, but I think because I show an interest in CW they like me a lot.
Steve
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by KC0ODY on October 21, 2003
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TECH2003 sez: "I am actually having quite a bit of fun listening on the Radio SW radio. The code is coming along slowely for me but I will get it."
Yes! This is a good way of learning CW (or, if you are like me, keeping up so you don't get rusty)... I am currently not on the air from my home location, since I am in an apartment for the time being. I hear W1AW from my Sangean 803A shortwave receiver (using nothing more than a longish wire antenna, clipped to the built-in whip) and that's some great practice. Also, if you are not already familiar with this, the ARRL website has W1AW code practice sound files that you can download (it's free). Those were great practice for me when I was studying for my code test.
Like you, I really wanted to KNOW the material before I took the license tests. I guess I didn't know what to expect from the AR study guides, but that's what we've got to study, so everything beyond that is "learn as you go". That's okay, though. Desire is the #1 component for continued learning. I've just turned 40 and I don't ever want to stop learning. Keeps me young.
I was never been one to sluff off and cram for exams when I was in high school and college, and for me, this is something that extends to learning in general. If I am going to go through the trouble of learning something worthwhile and spend time and/or money to do it, I may as well get something out of it! That's why I'm going to learn a bit more about electronics theory before I jump any further into the Extra exam study manual-- I've gotten to the part where it's talking about electronic theory, and I think I need more of the basics before I dive in further.
Keep going... code is something I learned very quickly, but I truly understand that everyone has their own schedule for learning it and some will learn better using one method over another, some will learn slower and some quicker, but it's not a race or contest when we're talking about upgrading. Good luck and hope to catch you on HF sometime.
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by G5FSD on October 28, 2003
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I asked ZEROTWO : Please tell us just how you are researching radio technology in ways that no-one else has previously? I'd love to know exactly how you're advancing the art. Have you even got a callsign?
Surprise surprise, no answer!
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RE: Am I a HAM ???
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by WA5GDF on April 11, 2004
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Ham radio is what each individual makes it. There are people who think everyone should send traffic, home brew, send cw, repair equipment, etc. I do only what I want to do. I love CW and handling traffic. But I don't have as much time to do this as others. We all "have a life" but not the same as everyone else
Let's make Ham Radio what we want it to be.
Frank
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Am I a HAM ???
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by KE5BAN on May 5, 2004
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I am a ham operator. I dont worry too much what people think about my status. Its not competition. Its not a race to get to HF. This is a hobby, it is fun for me, or I get out. I dont talk to "clickish" people. I need to prove myself to noone. Very soon I will take the 5wpm test, and be a general. Will that make me a better person? Will I be a better operator? Will I then be worthy of talking too? My answer is this-- WHO CARES. These little fights destroy what has been built. We are our own community, not a bunch of kids. Act like it..
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