Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
steve hanlon (KB3KAQ)
on
October 25, 2003
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I just turned 31 last week. I have thought about getting my ham ticket since I was in the seventh grade. Last winter I started a new job and quickly found out that the guy next to me, and twice my age, is a ham.
After a year of prodding, I finally decided to get my ticket in July of 2003 and surprised my co-worker the following week with my FCC Amateur Radio License. I am proud that I was able to pass the test with a minimal of studying -- I took ET-199 (federal government class) to become an electronics technician 13 years ago.
So, now that I have my Technician privileges, I am starting to think toward the future and working toward my General and then Extra. I am turned off by many of the attitudes that seem to exist in the hobby. -- The most polarizing being code/no code. Why engage in a hobby that may or may not want me as a part of it.
I am an Amateur Radio Operator for several reasons, but the most significant reason is service. I am able to provide a service to my community that not everyone is able to.
Recently, the east coast was hit with Isabel and I quickly took action by volunteering my time and ability to the community. I was to report to the local Red Cross shelter and assist in communications. The cell phones and landlines went down and it was up to me to ensure that the clients at the shelter were taken care by communicating in an effective manner between the Red Cross and the county's EOC using my 2-meter HT. Without me being there with the radio, many important decisions could not have been made.
I am proud that only having my license for 2 months, I was able to help.
There are other reasons, such as making live contact with others. A computer, to me, lacks the living essence of a personal contact that one can get using CW or Phone modes. It is more personal if you can hear the voice or "decode" the message in real-time -- as it happens.
Then there is the shared experience of having to setup a station, devise antennas, and work with the environment to make a contact and maintain it to have a QSO.
Sure, it sounds naive, but it is real. An instant message on the computer is an inactive experience... I type, hit enter and it pops up the other person's computer. It's quick email. There is no "art" involved. VoIP is no different. It's all rigid -- no effort communication that is controlled by everyone but me. I don't run the backbone or the local ISP.
The debate over code/no code makes me shudder and wonder if any of those on both sides have asked the question...
Why am I an Amateur Radio Operator?
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N8VB on October 25, 2003
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<There are other reasons, such as making live contact with others. A computer, to me, lacks the living essence of a personal contact that one can get using CW or Phone modes. It is more personal if you can hear the voice or "decode" the message in real-time -- as it happens.>
You can hear the voice on MSN messenger or Yahoo Messenger. You docode the message when you read what the person types. Not much difference in those cases.
<Then there is the shared experience of having to setup a station, devise antennas, and work with the environment to make a contact and maintain it to have a QSO.>
You could say there is a shared experience in having to setup a computer, load software, configure it...etc..
<Sure, it sounds naive, but it is real. An instant message on the computer is an inactive experience... I type, hit enter and it pops up the other person's computer. It's quick email. There is no "art" involved. VoIP is no different. It's all rigid -- no effort communication that is controlled by everyone but me. I don't run the backbone or the local ISP.>
There is no more "art" in radio wave propagation, station or antenna building than there is in the computer/internet case.
I wonder about people who claim that they "love" radio so much while posting on a computer web site over the internet. Come on, the SFI is 191 today.. if there is no more CME's like yesterday it will turn out to be a good day to be on the radio.
N8VB
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K0BG on October 25, 2003
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Phil, N8VB, I personally believe there is an art to antenna building, and to our hobby in general. I agree it certainly can be plug and play much like computers are today. However.....
Almost anyone can buy the parts and assemble a PC these days, but lay the parts for a rig in front of the same folks, and darn few could build anything out of them.
Alan, KØBG
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 25, 2003
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Seen in a previous post:
>>>>”I wonder about people who claim that they "love" radio so much while posting on a computer web site over the internet.”<<<<
Personally, I find this to be a really strange comment.
I am also “just” a Tech license, and I am primarily involved with VHF mobile communications, with budding side interests in Fast Scan TV and 6 meters. Even though those areas are my personal focus, I am still interested in what is going on in other areas. Also, keeping abreast of news concerning issues like BPL and non-issues like “Code/No Code” is really best accomplished on-line.
The answer to the quoted statement is really perfectly simple…………….we read and post here to get input from people involved in segments of the hobby that we are not into, and to keep up with current affairs. What’s wrong with that??????
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by NI0C on October 25, 2003
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I like the reasons you've given for being a ham. Most of us in the hobby who started before the advent of computer communications remain for similar reasons. I like the idea of me and my station and the ionosphere tackling the world-- not as much infrastructure needed for communications. As for the code/no-code debates, I wouldn't let them get you down.
73 & enjoy the hobby!
Chuck NI0C
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N0NYA on October 25, 2003
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"I am turned off by many of the attitudes that seem to exist in the hobby"
i think that sums it up quite nicely..
i have several friends that are interested in radio but will "never get my license because i dont want to be grouped in with those idiots"
those are his words, not mine!
Its not your job to run around playing radio cop. Yes what goes down on 27Mhz is bad, but its NOT HAM RADIO.. why do you even care what goes on from CH1-40? Look at 75 Meters.. sheesh.. Maybe they get a sense of assumed power.. who knows.
I wonder what many of todays hams would have done back in WW2 when ham radio was suspended for the war. my god they would have been wanting a recall for sure. ("HOW DARE YOU TAKE AWAY MY HAM RADIO BANDS!")
If they remove CW as a requirement.. WHO CARES?? It isnt like they are going to come remove the CW button on your radio... Those who use it now will continue to use it, those who dont, wont.. I have my General and had to learn 13wpm, have i ever used it? No, not really. Do i think that everyone should learn it? only if you want to learn it.
it simply amazes me how stressed out and mad some hams get over the most idiotic of things.. last time i checked, ham radio wasnt a job, it was something people to do for enjoyment. If you dont enjoy a hobby, why the heck do it??
ITS JUST A HOBBY!
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N8UZE on October 25, 2003
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Welcome to ham radio.
The hot and heavy debate is confined largely to the internet web sites, news groups, and chat rooms. You will find that on the air and in person, the vast majority of hams will welcome you and encourage you to participate and upgrade.
In most areas, the only time you will run into unpleasantness is when an inexperienced person tries to tell the experienced one the "right" or "best" way to do things. This doesn't work in any activity whether that is on the job or in a hobby. As with any activity, if you want to make changes, as many do, you first need to demonstrate that you have the background and experience to do so.
So jump right in. The water is fine. If the heated debates are a turn off, just stay out of the internet swamp.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N8UZE on October 25, 2003
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As I have said in other postings, if we consider amateur "just a hobby" there is no reason to keep the government from regulating us out of existence. The government has tried twice to get rid of ham radio entirely. They have many times tried to reduce our frequency allocations to use for government or commercial activities.
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by FJGH on October 25, 2003
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Why I am not a radio amateur anymore.
There is one important characteristic that ham radio does not have that other communication services do have that nobody seems to ever mention (maybe its too obvious). Hams can't talk to most people that they know on ham bands. Using e-mail, cell and landline phones, anybody can talk with just about anybody, namely the people they want to talk with. I like talking to people I know. I would never pick a random name out of the phone book and call them and ask "do you want to rag chew?". Why would someone want to do that on the ham bands?
Ham radio is for talking to malcontents (like the ones on eham), fighting, insulting, arguing, demeaning other people; that is why most people who may have had some exposure to ham radio are not hams and why most new hams probably quit and went back to phones and talk to who they know and like.
Hams consider themselves unique and important because they are a small number that can use ham radio where others can't. This is really what scares the no code haters. No code will remove hams from what they think is a unique club. With no code, anybody can try to play ham radio communication hero. Cops, fire, ems, anyone will be able to get a license much easier, not that they will want to. BPL scares alot of hams because if BPL does destroy HF and some of VHF, hams will find out nobody missed them destroying their assumption that they are important.
Unfortunately, the huge increase in ham radio from no coders will be short lived. The odds are that the typical new ham will still only be able to talk with people they don't know and don't like alot after 10 minutes.
Ham radio is dying. People want to talk to people they know, like, and enjoy talking to. Ham radio ain't cutting it.
Most hams that quit don't get what they can on a free cell phone. That's why I and alot of others don't want to be ham radio operators anymore. I maintain a license, that's it! Too bad the existing hams don't just lighten up and use ham radio as the simple little hobby it is instead of a way of social life that is caustic and destructive.
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by LARNED on October 25, 2003
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Station building can definitely be an art. A person's amateur radio station can be a reflection of his/her tastes. Some display old telegraph keys or microphones, or deliberately use old tube radios they've rebuilt or repaired, to create a certain look or feeling of nostalgia. They weave a warm ambience around their equipment that, for me, is artistic. This month's article in QST by Robert Login, "My Big Homebrew Rig Project" is very technical...he tells us how he built his homebrew station. However, he doesn't disregard giving an artistic touch to his station- such as the glowing final amplifier tubes behind the glass. There is a particular romance in ham radio that I feel and know others do that computers stations can't imitate. I don't see a lot of people using UNIVAC computers to make their computer stations nostalgic.
Bill, KA1WHT
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K4FAU on October 25, 2003
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IT’S A FRICKING HOBBY –
You know -- i have no idea why this is starting to bother me -- but I for one am getting so tired of people making themselves sound as if they are the savior of the world simply because they have a 5 watt HT....
I have no idea where you were during ISABEL but to the best of my knowledge no community was without cell service during the incident... sure some lost power at the local area – but the cell coverage map remained intact for the whole east coast – that means that if your cell phone had power -- you had comms -- but thank god that when DoD, Red Cross, and all the local emergency comms went down in your area YOU were able to save the world….!!!!
these constant stories of "there I was -- all the police, fire, cell towers nd DoD radios were down and I was the only one that could communicate with another loser across the town and thus, saved the world simply because I had a 5 watt HT with me" is getting nauseating....
some of us that do this for a living greatly appreciate the help that you guys provide -- and I mean that honestly -- but the help that we most appreciate is being in the buildings with us during the storms -- helping update maps and answer phones and things -- I have over million dollars of high tech comms equipment at my location -- everything from SLF to SATellite -- so I don't think that we have ever asked a ham to stand on our roof with a HT and try to orchestrate rescue efforts with a HT –
for the record – during Isabel – no cell towers were disrupted that I know of – and even if one went down that’s the beauty of cell/packet – they have four others that encompasses their packet area to take up the slack-- why don’t you tell us the community that you saved and let us do a little research…or better yet -- let ARRL know so they cn do a feature story on you !!!
So now we have three groups – Code / No Code / and the “I'm so important that during a recent emergency I was the only person that could communicate vital information to the president of the US”..
IT’S A FRICKING HOBBY – say it over and over – of all the breifings that I set in before a rescue or tornado or hurricane, i have never had any brief the role the Ham were going to play...
ITS A HOBBY --
Brian
US Coast Guard
Amatuer Extra - (the hard way)
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB1IVU on October 25, 2003
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Sell your HT,let your licence lapse and go fishing....
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by CASPER669 on October 25, 2003
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KB3KAQ:
Welcome to HAM Radio! If no one has said this already, allow me to be the first in this forum to say, "Thank you!" Your efforts during the hurricane are very much appreciated. And, although they may not even know you were there, I'm sure the clients you served thank you as well.
My suggestion to you would be to take what you read here (or on other forums) with a grain of salt. Impersonal communications (such as this forum) can usually lead to bolstering and unnecessary posturing. A major part of the problem is the difficulty involved in attempting to relay ones emotions, humor and sometimes even the point of ones position on a topic. Please, don't let it get you down. I, myself, have been played down by the likes of people suggesting that all I think of is all of us around a camp fire, "singing Kum-Bi-Ya". I didn't realize that people can be so negative in their own lives, that they feel forced to infect others with their negativity. So, I take my own advice and just ignore them. Try to do the same. I know it can be difficult at times, but it's better than feeling as though you are unable to speak your mind because of someone else's lack of proper attitude.
In any case, welcome (again) to HAM Radio. Keep up the good work and maybe we can catch up with each other someday!
73! Chris KC2KFW
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by W4WQ on October 25, 2003
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Brian K4FAU.....The county of Culpeper lost cellular communications during Isabel (on CINGULAR), as did large portions of Fauquier County. The 2-Meter Ham operators at the Fauquier emergency shelters DID provide valuable communications services to the emergency shelters.
I personally applaud the efforts of all the volunteers that gave of their time during this emergency.
Long live Ham Radio de Sam "Ham Radio-active" since 1956.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by FJGH on October 25, 2003
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I don't think if someone who does help out in some way during some kind of emergency should not be appreciated.
I also don't think anybody who does something useful should be on the cover of Time magazine and get the ABC news person of the decade award for every stinking little thing they might do.
Real heros don't brag and pat themselves on the back for everything they do.
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by WS4Y on October 25, 2003
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Steven don't let the code debates get you down.
This hobby has a lot to offer. Even though
you are an experienced technician you will
continue to learn in that area. You will meet
some great people, some of which my have strong
feelings about the code issue (like me). You
are off to a great start and I would like to
encourage you to continue your efforts to upgrade
to extra class. It is worth the effort. You
will find the HF bands great fun. Who knows you
may even find cw operating to be great fun as well.
Hang in there and good luck.
73, Bill WS4Y
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N2WJW on October 25, 2003
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You have some good points there. Ham radio offers a little for everybody, me...I'm into QRP CW, who knows as you go on in your "ham career" what your interests will be. At this point with all the BPL talk going around it sounds like we dont have too much to look forward to. (Am I been negative?)
So for now lets have fun with it, respect each other rather than having code/no code wars and work on your General class, believe me if I can pass a 5 wpm code test...anyone can.
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N9AVY on October 25, 2003
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Yes, this is just a hobby after all and it's whatever we make of it. Obviously, there are quite a few trolls who are in this forum. I was told many years ago that ham radio is a microcosm of society. We have all the same fruits, nuts and flakes, but they are vastly outnumbered by the majority of good, decent people I've met over the years. Debates like code/no code will unfortunately rage on for some time no matter what the outcome.
I don't believe that this group is any more divided than any other group. Look at all the religons in the world and all the splinter groups who didn't agree and went off to do their own thing. Look at politics here in the U.S. ... on second thought let's stay out of that can of worms!
Instead of sitting around here complaining about everything we should all be out there trying to do positive things in ham radio. Go out and help another ham with his antenna project or help a Tech upgrade. Or just get on the air and call "CQ" and see who answers... who knows you might actually get to chat with one of the old curmudgeons in this forum !
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K0RFD on October 25, 2003
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Welcome to Amateur Radio.
The subhead for your post mentions the words "divided hobby". You never wrote this, the webmaster did. The hobby is only "divided" in the internet forums and chatrooms. On the air, you'll meet some of the nicest people you've ever met. Congrats on getting your ticket and thumbs up on the fact that you're using it to do good work.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC5NWS on October 25, 2003
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Oh for goodness sake. Hams need to quit being so concerned about what other hams think. Just get on the air and do what you like and to heck with all the politics and groups.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 25, 2003
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K4FAU;
Geez Brian;…………….take your own advice: “IT’S A FRICKING HOBBY”!!
As far as the Cell Phone thing goes, I can only assume that you have the data to back up your statement, so I won’t presume to question you on that. All I know for sure is that in the course of chasing Severe Weather for the past ten years, I have not found Cell Phones to be anywhere near as reliable as your data would seem to indicate.
And a suggestion:……It might be a good idea to lighten up on the whole “We’re from the Government: We don’t need or want your pathetic help!” thing.
These days, that sentiment ranks right up there with; “We’re from the Government…..We’re here to help you!” (LOL)
Oh yeah……why does your call sign come back as “FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY ARC”?
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by CWTITAN on October 25, 2003
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TO ME, HAM RADIO IS BUILDING, EXPERIMENTING, HONING MY SENDING AND RECEIVING ABILITIES WITH CW, FANTASTIC CW QSOs and FANTASTIC SSB QSOs with FRIENDS I HAVE KNOWN ALMOST ALL MY LIFE. AS FAR AS I SEE, (I SEE FAR) CW IS THE BASE LINE OF HAM RADIO. IT IS A TRADITION, A LANQUAGE, A SKILL, NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY BY NEW HAMS. REMEMBER, SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY IS GREAT, BUT NOT EVERYONE SHOULD BE A HAM. AND AS MAD AS IT MAKES THE LAZY, FAT NO GOODS, WE ARE ELITE, WE WORK, AND STUDY. AND IT WILL REMAIN SO.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by AA4PB on October 25, 2003
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"for the record – during Isabel – no cell towers were disrupted that I know of"
For the record - my sister was in VA Beach and her cell service was quite intermittant and off most of the first couple of days.
For the record - during 9/11 the cell system in DC and VA was overloaded any many people were unable to get cell calls through. I know, I tried.
For the record - there have been several instances in the last few years when the telephone 911 system went out due to computer failure for some localities here in VA and ham radio was used for a back up.
If you think that cell service is 100% reliable for emergency service you'd better get your head out of the sand.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 25, 2003
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Ummm..........CWTITAN, I think your shift key is stuck!
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by WILLY on October 25, 2003
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"
(KB3KAQ) on October 25, 2003
I just turned 31 last week. I have thought about getting my ham ticket since I was in the seventh grade.
...
I finally decided to get my ticket in July of 2003 and surprised my co-worker the following week with my FCC Amateur Radio License. "
Congratulations. and welcome.
...
"
So, now that I have my Technician privileges, I am starting to think toward the future and working toward my General and then Extra. I am turned off by many of the attitudes that seem to exist in the hobby. -- The most polarizing being code/no code. Why engage in a hobby that may or may not want me as a part of it."
There may be some that make you feel like they don't want you.
That is not fair to you. Ignore it. That can happen in an hobby.
I think that most of those that hope that the code requirement is kept, including me, realize that the newcomer can't help the situation as it is, but can only take the tests as presently required.
That's not your fault at all. I think most will not hold the lack of CW against you. Most will react to you depending on your personality, behaviour, respect, and willingness to learn - which is just like any other hobby.
....
"
Sure, it sounds naive, but it is real. "
No, not naive.
Whatever facet floats your boat. Enjoy it.
Ham radio is a very broad hobby.
"
The debate over code/no code makes me shudder and wonder if any of those on both sides have asked the question...
Why am I an Amateur Radio Operator? "
I hope it is because you find the radio hobby interesting.
How is the code/no code debate related to your question though?
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by W7WIK on October 25, 2003
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Don't worry about the crap that goes on with these internet forums. It's not real ham radio.
Whenever I get on the air, I hear almost nothing about code/no code or the other stupid stuff you read on these forums. 99 percent of what I encounter is friendly curtious operators who are interested in communicationg and hearing about you (as long as you have something interesting to say). This is real ham radio. If you're not radiating or receiving RF, or doing something to make that happen, it's not ham radio.
Get off the internet... sometimes it's depressing and doesn't do us any good. Get on the air and enjoy the best hobby there is.
See you on the air, 73,
Marco, W7WIK
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by WILLY on October 25, 2003
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"
by FJGH on October 25, 2003
Why I am not a radio amateur anymore. "
But later on, you say you maintain a license. Which is it?
"
There is one important characteristic that ham radio does not have that other communication services do have that nobody seems to ever mention (maybe its too obvious). Hams can't talk to most people that they know on ham bands. Using e-mail, cell and landline phones, anybody can talk with just about anybody, namely the people they want to talk with. I like talking to people I know. I would never pick a random name out of the phone book and call them and ask "do you want to rag chew?". Why would someone want to do that on the ham bands? "
For fun.
"
Ham radio is for talking to malcontents (like the ones on eham), fighting, insulting, arguing, demeaning other people;"
This is not a true statement.
"
that is why most people who may have had some exposure to ham radio are not hams and why most new hams probably quit"
I doubt that this is a true statement. At minimum, it is unsubstantiated.
"
and went back to phones and talk to who they know and like.
Hams consider themselves unique and important because they are a small number that can use ham radio where others can't."
Consider? ?
Not just consider unique. It is true. By your own statement that we are a small number, then that fits the definition of unique.
"
This is really what scares the no code haters. No code will remove hams from what they think is a unique club. With no code, anybody can try to play ham radio communication hero."
Anybody can do it now. All they have to do is take the tests and pass them.
"
Cops, fire, ems, anyone will be able to get a license much easier, not that they will want to. BPL scares alot of hams because if BPL does destroy HF and some of VHF, hams will find out nobody missed them destroying their assumption that they are important.
Unfortunately, the huge increase in ham radio from no coders will be short lived."
This is a bad thing?
"
The odds are that the typical new ham will still only be able to talk with people they don't know and don't like alot after 10 minutes. "
Normally, I don't spend 10 minutes talking to somebody unpleasant. I'm gone sooner then that, and find somebody else.
Easy, huh?
"
Ham radio is dying."
Another untrue statement, and unsubstantiated.
"
People want to talk to people they know,"
Another untrue statement.
"
like, and enjoy talking to. Ham radio ain't cutting it.
Most hams that quit don't get what they can on a free cell phone. "
Could be. If they need and want the kind of service provided by a cell phone, then that is the kind of radio they should use.
If they want to meet new people, work DX, and other things more like ham radio, then they don't use a cell phone for that.
"
That's why I and alot of others don't want to be ham radio operators anymore. "
Ok. No problem. See ya.
Sorry that it just wasn't for you.
" I maintain a license, that's it! "
Why?
So far, you don't seem to find anything about the hobby that you like. I can't imagine why you waste your time with it, since it is not what you want.
Or do you just like to come here and make yourself look foolish?
"
Too bad the existing hams don't just lighten up and use ham radio as the simple little hobby it is instead of a way of social life that is caustic and destructive. "
I think these are minority, and its a shame they are around.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by WILLY on October 25, 2003
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"
by W7WIK on October 25, 2003
....
Get on the air and enjoy the best hobby there is. "
Well said!!
I can't think of a way to improve that statement.
Thank you.
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by WA2BOT on October 25, 2003
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To me being a Ham Radio operator is a lifestyle.
I've been licensed since 1975 and I there was a time when I used to spend 40-60+ hrs a week on HF while I was in Jr. High School and High School. Contesting was a way of life and while friends experienced 2 meters and above, I found myself spending a tremendous amount of time on 10 meters.
Back in the late 70s, I was influenced by the community aspects of the greater Ham Radio community. It was also back then when I first experienced, one to one, one to many and many to many communications.
It was twenty years after I was licensed back in 1995 that I first got active in the world of IP Communications and much of my work in the field of VoIP was influenced by my experiences as a ham radio operator. (see pulver.com)
I've recently setup my HF gear once again at my work QTH and I've rediscovered the fun that I used to have back when I was first a ham.
While I'm the same person who runs "Free World Dialup" on the public internet, talking on FWD is fun & cool but is no replacement for speaking to someone on the radio.
73s de Jeff, WA2BOT
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KD5UJX on October 25, 2003
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"You know -- i have no idea why this is starting to bother me -- but I for one am getting so tired of people making themselves sound as if they are the savior of the world simply because they have a 5 watt HT.... "
I think you better look in the mirror. Your long hairy ears and tail are starting to show. Talk about a self-important, God's gift to the world attitude!
You self-righteous pompous ass. You sir have never been through a "REAL" hurricane. I have been through four of them. When they got done, there was not a power pole or antenna left standing within 10 miles of the eye path. Ham radio was the ONLY form of reliable communication we had. Lives depended on it. Lives were saved by it. Your million dollars worth of communication equipment won't work without a building to house it! That is what can happen in a REAL storm. I'll put you in the middle of a class 5 storm and watch you piss your pants.
You guys make me want to puke (on you)
You keep you 5 watt HT and you work on your General. We need more like you in this SERVICE (THAT'S WHAT THE GOVERNMENT CALLS IT).
OK, I'll calm down now.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KZ9G on October 25, 2003
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Ham Radio is what you make of it... no more, no less. Find an aspect of the hobby that is rather intriguing and enjoy it.
Toodles and 73.
KZ9G
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by RobertKoernerExAE7G on October 25, 2003
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Congrats on your accomplishment, passing the test with little study.
“I am turned off by many of the attitudes that seem to exist in the hobby. -- The most polarizing being code/no code. Why engage in a hobby that may or may not want me as a part of it.”
One of my other hobbies is making vases on the potter’s wheel. I do it because I enjoy it. It is nice when others mention they like a vase I have created. BUT, I DO NOT make vases to please others. I DO NOT make vases to be accepted by other potters.
I enjoy watching others make vases. I enjoy talking with others about how they made a particular vase, and what their experiences have been.
When I make a vase that I don’t like, and another potter mention they like it, I give it to them.
When I became a ham, it wasn’t to please others. I didn’t do it to be accepted by others. I did it for the fun, which I have enjoyed thru 2 complete sun spot cycles.
When I was a Novice, no one ever gave me attitude on the air. When I became a general, once in a while there would be an OT complaining about how new people didn’t build their own rigs; I turned my VFO, or changed bands.
When I was an Extra, once in a while, I would met an OT looking down at the new Extras who used either the Bash study guides, or who memorized the answers to the new question pool. If it was on the air, I turned my VFO, or changed bands.
Now repeat after me, ten times.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The internet is NOT ham radio.
The rest is up to you.
I have no qualms with people who remain tech.
I was never a tech because my interest was, and still is HF.
I bought 2 meter gear, played around with it for a while, and became board.
If I was stuck on VHF/UHF local communication, I’d be BOARD, and either start chasing grids, go to satellites, EME, OR start practicing CW for 10 minutes every day for 30 days and get my General ticket.
I hope you find some way to enjoy ham radio.
73
Bob
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by W4VR on October 25, 2003
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Here's some advice for you:
1. Avoid 75, 20, and 2 meters.
2. Stay away from threads such as this one.
3. Stop complaining and enjoy the hobby.
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by WA2DTW on October 25, 2003
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5 WPM???? What's the big deal?
Try it. You may really, really like it!!
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N8ZUX on October 25, 2003
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Lets put it this way, we are all here to enjoy the Hobby, myself I am ultilizing my time now since I have my Genral License to Go for my Extra, each person chooses what he or she wants to do, I have had my Goal Sights on Extra since I got into the Hobby, I have found its worth my time to learn more about our hobby this way I have my Code requirements and choose not to let it slide. also I am going on the Commercial Radiotelephone end advance my RP to a GROL mainly I feel still I want to accel in my life, the Negative Nay Sayers are in the Dust, I believe in Sucuess, I have had the side tracks and now that those has dimminnished into a thin vapor of nothingness, I have decided to got to the top.
all I can say to anyone curious, its a great hobby if you want to get your license bad enough that you are willing to commit your time to just go ahead and do it. and Good Luck 2 you..
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N8ZUX on October 25, 2003
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Playing Killo Cycle Kop is a fast way to make people reject a person real quick. I found there is plenty of band to go, of course when I reach my Extra soon, I will have all privledges, I figure the OO is out there to make comments.
as to 11Meter CB there is those lone wolf enforcers there too, ALL I can say is whatever!! , my 11M. Cb is unplugged, and sits in back seat and I use it as Inter Agency use. and who cares anyway I don't !
of course then there are those who cannot figgure this message out either !
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N8ZUX on October 25, 2003
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FJGH too bad you were misinformed or not kept up with technology, but I had emails from Law Enforcement officers, and know Grand Rapids & Kalmazoo Michigan there is LICENSED Hams also Serve & Protect a State Police Trooper a Emergency Coordinator, another in The Sheriff Dept a Extra owns a Repeater, a group called LOST ( Line Of Sight Team ) do search and rescue, I really did not know there is a limitations on who gets a license last time I check with the FCC as Well Civil Rights Commission.
I work for the State of Michigan as a Contractor, I think you should really check around whats what as to who and what I have communications with other Gvernmental agencies, outside of that have a nice day.
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by WN3VAW on October 25, 2003
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Don't let the actions of a few hard-headed schnooks on both ends of the code/no-code issue chase you away from the hobby and/or any facet of it.
The simple fact is that sometime in the next few years, the code requirement for HF access will be waived or deleted for some, if not all, license classes. That's already being done by many other administrations around the world, the petitions are already filed, and it's just a matter of time.
So the reality of the debate is that it's a moot point. But we still have a few schnooks who want to make an issue out of it.
Ignore them and continue to have fun with what you're doing.
73, ron wn3vaw
PS -- I should qualify my remarks by adding that I took my Extra tests from the FCC... so I know how tough it used to be, and even when I did, things were somewhat easier than they had been in the past. And I am a very active CW operator -- well, I was until I had to move earlier this year, but that's another story. My personal feelings on whether or not a code element should be retained (I still think Extra should have been left at 20 WPM, but that's another moot point now since we'll never go back to that) is irrelevant to the obvious trend from the powers-that-be at the FCC and other administrations.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KK7AC on October 25, 2003
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Welcome to ham radio. There are a multitude of modes to use. Take pride and study for the code. It's easy now, and the rewards both in privliges and pride will take hold... then you can say "I'm an Amateur Radio Operator". Have fun and disreguard any neg. comments.
KK7AC
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by NE1RD on October 25, 2003
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If you spend more time on the air and less time on eHam
I think you'll enjoy yourself more and stop asking such
questions. It sounds like you're already an asset to the
service and to your community. Congratulations--and
welcome to the hobby!
73!
-- Scott
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by NJ0E on October 26, 2003
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congratulations on the fine service you and others
rendered in the aftermath of the hurricane. that's
what our service is for.
i am a radio amateur because i enjoy assembling and
operating qrp (low power) cw gear, and taking it on
camping and hiking trips. this aspect of the service
is a hoot and provides alot of opportunity to learn
about solid state rf design as well as real
camaraderie, which sometimes seems to be absent from
other areas of amateur radio.
one of the above commenters suggesting avoiding 75
meters; i would like to explicitly recommend *NOT*
avoiding 80 meters. i especially enjoy the 80 meter
traffic handling cw nets. perhaps that is an aspect of
the service you would enjoy as well, having gained the
experience operating during the aftermath of a
hurricane as you have.
73
scott nj0e
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K0RGR on October 26, 2003
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KB3KAQ - welcome to ham radio, and thanks very much for representing us well during the recent emergency! It sounds like you were really in the right place at the right time. Please continue to work with your local ARES organization, so that you can enhance your skills and be of even more help the next time.
I will second all of the comments here about disregarding the posts on this and other Internet forums and discussion groups. You will find the people on the air are much more civil.
Also, the code/no-code thing is the closest thing to a religious argument that we have. For too many, no compromise is acceptable.
There are new 'arts' being developed all the time, and some of them are at VHF. Other than Echolink, IRLP and similar VoIP modes, I don't see too much new happening on FM. But new digital modes, such as JT-44, are making long distance QSOs much easier for those equipped with modest stations. One of the locals here has worked moonbounce with 100 w. and single yagi using these new modes.
Some of the most exciting stuff if taking place down in the old buggy-whip shortwave bands. Very low power PSK31 stations are working the world daily. Digitized voice that will provide FM-quality audio in the bandwidth of an SSB signal, is available now, though a bit pricey. Digital signal processing turns weak signals into solid copy.
I would encourage you to upgrade, so you are not limited to VHF only. There is a lot of FM activity in your part of the country, but HF activity is worldwide, 24 hours a day. whether it is required or not, I'd encourage you to explore Morse Code, because it can be a lot of fun to do, and it really will get through when nothing else will.
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K9DI on October 26, 2003
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Mr. Hanlon,
There is a group of hams dedicated to elmering others interested in either getting a license or upgrading. It is the hamradiohelp group on www.yahoogroups.com The group is a very friendly one that elmers and shares materials within the group.
73
de
Wayne K9DI es Leader Dog Patriot
k9di@NOSPAMk9di.org
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K9DI on October 26, 2003
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I forgot to mention in my last post one of the most important, rewarding and FUN things a ham can do in our hobby. "Elmering" (mentoring another in our hobby) share your knowledge, experience, and excitement about this hobby with others. Giving back to this hobby can be a very rewarding experience. I try to elmer those who ask for it and am very grateful to those that have elmered me in the past and those that continue to elmer me now. Anyone can elmer and anyone can be elmered. Some of the newer ops in our hobby have returned the favor to older ops in regards to helping them get set up with some of the newer modes. There are many reasons to be active in our hobby it is up to each ham to find out what that is for him/her -self.
<stepping off of soapbox>
73
de
Wayne K9DI es Leader Dog Patriot
k9di@NOSPAMk9di.org
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K0AST on October 26, 2003
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KB3KAQ, Welcome!
I've said it before & i'll say it again: There are a lot of squeaky hams that come here to get their ego's greased. Ignore them. Ham radio is fun, and a positive public service.
I live in WA State, and out here we have several groups of organized SAR (Search & Rescue) Teams. There are at least one per mountainous county, and like your experience with public service, they give of their time as well. Often continuously.
I personally know of one group in the county north of mine that has sent members on missions to bring out lost/hurt/dead backcountry travelers/adventurers more times than you can count. While not a SAR member, some years ago I helped on a downed plane search and was amazed at the quality of the SAR team, their professionalism, and their willingness to give up days/nights/weekends to help people they don't know. In this one case alone, 10 - 12 of us turned out with the search ending a mere 13 hours later when a friend of mine rapelled off a 65' cliff in the dark at 3AM to reach the plane. EVERYONE had 2-meter HT's for communication. Wouldn't have worked any other way. I doubt the SKYWARN groups in the middle-West could operate well without good radios either.
Ham radio is what YOU make of it, not what anyone else will make of it for you. Public service -- why not? DX'ing, ragchewing, CW, whatever. It's your choice and don't let anyone's piss-poor attitude dissuade you -- they're just lookin' for a little ego grease again.
BTW, if you need an excellent free program to study code, try www.g4fon.co.uk and download his code program. I used it to pass my test. Or maybe, by the time you decide to do it, the code req's will disappear. If so, stay off the ham web sites for a few months, as nothing will help some of the bruised egos should that day arrive!
73'
Dan
PS. I can only see the need for hams expanding in areas such as SAR,hurricane watch, etc. as state & county budgets get strained, and more public support is needed on an "on call" basis to supplant lost public service money.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 26, 2003
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Seen in a Previous Post:
>>>>”………..10 - 12 of us turned out with the search ending a mere 13 hours later when a friend of mine rapelled off a 65' cliff in the dark at 3AM to reach the plane. EVERYONE had 2-meter HT's for communication. Wouldn't have worked any other way. I doubt the SKYWARN groups in the middle-West could operate well without good radios either.”<<<<
K0AST,………You’re absolutely correct! I’ve been chasing Severe Weather with an organized team for almost ten years now, and I can verify that when the job is coordinating the movement several vehicles under VERY difficult conditions, VHF is the “Weapon of Choice”.
To KB3KAQ: Welcome to the ARS!!! Keep your HT!………. 2 meters may not always be the best place for a “ragchew”, but when the world turns to worms, it does a lot of things right! (Including access to the NOAA Weather Frequencies.)
A number of our people have bought Icom IC-706s, which give you everything from 440 on down. They’re a little pricey when new, but there are many good ones available used. They’re a great radio for the Tech that has aspirations for higher licenses. They give you the 70 cm, 2 meter and 6 meter access your Tech License allows now, and the HF capability that your General will bring you is already there.
73
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K8JDC on October 26, 2003
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KB3KAQ,
Like you, getting into Amateur Radio was something I thought about doing as far back as I can remember. For various reasons, I put it off until I got into my 30s. Last year, I went straight for my General and then a little later upgraded to Extra because I wanted to participate in some activities held in the Extra allocation.
My only real addition to this thread is to suggest that you go ahead and get your General. For me, HF is the real magic that peaks my interest. I've worked phone, CW, SSTV, RTTY, PSK31, PSK16, HF FAX, PACTOR, AMTOR, ASCII, packet and a few other modes I've already forgotten and I've worked many countries while only being a casual DX chaser. I also installed HF in my mobile and love having the "company" on road trips. I encourage you to upgrade - I think you'll like it.
I mostly ignore the code/no-code debating and other "flaming" issues. I have an opinion and have expressed it, but we'll all live either way these things go. There are usually benefits to both outcomes if people will look close enough. The anonymity afforded by the internet makes people exchange more heated opinions than what otherwise might occur, so I take things I read here with a grain of salt. Don't let it get you down!
73,
JDC
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by TKV47 on October 26, 2003
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Boy, there's a lot of folks set in their ways here.
Have you forgotten what keeps you young and vital, not to mention useful?
It's adapting to change.
I may be a new Ham, but I'm an older guy, and I've seen my share of disasters, large and small.
One of the things that interests me about this discussion of relevance in the modern age, be it amateur radio or CW, is that neither one of these things is the real issue.
The issues are change, and experience.
The change is that modern technology has obsoleted much of our traditional relevance: redundant repeaters, with redundant PS's; cell phones; satellites; GPS; lasers; computers; the internet; wi-fi... a lot of things have changed since since Mr. Morse's heyday. Hell, a lot has changed in the last 20 years.
And in terms of day to day; in terms of level of emergency, we're a lot less relevant than we were only 10 years ago, much less 30.
But then there's experience.
Fact is that for most of our emergency personnel, JFK's asassination is as remote as FDR's polio, or Lincoln's fateful journey to Ford's theatre: it happened before they were born.
They've never lived in a world without television; without computers. Meat comes wrapped in celophane, with a freshness date, and only monsters actually kill animals. The government has always been "grandpa" - watching their backs, and providing their security. Their "wars" are measured in months, not years, and can be seen live-on-TV, while comfortably eating dinner, secure in their homes.
Camping is taking the SUV to Yosemite Valley. "Roughing it" is not enough hot water on tap.
And when the s__t REALLY hits the fan; when the station commander lies dead beneath a crumbled building; when all the computers quit working or the dispatcher dies; when there is no electricity and county-com is off the air; these young folks will be no where near as prepared as we older, "been there, done that" folks are.
Friends, it's NOT our radios - it's US.
(I've got a CB alongside my rig. Those of you who just "snorted" are missing the point. It isn't about our hardware - it's about public service. If some fisherman in the bay is sinking, and only can afford a CB - I'll hear him. You won't.)
So, if you're bragging about how long you've been a Ham; how tough your test was; or why CW is, or isn't, important - well, you're also the kind of person who owns a Jimmy and disdains Fords; owns a PC and thinks Mac users are weanies; who drinks Coors and thinks Heinekins is for girls.
That kind of childish attitude sells you short. You DO have a valuable contribution to make... and it's NOT your rig...
... it's you.
Accept the change: it will make you younger, and it will help you grow up.
Count your blessings that modern technology leaves you at home to care for your loved ones when a modest disaster hits.
But also have the courage and maturity to share your experience and expertise when it really IS needed.
Look up "amateur" - it means someone who does something for the love of it. A "professional" does it for money. There's no way to tell which one is more skilled; more versatile; more experienced.
This is a hobby, friends, not a religion. Things change.
Clinging to the past will only make you bitter;
forgetting the past makes you foolish.
While letting go, remember. Move forward.
73
Tracy
KG6SUZ
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 26, 2003
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Tracy;
Very, very well said!
Thank you!
73
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KD5UJX on October 26, 2003
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Tracy
KG6SUZ
You echoed my sentiments in a much better and eloquent form. Thank you for cutting to the heart of the matter. You are SO right; it is US, our experience, and our skills. It's not that nice 756 Pro II or that brand new Kenwood you can't figure out how to operate. It's US and knowing how to get the job done. I salute the original poster for his service and hope he will continue to provide it. All you people that posted trying to belittle his service to his community, SHAME ON YOU! Crawl back under your rock and stay there or find some way to serve your fellow humans. You will not believe how much better you will feel about life and your place in it.
73 all
Bill
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KD5HIY on October 26, 2003
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We are the professionals. When, like you said, all else fails, our light shines. Eventually the code issue will drop and things will return to ham/ham fun and not ham/ham wars.
i think its worth it and value to my time to be a ham operator. Matter a fact the little rock zoo has ask the little rock ham ops. to help with communication with their even "boo at the zoo" im going tonight to help.
have fun everybody,
chris
kd5hiy
73
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K4FAU on October 26, 2003
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Tracy.
Great point you made. It is true -- it is us that makes the difference -- not our rigs. Living in Florida we use our comms to support activities allot more then most places ...
i guess what gets me though about this whole CW vs NO CW thing is that while we are bickering between ourselves, most of the world is dropping the requirement as fast as they can and allowing their populace up on the true international HF bandwidths...
yesterday i made four DX contacts trying out a small tripod mounted narrow beam antenna operting on about 10 watts .. -- Switzerland, Germany and two in Belgium -- and the thing that all of them had in common was that they were all new hams to the airwaves simply becuase their country had restructured the licensing class. They all were a pleasure to talk to .. and for the most part had great equipment, but in the back of my mind I just thought kind of how unfair it was that we let the rest of the world join in on the HF parade yet want to punish our own folks... so its ok that we let "Hans" get on the air but no Billy Bob...
perhaps the trick is to do like one of the students here did and go overseas on vacation --- take the test ovrseas... get a HF license there -- and come back and use the reciprocal agreement law to operate legally in the US on the HF bands (all joking aside we had a no code tech go over to Ireland recently on a month long teaching job to one of the colleges and while he was there took the test --got his HF priv. call sign -- and is operating in the US using his internation call sign from Ireland -- and the funny thing is that there is absolutely nothing illgal about doing that (from what I understand unless omeone can show me differently in the rules)... it is covered under the international reciprocal agreement...all he has to do is add a slant bar and then a subfix .. )
anyway .. just wanted to say good comment Tracy....
Scott F
Univ of Fl
Amatuer Extra
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 26, 2003
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I am so pleased to see the recent positive posts!....It makes me proud to be part of this fraternity!
They are all right on target....We ARE the difference!
Good on all of you!
73
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K6BBC on October 26, 2003
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When Swan, Drake, Hallicrafters, Galaxy, Collins, Heathkit, and Hammarlund left the ham radio market, the hobby lost its heart and soul. Is anybody collecting old Icoms or Kenwoods?
This hobby needs reinvention – it’s dying.
K6BBC
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by AB7JK on October 26, 2003
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I don't know. I just went QRT for the second time in 6 months coming back a short time for PSK-31 which got boring. Most hams are dull, not very intelligent, some are unscrupulus - pretty much like the general population. I wouldn't expect much from it if I were you if you are bright, outspoken, truthful, inquisitive or if you like to talk about complex or meaningful subjects. If you are fascinated by the "medium" and can overlook most of the people and their shortcomings you can have some fun. AB7JK
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K6BBC on October 26, 2003
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Hey AB7JK,
In Southern California we have a wide area 6-meter repeater that has a net that meets every Thursday night. During that net, the control operator ask for weather reports from all over the area. And that’s about the whole net. There can’t possibly be anything more inane than asking for weather reports in Southern California where there is no weather to speak of most of the time. Thousands of dollars spent on a sophisticated repeater system and this is the best we can do?
I monitored another net on a repeater on Mt. Disappointment that meets every morning at 9:15 – THE BLUELINE NET. When I tuned in, the discussion was about the California recall election. Wow I though. Something interesting. There is hope. Then, an OLD GEEZER broke into the net, identified himself as the “control operator” and admonished the stations for engaging in “inappropriate talk.” What was worse – several hams, adults, started apologizing to this old fart.
K6BBC
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB3KAQ on October 26, 2003
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Several comments to make since this was originally posted to eHam a month ago.
I am currently working on learning code. I find it fun and a good challenge. When I take the Element 1 exam and pass, it will be a point of personal pride that I succeeded.
As for helping in the time of need - I played a part - no need to feature me in anything. I can sleep knowing I helped my community.
I have purchased a base rig to get me motivated to work HF. I have added a mobile VHF/UHF rig to my truck. I am in a local club and am very active.
Art is what you make of it. I personally think working DX is an art. Just finding someone out there is a challenge. I recently was part of a JOTA and got to work HF. I'm hooked.
I'm in Amateur Radio because it lets me explore the world around me and help my community. Plus I get to learn about myself and the many others I talk with. What could be better reasons than that?
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N0SCC on October 26, 2003
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I Love the Hobby, Because of the Neat things that are possible with so many modes to choose from. Its something I Like to do on my days off, Dont worry about Alot of the comments in the forums area. If some of these guys Couldnt Bitch in these forums, they would probably be out Stealing old womens purses or Yelling at their dogs.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KA4KOE on October 26, 2003
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FAU? Amateur Extra, Scott F.? You're just a troller man without a call, or a last name, using a gutless nom de plume of a college callsign.
Trolling again I see? No dates, huh?
Philip Neidlinger, KA4KOE
Professional Engineer
Amateur Extra
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by W3DCG on October 27, 2003
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Why I am an Amateur Radio Operator?
Hmmm. Because this hobby encompasses virtually every mode known, and many not yet invented/standardized.
Because it encompasses the entire RF spectrum, and is so versatile, there is some aspect of it for everyone, even if all you care about is extreme Radio Control modelling, or Moonbounce/SETI, or Public Service, or Contesting, or DXing, or simply, blabbering mindlessly on 75 meters,or a bit of all of it, much of it not mentioned here. Maybe you're into bugging people. Or counter-surveillance. Maybe you just like fiddling with electronics and building things, get on the air for the pleasure of realizing the fruits of your labor.
But really, me? Personally?
I got into it too young, couldn't afford anything but a straight key, lost interest, came back decades later, first thing I bought was an electronic keyer... discovered some bizarre, latent addiction to CW.
If the world revolved around a 48 hour day, I'd be doing all of it, but since it is not, at this juncture,
I'm in it because of CW.
73, have FUN!
I believe it is quite fine, to admit, this is foremostly a HOBBY. Because it cannot be about money, the hobby nature of Amateur radio in it's entirety is the foundation that supports the existence of the Service aspect of Amateur radio. No one would have the tons of communications gear, test equipment, hardware tools, software tools, antennas, computers, books, subscriptions, and other miscellaneous related fees, were it not FUN. Were it not FUN, it would not exist in it's present, mostly civil, regulated and lawful form.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC2SSB on October 27, 2003
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QUOTE:
>>>>”I wonder about people who claim that they "love" radio so much while posting on a computer web site over the internet.”<<<<
Personally, I find this to be a really strange comment.
(snip)keeping abreast of news concerning issues like BPL and non-issues like “Code/No Code” is really best accomplished on-line.
The answer to the quoted statement is really perfectly simple…………….we read and post here to get input from people involved in segments of the hobby that we are not into, and to keep up with current affairs. What’s wrong with that??????
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
END QUOTE
I replied to one of these posts on Eham, but it seemed to have gone unnoticed. The original poster had gone on at some length about how the evil internet with it's Echolink was ruining ham radio and how he had heard of hams that didn't own radio gear and had no antennas, but used the computer.
I remarked that it was amuzing that this fellow used the internet to complain, instead of the packet BBS system. So you see, the quote that you had put in there about people complaining on the internet - I think that's what that fellow was refering to - why do ops that "love" amateur radio so much leave it to complain!? We should be using our own technology such as packet BBSes to complain about how horrible our hobby is! :)
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC2SSB on October 27, 2003
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QUOTE:
RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator Reply
by N8UZE on October 25, 2003 Mail this to a friend!
As I have said in other postings, if we consider amateur "just a hobby" there is no reason to keep the government from regulating us out of existence. The government has tried twice to get rid of ham radio entirely. They have many times tried to reduce our frequency allocations to use for government or commercial activities.
END QUOTE
Give me a break. If the bands were ever "taken" from us, there would never be peace on the old bands, because ops would continue to use the radios, as pirates, as is done on the "freeband"/11 meter band. They're not about to disconnect their thousands of dollars worth of ham equipment and find something else to do. Therefore, while we may use little slivers of fairly unused portions of ham radio, we'll never lose it entirely. The main staples will remain, such as the HF bands (hell, we just got the new 60 meter "band"), allthough parts of VHF/UHF/SHF might disppear, the more heavily used portions will stay (6m/2m/70cm).
So, go ahead and man your Red Cross stations, look for your lost children, and work the disaster net. I'll continue to ragchew and collect QSL cards and talk on the radio during the relatively few opportunites I get. I just don't have time for ham radio to be a "service" to me. Thank goodness there are good ARRL members out there to keep the ARRL lobying for us. Thanks guys! :)
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC2SSB on October 27, 2003
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QUOTE:
RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator Reply
by KC5NWS on October 25, 2003 Mail this to a friend!
Oh for goodness sake. Hams need to quit being so concerned about what other hams think. Just get on the air and do what you like and to heck with all the politics and groups.
END QUOTE
C'mon now, what are you trying to do?! Make sense of things?! Geez. How dare you state a sane course of action! :)
Everytime some twit posts code/no-code and BPL stuff, I just roll my eyes and usually skip past it, unless I see an opportunity to make light of it. It's just so sad that people still debate about the whole thing.
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC5NMW on October 27, 2003
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-... .. - -.-. .... --..-- -... .. - -.-. .... --..--
-... .. - -.-. .... .-.-.- ... -.-
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 27, 2003
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Seen in a previous post:
>>>>"So, go ahead and man your Red Cross stations, look for your lost children, and work the disaster net. I'll continue to ragchew and collect QSL cards and talk on the radio during the relatively few opportunites I get. I just don't have time for ham radio to be a "service" to me."<<<<
Am I the only one who feels saddened to see this sort of statement?
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC2SSB on October 27, 2003
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<<RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator Reply
by KB9YZL on October 27, 2003 Mail this to a friend!
Seen in a previous post:
>>>>"So, go ahead and man your Red Cross stations, look for your lost children, and work the disaster net. I'll continue to ragchew and collect QSL cards and talk on the radio during the relatively few opportunites I get. I just don't have time for ham radio to be a "service" to me."<<<<
Am I the only one who feels saddened to see this sort of statement?
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL >>
What are you trying to say? If I don't have time to use ham radio as a service, I shouldn't be a ham?
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KD5UJX on October 27, 2003
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No, what he is saying is, we are sad that you can't be bothered in your "busy day" to help your fellow man. You selfish pig.
This is a service to the world. Sure we use it as a hobby. It's fun! But you should be willing (if you are physically able) to help out when others are hurting or in need. This is what you do to "pay back" the government for allowing us the privilege of operating on the bands. It is a privilege NOT a right or an earned right. What the government giveth the government can take away.
So sit at home and prop your feet up while you rag chew your heart out. Revel in the selfishness that is thee.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 27, 2003
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Andy;
You asked: >>” What are you trying to say? If I don't have time to use ham radio as a service, I shouldn't be a ham?”<<
No,…..If that was what I was “trying to say”, I would have said it. Since you are apparently asking for an explanation, ….I’ll elaborate.
Yes, Ham Radio is “only” a hobby…………but it is, however, a very special one. We enjoy privileges that are in many ways unique. Furthermore, there is a History of Community Service that sets the ARS apart.
I have always believed that Community Service is one of the reasons we enjoy the privileges conferred by our licenses. The people who make up Ham Radio have historically been willing to “Stand To” in times of crisis, and they have made a difference! All Hams should feel real pride in that fact.
I was really taken aback by your statement: >>"So, go ahead and man your Red Cross stations, look for your lost children, and work the disaster net. I'll continue to ragchew and collect QSL cards and talk on the radio during the relatively few opportunites I get. I just don't have time for ham radio to be a "service" to me."<<
I can only hope that you didn’t intend that statement to sound as cavalier as it does; but it certainly seems as though you are telling others to handle the responsibilities inherent in our position so that you could get back to the enjoyment of your simple hobby.
I, and many other Hams (probably the majority), have performed the services you have delegated to us. We have done so many times in the past, and will do so again in the future………And no, it is rarely convenient to put aside your daily life to offer someone your aid. We all have families, jobs, and our own personal concerns; but we do it anyway. It’s not always easy:…….. It can be boring hours of simply waiting (ask any Storm Spotter), it can be uncomfortable conditions, and sometimes it can be utterly heart-breaking.
The people who come forth to offer this aid do it for free. Sometimes the “warm fuzzy feeling” that is supposed to come from trying to help isn’t even there. I, for one, have seen a couple of things I wish I could forget………..But Hams keep “Standing To” because they feel a bond with their community, and a sense of responsibility.
What I found sad about your comment was that you apparently don’t share these feelings. I hope to God I’m wrong.
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K1OU on October 27, 2003
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You people are like a bunch of fat ladies fighting over a bucket of greasy chicken.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC2SSB on October 27, 2003
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<<RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator Reply
by KD5UJX on October 27, 2003 Mail this to a friend!
No, what he is saying is, we are sad that you can't be bothered in your "busy day" to help your fellow man. You selfish pig.
This is a service to the world. Sure we use it as a hobby. It's fun! But you should be willing (if you are physically able) to help out when others are hurting or in need.>>
Let's break down my "busy day", shall we?
1. I'm a police officer. I work the 2p - 10p shift. I have to be at work for 1:45, so I typically leave at 12:45 Sat - Wed.
2. I have a 16 month old son at home who typically wakes up at 8am daily. Mon and Tues I have to take him to day care after breakfast. On Thur and Fri we're home together.
3. My wife is in her 3rd semester of RN school. She's out the door by 8am Mon, Tues and Thursday and 6am on Fridays. She works 9am - 11am on Wednesday morning doing a home heathcare assignment.
4. I volunteer my "free" time on an ambulance, a minumum of 12 hours a week (Thursday night 6p - 6a), but I frequently wake up in the middle of other night to respond for a second or third ambulance, even if I'm not on duty.
So, that leaves Mon and Tuesday from around 9:30am - 12:30pm to myself. I also get about 2 - 3 hrs on Thurs and Fri while my son is napping. Sat and Sun mornings are out because those are monopolized by my wife and son as "family" time. During my limited free time, if I'm not cleaning around the house or working on the lawn, I *MIGHT* have a few minutes to enjoy the HOBBY aspect of ham radio. Shoot, I'm not even a member of the local ham radio club because I just don't have time for it.
So, where can I slip in the "service" part of ham radio?
Don't talk about things you don't know about.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC2SSB on October 27, 2003
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<<RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator Reply
by KB9YZL on October 27, 2003>>
I'm not going to bother to quote anything you posted because it's pretty much addressed in my last reply. Read my reply to the prior post. I help the community for a living AND as a volunteer, so please don't preach community service via ham radio to me.
I will continue to use ham radio as a hobby.
To be honest with you, at my job we don't even utilize hams in our emergency plans. Don't ask me why because that's above my level, but they just aren't part of our emergency plan.
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RE: Get a grip!
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by W9WHE on October 27, 2003
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Get a grip!
If you expect that we will all sit around the campfire and sing Kum-by-ya, you are living in the wrong decade. Ham radio reflects siociety. Rich/poor, educated/uneducated, liberal/conservative, intelligent/stupid. We are all here.
Why should people disagree in life, but not disagree here?
Just as in life, you have hams that expect that the government (FCC) give them everything (universal HF priveleges)and you have those that insist that hams they work for it (learn code). Why should ham radio be different than life?
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 27, 2003
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Andy;
This is a classic case of; "The only things we know about each other is what we tell each other!"
In light of the information you have provided, I certainly apologize for any criticism, either implied or perceived.
Thank you for your dedication to duty!
73
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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RE: Get a grip!
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by N3EVL on October 27, 2003
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W9WHE said:
"...Just as in life, you have hams that expect that the government (FCC) give them everything (universal HF priveleges)and you have those that insist that hams they work for it (learn code). Why should ham radio be different than life?..."
Hmmmm, work for, earn - you bet! But stuff Ham Radio into some kind of frozen time warp where nothing ever changes or is reevaluated? - no way!
N3EVL
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC8VWM on October 27, 2003
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Why am I an Amateur Radio Operator?
I became an Amateur Radio operator so that we will all sit around the campfire and sing Kum-by-ya.
... With an HT, roasting marshmellows with a Diamond RH77CA antenna.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 27, 2003
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This Kum-by-ya thing that people keep bringing up........I don't think I remember it.
Why don't one of you hum us a few bars.
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KD5UJX on October 27, 2003
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"Someone's keying Lord- R F I, Someone's keying Lord- R F I"
To the "selfish pig" I am truly amazed that you can keep this kind of week up at all. You are correct I did speak of that which I did not know. However, YOU did not say! The wording of your post came off as a lazy bum that couldn't care less about anything but himself. I do think some would agree with this. You are already a "public servant", so, you would be on the job in a situation needing emergency communications.
Good luck and I wish you well.
73, KD5UJX
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RE: Get a grip!
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by KC8VWM on October 27, 2003
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<<<Ham radio reflects siociety. Rich/poor, educated/uneducated, liberal/conservative, intelligent/stupid. We are all here.>>>
Gee, by your definition it sounds like Amateur Radio is a "collage" of circus clowns that wear bright red bulbous noses with black rimmed glasses and stringy red and green hair.
Personally, I wear large floppy shoes with the letters "CQ" inscribed on each of them. I just finished earning my DXCC while riding my Unicycle mobile. (Insert bulb horn sound effect here)
I am good at sending CW signals by tap dancing on a floor while depressing the "PTT" switch.(C.B. Talk fer dohse perfessionnall ham types.)
I specially liked the time I used my solar charged echo induced triode inductor to contact a Canadian Ham... Canadian... Ham... get it?
(yeah, the same type of equipment used on the CB bands stupid,...pay attention vern.)
Well, I is sure glad my posting is on da topic vern, cause i wan't evry body knowin' what kind of stuff we done had befour so we can share some friendly speriences on eham wit 1 anodder 'bout why we got into ham radio in da second place.
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by K9WLF on October 27, 2003
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To KB3KAQ, don't worry about the codeno code flame wars here. Last night on my way home from Daytona to Hollywood, Fl, I had a contact with Skip, VY2KJ6Y working IOTA from Prince Edward Island. We exchanged signal reports, asked about each others equipment and complimented each other on quality of signal. Lo and Behold, no mention of code/no code. Get your code, get on HF and have a great time. By the way I also am a member of both ARES and RACES. During Andrew, a portable repeater that was brought to Homestead was the only communications out of the area. Even after portable cell phone towers were brought in, they were operating on very restricted use. It was the Hams that help coordinate the trucks of the relief efforts and got them in where they were supposed to go. Keep doing what you are doing and keep reaching upwards. It is not the class of license the Amateur holds, but the class of the Amateur that holds the license.
73, and good DX, Tom, K9WLF/4 HF mobile,The Wolf on the Air!!!!
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N6AJR on October 27, 2003
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welcome to the hobby, remember if they ain't talking about fan dipoles, then it probably is an argument in progress. :) this site is not ham radio. it is Eham, a ham site. real radio in not here it is on you rig.. so take stuff here with a large grain of salt.. 73 tom N6AJR
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by G5FSD on October 28, 2003
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well done KC2SSB - you brought out flaming from people quick to judge and made them realise they should get all the facts straight before passing comment. Nice one!
I too am lucky if I get an hour to myself at the end of the day, when I'm tired and ready to turn in. I'm sure I'm not the only one. This is why we get so annoyed with the pro-code bigots who call us lazy for not wanting to learn the code. There's a world of difference between grabbing a few minutes of radio here and there for enjoyment, and sitting down getting stressed about learning something you REALLY resent and can't see any point in learning...
And STILL these people believe they have a right to insist upon what other people must do, for their enjoyment in their spare time. It's quite disgustingly pathetic!
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on October 28, 2003
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G5FSD;
In the course of posting to these forums, people occasionally write things that are subject to misinterpretation. I am sure that most of the time, they don’t even realize that their statements might be taken two (or more) ways. If they fail to provide the additional information required for a correct interpretation, other people will misunderstand them, and react accordingly.
In a previous post I noted a statement that APPARENTLY went counter to many things I believe, and I made brief comment that the APPARENT sentiment saddened me. That’s all I said: No one was “flamed” by me.
When the original author responded, and clarified the issue, it was clear that his original comment had been entirely misleading in it’s brevity. It was a misunderstanding, and I apologized fully on the forum.
A misunderstanding occurred, and it was set right. I don’t see why either side needs a “cheering section”, ……and I really can’t figure out how the original post had anything at all to do with the whole “Code/No Code” thing! Why would you bring that up?
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC2SSB on October 28, 2003
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<<RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator Reply
by KB9YZL on October 27, 2003
This is a classic case of; "The only things we know about each other is what we tell each other!"
In light of the information you have provided, I certainly apologize for any criticism, either implied or perceived.
Thank you for your dedication to duty!
73
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL>>
It could also be a case of people assuming that when I said I don't have time to use ham radio as a service, I really meant I'm too lazy and want others to pick up the slack.
Remember the old saying "ASS-U-ME". :)
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KC2SSB on October 28, 2003
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<<and I really can’t figure out how the original post had anything at all to do with the whole “Code/No Code” thing! Why would you bring that up?
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL>>
Don't you know? Every ham radio discussion on the internet becomes code/no-code eventually! :)
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RE: Get a grip!
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by W9WHE on October 28, 2003
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KC8VWM writes:
"Gee, by your definition it sounds like Amateur Radio is a "collage" of circus clowns that wear bright red bulbous noses with black rimmed glasses and stringy red and green hair".
Obviously, KC8VWM has not:
1) listened to 75/80 meters; or
2) been to a hamfest lately!
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KE4ZHN on October 28, 2003
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Why am I a ham radio operator? Because radio is fun, and communicating with people is also fun. Even when you encounter hostility on the bands or on this forum, its still just a hobby. Life goes on, jerks will be jerks, and its no different in everyday life. If your that disturbed by aspects of this hobby, then maybe you should sell your HT and take up basket weaving.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB3KAQ on October 28, 2003
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yeah, basket weaving, why didn't i think of it before.
my question was meant to be introspective and make the reader think about the reasons they are in the hobby. i am very glad i've finally jumped into the hobby/service/lifestyle.
instead of whining why i can't have HF, i'm studying the code. i understand it is what is required to get the HF bands. so i study and progress and become a better operator.
it seems to me, there are many who have turned their backs on helping newcomers to progress in the hobby. it is a shame that they probably benefited from an elmer many years ago but are not willing to share their knowledge. or are they afraid they will be exposed as being a poor operator or question pool extra?
-steve
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RE: Get a grip!
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by KC8VWM on October 28, 2003
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by W9WHE on October 28, 2003
KC8VWM writes:
"Gee, by your definition it sounds like Amateur Radio is a "collage" of circus clowns that wear bright red bulbous noses with black rimmed glasses and stringy red and green hair".
Obviously, KC8VWM has not:
1) listened to 75/80 meters; or
2) been to a hamfest lately!
While It may be true that I haven't listened to 75/80 meters or been to a hamfest lately, I have after all been here on this forum.
(Insert circus music playing here)
73
KC8VWM
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB0GU on October 29, 2003
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I am an Amateur Radio Operator because I was bit by the bug at an early age and it seemed almost mystical to me. I remember building a crystal set when I was 9 or 10 years old. After many years, studying, experimenting, building, repairing, etc. It is still a mystical experience at those times when you make a new contact, a new friend, get a "rare one", try a new mode and succeed, and know that you are prepared to continue communications in the event of a natural or other disaster. I do not practice all aspects of Amateur Radio, but I am at least interested in it, it gives me something to read, think about and do and is a great hobby for me that can be done all year around. Now if I could just get my mother and wife to stop calling me spider.
Best Regards to a fine bunch of Hams from this Bigham.
KB0GU
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by AC3P on October 31, 2003
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Brian,
Why so negative?
I was at the shelters during Isabele. The Red Cross was glad we were there. The cell phones did go out for a time, more due to low batteries than anything else.
Did I miss something? I don't recall anyone saying they saved the world.
Did get a letter of thanks from the County government for the effort.
Sometimes it's necessary to do these things in order to have some ammo when trying to keep our hobby and frequecies. We aren't trying to be saviors. But we need to justify our use of the frequencies. If we don't talk it up, who will?
BTW..thanks for your service to our country. USCG "Semper Paratus"
73
Frank also ETHW FCC Class of 1978
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by AB7JK on October 31, 2003
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K6BBC
I see the same thing. I can appreciate the need to keep ham transmission subjects to a "general nature" if you are working a DX stations, but why do hams have to avoid politics, controversial subjects, and sensor most things they say in a net or QSO? Are we so dumbed down that we all thing alike, or are we all scared? I think the latter. I don't appreciate the "Speech Police" and pretty much let'er rip whenever I post or open my mouth. If more hams did the same I would stay with the hobby. If the speech nazis scare us into self-sensorship none of us are our own person any longer (it's like being a little pregnant). They win.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N6HBJ on November 1, 2003
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Why is it that it seems it is usually the brand new hams who come out here and lecture all of us on proper ettiquette and the woes of ham radio.........just shut the %#@& up and enjoy your hobby ON THE AIR! Put some time in and then maybe open your mouth.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by KB9YZL on November 2, 2003
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N6HBJ;
I spent most of my “First Fifty” in Engineering. I can’t count the number of times a useful observation was made by a “Fresh Set of Eyes”, leading to the solution of a particularly knotty problem.
Could the same scenario occur in Ham Radio???…….I think it might just be possible.
Kent Carroll
KB9YZL
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Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by VE6XL on November 2, 2003
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Great post Steven.
Everytime I think the hobby is on a decline I see something which tells me this could not be further from the truth.
Your story reminds me of that. Keep it up.....
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by WA1RNE on November 10, 2003
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Isn't there more to HR than just DX and receivers with DSP's??
An important facet to this hobby is sadly missed; learning to homebrew equipment and antennas.
Today, everyone goes to HRO, picks up an ICOM, Yaesu, or Kenwood and a Cushcraft or a Diamond and starts talking - and that's that....
I'll take my Collins 32V3 that I worked hard on restoring and now take pride in or my Heathkit's - as well as my IC745 and my antenna designs and between them all enjoy a fullfilling experience.
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RE: Why I'm an Amateur Radio Operator
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by N4CUZ on February 7, 2004
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From a few miles back on this thread, I read the following from a No-Code Tech.
"So, now that I have my Technician privileges, I am starting to think toward the future and working toward my General and then Extra. I am turned off by many of the attitudes that seem to exist in the hobby."
Way back when, we had on-the-air cliques who criticized, condemned, and complained -- but it has been many years since I have heard the old phrase, "I never met a ham I didn't like."
That phrase used to be common, but so was self-deprecation and generally criticizing others in jest. One of our finest hams used to say, "All hams are maggots." He did not exclude himself from this statement, either.
In general, all of society is more up-tight, more critical of others, more afraid for their own careers. In 1980, IBM had not laid off anyone for financial reasons, and companies felt that they had a duty to give back to their employees every bit as much as their stockholders.
Now, the work place cannot be trusted, and layoffs do not take past performance into account. Much of what you are hearing is a reflection of our society. ZL (New Zealand) hams used to tell me that we spoke too fast, and seemed on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The "dumbing down" of the tests allows people to learn while doing, and I was against it, but accepting of it once the water went under the bridge.
In Jacksonville, we lose an average of four long-term licensees per day to expiration, and these hams are still alive. Many of them scratch the itch to communicate on the Web.
Every time I approach my car, I am reminded of the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, where all services were down (and some still are!), except for amateur radio.
The tag cover on my vehicle reads "When all Else Fails...," and this remains a truism today. I am not a code-bigot, and can head-copy well over 20 WPM. Yet, due to the pace of work, I have not taken a ham radio test since 1979. If I ever get laid up, I will take the time to review the frequencies, which is about all I need to upgrade from being a 13 WPM General.
Attitude is indeed everything. Best wishes to all of you who hear me out there, as well as those who don't.
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