I think I'm going to wander off and take my opinions with me since few posts go by without someone insulting me personally.  That's the first place people go when they can't think of anything sensible to offer.

I would much rather have had a conversation, maybe even a debate, but some of you would rather just argue off-point.

Later.

f

I'm not angry Rick, just frustrated.  More so now than when I first started the thread!  My intent wasn't to pizz anyone off, but to stimulate a conversation about a subject many have shown a passion.

But, like talking to a Republican about how wonderful the Prez is or Preaching gospel to an Atheist, (whether I believe either is moot for this point), it ends up being more about people bashing you, versus your opinion.

f

I think you may have posted to the wrong forum Glenn.

Politics is down the hall, 2nd door on the far right.

f

On Wed, May 27, 2009 at 11:38 AM, Harry wrote:

>>>The spirit of what you're telling us rings true. However, how you're communicating it ... well ... is a wee bit condescending and counter productive.

I'll buy that.  I've never been one for sugar-coating to make my pills easier to swallow.


>>> Yes, undoubtedly more of us should be doing more for the community, especially during times like these.

I don't doubt the value that many individuals and groups bring to the hobby and the community.  The point has always been about some of the uselessness that stands right along with those values.

As my original question eluded, "What's the point?"  I also asked for what you've done to better the hobby, thus your next question deserves a response.
 
>>> Now with that said and your original post, Frank allow me to ask you a simple question: What have you done to make a difference?

To avoid the very toot-your-own-horn approach I've condemned, I'll send it to you vs the forum.

Just got back.  Nope, can't do that either.  Another person with no email on QRZ.com and I'm not inclined at the moment to hope I'm lucky w/a GOOGLE search.

So, I'm in a quandary.  Should I play my own brag-tape or not answer the question?

(a few minutes later)

-I gather several hams every month to play radio.  Actually operate, not sit in some greasy-spoon and talk about it.

-I meet 100s of people every month and constantly promote the hobby through my business.  In my short time I've helped and inspired dozens of candidates to get a ticket.

-I feed almost a hundred people a day an audio stream over the Internet, providing 24/7 copy of our local repeaters.

-I provide beta testing and support for several amateur radio programs.

-I've spent hours putting together videos for YOUTUBE so other hams can learn to identify various digital modes.

-I'm a CERT volunteer, ready and willing to serve in an emergency when called upon.  I've also done my fair share of passing emergency traffic and volunteering amateur radio services on-site at several events.

-Although I'm a "new" ham, I have more hours operating a radio in the past four years than most hams I've met will do in a lifetime.  Doubtful if it helps directly, but I share what I learn and have expanded the options for many.

-I go to people's homes for free and help them setup their rigs, antennas, ground systems, etc.

Geeze, I could go on, but my head's getting bigger with every syllable!

But this isn't a contest of who's done more.  Just as long as you're doing SOMETHING THAT MATTERS!

f

That's all fine and dandy Allen, but do you really have something to say, or just here to post senseless replies?

f

I did six under-par at Torrey Pines once.  'Course that was on the video game Tiger Woods 2006!  Hey, at least golf doesn't pretend to be the last vestibules of survival!

Sock-it-to-me!

f, k2ncc

>>> I can't take too much credit...

Yet you do, since you've seen fit to brag about it.

>>> I did dirty jobs...

And you are an exception to the "rule."  You've actually done something to help save or improve someone's life.  In my book, you, my friend, are a honest Hero.

>>> I loved it!

Okay, you're a glutton for punishment, but I can't fault you for what you've done.  My comments are geared towards the other 98% who have done little more than pass a net message.

>>> Can you imagine...

I can only imagine.  Your participation and contribution to the community and the hobby is representative of what I mean.  Get out there and do something or shut up!  Good job sir!

>>> I do see some of the problems you pointed out...

Honestly, that's my only point.  Do what you Will.  It's a hobby, afterall, and your claim-to-fame should be limited to your actual usefulness.  Again, you are an exception to the general practices of this hobby; Let's work on quantity versus QUALITY.   I have no argument with anyone that's done what you have.  Honestly, I applaude your Work and wish others would follow your example.

f, kn2cc

Amateur Radio – Four Years Later

I’ve been an amateur radio operator for four years now. Before that, I worked in radio communications in the Army. Although I can certainly appreciate what ham radio operators offer to the world, I’ve yet to understand why they value it beyond what they really have to offer.

Things I’ve noticed:

Hams tend to be self-gratifying. I mean, just look at the titles behind the callsign. You have to wonder if they’re some Doctor-of-something. Folks, if you’re more focused on what value you offer to the community, then you’re missing the point!

Next, the useless and senseless “nets” that this hobby encourages. Geeze, can we do something beside collect a list of check-ins? Really. What’s the point after five or 10 loops? The only saving-grace this hobby has is “in case of emergency.” Worse than a dead fire-extinguisher or alien-abduction insurance, this hobby has based it’s value entirely upon “What if?”

I put a solid six to eight hours every day into this hobby. Not for the socialization aspects, which this post is surely to hinder, but the love of the technology. Much like my day-job, amateur radio offers a never-ending supply of learning. But in the midst of this information overload, I find a fair share of ham radio “Nazis” who think they are god’s gift to the hobby.

People… get over yourselves!

Who cares how many people you’ve helped, or even how many lives you have improved. You should do that every day, regardless. One soldier in Iraq has give more in a day that you can offer in a life-time. A true Hero is one who saves a life. At best, you’ve helped someone else do so.

The ARRL, ARES, and probably most ham-clubs, spend their time gathering names and passing useless messages. Do I really need to know that my license is about to expire or “Happy Birthday”? Any sensible person should have a clue about “clutter” before you waste the air-time with your dribble.

By now, I’m sure I’ve pissed-off enough folks to consider many bridges burned, but honestly, why should I care? All you offer is another form to fill out, another useless worked-all-States award, or maybe I've offend a list of hams who believe what you do. What value to YOU offer?

Honestly, aren’t most of you limited to net check-ins and club meetings at your local restaurant? When’s the last time you actually made a difference in someone’s life? And is it so majestic that you feel you need some sort of recognition? Does the word “Altruistic” mean anything to you?

Okay, granted, I’m being a bit harsh and cynical. Much like what people need, in this country in particular, is the proverbial “slap on the face” in order to wake up to the potential you have, versus the limited services you offer. Really. As Janet Jackson would sing, “What have you done for me lately?”

So, get off yer high-horse and do something. Recruit new hams. Get your lazy azz from behind the mic or computer and dig some ditches. Write your representatives to amend cell-phone bills to exclude amateur radio… Save a Life.

I’d rather motivate a 1000 people to activate than be somebody to love. If you don’t agree with me, that’s fine. But what are you going to do about it?


f, k2ncc

The club's focus is operating digital modes.  Anything more or less is up to the individual.

It's not just some 'net' where we all check in and exchange reports.  It's local folks getting together, in person, and off-site, and playing radio.

Our last meeting introduced us to JT65.  Each attendee operated.  Then we went home and tried it out some more.

If you operate digital modes regularly, particularly if you like contests, you'll be using macros too.  8-)

Vy 73, Frank, K2NCC
http://sites.google.com/site/evokefrank/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARCO

There are plenty of sources for the industrious search-engine user, but the previous post nailed it;
Experience.

The more you listen, the more you research, the more you'll know.

I find the audio clips scattered about the 'net aren't as useful, as I seldom actually HEAR the radio.  Usually, my eyes are glued to the waterfall!

Meanwhile, I have quite a few video clips, screenshots, and audio files of many digital modes in the DARCO yahoo forum:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARCO

Vy 73, de Frank K2NCC

It's time to break the mold of traditional amateur radio clubs.

The newly formed Digital Amateur Radio Club of Oregon (DARCO) invites the participation of those that hate to go to meetings because it takes them away from the radio!

Social gatherings are fine, but how many times have you operated a radio while at one? With DARCO, the intent is to bring together like minds and develop digi-modes experience. HF, VHF/UHF, Satellite, decoding military TX, and so much more is available to us, why not use it? Typically the only thing holding you back is a partner to work or knowing where to start. Now you don't have to wait to try something new!

Offering small groups or 'cells' to work on projects that you won't get at a restaurant get-together. Operate international stations remotely (recently I operated as GI/K2NCC), practice modes you never knew existed (ever heard of Coquelet 100?), learn more by DOING and get on-the-air instead of fat from overpriced food.

No experience in digital modes? If you have a license, an HF station and a computer, you have all you need to start! You'll soon be shaking your head next time someone says how bad the propagation conditions are as you work the world on less than 50 watts!

Digital guru? Come show us what you can do or invite us over for a demonstration!

Next meeting is this Saturday at noon in Hillsboro, offering an overview of digital modes and various operating practices. If you're interested in participating (currently 3 seats available), email me.

Also be sure to check out the Yahoo forum for more information, files, instructions and an opportunity to get on the list of next meet that fits your schedule. Mention what you'd like to try and we'll fit it in!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DARCO

Vy 73, de Frank K2NCC
http://sites.google.com/site/evokefrank/

Ham Radio - W7OTV OTVARC Oregon Tualatin Valley 146.96 Repeater Streaming Audio Server

TUNE IN here: http://shoutcast.com/?s=w7otv

(Or visit shoutcast.com and search by w7otv or 146.96)

Stream is up 24/7 at 48 kbps with a max of 32 listeners.

You'll need Winamp(free) or compatible player. (Download at winamp.com)

The repeater is operated by Oregon Tualatin Valley Amateur Radio Club (http://otvarc.org). The repeater is located on Goat Mountain (http://tinyurl.com/zmu9o) at 4,219 feet 35 miles South East of Portland, Oregon.

The audio stream server is donated by Eagle Eye Computer, Inc (eagleeyecomputer.com).

It's been up for a few weeks now.  Everything seems stable and it's on a dedicated server.  In the last 30 days we've had 163 listeners from 22 different countries.  Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.  I can be reached via AIM as K2NCC.

73, Frank K2NCC

SeaPac, The Northwest’s Largest Ham Convention

Seaside Convention Center, Seaside, Oregon

Friday:     11:00 AM to  8:00 PM
Saturday:   8:00 AM to  4:30 PM
Sunday:     8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon

You can register at the convention door during the above hours for $10 per adult, or save money by registering online at the reduced rate of only $8 per adult.  (Children under 12 free with paying adult/s.)

Online Registration:
http://seapac.org/registration/registration.htm

Seminars

Seminars and forums on technical and regulatory matters are offered at SEA-PAC. Be informed in an up-close and personal atmosphere with knowledgeable people in our hobby.

This is a preliminary, partial list.
 
The Digital Forum
ARRL Forum
A.P.R.S.
A Space Challenged Dual Band NVIS Antenna
Ham Law
Antennas & Transmission Lines 101
Antenna Tuners
Emergency Preparedness
Katrina & Beyond
Geocaching
The 7-Land QSO Party - A Mini-Expedition
Scanners

... and more!

More info and driving directions for SeaPac at:
http://seapac.org