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About eHam.net
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eHam.net Survey
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Survey Question
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How long have you held an Amateur Radio licence?
Posted: Oct 04, 2006
(2979 votes, 105 comments)
by VK5LA
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Survey Results
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Less than a year...
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4% (106)
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1 to 5 years...
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11% (331)
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5 to 10 years...
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8% (245)
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10 to 20 years...
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19% (579)
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20 to 30 years...
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18% (523)
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30 to 40 years...
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16% (483)
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more than 40 years...
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24% (712)
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Survey Comments
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1978
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My Dad (s.k.) NQ4O, and I started out with our Novice, which was then a 2 year, non-renewable. Dad and I studied together and took our tests in front of the "big Swede" at the Federal Building in Louisville, Ky. Looking back, it was a great experience, studying the theory and Morse code together. Now after almost 30 years, Ham Radio is still a great hobby! I have many great memories of my early years with my Dad as Ham.
Posted by
N4FZ
on July 4, 2007
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30 -Years as a HAM.
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I was licenced in 1977 as PE1BYJ, Half a year later I became PA3AGZ. (full lic)
I just see that 2007 , I will have my 30-th year of ham-radio licence.
In Holland, we have the Old Timers Club or OTC.
Members must have their lic. for 25-years or more.
Posted by
PA3AGZ
on January 31, 2007
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Thirty something
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I do not recall when I got my Novice ticket.
Was it 1975? I just looked at my Extra Certificate(not ticket). The FCC used to send any extra for the asking a more formal looking license. Has the same size and shape as the 1st phone.
Was I and my friend who told me about it the only ones that got one?
That nice looking piece of paper(fcc form 659) says issued 1978. So I guess I have been a ham for thirty something years.
Seen much change. No more 75W-n-xtal control for newbies. No more is that great apprenticeship. CW only for a while, then you earned your right to 20M. If one did not feel like HF was their thing, the Tech class put 2M on the map in the early 70's.
Thirty Something means different things. Their was that TV show "Thirty Something"
Remember...."Do not trust anybody over thirty"?
The Youth counter culture of the psycodelic
60's thought youth was king.
What is that new crap I hear.......Oh...."Being in your fourties, is the new thirties" BULL-Sheet! "AGE DISCRIMINATIONIS THE NEW RACISM" OH YES I WROTE THAT.
One would be shocked WHO reads EHAM! I am so shocked to see many pithy quotes, end up spouted out by all sorts of pop culture pundits. I have found that NEWS channel THAT IS FAIR AND BALANCED seems to have it's pimply faced production assistants look for pithy quotes. These pithy quotes are now the property of some A.F.T.R.A. on air blogger.
I guess thirty something years in Ham Radio is a mid life crisis. :)
Posted by
WA2JJH
on January 21, 2007
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Years Licensed
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Been a ham for 51 years. Licensed as a Novice KN9EEH in 1955 now have the Extra.
73 Dick K9EEH
Posted by
K9EEH
on December 22, 2006
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WA7NDD
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First licensed in 1960 as WA7JOS. Moved to Idaho in 1969 and was issued WA7NDD. 46 years of ham radio. I like the sixties and early seventies best. There was more to tinker with, and parts were very easy to find. I like the rigs now because they don't drift, and don't smoke, usually. I like to listen the the old timers talk on the bands.
Jim
Posted by
WA7NDD
on October 31, 2006
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Licence?
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You mean Teekit?
We don't need no stinkin' teekit!
Posted by
K0RC
on October 30, 2006
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Licence?
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You mean Teekit?
We don't need no stinkin' teekit!
Posted by
K0RC
on October 30, 2006
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Licenses since
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1955 kn9akl
? wa6lpx
? k6xr
51 years
Posted by
K6XR
on October 29, 2006
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speling
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Even if we make the tests more difficult and require 30WPM code speed, HAMS WILL STILL NOT BE ABLE TO SPELL CORRECTLY!
Posted by
KG4RUL
on October 29, 2006
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How long is too long?
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The manager was bitten by a giant Halloween spider and will not awaken from his trance until the year 2022. By that time we will know how long every amateur radio operator in the entire world has held their licenses with the exception of those in North Korea. In case you haven't noticed, the quality of eHam.net is fading away faster than the changing standards of the license tests. Do you think the gloom and doom hams are happier now?
Posted by
AI2IA
on October 28, 2006
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How many years is this one going to go on, on, on,.........
Alex...
Posted by
SSB
on October 28, 2006
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Ham radio Tech
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I started in the hobie back in 1996 got my first ham license in 1997 as a novice and it has been a great trip ever since, I have met great people over the bands and in person in my ham related trips. Now I own an LMR company in Honduras - ExellCom and we are growing veryday, my interest and Knowledge are getting stronger in electronics all thanks to Ham Radio, thanks and 73.
Posted by
HR2PAC
on October 27, 2006
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Anniversary no. 30
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2007 will mark 30 years for me in Amateur Radio. What a ride!
Thanks, Dad!
gary // wd4nka
Posted by
WD4NKA
on October 27, 2006
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Anniversary no. 30
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2007 will mark 30 years for me in Amateur Radio. What a ride!
Thanks, Dad!
gary // wd4nka
Posted by
WD4NKA
on October 27, 2006
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16 months...
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I earned my Technician License June of 2005. Upgraded to General August of 2006.
I am 30 years old... I love this stuff!
I am now studying Electronics because of the interest that Ham Radio gave me. :)
I will upgrade to Extra probably next summer. By then I will have completed my 1st year in Electronics... Should be good to go.
Eric - KE7EDW
Posted by
KE7EDW
on October 26, 2006
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Long Time!
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It's almost getting embarassing to answer this question any more!
Novice - WN4BQF - 1953
Conditional - W4BQF - 1954
Advanced/Extra - W4BQF - 1974
Think I was must have been born copying CW. I try all modes, but always come right back to CW. Still enjoy it. I do contesting, QRQ, rag chewing, and DX'in. Enjoy Elmer'ing too.
Tom - W4BQF
Posted by
W4BQF
on October 26, 2006
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34 years in the hobby and still enjoy it
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I was licensed in 1972 at the age of 15, as WN8NHV. Got my Technician (later Tech-plus) three years later (with almost a year off the air, June 1974 to May 1975, between license upgrades).
Had Tech-plus ten years (1975-'85). An upgrade to General (the license class I hold today) followed in 1985. My interest in ham radio is a direct result of an intense interest I have had in electronics since the age of eight in 1964 (my dad, now Silent Key N8BGY, was an electrical engineer for years, so I pretty much grew up around electronics as a kid, but surprisingly, he got his first ham license [KA8DKB] in 1978, six years after I did).
I like CW and particularly 30 meters (had a fairly good station installation for 20+ years at my former QTH in suburban Cleveland), but I moved in late 1999 and, regrettably, had to give it up. Worked 49 states and 20 countries (why is it that when you are so close to WAS something like this has to happen?) I now have quite a problem with RFI in my apartment here outside Cleveland, using a Barker and Williamson AP-10A eight-band (10-40 meters) apartment portable HF antenna inside the unit (my 100-watt CW signal gets into the GFIs in my apartment and trips the one in the kitchen), which I haven't been able to lick yet, so I am currently operating mainly 2 meters and am a member of the Lake County Amateur Radio Association (LCARA). Was an ARRL member for 15 years, until their membership fees became too much for me to afford at this time.
My HF station is presently set up in my bedroom and consists of an Icom IC-725 nine-band 100-watt CW/SSB transceiver. The 2-meter setup is an Icom IC-T22A 1.5-watt handheld, with a 3/8-wave telescoping vertical portable antenna; it works quite well with at least two repeaters here in east-central Lake County. I also have a Midland 13-510 synthesized 2-meter rig which is in standby service at this time.
My situation as far as station location and antennas, etc. has changed a lot in the last 34 years (through three moves), but I am still enjoying ham radio as much as I did when I made my first contact at the then edge of the 80-meter Novice CW segment (3.75 MHz) at 5:30 p. m. during the first week of November 1972, three months and a week after getting my Novice license. Believe it or not, once I got hold of the other station (now SK W9PQO, formerly of South Bend, Indiana and living in California at the time of his death), I couldn't think of a thing to say to the guy after giving him my own QTH and RST report!
That was then; this is now. I may have my HF antenna problems, but I am still as active in ham radio from my apartment as the situation will allow. I get on the Lake County ARA 2-meter repeater (N8BC, 147.81-21) at least once a week for the club's weekly 2-meter ragchew net, so if you are in this area and hear my callsign on that system, give me a shout. I'm always glad to hear from other local hams.
73,
Jeff, WB8NHV - Fairport Harbor, Lake County, Ohio - grid EN91is
Posted by
WB8NHV
on October 25, 2006
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Years on air
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I've been licensed since 1968, when I passed the Technician exam at age 13. I was really into ham radio for five or six years but then lost interest during college. I sold off most of my equipment, which I came to regret many times.
Then came work, marriage, kids and a house. Most of the time ham radio was the furthest thing from my mind.
However, I had received a gift of lifetime arrl membership so QST came every month, reminding me of my old hobby, even though I often hardly glanced at the magazine.
Every now and then, I'd pull out an ancient 2M FM rig and make a qso or two. I made sure I renewed my license and even traded in my old call of WB2HEO for a 2x2.
Last year my youngest went off to college and the bug bit me again. I bought an FT897 and threw a long piece of wire up into the trees.
After a bout with RFI, I became a QRP enthusiast and discovered CW! Even though I had passed the old 13-wpm test, I never much cared for the mode. But CW is like riding a bike, you get rusty but don't forget how.
Now I love it. It is a great challenge and I've had a blast. I could probably put all my CW qsos during my high school years on a couple of logbook pages but the tables have turned to be the opposite.
I got back into kit building and successfully put a KX1 on the air without too much trouble.
I went into study mode and upgraded to Extra. With my interest in CW, I could even pass the 20wpm now!
I've dabbled a bit with PSK and find it fascinating. To me, ham radio has so much more to offer today than it did 30 or 40 years ago. The digital modes and computer integration provide endless possibilities.
I also find the satellite modes really interesting but just haven't gotten to that yet.
But like everybody else, I wonder who the hams of tomorrow are. Hopefully we'll at least have quality if not quantity.
I got started as a SWLer. Not many kids into that, they don't even listen to the radio much. But there are plenty of kids interested in computers and even wireless networking. Well, ham radio is the ultimate wireless network.
The hobby certainly needs some PR and mindshare to plant some new seeds. I think it will survive but, to be unpleasantly blunt, will experience a significant dieoff.
I hope to have another 30-40 years of ham radio ahead of me and I look forward to enjoying the plethora of modes and methods that technology, both old and new, offers.
Posted by
KD2MX
on October 25, 2006
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Years on air
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I've been licensed since 1968, when I passed the Technician exam at age 13. I was really into ham radio for five or six years but then lost interest during college. I sold off most of my equipment, which I came to regret many times.
Then came work, marriage, kids and a house. Most of the time ham radio was the furthest thing from my mind.
However, I had received a gift of lifetime arrl membership so QST came every month, reminding me of my old hobby, even though I often hardly glanced at the magazine.
Every now and then, I'd pull out an ancient 2M FM rig and make a qso or two. I made sure I renewed my license and even traded in my old call of WB2HEO for a 2x2.
Last year my youngest went off to college and the bug bit me again. I bought an FT897 and threw a long piece of wire up into the trees.
After a bout with RFI, I became a QRP enthusiast and discovered CW! Even though I had passed the old 13-wpm test, I never much cared for the mode. But CW is like riding a bike, you get rusty but don't forget how.
Now I love it. It is a great challenge and I've had a blast. I could probably put all my CW qsos during my high school years on a couple of logbook pages but the tables have turned to be the opposite.
I got back into kit building and successfully put a KX1 on the air without too much trouble.
I went into study mode and upgraded to Extra. With my interest in CW, I could even pass the 20wpm now!
I've dabbled a bit with PSK and find it fascinating. To me, ham radio has so much more to offer today than it did 30 or 40 years ago. The digital modes and computer integration provide endless possibilities.
I also find the satellite modes really interesting but just haven't gotten to that yet.
But like everybody else, I wonder who the hams of tomorrow are. Hopefully we'll at least have quality if not quantity.
I got started as a SWLer. Not many kids into that, they don't even listen to the radio much. But there are plenty of kids interested in computers and even wireless networking. Well, ham radio is the ultimate wireless network.
The hobby certainly needs some PR and mindshare to plant some new seeds. I think it will survive but, to be unpleasantly blunt, will experience a significant dieoff.
I hope to have another 30-40 years of ham radio ahead of me and I look forward to enjoying the plethora of modes and methods that technology, both old and new, offers.
Posted by
KD2MX
on October 25, 2006
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Years on air
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I've been licensed since 1968, when I passed the Technician exam at age 13. I was really into ham radio for five or six years but then lost interest during college. I sold off most of my equipment, which I came to regret many times.
Then came work, marriage, kids and a house. Most of the time ham radio was the furthest thing from my mind.
However, I had received a gift of lifetime arrl membership so QST came every month, reminding me of my old hobby, even though I often hardly glanced at the magazine.
Every now and then, I'd pull out an ancient 2M FM rig and make a qso or two. I made sure I renewed my license and even traded in my old call of WB2HEO for a 2x2.
Last year my youngest went off to college and the bug bit me again. I bought an FT897 and threw a long piece of wire up into the trees.
After a bout with RFI, I became a QRP enthusiast and discovered CW! Even though I had passed the old 13-wpm test, I never much cared for the mode. But CW is like riding a bike, you get rusty but don't forget how.
Now I love it. It is a great challenge and I've had a blast. I could probably put all my CW qsos during my high school years on a couple of logbook pages but the tables have turned to be the opposite.
I got back into kit building and successfully put a KX1 on the air without too much trouble.
I went into study mode and upgraded to Extra. With my interest in CW, I could even pass the 20wpm now!
I've dabbled a bit with PSK and find it fascinating. To me, ham radio has so much more to offer today than it did 30 or 40 years ago. The digital modes and computer integration provide endless possibilities.
I also find the satellite modes really interesting but just haven't gotten to that yet.
But like everybody else, I wonder who the hams of tomorrow are. Hopefully we'll at least have quality if not quantity.
I got started as a SWLer. Not many kids into that, they don't even listen to the radio much. But there are plenty of kids interested in computers and even wireless networking. Well, ham radio is the ultimate wireless network.
The hobby certainly needs some PR and mindshare to plant some new seeds. I think it will survive but, to be unpleasantly blunt, will experience a significant dieoff.
I hope to have another 30-40 years of ham radio ahead of me and I look forward to enjoying the plethora of modes and methods that technology, both old and new, offers.
Posted by
KD2MX
on October 25, 2006
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1993
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Novice - 1993 - KB3AWT
Tech + - 1993 - KB3AWT
General - 1999 - KC8MII
Extra - 2001 - KC8MII, WV8HAM
Extra - 2006 - N3VG
Still having fun with the hobby!
Posted by
N3VG
on October 25, 2006
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Upgrade Requirements
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To: W6VMO
Since 2000, the highest code speed requirement is 5wpm. As a currently licensed General, you will not need to take any more code tests. You have met the current requirement.
The license structure has also changed. The currently available licenses are Technician (and a Tech with code subcategory), General, and Extra. Although current Novice and Advanced licensees can continue to renew indefinitely, no new licenses are being issued in these two classes. You will be testing straight to Extra.
Posted by
N8UZE
on October 24, 2006
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dropout rate
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While I agree that working harder for a license may help keep one committed, I also believe that the wider range of modes available today will keep new (and old) Hams interested.
Posted by
WG7G
on October 23, 2006
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How well do you use your amateur radio license?
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Sure there are contests and awards, but the best personal ham radio challenge is this: Strive for at least one QSO a day. Just one, only one, on any band, in any mode, one little old QSO a day. Now if we all did that, wouldn't the FCC be surprised! So, how long you held it is not much, but how well you use it, this is the power! This is the great accomplishment. Now, go get 'im!
Posted by
AI2IA
on October 23, 2006
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Recruiting Success Story
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I've had some success getting students ages 13-14 licensed through a program with the local middle school. We had 17 new hams last semester and expect to double that this semester and every semester. We've got support from the parents, school district and city government. The attraction is the opportunity to provide emergency communications for the community - both the students and community get something out of this. True, *most* of the students are not interested, but within a few years we will have 150+ licensed hams at our high school.
Posted by
K6YXH
on October 23, 2006
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age
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was studying for a general class license in
1942 and the war came along.. I enlisted and
was sent to radio school in Wisconsin and had an easy time as i knew some code and could already type. graduated 2nd in class as i could copy about 25 wpm.
after ww2, got my general, W6VMO, and didnt
do much until last year, just bought a 2 mtr rig on Ebay and puting up antennas.
Bought book on how to get advanced license
on Ebay. Whats the code requirement for it?
ken white
Posted by
W6VMO
on October 22, 2006
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dropout rate
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Well, it's surely a good thing that there are a lot of new hams, but I'd like to see a comparison of the dropout rate of hams minted today, vs. that of the hams minted 30 years ago. To me, the investment required 30 years ago (Morse code, trips to the FCC office, limited length licenses like the Novice) may have reduced the "access" to a radio license, but also made those that earned one more committed.
Mike N2MG
Posted by
N2MG
on October 22, 2006
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Increasing
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“22% Of hams said they were licensed for 10 years OR LESS. That is the BIGGEST group, except for the 40+ year crowd. New people ARE comming into the hobby!”
True. And if you equalize the number of new licensees under 1 year and compare them to the rest, they are the largest group per year, even larger than the over 40 year group.
The number of those getting into Amateur Radio are increasing, not decreasing.
Mike
Posted by
WG7G
on October 21, 2006
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Concentrating on how long you have been a ham?
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Why not concentrate on what you have accomplished as a ham? Longevity means nothing if you haven't done something with it.
Just a thought
Don't bash me on 75 :-/ HIHI
Posted by
KC9HWJ
on October 21, 2006
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It's been good fun!
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I got licensed in 1990 at the age of 23. I had planned to go for the license since I was 15 but never got round to it or found a club where I could get the training. Prior to that I had been a keen swl and did a bit of CB. Altogether it's been really enjoyable and in later years it has shaped and aided my career.
Over the years I had times where I have been highly active but also years where I had not turned the radio at all. The last couple of years I have been active mostly mobile.
Anyway a rich hobby with a multitude of avenues to explore. I recommend it for everyone. A pity that the survey seems to indicate that numbers of newcomers are declining!
73's de G7IDJ@aol.com
www.radioeden.co.uk
Posted by
G7IDJ
on October 21, 2006
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Suggestion for W8UK
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Hearing is no handicap when it comes to psk-31.
I was first licensed in 1958 as WV2ORW at the tender age of 8 years old (I had a big brother who was a ham.)
Used to operate CW primarily but now only do psk. Give it a try Roger.
Dave
N0CTI
Posted by
N0CTI
on October 20, 2006
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Another "Old-timer"
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I too am in the 40 plus catagory, first licensed out of high school as WN8OBK in 1964, after having been an SWL for many years as a teen. Then joined the Navy and upgraded to General as WA8VEB in 66. Spent 4 yrs as a CT in several duty stations, and got to enjoy hamming in all except Turkey. Spent 35yrs in police/fire communications, and all the while enjoying various aspects of this great hobby. The club I currently belong to (USECA) in Detroit area actively encourages people to become hams, and keep this wonderful hobby growing. We have a good cross section of younger to older hams, all with different levels of experience and interests. I intend to keep on enjoying this hobby for a long time to come, I still enjoy 95% CW on HF, but have no problem with any other mode.
73 Ken N8UO
Posted by
N8UO
on October 20, 2006
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22% Of hams said they were licensed for 10 years OR LESS. That is the BIGGEST group, except for the 40+ year crowd. New people ARE comming into the hobby!
Posted by
W9WHE-II
on October 20, 2006
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Ham Radio to me
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First licensed in 1960 at 14 yrs old. Been licensed and somewhat active continuously.
The BIG change I saw in ham radio was the technical knowledge level of the average ham.
Back then, if a ham had a general class license or above, it was assumed that you knew something about radio. In fact, my first job after high school, having a ham license qualified me as a technician at a radio manufacturer.
Now: get a book/tape/CD listing the questions and answers, memorize them and get a license. No insult intended to any reading this, but that is what it has come to, technically.
I am still active, and enjoy the people on the local repeater, and ocasionally get on HF.
Used to be you had to be a radio technician to operate a radio; now it required to be a computer wiz.
WB4COJ
Posted by
WB4COJ
on October 20, 2006
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My comment
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Got my license in 1978. It was an A license from the beginning as I have been an radio-officer in my younger days so no need for an operational CW test !!
Now at 65 yrs of age still love CW and 99.9 % of operation in CW and with QRP, the way for the real operator!! No need for kilo's .
SU on all HF bands
Posted by
PA3ALX
on October 19, 2006
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Me, since 1980.
If anything might turn off the youth movement to an interest in ham radio, I don't think it would necessarily be the cw requirement. It might be the hate mail that appears on the amateur radio internet web sites...presuming they read the material, of course. My gosh, what must they think of us.
Posted by
W2RDD
on October 19, 2006
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An old man hobby
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Like others, I'm proud to be a ham for many years (30+) but I am VERY disappointed to see ham radio has become an old man's hobby. I tried my best by getting my 13 year old daughter her ham license (KI4QPJ) this year.
Maybe another poll showing the actual age groups of license holders would shed a clear light on how bad or how old we've become as a hobby.
We've got some serious work to do!
Posted by
WC4R
on October 18, 2006
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First License
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WN2TJE - 1965
WB2TJE - 1966
DA1AD - 1970 (US Army Germany)
WB4GJY - 1974
N4EUK - 1982
Marching from Novice to Extra. I cannot believe it's been 41 years since I got my first license in high school. Before that I was a SWL for several years and then a very nice Elmer, W2ETD (SK) encouraged me to become a ham and even loaned me my first xmtr.
It's been a long and fun ride.
73,
Steve, N4EUK
Reston, VA
Posted by
N4EUK
on October 18, 2006
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25+ years and QCWA
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I joined QCWA 6 years ago at age 40, but found out that the old saying about "QCWA" being the Q signal for "Pass the Geritol" was not a joke.
Maybe I'll check it out again when I've been a ham for 50 years...
Posted by
N3EG
on October 17, 2006
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Real Numbers
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According to the FCC database, there are currently 723,380 active amateur licenses. 37,942 of which are Technician class licenses which were granted in the last year. That adds up to about 5% of the total. Food for thought. AI4NV
Posted by
KF3CS
on October 17, 2006
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????
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Why all the doom and gloom? The second largest group is the 0-10 year group (22%)
The only way ham radio will die is if we talk and argue each other to death with all the infighting between various groups We should be working together on serious issues like BPL and antenna restrictions, issues like these could kill our hobby. Remember one of the most successful rules of war is divide and conquer.
73
Ron
W0GB
Posted by
N7SN
on October 16, 2006
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Accuracy
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I think that it should be kept in mind that the numbers generated from the poll are only from people who have happened to visit e-hams website and have also participated in the poll. I haven't been to any FCC site to verify any numbers but, would bet that there are more new hams than this poll suggests.
Posted by
KF3CS
on October 16, 2006
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Meetings suck!
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Wanted to be a ham all my life. Studied for it as a teen, but didn't have the discipline to learn the code. Could have passed a few exams then.
School intruded. Same story. Studied the content, but didn't have the discipline to learn code. Didn't have anyone to teach me. I guess I was in my late twenties and could have passed the general. Work intruded. There were new regs, and the techie section of the exams had changed, but I was getting up to speed much more quickly.
And again. Same story. Probably could have passed the Advanced, but no code, no try.
Life kicked me pretty hard, and I decided this was one thing I really wanted to do. Not working. Reviewed the materials. Spent a little while with the content and about three months trying to be able to send 5wpm.
Took the Novice and Tech exams, about two or three minutes each. My code was barely passable. Went back the next month and did the General and Advanced in about three to five. Then got really sick and couldn't copy a thing.
Didn't figure there was any reason to try the Extra, as I couldn't even pass 12 wpm. Had a new job and almost a year passed. The FCC then did away with the 12 and 20 wpm requirements. I spent an evening and a morning reviewing the Extra test. Waited almost two hours to take it. Needed under four minutes to pass it.
I've been a teacher and had a clue how to study. I wrote the question committee with suggestions how to make the exams better evaluate a candidate's knowledge. Totally ignored.
I was an Extra. Wow! Bought some equipment and listened. Went to the local club and all I heard was the same sort of BS I used to hear at church voters' meetings.
Listened a lot, but have never been on the air. Invested much of my self in this, but needed someone who would enjoy helping someone get on the air.
An Extra who has never been on the air? A life member of ARRL? Where do I stand now?
Just bought a really nice straight key and will spend much time learning to use it with skill.
You have a club and publish a meeting. I'm go there with eager desire to meet some people who share my passion for amateur radio who might spend some time helping me to become a member of the community.
Instead, I get a city council meeting. Nice people. No confrontations, but no outreach.
The Extra license was issued in June of '99. I spent money on equipment, and all I've done is listen! Can't even do that now because I haven't been able to put up an antenna for about a year. Have one. Have permission to do it, but just haven't had the friends who could help.
Back to the exams. Did I mention that I scored 95-100% on each? Not the point. But when I passed my Extra, I also turned in an app to be a volunteer examiner. Never a word. I wanted to serve. I know how to conduct exams. In fact, I've been an Advanced Placement coordinator and offered facilities for local exams. At some point I realized I'd been blown off.
No, I'm not the lid who older operators were afraid of. I'm the guy you want. What I've experienced with the amateur community is a few meetings where people are more concerned with approving minutes and parliamentary procedure than with finding out who is there and how they can find out how to support his or her entrance into their community.
I did what I did on my own. I made a commitment to this community. I became a life subscriber to World Radio. I became a life member of ARRL. I intend to improve my speed with my sideswiper. I intend to learn to send with a straight key. But, be on the air, I don't have a clue how to get there.
I'm tired of all the crying about what to do to get new, young folks into amateur radio. Month after month I read articles making suggestions here and there. Doesn't it raise some alarm bells that you have a licensed Extra who hasn't been able to get on the air?
73
Posted by
AC7FZ
on October 15, 2006
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Age and Image
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Just my thoughts but if we don't get some younger blood into ham radio I think we are going to do the same thing as the VFW's, American Leigions and a lot of organizations are going through. A slow and painful death.
Terry
WB4QNG
Terry raises the main point of concern. How then do we attract and keep younger hams? First and foremost we must destroy the image of ham radio as a group of older white males who resist change and love to dominate amateur radio. Not that this is the reality, but this is the image that must go. The focus of attention must change from CW and old radio collecting to Digital and transceiver-computer interfacing. Again, not at all that the older endeavors must go, but attention and emphasis, publications, photographs, awards, everything must put the newest things first and put the oldest things last, where they belong. This must take place with attitudes and group activities as well as equipment. All the old stuff and old attitudes must be downgraded in attention and moved into a corner. Would you want to wear you grandfather's old style of suits and clothes and go about talking about what he talked about? You can't expect younger people to buy into radio stuff that has been around for years and years with a bunch of old experts who can tell them how to use all the old ideas. Put things in their proper perspective and proper priority and they will come and stay.
Posted by
AI2IA
on October 15, 2006
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Age
|
Yea I think this shows what is happening to ham radio. For the most part it is made of 50 year or older white males. Don't mean to insult anyone. Just my thoughts but if we don't get some younger blood into ham radio I think we are going to do the same thing as the VFW's, American Leigions and a lot of organizations are going through. A slow and painful death.
Terry
WB4QNG
Posted by
WB4QNG
on October 15, 2006
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Not doing too bad
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Dropping any fractions:
Under 1yr = 41/1 = 41/yr & not done yet
1 to 5 yrs = 161/5 = 32/yr
5 to 10 yrs = 122/5 = 24/yr
10 to 20 yrs= 273/10 = 27/yr
20 to 30 yrs= 250/10 = 25/yr
30 to 40 yrs= 255/10 = 25/yr
Posted by
N8UZE
on October 13, 2006
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hamradio
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There will probably be no hamradio in 50 years from now ,I think that computer will take over any conversations ,sorry if I spell something wrong english is not my lanque.
And I will sure be six under at that time.
Posted by
OZ1CJH
on October 13, 2006
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Yikes!
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I just realized that I'm in the 30-40 year crowd as of this year! Got the first ticket in Aug. 76 as WN0VFW. Tech in 77 and Advanced in 85 (which seems like only a few years ago!) Extra in 2000. Got the novice when I was 14, so I could get 70 years of hamming in pretty easy I guess. Will people still be fighting on 75m then?
Brady
K0UC
Posted by
K0UC
on October 11, 2006
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15+ years to late
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I got my license in 1982 after I got out of college. But I was always interested in techie stuff and I wish I could have done it when I was a kid, maybe in the late 60's. Those were the 'good old days' of ham radio, I think.
It would have been great to be involved as a kid and probably would have significantly helped me along in my engineering career by giving me more real electronics experience at an early age.
My grandfather was an electrcian, then a teacher at Alexander Hamilton vocatioal school in NYC. He did a little TV fixing on the side, but was never in to ham radio. It would have been neet to be playing with tranmitters and receivers rather than just basic electrical stuff.
I remember that my other grandfather had a friend who was a ham. I think that I went to his house once, but unfortunately that's as close as I ever came to ham radio as a kid.
Amateur radio is still a neat hobby, but I think it would have been really neat to be able to do it as a kid. Unfortunately not many kids these days are interested.
KC2WI
Posted by
KC2WI
on October 11, 2006
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Great hobby without a doubt
|
First licensed in 1961 WB6CMH. I feel truly grateful for the vanity program for allowing me to have this great call of a former world class amateur. Also for allowing my son, WA6HZE to have his grandfathers call.
So many modes, so little time, but make CW mine !
Posted by
K6RF
on October 11, 2006
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Fun Ride
|
1984--Novice KA5VCQ at age of 12 in Texas
1995--General KA5VCQ in NC
1996--HL9VC in Korea for a year
2005--YI9VCQ in Iraq with 11K QSO's
2006--W3TUA to fit in with my fellow FRC members in MD/PA.
I'm in agreement with the poster that said there are too many different modes and niches in amateur radio to become bored. My fascination with radio is still strong after 22 years.
73,
Korey--W3TUA
Towanda, PA
Posted by
W3TUA
on October 11, 2006
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Another Ol Fart
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Licensed with Ralph, Mr. SSTV, when we drove from MSU through an ice storm in February to the FCC office in Detroit to sit in front of the steely-eyed examiner to pass CW and written test. We both passed. Others too. Dave, K1ZZ, was our Chief Op at W8SH at Mich State Univ. The war was on, colleges were linked by HF, tear gas in the streets.... Heathkit was the primary source of HF gear that WE could afford.... anyone remember? de KK8ZZ.... WB8ARB.... Michigan State Univ '69-'71'76 Ft. Gordon GA W4WAR summer/fall of 1969
Posted by
KK8ZZ
on October 10, 2006
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First License
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Novice WN4MPD back in 1964
Technician WA4MPD
Advanced KD4RG
Additional Station License KH6HCR (Remember when?)
Extra W4SKB
Also operated as 3W8MPD while serving with the military in Vietnam from 1970-1971 to run phone patch traffic through 9N1MM, Father Moran in Nepal, for Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker in Vietnam and his wife in Nepal.
I'm enjoying the new digital modes now but still do SSB and some CW.
Posted by
W4SKB
on October 10, 2006
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Still Having Fun
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I was licensed in Feb 1957 with the novice call KN9HCK. Conditional ( remember that class license?) in Jan 1958, Advanced in 1972 and Extra in 2000. Started with Knight 5o watter and progressed thru Drake twins, Yaesu, and Icom rigs. Now enjoying rtty, psk and cw dxing and contests. Time does indeed fly
Posted by
K9HCK
on October 10, 2006
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What's the point?
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I don't think how long someone has held an amateur license means much. Many would like to think it a credibility or certification aspect :-)
Just not so.
The results of the poll do indicate that not enough people are joining our ranks.
We need some kind of Foundation license as they have in Australia.
Posted by
W7RJR
on October 9, 2006
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There is no peking order.
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Years licensed by itself means nothing at all.
I am glad that W4CNG shared his opinion on this oddly interesting sub-topic.
He claims to see and only rarely hear me on the air. Am I to take this as a challenge? Well, being retired and blessed with 17 antennas and ten transceivers, I am on the air every day. In fact, I have a quota I set that I suggest for every ham - at least one QSO a day on any band. I think we should keep our bands busy in order to keep the bands ours.
Now as to credentials, that is my whole point, and one which W4CNG and perhaps others failed to understand. Years licensed alone does not make you anything at all. Maybe I did not state it clearly enough.
If you search my call sign on QRZ, you will see some words there I limit to how I arrived at ham radio. I do this just to introduce myself. I happen to have radio related credentials beyond these, but although interesting, publishing them would put the emphasis in the wrong place. That is precisely my point. I am a rag chewer. I like to talk with people, not at people on the radio. When I am on the air, I don't care about credentials of any kind. As long as we all have licenses, I am in good company.
I respect everyone's license, and I don't give a hoot about pedigree. As for teleprompters, by way of analogy, I mean people who slavishly repeat only what is given to them by an outside source, and cannot speak for themselves. This is what so-called "newscasters" do in order to collect their wages. In ham radio, there is no peking order. Do I make myself clear?
Posted by
AI2IA
on October 9, 2006
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lotsa fun
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Have had a little over 30 years of fun.
1976 - Novice (WN5RMQ)
1976 - General (WB5RMQ)
1977 - Advanced ""
1978 - Extra ""
Started with a Heathkit Mohawk RX-1 I bought
used and a homebrew crystal controlled power
oscillator. Had alot of fun with those.
73
Scott
W5ESE
Posted by
W5ESE
on October 9, 2006
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Retread
|
First licensed in '60 or '61 (Novice, WV2SWA), six months or so later, earned Technician (WA2SWA). Joined the Marines in '64 and was QRT for 40 years. Relicensed in November 2004 (General, KE5CXX), earned Extra in November 2005.
So, I'd guess that not all those licensed less than 5 years are as young as I am (I'm 61) - or as old!
Observation: theory & practical application thereof was much easier and code harder when I was in high school, and I loved playing on 2m and 6m AM. Now, theory has me scratching my head more, practical application has become more a function of time & money, and CW has become my exclusive HF mode. Go figure ...
Since there was no category for us retreads, I opted to belong to the 1 - 5 year crowd.
73 & Semper CW!
Posted by
EXWA2SWA
on October 9, 2006
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Still fun after so many years
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I was 14 when I was licensed as a novice in 1969 as a high school freshman. Have been licensed ever since and very active on the air. I still enjoy all bands and all modes -- I particularly enjoy the digimodes these days and enjoy trying all the latest; e.g. Olivia, PSK63, etc.
The digimodes really cut into my CW operating for the past two years but now getting re-interested in CW just in time for the winter DX season on 40, 80 and 160. Also enjoy HF mobile. I have done a lot of QRP and VHF SSB weak-signal work; e.g. 40 states worked on 2m. Also have 300 countries confirmed on HF.
Thirty-eight years on the air now and still having a blast. There are just so many facets of amateur radio to try that I fail to see how anyone could get bored and drop out. Just my humble opinion.
73, Dave, N4KZ
Posted by
N4KZ
on October 9, 2006
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why quit?
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W8UK,
I have no idea what it is like to lose hearing. But why give up ham radio? There are modes to use that don't require hearing: RTTY, PACTOR, PSK31 to name a few. You can still reach around the world even without hearing. You are a valuable resource, don't leave. Contact Handi-Hams and see if they have a way to help you get back in. There has to be someone who can help you thru the modes until you get the feel for them.
Good luck.
Frank
Posted by
KL7IPV
on October 8, 2006
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Teleprompter???
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AI2IA:
I know what both are, both paper and electronic. I possibly have more air time on TV than you do, having grown up in the Mid 60's in Broadcast Television along with Ham Radio, and leaving in 1980 well after Color TV was the norm. What has a Teleprompter got to do with Ham Radio??? You sound like a couple of other old Fellas (polite wording) I see and only rarely hear on the air.
Steve W4CNG with First Phone and General Radiotelephone License with NO restrictions. Operated VHF TV Transmitters up to 110KW (RCA TTFH-50 x 2) in Atlanta Ga.
Posted by
W4CNG
on October 8, 2006
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It's what you do, not what you have!
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It is not the time in years, but the quality of experience in terms of skill that matters. How do you compare a radio operator of many years with limited knowledge to a highly knowledgeable operator with a new license? What does length of time holding a license tell you about the operator? Does it tell you how many QSOs he has per month? No. It tells you how long he held a license, not what he does or does not do with the license he holds. What is the use of this? You can't make anything useful out of this. Having a license is not operating a radio, building a radio, making and/or installing an antenna. It is only having a license, period, end of story. If you can make something out of that, then you should be a teleprompter reader.
Posted by
AI2IA
on October 8, 2006
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Us old timers
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I'm now w6mrk, got that vanity call after 20 years of hamming around, before that I was KJ6H and earned that callsign jan 1980, before that I was WD6BIQ , which by the database is still available, my close to 30 years have been fun and the time has not been interrupted at all, I enjoy everything about radio and continue to do so, I was a VE for the FCC before all the other VEC's got started doing their thing, helped many a ham get started and helped to upgrade, next year 2007 it will be time to renew the ol license, and that will make me 30 years got licensed novice july 1977 and its been a blast ever since, still helping new and somewhat seasoned hams figure things out, a lot has changed since the old tube days, but I think thing are getting better(at least I hope they are) so july of 1977 got novice,august 1977 technician, april of 1978 got general, may of 1978 got Advanced, played around withthat and jan 1980 landed extra, all at the FCC office either in Downtown L.A. or in Longbeach , ca. right after I passed my extra I applied to the office there in long beach to be a VE and its been a great ride ever since.... 73 and keep going de Mark w6mrk
Posted by
W6MRK
on October 8, 2006
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Growing Faster
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"This validates what I had suspected - we're getting old and there aren't very many coming to replace us."
This is not true. If you equalize the time periods you'll find that there are more new Hams per year than any of the other time periods.
Amateur Radio is growing faster than it has for a long time.
Mike
Posted by
WG7G
on October 8, 2006
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We need youth
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This validates what I had suspected - we're getting old and there aren't very many coming to replace us.
73 de Mike, WA9PIE (1974)
Posted by
WA9PIE
on October 8, 2006
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A great hobby
|
I was first licensed in April 1950 at the age of 14 (W8FJR) in Ohio. In the '60s I upgraded to Extra Class and changed my call to W8UK. In the military service 1957 I held the German call of DL4LR.
In 2000 I had a stroke leaving me really deaf and it has taken me this long - 5 + years to accept giving up ham radio. This past year I sold off all of my ham gear and now am retired. It's been quite a journey, taking me to dozens of dx countries and several electronic careers. I've enjoyed it all.
Roger W8UK
Posted by
W8UK
on October 8, 2006
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So many callsigns so little time
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WV6IYL 1957, WA6IYL 1958, KB6TTL then N6RAI in the 90's, AC7CW 1996. You newer guys are probably contributing more to the hobby than you realize. I hear newer guys/gals that are great operators all the time.
Posted by
AC7CW
on October 8, 2006
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Interesting Poll
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First licensed in 1957 (KN1DEK). Got general in 1958 (K1DEK). License lapsed in 1985 so took tests again in 1986 (NY1F). Changed call in 1996 to W1ZS. Forty-nine great years in this hobby. Lots of changes but still as much fun as ever.
Posted by
W1ZS
on October 8, 2006
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Timeline
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1994 - No Code Tech (WH6YJ)
1995 - Tech Plus (WH6YJ)
1995 - General (WH6YJ)
1996 - Advanced (AH6OK)
2000 - Extra (AH6OK)
I feel like a kid still with all those people licensed for over 20 years who commented.
Posted by
KH6DC
on October 8, 2006
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Took a break
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May 1968 - WN2FNO
Sept 1968 - WB2FNO General Class with final QSO in 1972
Fast forward 33 years:
June 2005 - AB2UB Extra Class
July 2006 - NB2N vanity call.
5 years operating but 38 years since first licensed. Call me
a retread.
Posted by
NB2N
on October 7, 2006
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Time does fly
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.
June 1938 passed my class "B" ticket.
June 1939 Passed my class "A" ticket
May 1950? Passed my Extra class ticket.
Been hamming 100% cw. Sixtyeight years of hamming.
W6TH is a non vanity call.
Just renewed my ticket for another 10 years, will do so again in another ten years.
Seems like yesterday I just received my first ticket. Have a 1st class phone ticket over fifty years. I love those electronic tests, wish there were more.
.:
Posted by
W6TH
on October 7, 2006
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Time does fly
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.
June 1938 passed my class "B" ticket.
June 1939 Passed my class "A" ticket
May 1950? Passed my Extra class ticket.
Been hamming 100% cw. Sixtyeight years of hamming.
W6TH is a non vanity call.
Just renewed my ticket for another 10 years, will do so again in another ten years.
Seems like yesterday I just received my first ticket. Have a 1st class phone ticket over fifty years. I love those electronic tests, wish there were more.
.:
Posted by
W6TH
on October 7, 2006
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Time flies
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Did not realize how time flies.
1976 Novice
1977 Technician
1977 Advanced
1990 Extra
It does not seem like 30 years since I used the old ARRL license manual and Ameco LPs for Novice. "Learning the Radiotelegraphic Code" was quite useful in developing a good fist and Radio Shack's "5 Watts to 1000 Watts" helped with element 3.
Posted by
AB0KD
on October 7, 2006
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License History
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First licensed as KN1QKV in 1958 Got the General and spent a few years as W0KTK and then 40 years as W1FBS. Moved up here to W. NY and now have W2FBS. Been a lot of great years and have met some wonderful people worldwide. Thanks to my Elmer Kes W1OHM (SK)
Posted by
W2FBS
on October 7, 2006
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First license
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Was first licensed as WN6JRE in 1970. That lapsed, and I didn't get back into it until 1978 after joining the Navy. Got licensed as WD6EQI with a silver spoon in my mouth as I was living with my oldest brother (K6XT) and using his rig and antenna's. Mono band yagi's, a Drake C line...DX IS! What a great time! General in 1979 - N6AYW, Extra in 2005. What a hobby!!
Doug
Posted by
W5GA
on October 6, 2006
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There's Hope
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I see a potentially positive trend. If you add up all of the respondents who are licensed less than 10 years, it adds up to 20%. That's slightly more than the 10 to 20 year total as well as the 20 to 30 year total, and is equal to the 30 to 40 year total. Maybe the decline has ended.
Posted by
K3AN
on October 6, 2006
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There's Hope
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I see a potentially positive trend. If you add up all of the respondents who are licensed less than 10 years, it adds up to 20%. That's slightly more than the 10 to 20 year total as well as the 20 to 30 year total, and is equal to the 30 to 40 year total. Maybe the decline has ended.
Posted by
K3AN
on October 6, 2006
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Enjoying every minute!
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1970 - Novice, let license lapse
1972 - After 1 year wait(mandatory)Novice again as WN9SES
1974 - Tech, WB9SES
1976 - General
Jan 1987 - Advanced
April 1987 - Extra, changed call to NT9E
Posted by
NT9E
on October 6, 2006
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4z5my ex er1im
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First licensed in 1978, in Moldova:
RO5OWC,RO5OI,ER1IM;
in Israel 4Z5MY.
73,Yakov 4Z5MY
Posted by
4Z5MY
on October 6, 2006
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Licensed
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My History
Tech - Nov 93 KE4JZY
Tech+ - Dec 93
Advanced - May 96
(Changed Call - Feb 97 KU4BP)
Extra - Oct 03
Have had a blast in this hobby. Hopefully for many more years.
Ed KU4BP
Posted by
KU4BP
on October 6, 2006
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ham since 2001
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i been ham since 2001 ,i pass my code back in aug 5,2006 this year .planing on take the written before too long,i think code is here tooo stay.
73
Jackie
KG4ORX
Website http://webpages.charter.net/kg4orx/
Posted by
N4MJG
on October 5, 2006
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correction, again
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Oops. 97 is for more than 40 years so it has to be thrown out, no time period on that one.
The next is 30 to 40 years at 85. There are more new Hams than any of the time periods.
Mike (all in fun)
Posted by
WG7G
on October 5, 2006
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Proof of Growth
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Upon further study I must correct my comment. The poll shows that new Hams have the largest number of entries per year.
Note that the first entry is for new Hams less than one year. The next two entries are for a time period of 5 years. The rest of the entries are for 10 years each.
If we equalize the time periods we end up with the equivalent of 110 new Hams.
The next equalized entry is 30 to 40 years (10 year time period) at 97.
The lowest equalized number is 10 to 20 years at 69.
Mike
Posted by
WG7G
on October 5, 2006
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Growth
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The poll results show that many new Hams have not found this site yet. Note the distribution.
There were plenty of new pre-Hams taking the exam when I did. Amateur Radio is growing.
Mike
Posted by
WG7G
on October 5, 2006
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poll
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This poll really shows the lack of new hams. Most comments here lament that fact.
Many would argue that the code requirement is the largest obstical to more active hams, yet most current hams support the ARRL position that code requirement must not be droped. We're getting the results we want. One ham notes that the Chinese will replace the Hams we;re excluding here so all is fine.
Posted by
KB1MQR
on October 5, 2006
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Ham Radio in 50 yrs
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Baby boomers will continue to age and die, reducing the ham ranks in the US. However, I think emerging nations such as China and India will see larger numbers of entrants. These countries remain less hi-tech than the US, and will likely even still use CW (China still requires it).
73 Darrell AB2E
Posted by
AB2E
on October 5, 2006
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Novice in 1977 WD9AQM
Tech in 1978
Couldn't break the 10 wpm plateau - "priceless"
General in 2004 KE7BZH
Extra in 2004 WI7B
Posted by
WI7B
on October 5, 2006
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Wish it had been sooner
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Novice in 1980, General in 1981. Would have been sooner except that ants-in-pants travelling, home and abroad, was my priority before '80. Making up for lost time, now.
Posted by
W2RDD
on October 5, 2006
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1960s big time tech hobby
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I got my novice WN0RKP in 67 back when ham radio was -THE- semi-geeky/techy thing to do (who could imagine computers in the home?). We built some stuff, tubes were a big deal and many in high school where amazed we could do WW communications back when phone calling coast to coast US was expensive and special. Remember most radio/TV clips from places like Viet Nam were AM or B&W/crude color TV clips on the nightly news and we still did MARS phone patches. Anyway, I credit HR for interesting me in electronic engineering and long career which actually branched into firmware/software/management but HR & EE was a start. After many ups & downs in HR hobby interest I got re-vitalized in 98 when my 10 year old son got his tech plus and we put up a tower/beam and bought a new HF transceiver and various VHF gear. He's now 99% into computers since I am convinced that is the teen attraction of this century but HR still has some appear to the younger set as well and should exists a few more decades at least.
Posted by
K0VH
on October 5, 2006
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Not shocked
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The results so far are not unexpected. Its well
known that the 60's produced a lot of new hams.
I was first licensed in 1959 and operated from
three different locations my novice year, Ca,
Wake Isl and Wa. After doing the math it seems
even longer ago then it actually was.
After 47 years ham radio is still fun, there
arent a lot of things that dont get stale after
47 years.
Ron KH6DV
Posted by
KH6DV
on October 5, 2006
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Not shocked
|
The results so far are not unexpected. Its well
known that the 60's produced a lot of new hams.
I was first licensed in 1959 and operated from
three different locations my novice year, Ca,
Wake Isl and Wa. After doing the math it seems
even longer ago then it actually was.
After 47 years ham radio is still fun, there
arent a lot of things that dont get stale after
47 years.
Ron KH6DV
Posted by
KH6DV
on October 5, 2006
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First license
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Got my ticket 26 years ago ... first
rig was a Hw-8 with an B&W window mount
antenna system ... simple but effective
and fun ..
73
Fred/ka4rur
Posted by
KA4RUR
on October 5, 2006
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|
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Though this data give you an idea of the age, it would be interesting to see a the distribution of hams by age. These numbers are generally the same as the population, see census.gov. Suspect "we" are a bit older than the population in general. I was licensed in '68 at 13 y/o, so don't consider myself too old yet...most days.
Posted by
AH6FC
on October 5, 2006
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Nothing wrong
|
>I was surprised when I saw the results of the survey. I was first licensed in 1965. This group 40+ years has the highest percentage that answered which just means we are an aging group with not a lot of younger folks coming up behind us. I hope this changes.<
::Nothing has to change. It's 25% "over 40 years" (which presumes people are 50+ years old) and 75% "less than 40 years," (which presumes people are <50 years old), which is about the distribution of the general population.
It's right where it should be.
WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK
on October 5, 2006
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What counts?
|
I have been licensed since about 1963 (not sure since you had to send in your license at renewal time). It is accurate to say that the most fun was as a novice. After accumulating good equipment the fun became less. Simple was better. When I had a cheap receiver and home made 6dq6 transmitter, things were fun. After getting stuff like a kwm2, it was more appliance operating. As an RF engineer, my license was more valuable for use as a test vehicle for my own creations of amps, tuners and other stuff.
Alex....
Posted by
SSB
on October 5, 2006
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Wish I'd joined in sooner
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Learned the morse code as a kid on fishing trips with Grand-Pa. He knew better than to bring the Sears Walkie Talkies with the little red code button... We did a lot more radio playing than catching fish. I think he must have enjoyed those times. From what I can remember, I know I really had a hoot of a time : ).
I wish I had focused on going with getting a ticket at those youthful years of time. The bicycle building took over my interests more abundantly. I did end up getting a set of the walkie talkies and giving one to a neighbor friend. We spent a lot of time riding around the neighorhood with cardboard trailors on our bikes pretending to be truckers : P... Boy, those were the days.
In 1976, after a lot of pressured convincing, Mother finally got a CB license. The 23 channel Midland and power supply went well next to the Rat Shack DX 150 that I saved all that lunch and allowance money to buy. I was "hooked".
So many other things gained my interest along the years... Girls / women, cars, learning to drink beer, college and eventually love and a family. Always in the archive of my thoughts were the great times I had with SWLing and the follies of radio. Also all that time spent tearing apart anything electronic in nature to "see how and why it worked".
Finally in 1996, as things fell into place and the family was now well a part of routine life; It was time for the ticket. What a great move. Wish it had been made way back as a child with the days of youth still to advantage. None the less... hope that I am blessed with many more years to enjoy and grow with the hobby. Hope I am here to elmer others along as I have been elmered along.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE ELMERS AND ALL THE EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE SHARED TO PROMOTE THE ART OF RADIO !
73 From Ohio ! ! !
Posted by
N8NSN
on October 5, 2006
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I was surprised when I saw the results of the survey. I was first licensed in 1965. This group 40+ years has the highest percentage that answered which just means we are an aging group with not a lot of younger folks coming up behind us. I hope this changes.
Oh great...more reason for gloom and doom...more reason for panic....STOP ALREADY!!!!!
Posted by
KA3NRX
on October 5, 2006
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My comments on this Survey
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I was surprised when I saw the results of the survey. I was first licensed in 1965. This group 40+ years has the highest percentage that answered which just means we are an aging group with not a lot of younger folks coming up behind us. I hope this changes.
Posted by
K8DK
on October 5, 2006
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First Licensed
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I was on CB here in VK and ZL land in the 1970s. I got my Z and T call ( non morse )
in 1976. I obtained the Novice 6wpm in 1989
and now Morse is history in VK and ZL and
the world did not end. I now do mainly SSTV
and 20 meters and work the Satelites. In the
summer months I also work the DX on 6 + 2m.
Ham radio it about making things, fixing things and having fun and not working contests on 20m.
All the best ZL3MH Murray
Posted by
ZL3MH
on October 4, 2006
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Short Time
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Got my GROL decades ago.
Tried an online exam for 3 evenings in a row and took the Tech exam the following Saturday in April of this year.
First gear was a Yeasu FT-60, then added a Yeasu FT-7800 a couple months later. Been having fun building antennas and QRPing local VHF.
Mike
Posted by
WG7G
on October 4, 2006
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1968
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January 1968 I became WN0TML. First station was an EICO 720 transmitter and a borrowed NC-183 receiver. Had a few crystals back then. Spent most of my time on 15 meters - also had voice priviledges on 2 meters, a Heathkit Tower - what more could you want. My Elmer, W0TW, gave me a 2 element 15 meter beam - I thought I was in heaven.
It was amazing what you could do with 75 watts input and being crystal controlled. 35 states and 15 countries on 4 continents - not bad for a newbie.
38 years later I still have an EICO 720 and the same crystals, don't use it too much. Spend most of my time DXing QRP or on 6. The Good Life.
73,
Trent
Posted by
WB0HZL
on October 4, 2006
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First License
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First licensed in 1961, code taught at Ft. Benning Ga., by W1TME, I was an Army Brat. Moved up to Conditional after 10 months examined by K4BVD, now W6OAT. My elmers were K4BAI, W4FIZ, K4TAG, K4BVD, and many others in the Columbus Amateur Radio Club, which this week just celebrated 50 Years!
Thanks folks for your time and mentoring.
Celebrated 40 years at Tybee Island, Ga. in August 2001 on Lighthouse weekend at K4T, with a great bunch of friends. The next month we would all want to never have to live thru again.
Steve W4CNG
Posted by
W4CNG
on October 4, 2006
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Flag pants
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Still gotta color photo of me in the late '60's (age 14)...dressed in my red, white and blue "flag pants" that were popular at the time...sitting at my card table filled with a Heath DX-60A, a Hammarlund HQ-180, a Swan SWR bridge and a Heath coax switch. I still wonder how that old card table withstood the weight.
73, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioFun.com
Posted by
WA8MEA
on October 4, 2006
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Started learning CW off an old Instructograph machine about 2 weeks after I started shaving in 1962. Was taught after school in junior high by a senior HS physics teacher, John "Dinty" Heyford, WA4HFB and Bill Hueckel (callsign forgotten...sorry, Bill!).
We don't need no steenking Farnsworth Spacing! We just need sharp pencils!!
Anyone here remember the old Telegrapher's Pencil Strokes (I called it "telegrapher calligraphy") from the pamphlet, "Learning the Radiotelegraph Code?"
Posted by
W7LV
on October 4, 2006
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My Answer
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I was first licensed as a novice in 1966 but never renewed when my one year was up (college and girls took over my attention).
I got licensed up again in February 2004. So, total time is about 4 years. Total time according to the ARRL rules, 40 years (time since first licensed).
Posted by
K7PEH
on October 4, 2006
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