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Author Topic: "Real Extra mentality" not cool.  (Read 14073 times)

W6YB

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #15 on: December 25, 2004, 11:59:50 PM »

 I'm glad to see all these comments. It is my strong beliefe that this mentality is the greatest "threat" to ham radio. This mentality needs to stop.

 But as one can see from these comments, most of the hams  are very nice and great people. Its just those few.

                   73 and best wishes to you & to all,

                                            Andrew W6YB
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K1CJS

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #16 on: December 26, 2004, 07:48:02 AM »

A bit of practical humor here--When I come upon a ham who speaks down on other hams I usually get them around to saying they are a REAL ham, for whatever reason.  I then tell them REAL ham usually comes from a hog (I try to keep it on the light side--I don't say "pig") and then ask them which barnyard them are from.  That usually shuts them up fast.  The hams that laugh and agree usually don't realize that those 'real' remarks can be offensive to some, while those that scowl and walk away know perfectly well what they are implying and usually aren't worth knowing or talking to.

Up to now, of the many hams I've talked to, only a couple actually walked away when confronted that way, most of them agree that if you pass the tests--no matter when you took those tests--you are the class operator your license says you are.
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EXWA2SWA

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #17 on: December 28, 2004, 08:59:54 AM »

This has been an interesting thread to read.

I held both Novice (5wpm & Basic theory) and Technician (5wpm and General theory) tickets in the 60's. I now hold a General ticket based on current Element 2 Technician exam, a 'courtesy' code test and proof of that earlier Technician license. So maybe I was a "real Technician" who recently became a "General lite". Beats me, and I really don't care: I get to work HF CW.

I recently received a (real) QSL card with the remark, "For a new ham, you operate CW like a pro!" There's more to being an amateur than that, but that was a very nice thing to read.

A ham can hold any class license, granted according to any protocol and pursue any aspect of the hobby, and be a lady or gentleman, or just be half-a-hog's-butt. The choice is available to each of us.

For my money, the "real" operator is freezing his butt off in a muddy hole, unwilling to do more than break squelch for fear that some bad guy will toss a grenade his way. But then, he's not an amateur, is he?

'Nuff soap-box.

73,
Jim
KE5CXX




 




 









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K0RFD

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #18 on: December 30, 2004, 08:22:44 AM »

I think it's sad that you encountered this from a VE.  It's also quite rare.  VEs are just what the words say--"Volunteer Examiners"  We give up our saturdays and weeknights to bring new blood into the Amateur Radio Service in a fair and consistent manner.  Every VE that *I* have personally met has been motivated solely by a desire to give something back to the hobby.  The VEs at every one of the exams I took were courteous and helpful.  After I passed my technician exam, I had 3 VEs giving me pointers on how to learn Morse code and upgrade.  At the testing sessions in which I assist, we do everything exactly "by the book" but that doesn't mean we can't be encouraging and try to put the candidates at ease.

Maybe you encountered the one, single VE in the world who sees his mission in life as trying to replace the grumpy old FCC examiner.  If he could just make you drive 500 miles to take the test, life would be perfect.

Don't worry about people like this.  I can't find anyplace on my license where it says "Extra Lite" and I bet there's no place on his where it says "Real Extra".  And we each get to use the same frequencies.
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KS4WJ

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #19 on: January 05, 2005, 07:17:11 PM »

As an "advanced paper-weight" operator, I'm in full agreement.  I'm thrilled to see some of the 15 year old guys (and younger) getting their extra class privileges.  In fact, we have so many privileges in America, we've lost sight of the freedom we have to simply be grateful - not hateful.  Takes too much effort to be the latter.  Sorry you had to experience the inferiority complex over a simple test.  I'll move up soon as it's a great opportunity to do so without doing the 20 WPM code - and I like code.  "I'm never gonna' stop the rain by complaining, because I'm free, nothing worrying me..." -B.J. Thomas Lyrics; perhaps quite appropriate!

Take care and I respect your authenticity...not REALNESS! ;-)

Brian Jett/KS4WJ
Lexington, KY
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KZ1A

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #20 on: January 07, 2005, 11:25:30 AM »

Hey Joe,

I am an accredited Extra Class Volunteer Examiner and wanted you to know that if I were in charge of a testing session where that kind on talk was taking place, I would excuse that examiner on the spot.
There is no room for that kind of behavior anywhere in our hobby.
Hopefully you can put it behind you and move on.

73, de Mac KZ1A
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KB8NJH

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #21 on: January 07, 2005, 10:45:04 PM »

   I'm sorry and embarrased at these comments. I admit
I was and reluctant to see the demise of CW as a
requirement...but it has been decided. I guess by his
definition..I am a real advanced..I open my shack to
any Tech..or otherwise who wants to visit...I help them any way I can. Years ago as a novice I was so
excited at my first CW contact I sent in perfect code
a signal report of S9..I knew better he was 5x9...
But I was heard in Richmond Va...hundreds of miles
away...Well I copied about 5 minutes of him telling me
to take MY station off the air, untill I could give
a PROPER signal report..you new Hams..I pulled the switch...I practiced I have his call...and hope for a re-match...HI HI...in other words we all have our stories...he is a little fish in a big pond...
Enjoy the Hobby!.....SK
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KB8NJH

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #22 on: January 07, 2005, 10:47:16 PM »

   I'm sorry and embarrased at these comments. I admit
I was and reluctant to see the demise of CW as a
requirement...but it has been decided. I guess by his
definition..I am a real advanced..I open my shack to
any Tech..or otherwise who wants to visit...I help them any way I can. Years ago as a novice I was so
excited at my first CW contact I sent in perfect code
a signal report of S9..I knew better he was 5x9...
But I was heard in Richmond Va...hundreds of miles
away...Well I copied about 5 minutes of him telling me
to take MY station off the air, untill I could give
a PROPER signal report..you new Hams..I pulled the switch...I practiced I have his call...and hope for a re-match...HI HI...in other words we all have our stories...he is a little fish in a big pond...
Enjoy the Hobby!.....SK
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N2ZD

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #23 on: January 19, 2005, 11:19:13 AM »



  Although this guy was out of line, I feel the extra class testing should have remained 20wpm. The other tests should have been relaxed but the extra license should have remained the "Holy Grail" for all amateurs to aspire to.
  I know testing had to be relaxed to foster and promote Ham Radio but not every facet needed to be addressed in the revamping of the licensing proocedure. This guy should leave his "real extra" mentality at home when performing as a VE and it was uncalled for..   My two cents.. Take it or leave it.. Richy N2ZD
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AC7DX

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #24 on: January 19, 2005, 06:09:11 PM »

I am a "real" extra..so what. All it means is that I got off my lazy but and learned the code while others didnt. Why? because we have a Paraplegic in the local club that didnt Dumb down and passed 20wpm and if he could...everyone can.
Flame away. No code...just one more for the Welfare Mentality

 
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N7DM

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #25 on: January 25, 2005, 07:05:03 AM »

It isn't easy, watching The Changes. When you had to be General Class for a year before you could even take the Advanced Class test; when you then had to be Advanced Class for [was it one or two years?] before you could take the Extra Class test; when you had to journey to an FCC Field Office for all of them; when you had to copy the code, then SEND it; when you had to draw diagrams and do calculations; when you had to wait for your precious ticket to come in the mail.

No, it isn't easy watching someone walk in from the street, take a day's worth of tests and walk out, and Extra Class Ham...with not one bit of experience or operating ability.

Yet, it is not the fault of these guys that they have been allowed this 'ease'. It is the FCC/ARRL who are watching over a dying hobby and are more interested in gathering numbers of 'hams' than they are in how well those 'hams' are qualified.

I know several Extra Class hams that did not have to do as I did. They ARE Extras...they hold the licenses. I respect them for that. That they did not have to put forth the effort and time that I did, that they can't carry on a CW conversation, that their practical experience knowledge is far less than mine... these resentments I fight constantly. I am only a mere mortal. But they are good guys and I like 'em...
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N2FZ

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #26 on: January 27, 2005, 02:14:19 PM »

Dont think about it.  When I got my Extra it was called an  Incentive License. The first time I used it, I answered a CQ on 15m phone.   The ham refused to talk to me because I was a Novice and shouldnt be there.   You know calls starting with "N" ment Novice
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N7DM

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #27 on: January 27, 2005, 02:20:22 PM »

HI... that's funny. Yes, I remember going from WN7  to W7, myself.  When I got this call in 1976, one of the first guys *I* worked thought I was a Cessna Pilot, boot-legging!
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K7VO

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #28 on: January 28, 2005, 11:30:53 AM »

AC7DX:  YOU are part of the real problem with ham radio today.  Nobody chose what the tests were when they took them.  I had to pass a 13 WPM code exam to get on HF.  So what?  A newcomer who passes only a 5 WPM exam for their Extra does so because those are the rules now as determined by the FCC, not by you, by me, by the ARRL, or anyone else.  It says nothing about their ability to pass a 20 WPM exam.  

Clue:  I can send and receive code faster than 20 WPM and do so on the air with some regularity.  I was an Advanced when the rules changed so I never took a test for more than 13 WPM.  Does that make me less skilled or capable than anyone else?  I think not.

We need to welcome newcomers.  If someone learns CW because of me it will because I explained how some QSOs I've made (6m QRP QSO with Japan in 2000, for example) would have been absolutely impossible on SSB and less likely on other digital modes.  They will have decided their is some advantage to CW or some enjoyment to be derived from it.  It won't be rammed down their throats.  They didn't have to learn it.  I personally think that's a good thing.

If we drive away newcomers the hobby will die off, period.

Oh, and not everyone could learn 20WPM.  Some people have real issues with CW.  It's just like thet fact that I have about zero artistic ability.  Each and every one of us is born with different skills and abilities.  We didn't all come out of the same cookie cutter, did we?  

73,
Caity
K7VO/8
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AC7DX

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"Real Extra mentality" not cool.
« Reply #29 on: February 01, 2005, 01:26:10 PM »

Well K7VO not everyone can draw...thats why they are not artist. Not everyone can fly a plane,but they are not allowed to be in the sky's just because they dont want to study and take a flight test. I too can send and receive code at over 30 wpm. I dont use it but I was required to pass 20 for my "Real" extra class license.
I guess I could have layed around and bitched about how hard code was and wait to see if they would give me a free extra clas license, but I didnt.
Half these people would not be on the bands if they had to sit in front of an FCC examiner and not only receive 20wpm, but send it properly. Its not their fault..its the ARRL and FCC for promoting "Welfare" and giving the licenses away. I understand that General Mills has contacted the FCC and asked if they can put Amateur Radio licenses in their boxes of breakfast foods and Cracker Jacks..its easier than little plastic toys.
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