Survey Comments
Primary Hobby?
Used to be the primary hobby but now it's target shooting and model rocketry.
Posted by
W9GRN on 2005-07-16
too busy
to tell the truth ive barely even touched my rig recently. between school (which im out right now), playin guitar\geting lessions and verious things around the house i havent had much time
Posted by
KC9FJE on 2005-05-25
It's been a wild ride
For me it's been 40 years come August. I can't say I haven't enjoyed every turn of the hobby. From the old Clegg 99er on 6 meter AM or the "Benton Harbor Lunchboxes" on 2 meter AM to the Icom wonderboxes of today. I just wonder where the hobby will go when the young hams of today write their 40 year comments. I've had a lot of hobbies over the years that have kind of pushed ham radio to the sidelines but each time I get bored or lose interest in the other hobbies guess what? I always come back to Ham radio. It's been a wild ride and I don't regret one minute of it.
Posted by
KB1XI on 2005-03-21
It's a great hobby, but...
I like amateur radio. Chasing DX, contesting, rag chewing with long time friends and playing with new technologies and equipment...it's all great, however...
I also like ice hockey, snow skiing, barefoot waterskiing and other activities too!
Variety is the spice of life, except when it comes to my soul mate. She is a one of a kind. I love you Stacy!
David ~ KY1V
Posted by
KY1V on 2005-03-21
Great Hobby
Ham Radio is a great hobby. I have been licensed for over 40 years. I also enjoy flying R/C airplanes. I voted 50/50 because I spend about the same time with each hobby. Although the more I think about it, I probably spend more time with ham radio because my R/C airplane frequencies are on 6 meters! Guess that gives ham radio the edge!
73, Bob - W6RTW
Posted by
W6RTW on 2005-03-20
not end all and be all
I've been a licensed genearl sence 1956. enjoy the hell out of Ham Radio but it is not my life. I remmeber an oath I said when I stared hamming: don't let ham radio interfer with your family life. be balanced in your time and energy.
Well, I have mANY Hobbies, admitedly they revolve around technology, except for religus studies.
Richard /K6ZGN
Posted by
K6ZGN on 2005-03-20
hobby
I am a computer guru now. This site is related to ham radio but not ham radio. I donate to this site. I like this site. I like reading all the stupid comments. I like making stupid comments.
Posted by
K7NNG on 2005-03-19
Hobby, hobby.........
I split my time evenly, half here both lookin' at and doin' the bi*chin' and half on the rigs listenin' to the same! LOL
Posted by
K1CJS on 2005-03-19
Hobby
I am one of those celebrating 50+ years as a ham radio participant. I have other interests as well, but radio has and still is the primary fun, especially now that I have retired. I bought a bike for $5.00 at a yard sale and now have my 703 with me while I excercise. Or I can out it in my backpack and go for a walk! I've been mobiling since the mid 50's.
Mark
Posted by
W4FJE on 2005-03-19
N7YQ
Why are you even here?
Posted by
K6QP on 2005-03-18
NY7Q
Typed wrong call, sorry
Posted by
K6QP on 2005-03-18
NY7Q
Typed wrong call, sorry
Posted by
K6QP on 2005-03-18
Lots of other stuff to do !
I love playing with Ham radio and my garage is about 40% knobs with the operating position and the electronics work bench but at heart I'm a gearhead.
I'll go to Ohio for a big car show but not the Hamvention. My 60's muscle cars and my motorcycles come before any Collins collecting, I have subscriptions to half a dozen car mags but only one Ham mag, (QST).
Don't get me wrong, I love talking and playing around with radio gear but there is nothing to compare with the sweet sound of a well tuned muscle Mopar. Paul, W6PMR.
Posted by
W6PMR on 2005-03-15
fellowship
I take the good with the bad and enjoy this hobby and life. I guess it is just how you look at it. I never look at anyone in life or this hobby as a low life. Semper-fi Fella's. Nick W9ZXT. and God Bless
Posted by
WB9QEL on 2005-03-15
yes
Ham radio takes about 75% of my hobby time. Coin collecting - a close second. I have been licensed for 26 yrs now and got most of it (DXCC/VUCC/WAS/et.et.) 310 countries confirmed. But you know, there is still a lot out there to do!I am getting into 160 meters. It is a challenge, and CW QRP too! My Icom 706mkIIG does it all, in one little neat package. I love SWL and Broadcast band AM station DX'ing with a crystal radio reciever-now thats HARD. Try WAS on 160m! I cant see my self functioning without ham radio. I know that sounds stupid, but I was hooked when I got my first sw reciever in 1964. I also am setting up a siesmograph station (earthquakes) in my back yard, and am getting into the weather thing too!..My work is not related to ham radio, maybe thats why I find it so enjoying. When I die, I told my kids to put one of my QSL cards in my casket-hihi..You only live once--Ken
Posted by
KU2US on 2005-03-14
Statistics
I wrote an article several years ago about the 30% factor in social movements.
As more and more responses come into this poll (increasing Sigma) I'm expecting the "No's" to yeild to the 50/50's -- such that the yes's will be close to 60%, the 50/50's will be about 30% and of course the No's will round out near 10% or so!
Posted by
WA6BFH on 2005-03-13
W2NJS
ACTUALLY I GOT BOTH TICKETS ABOUT 46 YEARS AGO WITHIN DAYS OF EACH OTHER..I AM VERY SNOBBISH TO DUMB DOWN RADIO FOLKS.
Posted by
K7NNG on 2005-03-12
Listen And Sometimes Get Involved In Some Off The Contest
While Checking E-Mail On The Computer I Listen Too Contest"s On Weekend Or Through The Week Listen Too Some ((SOMETIMES)) Intresting Conversations. Other Than That Guitar-Guitar-And More Guitar...Oh And Work AsWell As These Dang Hobbies Are Costly !!!! Tim Ve1Fz
Posted by
VE1FZ on 2005-03-12
favorite hobby
Hello,
amateur radio is my main hobby since 1980 even if I'm not sitting on the radio every day.
Nevertheless I have/had a lot of others. The currently most time assuming hobby is sport. I'm a long distance runner, making 50-100km a week in the winter time. But this time is also spent with my wife (DL7IQ) and our dog as we are running together.
Once a week I play volleyball in our local senior team. After the training we have a beer within the group. This is a nice way to keep in touch whith the neighbours and to be informed about all local things.
Other hobbies are more seasonal especially if they also require outside activity time and of course everything has to fit with the family life.
I know to feel good we need a personal success every day. If only amateur radio is your life and therefore the only source of success you have, than that is the best way to get frustrated by it.
Hope to see you on the bands!
Holger, DL7IO
Posted by
DL7IO on 2005-03-10
NY7Q
I guess the rest of us were good enough for NY7Q to hang out with before he became a flight instructor?
God, what a snob. Turn in your ticket; we're better off without you.
W2NJS
Posted by
W2NJS on 2005-03-10
Lots of interests...
I have lots of interests, but Amateur Radio is one that I've had on the back burner most of my life. I've just gotten my Tech ticket, and am working on the code to get my General (already passed the theory exam).
Among my other hobbies are: Walking/hiking/camping, digital photography, digital audio production/restorations (including old vinyl and 78s), shortwave listening/scanning, gardening, meteorology, astronomy, and reading (mostly literature, history).
Radio dovetails into my environmental interests -- hams are really "sounding" the ionosphere every day. Seasonal changes, sunspot cycles and those concerns fit right into my weather/climate and gardening interests. I also am interested in Amateur Radio for the technical aspects -- I'm a total radio "geek"; I love anything to do with the medium. I pride myself on knowing what EVERY antenna I see is doing! LOL Ham radio is just an extension of all of that.
Posted by
KG6WLV on 2005-03-10
its about equal
Well, its pretty much equal to my other hobbies. I enjoy building model airplanes, RC trucks and cars, N and O guage model trains and spending time with the finace why BTW, is Also a ham! Cant ask for anything better than that!! How many women can a guy find out there that likes ham radio?
Posted by
KC9GUZ on 2005-03-09
Looking for a home!
Now that I have a family, house, and more time consuming job I don't get around to turning on the radio a lot.
Some other hobbies have come along like bonsai, and kendo (Japanese fencing)which take a larger percentage of my time.
Often when I do operate I get frustrated at the lack of activity I find. I will often call CQ and get very few responses.
I would love to find a net/sked relating to my other hobbies.
Posted by
KC0EYF on 2005-03-09
Amateur radio is for weekends when there is no motorcycle race close enough for me to enter.
Amateur radio is for passing the miles operating CW on the 200 mile drive to or from the race.
Amateur Radio is a way to relax in the evening at the campground between Saturday and Sunday races.
Posted by
WB9JTK on 2005-03-08
Great hobby
However it's golf then radio.
Posted by
WA4QHQ on 2005-03-08
Shared with others
My Ham interest is in public service, however it shares
time with ameteur astronomy, and my Bible Studies.
Posted by
INCOGNITO on 2005-03-08
Good Thing To Do In the Car
I operate primarily mobile. Time spent on ham radio when not driving is mobile maintenance. I used to do more but can't put up antennas at the home QTH.
Other hobbies: R/C airplanes, golf, woodworking, physical fitness. (I don't like to be bored!)
Posted by
AD5GX on 2005-03-08
Yeah I think so.
Well that is unless I'm computing. Other than that it is, I think, unless I'm Camping. Yeah I think after that it might be....well unless I'm reading or maybe fishing. Yup it's definately in there amongst my Primary Hobbies. That is unless I'm..............
Posted by
WB2TQC on 2005-03-07
Is Amateur Radio your primary hobby?
Yes and it has been for the more than 37 years I have proudly been licensed as a radio amateur. While I have had other hobbies like coin collecting, meteorology, pocket watch collecting, antique radios and the like none has even come close to my main hobby of amateur radio. It is important to me to keep active and challenge myself with new amateur radio interests. For example, I am now actively engaged in forming a new amateur radio club here in Torrance County, New Mexico and joining RACES. It assists renew my interest in amateur radio while serving the amateur radio community and general public.
Posted by
WB5YYX on 2005-03-07
Sedentary Concerns
I like to spend most of my leisure time at the radio or electronics bench but when I realized that there were negative health implications I mixed back in some physically active hobbies like gardening and rowing about the river. I feel much better.
Posted by
K8NQC on 2005-03-07
KEEP A LOW PROFILE
KEEP A LOW PROFILE IF THE HAMS YOU TALK TO HAVE BEEN AROUND LONGER THAN YOU AND YOU START GETTING YOUR STATION UP A LITTLE BETTER HAN THRERS THEY WIL SHUN YOU AND YOU WILL HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER BAND TO WORK. HAMS ARE LIKE LITTLE KIDS. AND MOSST OF THEM ARE LITTLE KIDS OR WANT TO BE FREQ POLICE.i AM BURNING MY TICKET AND GOING BACK TO FISHING, HAVE A GOOD LIFE HAMS
Posted by
KD4RALRON on 2005-03-06
Not No.1 any longer
I think I am just the flakey type that goes through phases, or my life has changed.
When I was drving across the country alot, I spent a lot of time and money getting my mobile station up to par. It was really a kick for a while. After a while though, like with most other hobbies I have done, it just gets old! Now I am not traveling as much, and after having a base station for over a year, I discovered that I wound up talking to the same people over and over again. Most of the people whined about the same thing. The people in the nets acress HF all know your name. The bands that I would LOVE to talk on, there is no one there. People on CW are just as bad as the people on voice!(You will discover this when you get your speed up!)Last but not least, the know it all right wing people on the repeaters! For once, I have not heard a peep out of the Frequency police in a long time...lol
I am down from 6 radios, to 1 radio in my van, and just sold all of my base radios cause I am just not doing anything with them.
I will not be burning my ticket, heck I may even upgrade. I will just be putting this hobby on the back burner, and getting back into music(Guitar and Flute), and desktop flight simulation. I will always cherish all of the wonderful people I met as a result of this hobby!
Phineas
K0KMA
Active Reservist
Posted by
PHINEAS on 2005-03-06
Its a hobby????
Its a hobby??
Now you tell me.
I thought I was supposed to sit for hours on end in this small room
in the basement with head phones on my head
struggling to hear faint signals with
loud back ground static crashes going on.
Boy thats a releif, its only a hobby
now I don't have to do that
Posted by
AB0XE on 2005-03-05
meta-hobby
These days, I spend more time on the Internet talking about ham radio than on the air. So what kind of hobby is that? :-)
Even before the Internet and WWW, I spent a lot more time reading about radio and designing and building the station than on the air. It must be a personality disorder.
73, Martin
Posted by
AA6E on 2005-03-05
Time taker
When young it was primary. Now itis 50/50 with the hamming and computers. At other times prior, it was ham radio and photography.
.:
Posted by
W6TH on 2005-03-05
Primary Hobby?
Look, I've known a lot of hams who are so uni-directional that ham radio is their LIFE, never mind hobby. If that's you, God-bless, to each his own. Most normal people have several pass-times, and if ham radio is one of them, WONDERFUL! Personally, I like ham radio, hunting, fishing, gourmet cooking, fine wines and good cigars, Plus, I enjoy growing tropical fruits ( and antennas ) on my little acre+ in Florida. There's also family ( grandchildren ), church and socializing with friends & neighbors. Here in Tampa, FL we have a festival called Gasparilla, which is like a mini-Mardi Gras, where you join a "krewe" and revel & party during a certain season. I do that too. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you guys who make radio the Alpha and Omega of your lives are awfully LIMITED, but if that's what floats your boat, go for it. Personally, I'm happienst when I'm out on a charter boat in Tampa Bay, catching fish, yakking on my HT with other hams, puffing on a good cigar and swigging on a glass of good wine, all at the same time. Life is MULTIFACTORIAL guys. Grab life by the throat and choke the snot out of it ... you'll be happier. Take it as it comes. 73 es ciao, Bambino.
Posted by
WB2GMK on 2005-03-05
Like a Phoenix...
Ham radio has been a big part of my life since 1959, and led me into my career as an engineer. It seems to ebb and surge as the decades go by, with periods of up to 4 or 5 years of inactivity. Right now, looking at a welcome retirement and preparing for the many changes to come, ham radio is coming on strong again, with new technology and the same old challenges renewed and once again rewarding. All the other hobbies that have captivated me over the years (astronomy, flying, painting, sportscar racing, computer sim racing, hiking, climbing, caving, and photography) cannot hold a candle to the rewards of ham radio, which is a supporting hobby of all of these.
It STILL beats the heck out of cell phones and chat rooms for the sheer enjoyment of communicating and building new ways to get there.
Terry / K4IQT
Posted by
K4IQT on 2005-03-04
Ham Radio Hobby
Ham radio is one of my favorate hobies. I find it both relaxing and rewarding. It is not my primary hobby. I do not have a primary hobby. I enjoy vintage motorsports, Porsche's, collecting vintage Model slot cars and vintage racing go karts. I share my hobies equally through my leasure time.
I enjoy operating DX and good long QSO's with fellow Hams. 73 DE: KB2DHG
Posted by
KB2DHG on 2005-03-04
Great Hobby
I also believe amateur radio to be the perfect hobby for me because it's a elatively safe hobby and offers technological benefits that can be realized by the entire family (depending on which facet of ham radio your involved in).
Amateur radio has been influential in keeping me up to date with most other forms of electronic-based technologies. I thoroughly enjoy using the great equipment I have, and most people are really impressed with our capabilities once you have an opportunity to really demonstrate what you are capable of in terms of sheer communication.
Amateur radio has definitely been a rewarding venture.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2005-03-03
Great Hobby
I also believe amateur radio to be the perfect hobby for me because it's a elatively safe hobby and offers technological benefits that can be realized by the entire family (depending on which facet of ham radio your involved in).
Amateur radio has been influential in keeping me up to date with most other forms of electronic-based technologies. I thoroughly enjoy using the great equipment I have, and most people are really impressed with our capabilities once you have an opportunity to really demonstrate what you are capable of in terms of sheer communication.
Amateur radio has definitely been a rewarding venture.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2005-03-03
Sorry for the double-post, but with all of eHam's plea's for you to subscribe I hit the refresh button just as they tell you to do when you encounter this message, and it forced a double-post.
This is really aggravating since I do everything I can to avoid this. I would ask the webmaster to remove the second post, and maybe look into the "plea for money" window which causes stuff like this to happen.
Posted by
YEPSURE on 2005-03-03
Rainy Days
My primary hobby is astronomy...ham radio and SWLing is good for those snowy or rainy days.
Posted by
K2KOH on 2005-03-03
Low LIFES?
Well , thats a new one to me.Been called a number of
things but thats a first. Low LIfe! Really! Hmmmm...
BIBI
john W6SKM
Lathrop CA
Posted by
W6SKM on 2005-03-02
yep!
Well, radio, computers, beer, and women..in that particular order!
Dan - N9GT
Posted by
DAN_TAYLOR_EX_N9GT on 2005-03-02
yep!
Well, radio, computers, beer, and women..in that particular order!
Dan - N9GT
Posted by
DAN_TAYLOR_EX_N9GT on 2005-03-02
Still 50/50
I got my ham license in 9th grade (1956-57), and got started playing clarinet and sax that same year. Still an active ham (160-2m at home, 2m/440 mobile), and still playing B-flat and Alto Clarinet, and Alto and Bari Sax in Concert Band, Swing Band, and Sax quartet.
My active ham group is at www.hdscs.org, and my musical activity is centered around www.webconnections.com/lbcb
See you on CW at nite!
Fred Wagner, KQ6Q (ex KN6VVD, K6VVD, W5QDL, W7HSS, HS2AJG)
Posted by
KQ6Q on 2005-03-02
Good stay-at-home hobby
Since I have a wife and three children whom I love dearly, amateur radio is the perfect hobby. I can enjoy the hobby and stay at home, too. Add to that fact some health issues with my back and hamming it up looks even more attractive as a primary hobby.
I can't enjoy volleyball anymore -- except as a spectator. I suck at golf. I never could play baseball or basketball worth a flip. So, I enjoy my family, photography and amateur radio. Oh, did I mention working a full-time job and several civic/church duties? Not a bad life... :-) I'm lovin' it!
Posted by
KI4GPX on 2005-03-02
Going down hill fast:
It was my primary hobby untill the ten four gang came on the scene. Depending on what part of the country you live in maybe you've not had to put up with this bull****. Here in east ky and the south western part of wv i've just got tired of trying to bang heads and make these types into hams. They bring their cb culture and operating practices with them and just plan on making amateur radio into glorified cb. I know this must sound extreme to most of you but it is infact the case. 40 meters is full of cb sounding nets and net control ops, so that pretty much keeps me off that band during the early afternoons before i go to work. I'll make a psk or rtty contact on very rare occassions. Then maybe twice a month i check in with a fine group of folks at the bottom edge of 75. Really a shame sitting here looking around the shack at all the gear and outside the tower and antennas. Some chickenband ham would love to get his sorry hands on some of this stuff. Gimmy a big ten four?? 73, John
Posted by
WR8D on 2005-03-01
Primary Hobby
Well, I don't have dollars for more than one hobby. I dabble in photography and I would like to get into RC planes. But, the cost of hobbies seems to keep me from becoming involved with them. Ham Radio has been my main hobby since 1965...except for the wife and kids.
Posted by
K0WA on 2005-03-01
Primary Hobby
Well, I don't have dollars for more than one hobby. I dabble in photography and I would like to get into RC planes. But, the cost of hobbies seems to keep me from becoming involved with them. Ham Radio has been my main hobby since 1965...except for the wife and kids.
Posted by
K0WA on 2005-03-01
My Favorite Hobby
Ive been a HAM since 1986. Much has happened since then...Life...Marrige...A son... I still enjoy the hobby and try to get on when I have time, but I dont have the time to play like I used to.... Im sure its a familiar story to many of you...
Eric
Posted by
KJ7XJ on 2005-03-01
My Favorite Hobby
Ive been a HAM since 1986. Much has happened since then...Life...Marrige...A son... I still enjoy the hobby and try to get on when I have time, but I dont have the time to play like I used to.... Im sure its a familiar story to many of you...
Eric
Posted by
KJ7XJ on 2005-03-01
Great Hobby!!
Licensed in 1953 and immediately got stuck in the CW mode. I've played with just about new mode that comes out, but it's always back to CW. I enjoy helping newbies get their copy speed up, rag chewing, DX'ing, love contesting, love high speed Cw, building wire antenna's, etc. It just remains a lot of fun.
Now that I'm retired, I've included R/C helicopter flying and have gotten back into large mouth bass fishing, especially with a 250 acre pond at the back of my property. But there is NOTHING that keep's me away from contesting or rag chewing with my 'elder' ham buddies at 70-80 wpm.
I think the hobby is changing (obviously) but disagree with those who think it's dying. It will only die if one chooses to let it do so in their own mind.
IT IS A FUN HOBBY.
Tom - W4BQF
Posted by
W4BQF on 2005-03-01
Yup, 50/50
Radio is a very convenient hobby. My others require that I actually go out and do something. (Flying, boar hunting, flyfishing, upland game, dirt bikes)With radio I can putter around the shack, play with antennas and QSO a bit. I'm actually quite good at my hobbies but don't take any of them too seriously.
Dan
Posted by
N1GXC on 2005-03-01
Yep about 50/50
I spend about 50% of my casual time on the golf course and the other times I am operating.Ham radio does have many interesting areas in which to experiment and have fun with.It is fun to get out in the air and become frustrated with the little white ball ever wonder why it is so hard to get a 1!/2 inch ball in a 50 yard target that is the challenge of golf both are just fun
Posted by
AE4NR on 2005-02-28
ns6y
okay..
Posted by
K7NNG on 2005-02-28
Primary Hobby
I would have to say yes, that amateur radio IS my primary hobby. Being disabled, and not being able to get out as much as I used to, amateur radio is a way for me to GET OUT with out getting out! I do some on the computer, but radio is by far and away my favorite pastime. A friend of mine once told me, that amateur radio is an avocation not a vocation, I've tried to take that to heart and not let it go beyond that. I do try and promote the hobby when I do get the chance to be out and about.
Posted by
KI4CRA on 2005-02-28
Ham Radio vs RC Flying
Radio was my primary hobby from 1963 to 1974, then I got introduced to RC Airplanes. Well, radio took a back seat and it hasn't yet replaced, 100%, the thrill of flying your own creation. I do enjoy spending time on 6 meters, or 15M or 10M. And Yes, those bands are open more than you may think. Today, I'm probably 70% RC and 30% radio.
As for overall relaxation and fun, you can't beat being at the flying field with several other RC'ers on a pretty day. It can be an entire day of flying and BS'ing and you go home Happy and smiling.
Posted by
K5UNY on 2005-02-28
There is another hobby?
There is another hobby? Darn I never knew it I eat I sleep I talk.
And above all other’s I get in trouble with xyl. She is just p-ssed
Because my radio is sexy
Posted by
N3JBH on 2005-02-28
Loosing the Fervor
Ham radio has been my primary hobby since 1964. I must admit though that the time I spend and enjoyment derived is on the downward slope. There do not appear to be as many people interested in or available for casual rag chewing (after 41 years, my primary interest). Contest weekends indicate that there are lots of active hams out there. It's much like the sailing club we belong to. Few people come out for casual sailing or lake side activities during the week, but do show up Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings for racing.
Other hobbies/activities include Christian work, music, sailing and gardening. Probably, for the first time in my ham life, I have no desire or plans to buy new equipment. After thinking about it for a long time, I bought retirement property that is somewhat architecture (antenna) controlled area (but I do have a boat dock out front). I would not have onsidered any restrictions only 2 - 3 years ago.
Anyone else in the same boat? How do we reverse the pattern?
Bill / K8DXX
Posted by
K8DXX on 2005-02-28
Losing the fevor (fever?)
I have been a ham since I was 15. I can't imagine my life without ham radio. However, I do not work in radio for employment. If I were a full-time broadcast engineer I would probably come home with no desire to operate my ham station.
I have rigs I have purchased recently but have no interest in what is currently coming out as new transceivers. That's fine with me; if I don't get a new rig for 10 years I'm okay with that. I'm more interested in repairing, maintaining what I have, in modifications, antenna improvements and selling what I'm not using. I only ragchew now and I usually get a QSO. If not I do something else and try again later. I'm grateful for one that lasts only 20 minutes. A couple of tips:
You have to have a decent signal. No one wants to ragchew with someone they have trouble copying.
Not everyone has the gift of gab. Make a cheat sheet if necessary: List of general questions to ask the other guy; list of topics; things to mention about yourself. Anything to break the ice.
Posted by
K5UJ on 2005-02-28
Losing the fevor (fever?)
I have been a ham since I was 15. I can't imagine my life without ham radio. However, I do not work in radio for employment. If I were a full-time broadcast engineer I would probably come home with no desire to operate my ham station.
I have rigs I have purchased recently but have no interest in what is currently coming out as new transceivers. That's fine with me; if I don't get a new rig for 10 years I'm okay with that. I'm more interested in repairing, maintaining what I have, in modifications, antenna improvements and selling what I'm not using. I only ragchew now and I usually get a QSO. If not I do something else and try again later. I'm grateful for one that lasts only 20 minutes. A couple of tips:
You have to have a decent signal. No one wants to ragchew with someone they have trouble copying.
Not everyone has the gift of gab. Make a cheat sheet if necessary: List of general questions to ask the other guy; list of topics; things to mention about yourself. Anything to break the ice.
Posted by
K5UJ on 2005-02-28
Great Hobby!!!
Started my amateur career in 1968, which led me to obtain an EE-degree & masters-degree, today. My rig is 10-years old (new equipment today IS NOT the same with todays prices). Have used only dipoles with open-wire feds-least expensive. Who says one needs beams and plus (+) 100-watts. Enjoy the hobby, hole-hardy!!!
Posted by
KC8Y on 2005-02-28
Ham radio is an avocation.....
Golf is my obsession.
Nothing feels better than a perfectly struck approach shot or an up and down out of a bunker. Its a good thing contest and golf seasons are on opposite ends of the calendar. I'd hate to have to make a choice.
73
ACØH
Posted by
AC0H on 2005-02-28
Ham Radio Rocks!
First licensed in 1970. When I'm not on the radio I divide my time between motorcycling and woodturning.
Posted by
NT9E on 2005-02-28
Takes up a lot of time
I am inteest in the Public Service aspect of Amateur Radio. Our club participates in several events each year. For instance, the planning for something like a 150 mile bike tour can be daunting. Doesn't leave much time for other hobbies. Though, I have recently discovered GeoCaching.
Dennis / KG4RUL
Posted by
KG4RUL on 2005-02-27
Just a hobby!
Amateur radio is a hobby for many. We often hear it said that," after all, its just a hobby". However, there are those of us for whom amateur radio is more than a "hobby". For me amateur radio is a "cause". It lead to a lifelong vocation. I get my fill of commercial radio at work. When away from work, its weak signal dx, cw, qrp, homebrew, and such. I have other interests that I would characterize as hobbies.
Posted by
WA4DOU on 2005-02-27
Just not a hobby now
It was a great hobby for me at one time. Now it seems with all the testing giveaways, the level of operators coming in, it is just nothing to me now. I would rather be Flight Instructing, or building another experimental airplane such as a LongEZE. Radio for me is down the toilet. I don't hang out with the low life nowadays.
Posted by
K7NNG on 2005-02-27
Primary hobby? Really??
It seems to me that more of us should be voting in the 50-50 column, after all, some of us are here on the internet just as much or more than we're on the bands. (Yes, I voted 50-50.)
BTW, if ham radio HAS gone down the toilet, how come those that say so are still in it? No flaming intended, just a question. 73.
Posted by
K1CJS on 2005-02-27
NY7Q - go fly your airplane, stop coming here, and have
fun. We "lowlifes" won't miss you.
Posted by
NS6Y_ on 2005-02-27
I am in several things..
Amateur Radio, Computers, Photography..
They all go together.. PSK and SSTV both allow me to interface my computers with radio. SSTV allows me to play with cameras and take pictures and share then with the world.
73'
+Steve/KD5OWO
Posted by
KD5OWO on 2005-02-27
Ham Radio - No Longer Primary Hobby
Ham Radio used to be my primary hobby, but it has now been replaced by guitar/songwriting/music recording. I can't afford to buy radios and music equipment, so one had to take a smaller role...I have also found that buying musical equipment can be just as addictive and EXPENSIVE as buying radios....my wife also appreciates the music hobby much more than ham radio...
Posted by
RADIO123US on 2005-02-27
A Bloody waste of Time and Money!
Let me miss-quote one of our TV football (soccer) commentators. "It's not a matter of life or death - it's much more important than that".
If I was to stop and think of all the time and money I pour into this obsession I would probably sign myself into the nearest funny farm.
If anyone out there is thinking of taking up the hobby make an appointment to see your doctor. He can probably get you onto a course of therapy.
Bill
GM0VIT
Posted by
GM0VIT on 2005-02-27
50% of what?
The boundaries are hard to find. How much of what I do is "hobby electronics" and how much is ham radio? Throw in computers, and you can't tell when ham radio starts and hobby computing ends. Is ham radio 50% of my hobby activity? A definite maybe. 50% of my life? An emphatic no.
Posted by
N3EG on 2005-02-27
all the expensive hobbies
photography - 35mmm and digital, model trains - G gauge, military firearms, and ham radio.
Posted by
OBSERVER11 on 2005-02-27
ARS: rich and varied
Although I have other hobbies: sailing, restoring my 65 Mustang, hiking, travel, model trains (HO), Amateur Radio is the only one that has captured my imagination and dedication for over 30 years. No other hobby is so broad in its coverage, so rich and varied, so helpful to the community at large, and so full of such great people all over the world. And I've just scratched the surface.
Posted by
K4JF on 2005-02-27
time and space...
"The time we enjoy wasting is not wasted time."
Posted by
AD7DB on 2005-02-27
Ham for 50 plus years but I share it with collecting 1:20 scale narrow guage locomotives and a passion for shotgun sports. I hope I last another 35 years in Ham Radio. That would make a 100!!
Posted by
W0CKI on 2005-02-27
Now it's Primary
Ham radio is my primary hobby/pasttime now and I've been haming it for 28 years. One of the great things about it is you can take it with you almost everwhere you go. I take it hunting, camping, fishing, while doing astronomy and to work. I build computers to run my ham gear and to get on ham web sites. I owe my second career to ham radio and because I have to travel a lot in my work ham radio goes with me. I guess the only place I don't take it is when I go work out at the gym.
73,
Steve
Posted by
WA7H on 2005-02-27
Ham radio is an especially welcome hobby when the weather is bad. However, when the weather is good, outdoor pursuits such as gardening, hiking and golf take precedence.
Bob KK7WN
Posted by
KK7WN on 2005-02-27
Secondary These Days
Probably at one time (when I was a new ham) it was my primary hobby. If you seen me I had a radio with me but the new has long since worn off. These days I consider music my primary hobby. I spend most of my spare time playing my guitars and collecting them. I love collecting guitars and guitar amps.
Very rarely do I spend money on ham radio anymore except that required to maintain my repeaters, however I still remain fairly active and still enjoy ham radio very much.
Posted by
KJ4I on 2005-02-27