Amatuer Radio: The little hobby that could.

[KB3JSY]

As I begin to type these words there is a part of me saying "Stop". But the love of an awesome hobby is saying "Go". I wanna say this is in no way an implanting of a bomb to go off,but rather food for thought.

I have now had my tech ticket for 4 yrs now and I wanted to give my opinion on how I feel about this unique hobby. First I think it's important to know a little about me as a person,then how I ended up a "Ham".
Finally what I feel about the whole community.

1st - I'm Black - although I'm light in skin. My mother is black and my father Italian. Tramontano is my last name and because this is the country of catagorizations - I'm Black.(Why is this important?)

My Peers - Who are they? Even I do not have the answer to this one. What I do know is I'm a minority. I have alot of interests mostly not shared with one imperticular group.I have a broad spectrum of interests and some might say I operate out of band,if you understand me.

I have always been fascinated with technology -I love it!Wireless technology,Computers,Aircrafts,NASA,Internet,Sport Bikes,Ipods w/video,Blackberry etc.......

But I also l can feel/relate to Nas* (*Google if needed*)
or some Tupac Shakur.
I give a sharp contrast to make a point.Because I also like to listen to the voice of Norah Jones - U2 with lead Bono - Frank Sinatras "I did it my way" - Fleetwood macks "Thunder" all good stuff. I try to experience all of life and not just one category."Variety is the spice of life"

Which brings me to how I ended up KB3JSY. Let me share with you my edited radio interest life. When I was super young and was living in New Orleans with my parents and 2 siblings at the time my uncle bought my brother and I two of those big clunky 40channel CB radios from what I think was a Kmart or something.Sucked. Fast forward to when we moved from New Orleans to the Washington,DC area.Suburbs of DC in a place called Clinton,MD 20735 then to Waldorf,MD more SE of DC. What some might call a "Redneck" trucker kinda town.Anyhoot I bought a "CB" a handheld i think but I lived off RT 5 so I was hearing a high volume amount of traffic and had to most fun just saying "Breaker Breaker One Nine Radio Check" and man when a trucker would come back in the kind of country voice and enthusiasm that only a real 18 wheeler soldier could,man. KooL - haha. But anyway I later found out why I got so many returns - I haden't gained the bass in my voice yet! Trucker after trucker would not believe I was not a girl.I would say I'm a boy really.
After getting over being embarrased to get on radio - I had a friend over and told him- they think I'm a girl. He thought this was a good thing. So of course when we decided I take on the role of a girl full time on the radio - a different kind of fun emerged. Bad I know but what can I say "boys will be boys,when playing girls" or something like that. That ended when we decided to bait a trucker to my narrow street with his 18 wheeler thinking he was invited to a "girls" house for a driver break. Gave right street but wrong address and I was so scared to pull the curtain back. He stopped directly in front of our townhouse,O M G - the address was further. Did he see me look out? When he realized it was a fraud he was yelling and cussing mad- said he knew how to find me blah blah. My heart was pounding - I was hiding in my house. Thinking "this is what i get".

Now I figured maybe I should get a scanner til I mature in voice,so I headed to the St. Charles Mall in Waldorf.
I delivered Washington Post news papers at the time and went into the radio shack. "I'd like to buy (forget type) scanner please." Guy behind the counter looks me up and down - gives me a dirty look and says "Now,what would someone like you want a scanner for? Now you might think he may have meant it in a cuz I'm a kid way but he didn't,more of a look of I was going to do something illegal.He refused to sell it to me and I had to leave.Some will believe this story and some may not but you would not believe some of the things I have experienced in my life and I won't sugar coat anything to make it politically correct.As the saying goes "It is what It is". Does that make me bitter to the race of the guy who discrimanated against me? No,of course not. I then would be ignorant and become the very person with no common sense or moral composition.

At this point I'm in my twenties and my little brother has one of those talkabout FRS radios and I was playing with it. Turned it on and even with its short range made a contact to a kid in the neighborhood.That moment alone resparked my interest in radio.It was so clear,not like in New Orleans when I was a kid.It was small and looked Kool too. I then bought a used scanner from the classifieds,drove all the way to Baltimore to get it. It picked up everything including cell phone conversations.I would pickup cordless phone convos for blocks in my neighborhood. Lucky for some people I'm not into Identity theft.Patriot Act anyone?
Scanning the bands long enuff and you can tell who is who pretty fast- Police,EMS,Car/Taxi service etc....
but there was these few bands that seemed different.
They had these cool little tones and they would say these letters and numbers frequently and they didn't sound like the rest of the bands.It was more like regular people but it sure wasn't "CB" and these announcements sometimes and sometimes "Interesting conversations"
but who were these seemingly regular folks that had the power of what I would later learn was what was called a repeater?

Amatuer Radio? memory recalling what I thought of when the term "Ham" was used. I see this old guy with a plaid shirt an Elmer Fudd hat on with these redic letters and numbers sewn in that had no meaning to me at the time.Shirt tucked in pants with eyeglasses so thick that it had to be the starting blue print for the Hubble telescope.Usually what looked to be someone locked in a basement dungeon with this huge radio box with knobs and this 1950's desk mic with PTT.Very bland and depressing looking environment as if they are using the radio to make a contact so they can be found and rescued from it. Or practicing just in case they end up like Gilligan and wanna be ready.No 9-11 thoughts .

You mean that band is "Hams"? They don't sound like stiffs. Well not all of them at least.lol. And those curteousy tones sound modern.So that guy with the Kool radio on his belt at the Peoples drug store with the cool tones emitting from it was a "Ham" but thought I "wouldn't understand" when I asked him about it.So it's like "CB" but different,OK.

Ok- I'm going to have to speed this up because I'm getting tired and need to sleep soon.I'm complex.

I say all this because 4 yrs ago when I got my ticket I had no elmer. I didn't know not one "Ham". I learned by listening alot. I researched as much as I could on the Internet and to be honest this is what's at Amateur Radios front door,the image let's say.In a nutshell:

Amateur radio has an Identity Crisis.

See as someone from the outside looking in its intimadating and different messages about the hobby are given depending who's talking.Some contrast each other.I realized that "Ham" radio was not that old pastime that was lodged into the back of my head.

On the Internet,If you go to various "What is ham radio?" sites makes the hobby sound fun and exciting.
Promoting how people from "all" walks of life were "Hams" and they all seemed to be on a mission to recruit more people because they all talked about ways to bring people into the hobby. Then there was the contrast about how the hobby was a "serious" one and was so vital and important to emergency communications and it had priority.Fair enuff. Alot of times on the air and reading online - I would always hear questions like what can we do to attract more people? That makes you feel good to hear those words and makes you feel welcome. But in reality I had to ask myself,do these people really want alot of new people from "all" walks of life? If you listen,and I did a lot. You will hear a different kind of beast.

I just got back into the radio after 2 years off. I got the VX-7R black version (no pun) I LOVE THIS HT!Its perfect.

This is what I have gathered. This is where I stop being nice: This is not for everyone. Apply if needed.

This hobby is unorganized- I hear alot of cry babies, alot of ego's and its almost comical. If It's not the CB people are going to ruin the hobby- it's the no code people, the test is too easy and it's going to bring in undesirable people etc.. I could go on.

"undesirable people" man this one.

the name calling and labeling people who were on CB like they are the taliban.The emotion over the FCC dropping morse code- as if the person who upgrades without the code is to blame and not the FCC,this is ignorant. If you are so quick to discriminate people over these little things I can't help but to wonder how you feel about things you wouldn't discuss on the radio. If I hear a RT of guys all in agreement- my interest to get on that repeater has dwindled dramatically.If you could relate to any kind of discrimination- you would see that it leaves a sour taste in peoples mouths. All I would hear is Ham radio is going to the dogs. It's the End.Why? because you feel it's your hobby and no one else? You don't own the frequencies. Yes,I do understand that we would not want it to get out of hand and have a rogue hobby.Understood. But stop thinking that your soo special because you got your license to operate on a radio.You are not better than anyone. We all took the test, noone was granted a ticket for good looks.(maybe me)

Because of this I knew I would not be a favorite on the local repeaters because of how I felt about alot of Hams and didn't want to upset anyone with an opposing view.So I got my girlfriend to become a Ham 1 week later.She got all but 1 right and became KB3JXO Natalie.

First time we get on the local repeater and talk and as soon as Natalie signed off, I get a breaking station calling me out.It was the trustee- I won't give a call. But without a hello, or greetings to the hobby as I was already nurvous being on the air as a noobie. He askes me to give him the call sign of the other station I was talking to. I said KB3JXO- "is there a problem?"

"Oh, that's Natalie" he said as he was looking us up online.

He said he thought she was saying KB3J S O and not X O and that it was his job as trustee because he thought I was talking to my girlfriend with a made up callsign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Day one and already suspected of doing something wrong. Say what you want because I've listened alot of years and never was a new ham questioned about a possible fake Call only welcomes and congrats on becoming a new ham. He never even said Hi, just - "Who was that?" He also said not to say "for ID" anymore - even though I learned from listening to others. I can be taught - no problem but at least say "Hello". Another time I accidentally answered the call of a woman on that same repeater because she had the same voice as my girlfriend.I made an honest mistake, but boy when the husband got on with such anger in his voice as he answered her like,its me she wants. They were regulars and knew Nat and I were new Hams, so why get upset over an honest mistake. I didn't feel wanted there even though I brought my own friend to talk to, this was the main reason anyway.That was the last time on that repeater. This hobby is supposed to be FUN right?



Peers.

I don't feel that anyone is discriminating if they choose not to talk to a person who they just can't relate to. Thats understandable we are all different people with different interests.Rather,embrace the variety of different perspectives of life and don't rebuke it because you can't relate. Becoming scared to really get on the air, I wanted to try my hand at Echolink and how I could use the dtmf pad to access it. I would wait til like 1am and announce my call and testing the echolink. I would try different commands. The next morning listening to the regulars - I hear a guy complaining about me saying I was "playing" with the machine and how I wait til the middle of the night to do it. "playing?" I thought the hobby was for "testing and experimenting" If an emergency did come up- how will I know if I can hit certain repeaters from my location unless I "test" or how will I learn the echolink dtmf commands and how to work it unless I "test" it. So going back to the unrealistic image that Hams wants everyone from "all" walks of life to join is total bull doody. If you are a regular on the repeaters- You have to be a HAM PEER.

If you really want to get people in - it can be done,but you have to rewrite the stagnant image still lingering on Ham radio.

One- We need a new name. I mean cmon I can't even get a solid answer to where the term comes from or what it really even means..... aka. I don't even know what I am. To me HAMS sound like AMS or short for Amateurs maybe or HAMateurs.Just a guess. I mean who here wants to be a piece of meat? It sounds corny,don't get mad - u asked what can we do to get a flux of young hams into the hobby. I propose what the FCC already calles us "Wireless Licensees" now that sounds cool and had I heard that as kid I may have been a "WL" 10 years ago. Same applies for the title Amateur Radio. It sounds unimportant,boring and it makes the whole hobby look un-needed. Hard to respect these guys on here who talk like they are truly "Homeland Security" with the title "Ham" or "Amatuer" lingering over their heads.lol since I'm on that topic. Would someone tell me the vital role that "Hams" played on September 11th.
I really want to know.Because to me- all this talk of how ham radio is there for that sort of thing and we "practice" all the time and are ready when needed,could not have been more tested on that day. So pls let me know.

After we are called "Wireless Licensees" roll out an advertising campaign. But do you really want a "mainstream" radio hobby? You would have to incorporate some kind of digital way of doing it, to lets say like a cell phone company communicates with its radios. A way to wirelessy unlock a radio to be allowed onto the network/repeater to prevent rogue practices. In that way becoming a "member" of a repeater would have meaning because that was another confusing thing at first for me. I didn't know whether all were welcomed to use repeaters or did they want just members really. Whats the difference if we all have the same priviliges, I mean we are all licensed through the FCC what are the priv. of becoming a member? I guess AutoPatch but who uses that much? It's difficult if the other party doesn't understand you are on a radio and to shut up while I'm talking. I hear things like -upon being accepted by the board members of the repeater you will be a member. Sounds like a private golf club or something.Think about what that says. Peers?
I think different repeaters should have "age" themes. I mean like child to 18yrs old repeaters - or "Adult" repeaters. I mean an adult can drop in and say Hi but kinda let that be thier domain and vice versa. I think its funny sometimes listening to a RT with all these old men talking to a 7 yr old boy. But if a 7yr old ham wants to get on the radio more or less he's forced to talk to Adult strangers. IF the kids parent is a ham well thats diff. but they are not going to be comfy letting the kid on unsupervised when the kids address and full name are accessible.Jon Benet Ramsey anyone? It's no different if your kid was always in an Internet chatroom talking to grown men and just talking we sometimes give up key information without realizing it.

I've probably already gotten myself barred from the FCC because of this topic so I'll shut up now.

I just wanna say- this of course doesn't apply to everyone and everything. Being a "WL" is kool and fun when all the BS is at a minimum and you have people brought together by the fascination with radio in one form or another, not us vs them. Having good convos and being grown enuff to be able to disagree without arguing and catching feelings is what it's really all about. I think if some of you guys wanna save the world well there are other official venues that the IDENTITY of why it was formed in the first place is not a question. Now go and enjoy the hobby and work towards the advancement of radio.

KB3JSY Stephen Tramontano (DC and NYC areas) node 111128 on the echolink.



OPINION(One Persons Insight Not Implied On Nobody) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[K6UEY]

Well my opinion is some one who remained at entry level for four years could hardly have gained the experience to make an indepth evaluation of the problems of Amateur Radio. # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Let me state I did not read the complete text of the posting,after 3 or 4 LONG paragraphs my interest waned and I gave up !! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[ne3r]

Stephen, my recommendation spend more time on the air and less time on QRZ!

Now, I'll go back and read all of that http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[W0BKR]

I too nodded off somewhere after the first paragraph.

To just state clearly, your peers and mentors to me, is everyone I meet on the air and in person. They all provide some level of info, knowledge, hints, etc. to my amateur radio experience.

If you are waiting for a higher class op to embrace you, don't hold your breath. Most of them, us, have been there, upgraded and operated. What was the big deal?

Why should anyone be treated like royalty because they obtained an upgrade, either through intense testing or via FCC rule change?

Just spend time getting to know individuals on and off the air and leave the attitude at home that you should be expecting something.

Just get on and operate. Good advice.

[ky5u]

Stephen,

I grew up in New Orleans too. Quite a CB Scene there in the 60's and early 70's. That said, Amateur Radio is in crisis because the debate over the code put it there. Here are two scenarios:

1. We have removed the code test after almost 5 years of bitter acrimony, and now the Techs are upset because people just won't forget it. Big suprise!

2. If the reduction in the code requirement movement would never have started and we'd all be here in relative harmony albeit perhaps smaller in numbers. You may not have been here to write this post.

My point is that if you want harmony, quit making disharmony. Techs seem to want harmony ON THEIR TERMS. The code battle is won, and they're still here looking for instant respect and trying to convince us it was a good idea.

There is only one way to bring harmony to AR now and that is to get on the air and be the best you can be. Quit whining. And, quit trying to change Amateur Radio to suit a minority of Amateurs like wideband data users are doing. I firmly believe if people just stoped trying to make disharmony, we'd settle down quickly.

[KI4NNL]

Heh, wow, its funny how this person thinks enough of the hobby to state his opinion, and clearly says that that is all it is, and the responses are he has an attitude problem and that he is not fit to have an opinion because he has an "entry level" license.

You pretty much made his point for him didn't you?
He seems to really like the hobby and just pointed out some of what he thinks are its failings, it that a bad attitude?

[ne3r]

A repeater trustee has a lot of responsibilities. It isn't uncommon for a trustee or control op to look up a call on QRZ. I would probably question it too if I heard a female voice using a call that I thought belonged to a male. Of course, I wouldn't address it on the air.

I never use the this is xx#xxx for ID, I don't know, it just seems silly to me, I just keep an eye on the watch and make sure my call is said at least every 10 minutes. I really don't care if someone else does it though.

I liked my VX-7R when I had it. It was stolen and I couldn't afford to replace it, so I bought a 2nd hand Icom IC-W32A. Another good Handheld is the Kenwood TH-F6A.

You'll find that a lot of Hams started out on CB. I'm not one of them. I can see the connection though.

73
Joe
NE3R

[N2RJ]

I think ham radio is fine as is except that I would require every ham to build at least one receiver and transmitter (it's not that hard) and explain how it works. Even a simple TRF receiver and a crystal controlled oscillator will do.

We have lost our roots and that's not a good thing.

I'm a minority myself and I've not had any problems being welcomed in to ham clubs and the like. In fact I am usually welcomed with open arms!

However, if you really want to join a group specifically geared towards encouraging minorities into radio, try OMIK (oh-mike). Historically they were an organization designed to give African American hams a community of their own, when other hams were shunning them.

[kf6rdn]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ April 04 2007,07:38)]There is only one way to bring harmony to AR now and that is to get on the air and be the best you can be. Quit whining. And, quit trying to change Amateur Radio to suit a minority of Amateurs like wideband data users are doing. I firmly believe if people just stoped trying to make disharmony, we'd settle down quickly.
EVERYONE that complains needs a little piece of this comment. Fogettaboutit and gitondaradio

Not only that, but get off of the local repeater, upgrade and get on HF.

You didnt mention any other hobbies, but aren't there jerks there as well?

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (kf6rdn @ April 04 2007,11:01)]Not only that, but get off of the local repeater, upgrade and get on HF. #
What happens when the local repeaters become abandoned?

The FCC will say, "hams aren't using 2 meters and 70cm, let's auction it off!"

[K6UEY]

KI4NNL,
Well I could post my opinion of your attitude based on this one post you have made. Let it be known I know NOTHING about you, I haven't even looked your call up on QRZ, but I am still capable of posting an opinon.

Now for some one to evaluate that opinion they would deduce I am doing nothing but blowing smoke as to your true character.

In it's present form if you are careful to spell your name correctly any one can get an entry level license. HOWEVER it is those who show interest and upgrade who get to experience the many benefits that Amateur Radio has to offer.
Entry level is like standing out side of a tall building and saying there must be many important people inside because it is a tall building. You are in NO position to make that evaluation until you enter the building and find who the occupants really are !!

Have a GOOD DAY, I know I will !! # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[n3ef]

If the guy really accused you of talking to your girlfriend with a made up callsign, he shouldn't have. I would have ended that conversation right there. take a stand! But he certainly does have the right to question a person's callsign, just not in the way he did it. Rude people are everywhere. Don't let them intimidate you, get back at them with a smile on your face and nothing but kind words out of your own mouth. Don't condemn the hobby because of a couple incidents that got your blood pressure up.

#I like the term "ham" and "amateur radio", it's part of the history of our hobby and I see no need to change it.

#Don't dwell on the negatives, do your part to make things positive about this hobby.

Eric N3EF

[KI4NNL]

Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ April 04 2007,11:05)]KI4NNL,
Well I could post my opinion of your attitude based on this one post you have made. Let it be known I know NOTHING about you, I haven't even looked your call up on QRZ, but I am still capable of posting an opinon.

Now for some one to evaluate that opinion they would deduce I am doing nothing but blowing smoke as to your true character.

In it's present form if you are careful to spell your name correctly any one can get an entry level license. HOWEVER it is those who show interest and upgrade who get to experience the many benefits that Amateur Radio has to offer.
Entry level is like standing out side of a tall building and saying there must be many important people inside because it is a tall building. You are in NO position to make that evaluation until you enter the building and find who the occupants really are !!

Have a GOOD DAY, I know I will !! # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Well, "entry level" or not, a persons level of licensing does not really say much one way or another about what kind of person they are.

What is your opinion of non hams who have no qualifications at all?

My point was that instead of taking the post as a simple reflection of ones persons experience, it instead became, for some, not all, a reason to question a person based on the fact they have been a tech for four years. #

Who cares? #Does that mean his opinion means less?

It just seems rude to me to treat people like that, and unless a person really gives me a good reason, I prefer to be civil and respectful.

And it will take a lot more then the QRZ forum to make my day good or bad, its just a forum.

[n3ef]

Quote[/b] (KB3JSY @ April 04 2007,10:52)]I've probably already gotten myself barred from the FCC because of this topic so I'll shut up now.
Well, you may get your license revoked if you are truely living in Waldorf now. Your license must show your correct mailing address. Not accusing you of anything, just offering advice in case your were unaware.

Eric N3EF

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 04 2007,09:03)]Quote[/b] (kf6rdn @ April 04 2007,11:01)]Not only that, but get off of the local repeater, upgrade and get on HF.
What happens when the local repeaters become abandoned?

The FCC will say, "hams aren't using 2 meters and 70cm, let's auction it off!"
Then the NCI President will have the spectrum for his 802.22 IEEE Committee as was the plan all the time.

[N6KX]

I don't think there'll be a problem, because no one really lives in Waldorf, MD. #Seriously, I believe this whole thread is much ado about nothing. #Think what you like... you can bet everyone else will.

Howie N6KX #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[W3MIV]

Stephen:

Few give a damn about the differences, and most of us concentrate on what we all share.

As Charlie noted above: Get on the air and meet new folks. Some will be jerks, but you will find lots of common ground with most you meet. Upgrade and expand your horizons; it is worth the trouble.

73

[kn4ds]

Quote[/b] (W3MIV @ April 04 2007,12:12)]Get on the air and meet new folks. Some will be jerks, but you will find lots of common ground with most you meet. Upgrade and expand your horizons; it is worth the trouble.
A good example of this... I answered a CQ the other night, and ended up spending most of an hour reminiscing with the other guy about old broadcast gear.

In between, we tweaked on our boat anchors a bit, too. We had to change frequencies a couple of times because of other stations coming on close to us, but rather than complain, we just moved and continued.

[ka0gkt]

I believe that there has been acrimony among amateurs since the beginning of the avocation. When amateurs started amplitude modulating their transmitters, there was acrimony; when amateurs started using single sideband, there was acrimony; when incentive licensing broke the HF bands into license-class sub bands, there was acrimony; when Novices were allowed to have transmitters with VFOs, there was acrimony; when the code speed was reduced to 5-words-per-minute for all classes of license, there was acrimony; when the Morse Code requirement was dropped in its entirety, yet more acrimony in the amateur community.

The origins of the term "HAM" are often debated, however I have often mused that we could easily have been given the moniker "COW" because everytime something changes, we spend an inordinate time "BEEFING" about it.

One thing which I have noticed down through the years...it's quite amazing, actually...I have yet to be able to tell the color of the other amateur's skin in a CW or RTTY QSO, and I would assume that the same holds true for those who communicate with me.

Two great historical figures made comments which mesh together quite nicely in speeches nearly fifty years apart.

Quote[/b] ]
...There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. When I refer to hyphenated Americans, I do not refer to naturalized Americans. Some of the very best Americans I have ever known were naturalized Americans, Americans born abroad. But a hyphenated American is not an American at all. This is just as true of the man who puts "native" before the hyphen as of the man who puts German or Irish or English or French before the hyphen. Americanism is a matter of the spirit and of the soul...

--Theodore Roosevelt, 1915


and

Quote[/b] ]
...I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

--The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1963



73 DE KAØGKT/7

--Steve

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (ka0gkt @ April 04 2007,13:24)]One thing which I have noticed down through the years...it's quite amazing, actually...I have yet to be able to tell the color of the other amateur's skin in a CW or RTTY QSO, and I would assume that the same holds true for those who communicate with me.
Quite true.

However, I was told that there was a time when some hams would just finish the QSO quickly if a ham sounded like he was an African American or some other minority (and not DX).

I'm glad we're over that, mostly anyway.

[W5HTW]

I tried to read it. Honest. Had to get up and get a cup of coffee to avoid a headache.

My opinion? Another new expert telling us how ham radio should be run.

Thanks for the advice.

Ed

[kf6rdn]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 04 2007,08:03)]Quote[/b] (kf6rdn @ April 04 2007,11:01)]Not only that, but get off of the local repeater, upgrade and get on HF.
What happens when the local repeaters become abandoned?

The FCC will say, "hams aren't using 2 meters and 70cm, let's auction it off!"
The point was, if people on repeaters are frustrating you, try something else.

[N4AUD]

The biggest problem with amateur is amateurs spending so much time at a computer typing about what's wrong with amateur radio. More air time, less 'net time would help a lot.

[wb7dmx]

the way I see it is there is no problems with ham radio.
but then some of the people that operate on ham radio do have many problems.

in the past 50 years I have never seen any problem with ham radio, it has always worked good for me.

[K6UEY]

Well since we are talking about 50 plus years as a licensed ham,I have seen changes that were NOT in the best possible interest of Amateur radio.

In my opinion we NO longer satisfy 97.1 Basis and Purpose of Amateur Radio.

New people and some old commonly address Ham Radio as a mere "HOBBY". Many strive to keep it down graded to a mere Hobby.

The Fraternal concept of helping others and sharing a common interest in Improving the state of the ART of Radio Communications no longer abounds.

The modern concept is" ME, ME, ME, "it is no longer "what I can contribute to Ham Radio" now it is "what can I get out of it for ME".

Some times it is more pleasurable to stand and watch the parade go by than it is to march in the parade.

The most pleasurable thing I have acquired in the last 50 plus years is to meet many interesting people and build a back log of memories I will take to my grave when the time comes. Even the new guys with the poor attitudes can not touch my memories. # # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[ky5u]

You said it Orv.

[wb7dmx]

Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ April 04 2007,20:12)]Well since we are talking about 50 plus years as a licensed ham,I have seen changes that were NOT in the best possible interest of Amateur radio.

In my opinion we NO longer satisfy 97.1 Basis and Purpose of Amateur Radio.

New people and some old commonly address Ham Radio as a mere "HOBBY". Many strive to keep it down graded to a mere Hobby.

The Fraternal concept of helping others and sharing a common interest in Improving the state of the ART of Radio Communications no longer abounds.

The modern concept is" ME, ME, ME, "it is no longer "what I can contribute to Ham Radio" now it is "what can I get out of it for ME".

Some times it is more pleasurable to stand and watch the parade go by than it is to march in the parade.

The most pleasurable thing I have acquired in the last 50 plus years is to meet many interesting people and build a back log of memories I will take to my grave when the time comes. Even the new guys with the poor attitudes can not touch my memories. # # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
the way I read your post your saying the same thing with different words.

back when I was about 10 yr old I was learning about the basic parts and how tubes and power supplies work.
then came the transistor and it was like starting all over with new concepts, then came the integrated circuits and I start all over again.
then came the computers and interfaces with sound cards, another start of new things.

now we have the micro-controllers and newer ic chips that open another new door for learning new things.

over the many years there has been more new things to learn and many new projects to build and experiment with.
so when I say ham radio to me has not changed at all, I am referring that I am still learning new things the same way I did at the age of 10.
being retired I now have more time to spend building projects that I couldn't do while raising a family.

yes I have seen the many changes that you refer to also, but in my world it does not have any effect on how I enjoy the things that I do.

I can still get on 40 and call cq and have a enjoyable qso with another ham almost any time I want to the same way I did as a novice

[wa9cwx]

I simply could not read the entire original post.

And Ham Radio and Biographies are my favorite topics.

But somehow a four year tech, explaining the 'problems' of a 100 year old complex hobby, by way of a biography, just didn't do it for me.

Get on the air.

Enjoy yourself, learn and have fun.

If you get on HF CW someday, I would enjoy a QSO, if not, I still wish you well.

[wa9cwx]

BTW

I see you joined QRZ in 2003, and this is your first posting.

I just HAVE to ask this before someone beats me to it.

Were you working on that thing the whole time, or did you take a few breaks ?

[W0JBC]

A tremendous thread ... I forgot .... Ed , I got a cup of java also ... I will re-read it maybe ...

Wow ...


JB

[K8YZK]

Well a lot of rambling in this opinion and it started with "I'm black".
On the radio I don't see what color you are or aren't and it makes no difference if you are black or not. I do agree that if I do not want to talk to someone, then I don't, because ,we are human and everyone does not like everyone.
As far as the trustee checking on a callsign, remember his name is on the license and it is his responsiblity to make sure the rules are followed.
Ham Radio is not a perfect hobby/service, there are opinions and ego in it and sometimes they clash, it is just a small section of civilization, which is not always civil. Maybe you might need to move onto a different aspect of the ham radio.

[W0JBC]

Kurt : K8YZK...

I never mentioned a race thing ... You did .. NOW, it doesn't matter PERIOD .... I did not read all the other posts ... It does not matter one way or the other ... It does not matter if you were an ex-attorney general .....

How do you know ?? I might be black !!

Geeze ...

TTFN
JB

NNNN

[K8YZK]

Quote"1st - I'm Black - although I'm light in skin. My mother is black and my father Italian. Tramontano is my last name and because this is the country of catagorizations - I'm Black.(Why is this important?)"

This is right at the beginning of the article. I did not bring up the issue of race, it was brought up by the original writer. I have no problem with any race, but it seemed important enough for the writer to state it.

So JB if I made it look like you said it, I am sorry, as I did not intentionally do it.

[KI4ITI]

I understand where you're coming from, and you get to have your opinion - but you've got to understand that Amateur Radio is more than a technology or a set of rules. It's a culture, with history, traditions, and even elders all its own.

Quote[/b] ]how people from "all" walks of life were "Hams" and they all seemed to be on a mission to recruit more people because they all talked about ways to bring people into the hobby.
This actually points out a division in Amateur Radio that IMO is even more significant than code/no-code; the question of whether "everybody should be a Ham" or not. The websites you read are obviously written by the people who believe that everybody should be a Ham, because those people are the ones who make websites about it. Many amateurs, however, believe that Amateur Radio isn't for everybody and shouldn't be promoted as such. This isn't because they're cliquish and petty. They simply feel that someone who doesn't want to understand radio beyond button-pushing and repeater-ragchewing would probably be better served by alternative radio services.

Quote[/b] ]This hobby is unorganized- I hear alot of cry babies, alot of ego's and its almost comical. If It's not the CB people are going to ruin the hobby- it's the no code people, the test is too easy and it's going to bring in undesirable people etc.. I could go on.
Quote[/b] ]All I would hear is Ham radio is going to the dogs. It's the End.Why? because you feel it's your hobby and no one else? You don't own the frequencies.
Do you remember what I said about Amateur Radio being a culture? With elders? By elders, I mean people who have been in the hobby for decades, understand its history, and have earned respect because they have forgotten more than most of us newbies will ever learn about radio technology. In most cultures that operate with elders, the elders get to make the rules (or at least maintain supreme veto power) because their knowledge and experience makes them best qualified to do so. In Amateur Radio, the rulemaking body is an "impartial" and relatively disinterested government agency which doesn't give our elders' opinions any more weight than, say, mine or yours. Our elders are not perfect people, but they deserve respect and a greater say in the hobby they helped build. They aren't getting it. Some of them are bitter. This is understandable.

Quote[/b] ]the name calling and labeling people who were on CB like they are the taliban.
My first radio experience was also on CB. My experience in Amateur Radio has been that if you don't talk about how you were on CB and don't operate like you did on CB, you don't get labelled. "CB" is a culture too, and the differences and conflicts with Amateur Radio are just as real as between "white" and "black".

Quote[/b] ]The emotion over the FCC dropping morse code- as if the person who upgrades without the code is to blame and not the FCC,this is ignorant.
As you yourself said, it's not logical - it's emotional. The FCC's ignorance of the importance of Amateur Radio traditions to the culture of Amateur Radio has created a lot of bitterness, which unfortunately spills onto a few folks who don't deserve it. Again, understandable.

Quote[/b] ]But stop thinking that your soo special because you got your license to operate on a radio.You are not better than anyone. We all took the test, noone was granted a ticket for good looks.(maybe me)
The undisputable fact is that it used to be much harder to get a license. We did not all take the same test. Some people are better than others, in a sense, because they are more skilled.

The other thing you have to realize is that this idea that a skilled fraternity should welcome newcomers with open arms, smiles, and ego-strokings is a very new one. The traditional idea was to make it hard for newcomers - to force them to demonstrate their determination to become a part of the group by their humility and willingness to put up with being the "low man." Benedictine monks are some of the most hospitable people you'll ever meet, but they've been inducting novices this way for around 1500 years. They also have a relatively peaceful and stable culture.

Quote[/b] ]Because of this I knew I would not be a favorite on the local repeaters because of how I felt about alot of Hams and didn't want to upset anyone with an opposing view.
Being white, I know that I would not be welcome in a "black" community wearing a KKK outfit. This is obvious and completely understandable. It goes back once again to Amateur Radio's being a culture. If you want to be accepted into that culture, you either learn to conform to some degree or shut up and go the hell away. In that "black" community, I'd better take off my KKK robe and be respectful, or prepare to get hurt.

Quote[/b] ]Another time I accidentally answered the call of a woman on that same repeater because she had the same voice as my girlfriend.I made an honest mistake, but boy when the husband got on with such anger in his voice as he answered her like,its me she wants. They were regulars and knew Nat and I were new Hams, so why get upset over an honest mistake.
So you've discovered that the Amateur Radio culture contains a certain percentage of paranoid jerks. Since all Amateur Radio operators to date have been human, this should not be surprising.

Quote[/b] ]So going back to the unrealistic image that Hams wants everyone from "all" walks of life to join is total bull doody. If you are a regular on the repeaters- You have to be a HAM PEER.
That's the idea. Of course, different folks and different repeaters have different attitudes. I'm fortunate to be located in a place where there don't seem to be any major repeater wars brewing at the moment, but sometimes I wonder if I'm an exception.

Quote[/b] ]One- We need a new name. I mean cmon I can't even get a solid answer to where the term comes from or what it really even means..... aka. I don't even know what I am. To me HAMS sound like AMS or short for Amateurs maybe or HAMateurs.Just a guess. I mean who here wants to be a piece of meat? It sounds corny,don't get mad - u asked what can we do to get a flux of young hams into the hobby. I propose what the FCC already calles us "Wireless Licensees" now that sounds cool and had I heard that as kid I may have been a "WL" 10 years ago. Same applies for the title Amateur Radio.
Let's rename the United States of America while we're at it. Maybe it will confuse the illegal immigrants. Seriously! We are Amateur Radio operators. That's what we do in this hobby - operate radio stations as amateurs. If that idea doesn't capture someone's interest, may I suggest that that person should consider a different hobby.

Quote[/b] ]Would someone tell me the vital role that "Hams" played on September 11th. I really want to know.Because to me- all this talk of how ham radio is there for that sort of thing and we "practice" all the time and are ready when needed,could not have been more tested on that day. So pls let me know.
With regard to 9/11, W2IK seems to have been there. Perhaps reading his site (http://hometown.aol.com/realhamradio/) would interest you. With regard to EMCOMM in general: sure, some folks probably put more emphasis on it than makes sense. It's one facet of Amateur Radio. You don't have to participate to enjoy the hobby.

Quote[/b] ]I mean we are all licensed through the FCC what are the priv. of becoming a member? I guess AutoPatch but who uses that much? It's difficult if the other party doesn't understand you are on a radio and to shut up while I'm talking. I hear things like -upon being accepted by the board members of the repeater you will be a member. Sounds like a private golf club or something.Think about what that says.
Hey, repeaters are privately owned. The people who put money and time into keeping them on the air generally get to do what they want. You don't have any "right" to use someone else's equipment. Don't like it? Operate simplex. Or study for your upgrade and get on HF. Or try one of the many other aspects of Amateur Radio that doesn't involve repeaters.

OK, that's the end of my treatise. Take it for what it's worth. I hope Amateur Radio teaches you a lot and becomes a positive thing for you.

73
Josh KI4ITI

[N5PVL]

Like some others, I spotted the original post as a whinefest early on and skipped down to the comments that followed rather than read all of that.

And, like some others, I found the topic to be worthwhile after all, on the strength of the commentary that followed.

[cu2jt]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 04 2007,08:57)]I think ham radio is fine as is except that I would require every ham to build at least one receiver and transmitter (it's not that hard) and explain how it works. Even a simple TRF receiver and a crystal controlled oscillator will do.
.....
I got my license in 1963 and, for ten years, I was very active on CW and very little SSB. Then I began to wonder:

This is a great hobby, you come to meet people in places you never will visit and what do you talk about ? Signal report and maybe Name, location and you might brag about your radio and tell about the weather. Nothing more. So, if I would like to know how is it to live and work on, e.g. Ascension Island, there is a very little chance that I could speak to a ZD8 long enough to find out. The other stations would virtually roll me in tar and feathers and kick me out of the band.

So, I gave up the hobby and went QRT.

30 years later, when we decided to move out to the Azores, I decided to revive the hobby. Now, I am in a place not many people get the chance to visit (although there are 2 flights a week from Boston to here) and I am more than happy to tell people about those 9 islands making up the Azores archipelago.

Incidently, I did build my own receiver once (I still miss it...). I never built a transmitter but I did build an amplifier and, of course, assembled Heath Kits in the old days. Out here, building own stuff is hard - we do not have any "Radio Shack" stores and components must be ordered from the continent or even USA.

[N2RJ]

So what are you saying, Gary?

I think that people should absolutely be free to talk about other things, such as the wx, their other hobbies, etc.

But I think that should be incidental to the hobby itself, which is experimenting with radio and communications technolohy.

[cu2jt]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 05 2007,08:38)]I think that people should absolutely be free to talk about other things, such as the wx, their other hobbies, etc.
Absolutely, but try doing that with the guys on Swain Island.

[K0RGR]

There's too much to comment on here.

First, I've never seen race become an issue in ham radio. Even back in the bad 'ole 1960's, hams were hams - regardless of color. I will admit to being surprised a couple times to find out the guys I'd been talking to were black, but that didn't change a thing. I don't have a lead on them right now, but there was a very active organization of black hams. One of the few other hams in my neighborhood back then was a black friend I went to school with.

Repeaters are privately owned. Right now, ours are under attack but someone who is mentally imbalanced. At times like these, we wish it were more difficult to join.

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (cu2jt @ April 05 2007,10:41)]Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 05 2007,08:38)]I think that people should absolutely be free to talk about other things, such as the wx, their other hobbies, etc.
Absolutely, but try doing that with the guys on Swain Island.
We are in agreement here. Some paper chasers make it difficult to have a conversation.

A ham from our club went on a DXpedition to Greece years ago. He said that some of the locals would go just below the 40m band to talk amongst themselves because if they go in the legit ham band, they would get clobbered by the rest of Europe.

[kc9jqm]

nm

[n0nwo]

Hello to KB3JSY Stephen Tramontano

The problem is whenever you get a large group of people together in one place, there are always a few bad apples.

The crap some are spouting about that fact that you have not upgraded is an exaample. I know several techs that work all mode including satelites and are very happy with where they are at. Some of them can build or repair just about anything.

In the end, ham radio is going to be what you make of it. I do not know about your area so I cannot comment on how hard it might be for a new commer on the air on the local repeaters. Up here in the great white north (northern Minnesota), it is very easy, but I have heard in other places it is quite difficult.

I have no advice to offer, just my best wishes.

good luck!

Minton

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (kc9jqm @ April 05 2007,08:47)]And it has become a divided, dysfunctional culture.
Just my opinion. YMMV.
Usually when you take a well working harmonious society and interject lazy complainers, the society becomes divided and dysfunctional. No surprise here.

[nz3m]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ April 03 2007,11:10)]Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 04 2007,09:03)]Quote[/b] (kf6rdn @ April 04 2007,11:01)]Not only that, but get off of the local repeater, upgrade and get on HF. #
What happens when the local repeaters become abandoned?

The FCC will say, "hams aren't using 2 meters and 70cm, let's auction it off!"
Then the NCI President will have the spectrum for his 802.22 IEEE Committee as was the plan all the time.
http://www.gsvfd.org/images/stories/bingo.jpg

[W0JBC]

I regret for even making a post on this ignorant thread .. Please accept my apology .....


JB

[KE7IPY]

You want to improve the image of Amateur Radio? Shut down the forums on QRZ and eHam.net. I put off getting a license for nearly a year, because of the dickheads on these boards. What finally drew me in was when I attended a Hamfest and met real Hams, not just the pricks on the Internet who make the hobby look bad.

It's not surprising that they've flocked to this thread to brag about their inability to read something longer than a paragraph and to chime in that they're sure the guy's a lazy idiot because he's a Tech. What a bunch of assholes.

[WF7I]

Quote[/b] (KE7IPY @ April 05 2007,10:33)]You want to improve the image of Amateur Radio? Shut down the forums on QRZ and eHam.net. I put off getting a license for nearly a year, because of the dickheads on these boards. What finally drew me in was when I attended a Hamfest and met real Hams, not just the pricks on the Internet who make the hobby look bad.

It's not surprising that they've flocked to this thread to brag about their inability to read something longer than a paragraph and to chime in that they're sure the guy's a lazy idiot because he's a Tech. What a bunch of assholes.
I'm sure IPY's post will get removed by the moderators for the language, but I can't say that I totally disagree with him.

[W0BKR]

Quote[/b] (WF7I @ April 05 2007,11:13)]Quote[/b] (KE7IPY @ April 05 2007,10:33)]You want to improve the image of Amateur Radio? Shut down the forums on QRZ and eHam.net. I put off getting a license for nearly a year, because of the dickheads on these boards. What finally drew me in was when I attended a Hamfest and met real Hams, not just the pricks on the Internet who make the hobby look bad.

It's not surprising that they've flocked to this thread to brag about their inability to read something longer than a paragraph and to chime in that they're sure the guy's a lazy idiot because he's a Tech. What a bunch of assholes.
I'm sure IPY's post will get removed by the moderators for the language, but I can't say that I totally disagree with him.
I find those postings childish and of no value. A person encounters an individual with a differing opinion and suddenly, everone that doesn't fall into that individual's categorization is as defined.

Sorry, I don't feel sorry for some of the whiners on here that get heat. You generate it, get use to it, else move on and do what you keep whining about. Enjoy the hobby.

Differing individuals are all around us. One has to grow up first.

Geeze. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[N2RJ]

Quote[/b] (kc9jqm @ April 05 2007,10:47)]Quote[/b] ]...Amateur Radio is more than a technology or a set of rules. It's a culture...
Yes, precisely.
And it has become a divided, dysfunctional culture.
Just my opinion. YMMV.
You know, if code tests had remained, maybe we wouldn't have been so divided.

No really.

Yes the numbers would have been less, but within the community we wouldn't have been divided.

No code started the ball rolling down the hill.

[KI4NNL]

Language aside, he is pretty close to the mark, but I am sure the rear orifaces of the uptight are so puckered they could make a diamond out of a hunk of charcoal right now.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[KI4NNL]

Quote[/b] (AB2MH @ April 05 2007,13:28)]Quote[/b] (kc9jqm @ April 05 2007,10:47)]Quote[/b] ]...Amateur Radio is more than a technology or a set of rules. It's a culture...
Yes, precisely.
And it has become a divided, dysfunctional culture.
Just my opinion. YMMV.
You know, if code tests had remained, maybe we wouldn't have been so divided.

No really. #

Yes the numbers would have been less, but within the community we wouldn't have been divided.

No code started the ball rolling down the hill.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

If only things hadn't changed they would have stayed the same!

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (KE7IPY @ April 05 2007,10:33)]You want to improve the image of Amateur Radio? Shut down the forums on QRZ and eHam.net. I put off getting a license for nearly a year, because of the d$#*heads on these boards. What finally drew me in was when I attended a Hamfest and met real Hams, not just the pr!@ks on the Internet who make the hobby look bad.

It's not surprising that they've flocked to this thread to brag about their inability to read something longer than a paragraph and to chime in that they're sure the guy's a lazy idiot because he's a Tech. What a bunch of a$$holes.
Call: KE7IPY Class: Technician

Thanks for your learned opinion and the benefit of your vast experience of less than a year as an Amateur. The quality and intelligence of your post has added vastly to the opinion of potential Amateurs of our service. You're to be praised and congratulated for setting us straight. I feel better about Technicians already! You're a credit to the outstanding rank of highly motivated and dedicated codeless rank which is obvious by the caliber of the folks in agreement with your words.

Man am I glad that the code requirement was dropped so that Amateur Radio could be saved by you and other progressive Amateurs of your ilk!

[wb7dmx]

ya gotta love the internet as it brings out the worst in people.

[kc9jqm]

nm

[KI4NNL]

Yup, certain people here seem to live for the chance to jump on people for having a differing opinion about just about anything, and being quite nasty about it.
Then when called on it, they talk about other peoples bad attitude.

It makes for fun daily entertainment to watch or even wade into the fireworks.

I have pretty much given up hope that this board will manage to be a place where people can discuss things like adults, but then agian, its the internet. #I just hope folks don't make the mistake I did and think that this forum has anything to do with ham radio. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[KI4OXD]

How to win friends and influence people.

Good luck with that, IPY. :rock:

[K6UEY]

AG4YO,
Tnx Charlie,you expressed my opinion also with your own,although you did it with out using language that gets people banned.

However I notice the Entry level Technican used his own choice of vernacular with out recourse.Several others even copied it to make sure it was noticed and still no recourse.

Being volunteers I'm assured the Moderstors are not Union,so the chance that they are away on strike is minimized.

People and things do change,some call it Progress, however I suspect they are facing into the wind and only hearing the echo whistling through their ears.

My generation took over 5 decades to build Amateur Radio to what we see today.The new generation appears to be much smarter, when they are born they open their eyes and there is Amateur Radio spread before them. I believe it is from that moment they begin not to understand it but to change it.

In my day the first twenty years was a learning period,to make suggestions how to change things would have gotten one a free ride out of town on a rail !! I say they are much smarter,after 50 plus years I am still learning,they however after passing a watered down entry level test already know all there is to know about Amateur Radio and what is required to change it.

As I look back I wonder if they are so smart why does the country have to IMPORT Engineers from India to satisfy our technical requirements in this country ?? # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[kc9jqm]

Quote[/b] ]My generation took over 5 decades to build Amateur Radio to what we see today.The new generation appears to be much smarter, when they are born they open their eyes and there is Amateur Radio spread before them. I believe it is from that moment they begin not to understand it but to change it.

In my day the first twenty years was a learning period,to make suggestions how to change things would have gotten one a free ride out of town on a rail !! I say they are much smarter,after 50 plus years I am still learning,they however after passing a watered down entry level test already know all there is to know about Amateur Radio and what is required to change it.

U go gurl!

[KA4DPO]

Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ April 05 2007,14:31)]AG4YO,
Tnx Charlie,you expressed my opinion also with your own,although you did it with out using language that gets people banned.

However I notice the Entry level Technican used his own choice of vernacular with out recourse.Several others even copied it to make sure it was noticed and still no recourse.

Being volunteers I'm assured the Moderstors are not Union,so the chance that they are away on strike is minimized.

People and things do change,some call it Progress, however I suspect they are facing into the wind and only hearing the echo whistling through their ears.

My generation took over 5 decades to build Amateur Radio to what we see today.The new generation appears to be much smarter, when they are born they open their eyes and there is Amateur Radio spread before them. I believe it is from that moment they begin not to understand it but to change it.

In my day the first twenty years was a learning period,to make suggestions how to change things would have gotten one a free ride out of town on a rail !! I say they are much smarter,after 50 plus years I am still learning,they however after passing a watered down entry level test already know all there is to know about Amateur Radio and what is required to change it.

As I look back I wonder if they are so smart why does the country have to IMPORT Engineers from India to satisfy our technical requirements in this country ?? # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
I too am almost speechless. I was utterly underwhelmed by the lack of substance from someone with months of experience on the subject. It was like a really long and boring comic book.

This kind of stuff really makes me wonder if I should'nt just sell everything and find a less embarassing hobby....

[kn4ds]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ April 05 2007,13:35)]Thanks for your learned opinion and the benefit of your vast experience of less than a year as an Amateur. The quality and intelligence of your post has added vastly to the opinion of potential Amateurs of our service. You're to be praised and congratulated for setting us straight.
Y'know... I actually agree with Charlie on this one.

I can't claim to be highly motivated or dedicated over the past 12 years, but I can say I'm not blaming that on what someone posted on a message board somewhere... or for that matter on anything or anyone other than myself.

It's sad to see someone like that come on to a message board and have to use words that would get folks banned. Sure, I use "bad words" myself (should have heard me the night I reached for the soldering iron I could see out of the corner of my eye... obviously not well enough as I picked it up by the tip... and it had been plugged in for quite some time), but I don't have to fall back on them to make a point in a post on a message board.

Charlie, and many others, have said it time and time and time again... stop whining, get on the air, learn from the folks who have been there and done that, and get on with life and the hobby.

[KA4DPO]

Quote[/b] (KB3JSY @ April 04 2007,09:52)]As I begin to type these words there is a part of me saying "Stop".
You should have listened.

[wd0ct]

This is all too complicated. Someone please let me know when ep replies. He will have a handle on it.

[AG3Y]

One of the things that bothers me most about this string is that a new poster comes along, and on his very 1st post, stirs up the hornet's nest all over again! I was just thinking that things were starting to settle down, but I was totally wrong ! ! !

Another thing that bothers me is the title of this post "Amatuer Radio ( spelled wrong ) : The little hobby that could. "

Could do WHAT ? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

And WHY do you consider it a "little hobby", and draw to mind the little book that we all read as children, "The Little Engine That Could" "I think I can, I think I can, . . . ."

The title itself is demeaning to the avocation .

Amateur Radio was once a gateway of admission into the fascinating Science of DC. AC. and RF electricity. It was a introduction and learning tool for many who ( like myself ) went on to a long and fascinating career in some field, closely related to Amateur Radio. I, personally, spent many years in Broadcast Engineering, and finished up helping to design and test prototypes for transmitters used in Satellite communications devices.

I certainly do not consider Amateur Radio to be any sort of "little hobby" ! ! ! It may be a shadow of its former self, but there is certainly a place for experimentation, building, and other aspects that will help one to better understand the unchanging principals of the science underlying amateur radio.

73, Jim

[K6UEY]

AG3Y,
BRAVO!! BRAVO!!
I too do not consider it a small thing even in it's present condition.
I TOO owe a debt of gratitude to those Amateur's who inspired me to make a career of Radio and Electronics.

I spent over 45 years in Aerospace Engineering building memories and a few Satelites and enjoying every day of it,yes there were a few hourly segments where the question of "Is it worth it " came up but by the end of the day all was well again.

Many use the term "HOBBY" well it was far more than that to me. Too bad others did not have the drive, interest, and ambition to make it more than a "HOBBY". That however I feel is their problem to solve,not mine.

If it need be equated to a school time fable it is more "The Engine that DID" rather than the one that thinks it can.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[KG6QHK]

Quote[/b] (n3ef @ April 04 2007,09:51)]Quote[/b] (KB3JSY @ April 04 2007,10:52)]I've probably already gotten myself barred from the FCC because of this topic so I'll shut up now.
Well, you may get your license revoked if you are truely living in Waldorf now. Your license must show your correct mailing address. Not accusing you of anything, just offering advice in case your were unaware.

Eric N3EF
FYI Eric, he can LIVE in one place, and get his mail in another. Take ME for instance; my QTH is in Merced, CA, but I keep a permanent mailing address in Madera, CA. Does that mean that I will lose my FCC license? NO. Go read Part 97 again. I must maintain my current MAILING address.

[KG6QHK]

Oh boy / Oy vey / OMG. Do I have to shed the light of truth on EVERYTHING!? Oh well...

This hobby, by no means a "little" one to some folks, is NOT about who has the higher license, who's been at it the longest, who has what rig and yagi, or even who is where. It's about PEOPLE, and working together to; 1) Develop radio technique and technology, 2) Provide an experienced pool of radio ops in case of national emergency, 3) Keep the bands active, and 4) Have FUN!

People, people people! It IS a HOBBY, however, and not the end all, BE all of existance and purpose. Some of you really need to take a step back from the monitor, get some perspective, and THEN formulate a response. While I personally think that it is a GREAT hobby, having met some fantastic people via the medium (and some not-so-fantastic ones as well!), it by no means makes up the majority of my life. I also have a family, my faith, my job, and my friends. Perspective and priorities, y'all.

This guy DOES make some very good points. Yes, there can be some real "winners" out there, who think that their backsides don't stink, and that since they have SO much experience, that they know it better, damn the social graces and full speed ahead! However, there are ALSO those that might SEEM to you to be that way initially, but once you get to know them, you'll find that menaingful dialogue is absolutely possible, and that you might have more in common than you thought! I personally found a few HERE, in fact! (Hagerstown, you know what I mean, love ya brother!)

The point is, get out there and operate, learn, and experience all that you can in amateur radio. It is different things to different people, depends on their preferences, interests and passions. Some of us like to use the repeaters on VHF/UHF, some love the DX hunt, others love working QRP CW, still others have a yen for PSK or contesting.

To some of the NEWBIES: Instead of sitting on a few years of Technician license experience and making the quick judgement, why not try to dig deeper into the hobby, ask around and see if someone will elmer you in to the areas that you have little or no experience in yet!

To some of the O/Fs: Instead of sitting on QUITE a few years experience (kudos, by the way!) and simply telling the newbies "Aw, you don't know WTH you're talking about", why not offer to give a newbie the benefit of your knowledge and experience by elmer'ing them!

(No, I am NOT going to make you hold hands and sing "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing", so forget it! (LOL)

The message here is that things are not always so cut and dried within the hobby. Yes, at times they can be, but not always. Just keep perspective, be polite, and have fun with the hobby!

[KG6QHK]

N3EF - Eric:

http://home.comcast.net/~fairbank56/pl259.html

That last part is just CRUEL! (LOL)
Quote[/b] ] You did remember to put the collar on first, right?

My advice to anyone who is new at prepping RG-8 for a PL-259 end: Do NOT use a standard pliers for stripping the RG-8. When they slip off the cable, and pinch the side of your index finger, it leaves a very nice set of blood blisters. (Okay, you may now laugh your fool head off, at my expense. You're quite welcome http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

By the way!! Eric, could you elaborate a little bit more how you did this:

http://home.comcast.net/~fairbank56/newpl259.jpg

What are the benefits of doing it this way, what are the drawbacks, if any?

JP

[NL7W]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ April 05 2007,11:35)]Quote[/b] (KE7IPY @ April 05 2007,10:33)]You want to improve the image of Amateur Radio? Shut down the forums on QRZ and eHam.net. I put off getting a license for nearly a year, because of the d$#*heads on these boards. What finally drew me in was when I attended a Hamfest and met real Hams, not just the pr!@ks on the Internet who make the hobby look bad.

It's not surprising that they've flocked to this thread to brag about their inability to read something longer than a paragraph and to chime in that they're sure the guy's a lazy idiot because he's a Tech. What a bunch of a$$holes.
Call: KE7IPY Class: Technician

Thanks for your learned opinion and the benefit of your vast experience of less than a year as an Amateur. The quality and intelligence of your post has added vastly to the opinion of potential Amateurs of our service. You're to be praised and congratulated for setting us straight. I feel better about Technicians already! You're a credit to the outstanding rank of highly motivated and dedicated codeless rank which is obvious by the caliber of the folks in agreement with your words.

Man am I glad that the code requirement was dropped so that Amateur Radio could be saved by you and other progressive Amateurs of your ilk!
He's probably a League member, or soon will be after they come a courtin'!

[KE5FRF]

I too read about 3/4s of this post, and it started getting a bit tedious...but hey, I CAN'T SAY MUCH!!!! I think I am known for that! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

I am not going to sugar coat my response. It would seem the poster has a chip on his shoulder (ah, something else I've been accused of)

But he does also have a lot of valid points (thankfully, I've also been told I make those things every now and again too)

First, I have no personal tolerance for prejudices. I see everyone as being equal, starting out from the same clean slate. It is our actions that define us, not our heritage or our skin color. We are all at some point introduced to the concepts of right and wrong, and we all make choices that maintain or veer from that path.

But I think more important than shedding our own prejudices is realizing that prejudice is a disease that cannot be erradicated. We must not carry a chip on our shoulder, we all must seek our commonalities rather than highlighting our differences.

In this post, the author makes sure to let us all know he likes Tupac Shuker's music and how he has led the hard life of a black man. That is all fine and well, but what value did this add to his points? He complains about not being welcomed with open arms in his local ham community, yet in his introduction to QRZ he makes it a point to tell us how different he is! THIS IS NOT IN CHAPTER ONE OF "HOW TO WIN FRIENDS AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE"...I'd suspect it isn't even in the book!

People do not seek others who are different to befriend unless their difference might be of benefit. Usually, people seek common ground when they seek friendships, and the differences go without saying. If this OM chose to introduce himself this way on QRZ, why should I believe his introduction to his local community was any different?

And then he goes further to browbeat the ham community that he wants to be a part of and tell us how screwed up we are and how we should change. AGAIN, THIS IS NOT HOW TO BECOME Mr POPULARITY.

I submit, be a ham, be the ham that you want to be, and if that is not in line with the status quo, so be it. Find something else to do or be happy being different. But don't go around begging to have the chip knocked off, because I assure you, there are many who won't hessitate to do just that and knock down the rest too!

Bottom line, you have met some bad apples in amateur radio. You have been met with suspicion by a select few...and you are probably correct that one or more of those people have prejudices. But here's the catch...that has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH HAM RADIO. That is a social disease that infiltrates all of society. Not long ago I confronted some hams on QRZ who I felt were stereotyping southerners. I don't blame that on ham radio, I blame it on long standing misconceptions and half-truths and downright ignorance. In fact, I would contend that the ham community is BETTER than most. I gaurantee, African stations recieve no fewer pileups on HF than any other!!!!!!! We are a hobby of communicators. Do NOT let yourself be influenced or dismayed by the ignorance of a few...and PLEASE, do not let your own arrogance, ignorance, or bad attitude make you guilty of the same.

Soapbox session ended, you may now return the thread to normal amateur use.

[KE7IPY]

First of all, to those who actually read my post: I'm sorry for using harsh language, but this particular subject gets me wound up pretty quickly, because of my own experience and the poor impressions that I received from jerks on the internet.

I'm glad that some of you took the time to read my post before commenting. Others on the other hand, pretty much proved my point.

For a lot of people, the internet is the only access to a larger community. As I stated before, due to the jerks on the internet, I wasn't interested in joining that community, despite an interest in electronics and radio in particular. I'm sure that several of the individuals who initially dissuaded me are actually posting on this thread right now.

This is a criticism of the ham radio community coming from someone who, despite the inhospitable behavior of a vocal minority in the online community, got his ticket and is growing the hobby. And despite them, I'll continue to take part, and I'll continue to let others know that the elitist jerks who can't seem to get it through their thick skulls that Amateur Radio is not their personal playground to the exclusion of those who disagree with them, are not calling any shots for the hobby, and hopefully it will continue to grow, evolve and assimilate new ideas.

[KB3JSY]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif #Wow, I go to Manhattan for 24 hrs and I get this. Ok, I do deserve some of "Hate" I received. After re-reading my post,I put what I wanted to put but not in the right context.
I clumped 4 yrs of just truly my opinion of some things and want to please erase it being a race thing. It is not a race thing. I hear the vast majority of people on air and they are truly the best people you could meet and have never made me feel uncomfortable. I am sorry.
I wanna first thank ki4nnl because if not for his and a few others I may have needed therapy after some posts......lol I was sorta trying to first say "any" discrimination and for people who may be in a fortunate position to not have experienced any discrimination - Here was an example of mine which at the radio shack happened to be a race discrimination. That's all null and void because ki4iti really did the best reply because if you really get passed reading "I'm Black" and "Tupac Shakur" and find out that I'm someone who is using myself as a sacrifice on this board to say hey I'm lost.ki4iti answered alot of my questions and he did it in an adult way- he did not agree with all I had to say. I respect the fact if his post was at the front door like I was trying to say you wouldn't have had one of gods lambs in here saying things that would brew such hate. WOW. His post made alot of sense. He explained the history of the wars etc...
His KKK anology was well said and understood #- In a nutshell we were in agreement in that regard. But I was not whining like oh I feel so left out. I was saying you will have future confused people without a clue as to the history of what it means to be KB3JSY. For example, If you read the sites I talked about earlier who recruit/promote it as a hobby but according to ki4iti and his explanations to me it settles 4 yrs of #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #I never felt left out because I only wanted to talk to my GF anyway and if someone wants to pop in say hi- Please do. I'm not a loose cannon even though my saying of certain things online I may have broken some unwritten rules but I'm a spiritual person and my priority is to follow the Law Of The Lord and I don't concern myself with being politically correct.That doesn't mean I'm not a nice guy for those who attempted to attack my character.I do agree more harmony but if you label my post as disharmony well, do yourself a favor and use my experience as a way to prevent future outbreaks. As you know when my fingers get to typing it's hard to stop as I was going to address everyone but in the name of more harmony I won't. I apologize for my mis-spellings and just poor context sometimes, I don't sleep much and Oh I'm only a tech, right? lol #
But to anyone who may have thought it was flame bait - just check my history. Joined 2003 and that was my first post. It's not my kick,sorry. Looking though I see alot of guys here who rebuked me enjoy the practice. have fun.
I had to bring up the fact I was young and black to go into the whole front door confusion as to it being just this hobby that all should join aka the HAMPEERS Point but primarily the my example of discrimination And it also pertained some to the HAMPEERS point but like what ki4iti said previously that we both understood.In a way what some of the guys said I didn't have the history to propose anything for the hobby may be true but I always would read some guy reply- if a guy only complained without some sort of solution to the problem that he was a whiner and I tried to avoid that but........
If I came/come of arrogant. Again I apologize - a flaw I'm working on. I hope I covered everything and no hard feelings.Please have a nice day or 73's or..............I may post again at elections time again in 4 yrs for tradition.Until then- going back to proud internet troll- much,much safer. PEACE #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[kn4ds]

Quote[/b] (KE7IPY @ April 06 2007,00:21)]the elitist jerks who can't seem to get it through their thick skulls that Amateur Radio is not their personal playground to the exclusion of those who disagree with them, are not calling any shots for the hobby, and hopefully it will continue to grow, evolve and assimilate new ideas.
You mean elitist jerks like me who've upgraded recently?

When you come in and start using words to describe people that one doesn't use in polite company, you expect to greeted politely and hear things like "gee, we're sorry, old man, that you had to put up with such things on the Internet"??

The Internet is, and always has been, anarchy at its finest. And I say that from the standpoint of one who's been using the Internet since 1985.

If you can't take the 'net heat, stay out of the kitchen, in other words. Hurt feelings don't go very far on the 'net.

Personally, I've never met anyone who thought that the bands were their personal playground. Oh, sure, we all run into folks now and then who think that a frequency is theirs, and that's true on any band.

I'd not be surprised if you don't find a whole lot of people in the hobby that don't exactly beat down your door to include you, with an attitude like yours.

[KB3JSY]

This from ke5frf - "In this post, the author makes sure to let us all know he likes Tupac Shuker's music and how he has led the hard life of a black man. That is all fine and well, but what value did this add to his points? He complains about not being welcomed with open arms in his local ham community[B][I][U]


Where did I say I led the "hard life of a black man"?

read my post above- alot of people didn't get passed "I'm Black" and "Tupac Shakur" and preconceived notions or tape recorders started to play back what they wanted to hear...... I also didn't complain about "not being welcomed with open arms? I was showing how the friendly image at the front door of ham and a couple of things that happened on my local repeater from day one were a contrast. More about rudeness if anything and that's why I said the FUN comment.

This is why I can't answer everyones post because some were just pretty ignorant. I had to answer this one because he was putting words in my mouth. Look people I posted it under opinions catagory- It wasn't for pushing the race card or trying to have a chip on my shoulder. I usually don't post things because I'm comfortable to be able to talk about things like race and race relations but I find alot of people arent. To nip the racist thing in the butt - Racism is childish,actually prechildish because its a learned behavior anyway. no kid is born a racist.

KB3JSY

[KE7IPY]

Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ April 05 2007,22:32)]You mean elitist jerks like me who've upgraded recently?

When you come in and start using words to describe people that one doesn't use in polite company, you expect to greeted politely and hear things like "gee, we're sorry, old man, that you had to put up with such things on the Internet"??

The Internet is, and always has been, anarchy at its finest. And I say that from the standpoint of one who's been using the Internet since 1985.

If you can't take the 'net heat, stay out of the kitchen, in other words. Hurt feelings don't go very far on the 'net.
Elitist jerks come in all shapes and sizes. I never said anything about whether or not you had to have a General or Extra in order to be an elitist jerk. If you think that's what I said, then maybe you are, I don't know. Nothing you've said in this last post really says one way or the other.

I mean elitist jerks who castigate the original poster because he's a Technician. I mean elitist jerks who brag about not reading the article, then slam the author for not being a particularly good writer/speller. They still haven't mentioned anything about the original authors article that would constitute a decent argument.

I expected most of the reaction that I got. What I didn't expect is that there are more than a few people who agreed with me (at least partially) who I'd offended in my over exuberance.

No, I'm not looking for an apology and I never asked for one. I just want anyone who's on the fence about Ham Radio, this crap you see strewn about in this forum isn't indicative of the community at-large.

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (KB3JSY @ April 05 2007,22:26)]Wow, I go to Manhattan for 24 hrs and I get this. Ok, I do deserve some of "Hate" I received.
Hey bro, before I "hate" you I got to know what part of New Orleans you grew up in. And especially if you say something bad about the "best bank".

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (KE7IPY @ April 05 2007,23:51)]No, I'm not looking for an apology and I never asked for one.
Nor do you deserve one.

Quote[/b] ]I just want anyone who's on the fence about Ham Radio, this crap you see strewn about in this forum isn't indicative of the community at-large.
Including the only one here who used foul language.... YOU.

[KE5FRF]

Quote[/b] (KB3JSY @ April 06 2007,01:16)]This from ke5frf #- "In this post, the author makes sure to let us all know he likes Tupac Shuker's music and how he has led the hard life of a black man. That is all fine and well, but what value did this add to his points? He complains about not being welcomed with open arms in his local ham community[B][I][U]


Where did I say I led the "hard life of a black man"?

read my post above- alot of people didn't get passed "I'm Black" and "Tupac Shakur" and preconceived notions or tape recorders started to play back what they wanted to hear...... #I also didn't complain about "not being welcomed with open arms? I was showing how the friendly image at the front door of ham and a couple of things that happened on my local repeater from day one were a contrast. More about rudeness if anything and that's why I said the FUN comment.

This is why I can't answer everyones post because some were just pretty ignorant. I had to answer this one because he was putting words in my mouth. Look people I posted it under opinions catagory- It wasn't for pushing the race card or trying to have a chip on my shoulder. I usually don't post things because I'm comfortable to be able to talk about things like race and race relations but I find alot of people arent. To nip the racist thing in the butt - Racism is childish,actually prechildish because its a learned behavior anyway. no kid is born a racist.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # KB3JSY
Now wait just a doggone minute.

Did you read my entire post or did you just focus on that one line? I was trying to give you some good advice.

Look, in your original post you go to great lengths to tell us about discrimination you experienced as a child, and you tell uws how you met with discrimination on your repeater. You tell us that you felt you were treated differently. Well, that is all fine and dandy, but what that amounts to is telling us about how hard its been being a black man. And hey, there is nothing wrong with that either, per se..but don't expect everyone to jump in and apologize either. Don't try to bridge a link between discrimination and amateur radio, because there is no link to bridge. This is one of the most non-discriminatory hobbies you can be a part of. Any discrimination you encounter will be on the individual that did the discriminating and not the hobby itself. THAT is my point.

I look like a nerd. I wear coke-bottle glasses and I was picked on in school because I wasn't "Mr. Cool"...but do I make it a point to introduce myself in that fashion? No. I am who I am and take me for what I am. That is how I approach life.

I wasn't trying to put words in your mouth. You spent a great deal of time expressing your views through a long post. I respect what you have to say, but please do not characterize my reply as "ignorant". I am trying to help you, show you that you might be bringing on some of this yourself. It might have been better to post on this forum a few dozen times to get to know some people and highlight your common interests a little more before you start berrating the ham community. That is all I'm trying to get across to you, OM. (old man is a term of endearment, BTW)

[KG6QHK]

Stephan, I'd really try working WITHIN the community at this point, you're starting to peeve off your supporters as well....

[KB3JSY]

Brother,
I didn't come here for any support or friends in the ham community - I put some things that were on my chest and spoke of them. This post is dead. I'll see If i can delete it. No matter what I say it will be scrutinized and looked upon as something wrong. Who cares? If you wanna think I have a bad attitude - go right ahead. If I can't defend 1 post that is saying I said something I didn't say well I'd spend the whole time fighting alot of ignorant comments - All of my questions have been answered and my respect for the ham community went up but my respect for the qrz community went down. I'll apologize one more time for me being insensitive in describing an image of what I thought of a Ham as a kid -. Stop being so sensitive. If you guys haven't been able to see in my posts that I may have a big mouth but I have a love for all people who are decent, then you don't want to. You read things I have said that may have made you not like me. I have read things that should make me not like some. This is America - do what you like. I can't make you like me, nor do I want to.
Good luck and God bless.
Stephen

[W0JBC]

Now that this thread is four pages in, hopefully, the posters realize that there are some real hate / discrimination issues happening here ....

Once a person procures an Amateur ticket , he / she does not automatically become accepted ...

I see here on QRZ that many hostile attitudes are rampant ...

Unfortunately, these attitudes are NOT the norm on the air ....

Everyone ( Hams ) are here to trash you from the git go ....

Automatic respect does NOT happen .... On air antics and verbage will alert everyone as to a " chip " on the shoulder attitudes ....

Enough ..... Learn by listening .....

I have NEVER found a new guy who has experience that old timers have ....

Experience and attitude .....

Thats it .... Period .....


JB

[KB3JSY]

I understand JB. I just sent a PM to ke5frf. Everythings cool over here.
Kb3jsy

[KG6QHK]

Quote[/b] (W0JBC @ April 06 2007,16:24)]"Now that this thread is four pages in, hopefully, the posters realize that there are some real hate / discrimination issues happening here .... "

"Everyone ( Hams ) are here to trash you from the git go .... "
Hold the phone! What is THIS bovine scatology? I for one am NOT here to "trash" anyone. Why did you lump those of us who are generally supportive, in with those that aren't? What gives!?

AND, for THAT matter, WHY do you feel the need to fan the flames with that other comment!? Criminy Christmas! Have you not learned ANYTHING from what you've read here?

Personally, I am the LEAST prejudiced person I know of! If you want the particulars of just why I can say that, then PM me, and I will be glad to share. But don't throw blanket accusations out into the ether like that, please! It does a disservice to you, me, AND the new amateurs who are reading this stuff, wondering "OMG, what have I gotten myself into!?"

[KE5FRF]

Quote[/b] (KB3JSY @ April 06 2007,18:42)]I understand JB. I just sent a PM to ke5frf. Everythings cool over here.
# # # # # # # # # # Kb3jsy
Yes,all is well. He understood what I was saying I think after he reread it. Cooler heads, ya know. I am NOT prejudiced. Anything but. I have a philosophy about prejudism that says wearing your differences on your sleeve for everyone to see only invites prejudice. That was my point. A hard lesson to learn, but one anybody, black, white, NCT, extralite or 20 WPM superham can and should figure out.

[W0JBC]

JSY:

Ya see ... There is ALWAYS a person to fan the flames !!

Later,


JB

[KE5FRF]

Quote[/b] (W0JBC @ April 06 2007,20:04)]JSY:

Ya see ... #There is ALWAYS a person to fan the flames !!

Later,


JB
Are you referring to me? I'm trying to put the flames out, OM!

[KG6QHK]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ April 06 2007,18:14)]Quote[/b] (W0JBC @ April 06 2007,20:04)]JSY:

Ya see ... #There is ALWAYS a person to fan the flames !!

Later,


JB
Are you referring to me? I'm trying to put the flames out, OM!
No, I do believe he was referring to me. I chided him for making blanket statements....

[W0JBC]

Heath,

No it twern't you .....

I Got " chided " .....


Also, was impressed .....

Where is that horse ( dead ) when ya need it ??

JB

[KG6QHK]

Quote[/b] (W0JBC @ April 06 2007,18:38)]Heath,

No it twern't you .....

I Got " chided " .....


Also, was impressed .....

Where is that horse ( dead ) when ya need it ??

JB
Thought so. But do you see what I'm saying? If you're right, you BETTER be sure that I will be right there, backing you up. If you're just dead wrong though, you WILL hear it, and not just from me. It is what it is, brah...

Like I said before, I'm not here to trash anyone. I personally don't care if you passed into the halls of Extra without taking a code test or not, what your genetic basis is, or who's clique you belong to. We are all in this hobby together. Let's make it a GOOD one, shall we?

[wa9cwx]

Although there was no 'internet' back then, I DO remember when most arguments between hams were over weather or not #transistors would ever be able to handle enough power to be used as finals, and how much drift was acceptable in a VFO.

Is this thread about done?

All this energy would be better used to generate kit building, QSOs, volunteer efforts, weather spotting, experiments on UHF and SHF, writing software for rigs,
reading the handbook, writing a new electronic project book, learning the code, improving your ground system, teaching a non-ham about our 'little' hobby, or writing threads about gear, band conditions, unusual QSOs, learning aids, operating tips...........ANYTHING ! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Get on the air, have fun, learn.

When good at those things, teach.

If you have not done the original three things, don't.

[KG6QHK]

Quote[/b] (wa9cwx @ April 06 2007,20:25)]Although there was no 'internet' back then, I DO remember when most arguments between hams were over weather or not #transistors would ever be able to handle enough power to be used as finals, and how much drift was acceptable in a VFO.

Is this thread about done?

All this energy would be better used to generate kit building, QSOs, volunteer efforts, weather spotting, experiments on UHF and SHF, writing software for rigs,
reading the handbook, writing a new electronic project book, learning the code, improving your ground system, teaching a non-ham about our 'little' hobby, or writing threads about gear, band conditions, unusual QSOs, learning aids, operating tips...........ANYTHING ! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Get on the air, have fun, learn.

When good at those things, teach.

If you have not done the original three things, don't.
Ah, let's just turn the thread into something else!

One thing that I did NOT know was just how nasty some amateurs can be! I just read a whole site full of interesting stuff about one Karol Madera in Sannich, BC. OMG! Talk about someone with too much time on their hands, and not enough Prozac! Whatta winner THIS guy is!

[VO1GXG]

I read it all , found it interesting . I am in Newfoundland were i guess amateur radio came to be ( here and in cork england ) . I am the youngest licensed amateur in Newfoundland . (im 16 ) , I have had to learn amateur radio on my own ( with a learning disability go figure) so it took me a year to learn what i had to . I passed the exam a week ago with a 87% ( Canadian basic ) The problem i am finding is that none of the amateur are interested in helping people get into the hobby and they complain there are not enough people getting into the hobby . I think repeaters should be opened to all amateurs and that there should be more strict rules on be civil to each other . i have a feeling in about 60 years amateur radio will probably end up like CB is today . As long as i am on the planet i will make sure there are people getting involved in this hobby no mater how old and senial i get . Long live Amateur radio! sorry to babel on , i seem to do that .

P.S I think they call us hams because we " ham " together antennas and radios and the like .

[KG6QHK]

VO1GXG, you go brah! I'm very pleased to see another new amateur that has the passion about the hobby as yourself! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

My 16 year old son will be taking HIS test next weekend. He, like yourself, has a learning disability, but is just as enthusiastic about this as you. Because you posted, I am even more hopeful that he'll succeed as well!