You know you're finally a real ham when.....

[kl7aj]

1) #You can distinguish between a burned out carbon resistor and a fried transformer by smell alone.

2) #You occasionally use a wet finger as a "voltmeter"

3) #Your XYL can recognize your callsign in CW at 45 words a minute, even though she can't stand ham radio.

4) #You don't know what the color of your wall is behind your QSL cards.

5) #Your "procreative utensil" sports a scar from having had a blob of molten solder fall on it while soldering in your jammies.

[W4INF]

When the cable company calls and ask if they can borrow some of your coax, as they are short for a job in your neighborhood. :-)

Hasnt happened to me, but it came to mind.

[kl7aj]

Quote[/b] (W4INF @ Oct. 03 2007,09:24)]When the cable company calls and ask if they can borrow some of your coax, as they are short for a job in your neighborhood. #:-)

Hasnt happened to me, but it came to mind.
Good one!

[AE6IP]

When the power bill for your amp exceeds your cellphone bill

[WA9SVD]

When YOUR hind quarters get smoked because of a recent equipment failure, particularly due to an incorrect repair... (Whether or not the local FD was called into service.)

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif When you have trouble getting all the DUCT TAPE residue from sticking to the sides of your combination 2 meter handheld / 40 channel cb handheld combination.

( or should I just use rubber bands to hold them back-to-back together ? )

---yes, I made this one up, but I am sure there is some one out there reading this that DOES have this situation---

[KE3WD]

When you answer the phone QRZed?...

[ab9lz]

x) When you catch your four year old girl saying "cq cq cq this is barbie calling ken" into her karaoke machine.

73 m/4

[w3wn]

Quote[/b] (ab9lz @ Oct. 03 2007,13:00)]x) When you catch your four year old girl saying "cq cq cq this is barbie calling ken" into her karaoke machine.

73 m/4
*chuckle*

My daughter likes to sing. She picks up song bits all the time.

When she was about 4 or 5, and spent a lot of time playing in the basement gameroom adjacent to the shack (a converted coal cellar in our old house), she'd start singing "CQ Contest, CQ Contest, Whiskey November 3, Victor Alpha Whiskey!"

Doesn't happen too much anymore, but only because theses days at the new house, I'm primarily a CW op (trying to keep a low profile)

73

[w3wn]

11. When you have to think twice about the date of your wedding anniversary, spouse's birthdate, kids birthdays... you do remember you have kids, right?... but know in a hearbeat when the dates for the major contests, your state QSO party, and the next four years worth of hamfests within a four hour driving radius.

12. When you can't recall what you purchased or how much you spent on the spouse / kids / grand-kids birthday or anniversary presents; but know to the penny how much you spent on each piece of equipment, where and when you bought them, and how much you "saved" at the time of purchase.

[kq9j]

When you go to work Monday morning after a contest weekend and everybody's voice sounds like an SSB signal about 100 Hz on the high side.

[n2jso]

Various machinery (especially anything with a blower or fan in it) starts "speaking" to you in Morse code. This happens after a CW contest where I've spent hours trying to pull signals out of the noise.

Other people get songs stuck in their heads. You get "dahdidahdit dahdahdidah dah dit dididit dah" stuck in yours.

You order pizza from your mobile phone, and the connection is somewhat noisey. They ask your name, and you reply "The name here is Ron - Romeo Oscar November."

[kl7aj]

Quote[/b] (n2jso @ Oct. 03 2007,10:45)]Various machinery (especially anything with a blower or fan in it) starts "speaking" to you in Morse code. #This happens after a CW contest where I've spent hours trying to pull signals out of the noise.

Other people get songs stuck in their heads. #You get #"dahdidahdit dahdahdidah dah dit dididit dah" stuck in yours.

You order pizza from your mobile phone, and the connection is somewhat noisey. #They ask your name, and you reply "The name here is Ron - Romeo Oscar November."
I work as a contractor on an Air Force base...and oddly enough, phonetics don't throw any of the boys. # COOL!

eric

[W5HTW]

When you are PART of breakfast, not eating it! Served with grits and eggs, and biscuits and gravy.

When you look out the window and see snow falling and mutter, "Time to fix the antenna."

When you see a car with a CB antenna and you immediately invoke the Ham Sneer.

When you refuse to get the cat off the beam because BQ29JZ is on the air from Middle Beangolia.

When you cut down the trees on your property, leaving 40 foot tall stumps.

When every time you see a fallen utility pole, you think "New dipole."

When the new car is going to be a cherry picker.

[K5FH]

When you get up in the middle of the night to relieve yourself and, on the way back to bed, check your e-mail and your favorite roundtable on 75M. Sometimes you never make it back to bed... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[kl7aj]

Quote[/b] (K5FH @ Oct. 03 2007,11:16)]When you get up in the middle of the night to relieve yourself and, on the way back to bed, check your e-mail and your favorite roundtable on 75M. #Sometimes you never make it back to bed... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
I usually never even get around to relieving myself! HI!

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif " sneering at cb antennas "...I just laugh at their idiots...knowing that most of them are spending up to ( if not over ) $500 just to talk to some other idiot a half mile away ( if that far )...between the radio, echo mike, amplifier, antenna it used to amount to about that much. I know now some one will post that " I got mine at a yard sale for $5 ( including the magnet mount antenna ), and when I stand at the county line, it talks over to the next county real easy (Line of sight ) " or some other useless dribble http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

CB ers have always bragged about how much power it takes to talk to where they DO talk to, and real amateurs can talk further, using less power, in more reliable situations.

REAL amateurs do not need a repeater to maintain reliable conversations, but they are nice to have around every now & then....for the frivilious B S that does occur on the airwaves.

REAL amateurs use CW

& " If it aint cw, it might as well be CB "

[kb9sxk]

When I recieved my license:p

[w4bgn]

When getting to end a phone conversation, you say your callsign, then "clear"

I actually have done this, the other person must have been thinking I was a nutcase. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k0cmh]

When you wake up and realize you are sitting in your shack, with you hand on your key, and have been sending "CQ CQ CQ de [your call] for the past two minutes.

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (kb9sxk @ Oct. 03 2007,12:26)]When I recieved my license:p
GAWD! There always has to be a humourless literalist in the bunch! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

(KB9SXK: Just teasing.)

[va7aax]

when you say this whenever you pick up the telephone"QSL you are 599"!

[WA6MHZ]

When people flag you down in your car to ask you if you can talk to MARS!

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif ...and another great way you can tell that you have become a REAL amateur radio operator -----

You are at a local club meeting, just before it all gets down to business..some one ( an old friend ) with a CODE PRACTICE OSCILLATOR sends out YOUR call sign via CW, and you recognize it as being yours !! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KC2ESD]

You know you are a Ham when you stop at ham Radio Outlet to get some cable and you spen a hour or more just looking at the radios and Bee essing with other hams who come in or work there.

[KB3LIX]

When you are speaking to your XYL on Nextel, using the Direct Connect feature, and you want to say her call and your call when finished !

It has happened a BUNCH of times !

[N2RJ]

You're finally a real ham when:

- Your vacation days center around DXpeditions (participating in or working them)

- You know countries by their prefixes, not their names

- You've tried at least once to pay the bills "via the buro"

- Your phone gets disconnected and you don't even notice

- It's the middle of winter and the shack is blazing hot, and your heat isn't even turned on

- Most of the software on your PC, no one except hams have heard of

- When someone cuts you off on the roadway or generally drives like a jerk, you think, "what a LID!"

[WA9SVD]

... when the "ZED" forums get so boring (or frustrating) that you throw in the towel and get on the air. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[n0nwo]

you can not remember names without a call sign.

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif when ( even years later ) some one addresses you by an OLD callsign, you still recognise and answer to it.

[w2rdt]

Quote[/b] (ai4ep @ Oct. 03 2007,12:25)]http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif " sneering at cb antennas "...I just laugh at their idiots...knowing that most of them are spending up to ( if not over ) $500 just to talk to some other idiot a half mile away ( if that far )...between the radio, echo mike, amplifier, antenna #it used to amount to about that much. #I know now some one will post that #" I got mine at a yard sale for $5 #( including the magnet mount antenna ), and when I stand at the county line, it talks over to the next county real easy (Line of sight ) " or some other useless dribble #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

CB ers have always bragged about how much power it takes to talk to where they DO talk to, and real amateurs can talk further, using less power, in more reliable situations.

REAL amateurs do not need a repeater to maintain reliable conversations, but they are nice to have around every now & then....for the frivilious B S #that does occur on the airwaves.

REAL amateurs use CW

& " If it aint cw, it might as well be CB "
There you go again. If you think that there is to
HR is CW, I got some land for sale in Alaska.
I guess I'm a heinz 57 kinda guy. Variety is a
spice of life.
Enjoy CW, I am enjoying all the rest of the fruits
in the basket, so to speak.
Take care
Russ==KC2RKO

[kf4vgx]

When you realize ,soldering is not a real good thing ,while wearing shorts and sandals http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[WE4AU]

You know you're finally a real ham when you go car shopping and your market research consists solely of determining which model best fits your ham radio interests. Safety, MPG, family, budget and other concerns are of absolutely no interest.

Regards,
-Bruce

[N4PRT]

When your farts come out in a staccato burst that sounds like CQ. This includes the morse and phone variations...

[KB0LPI]

When every contact you make up to a week after Field Day contains a club or GOTA call you used, before giving class and section. (Even though you're on a 2m repeater..... )

[kf6rdn]

When you post a finally a real ham, or been a ham too long type post on an internet forum.

[af6de]

you know you are a ham when you substitute swine for turkey at Thanklsgiving and Christmas

[va7aax]

you are finally a long time ham when

you can build a "multiband,superhet transciever" with only pieces of lead , tin, silicon and carbon!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[M0DSZ]

Taking home most of the junk your employer throws out because it'll come in handy for radio use (usually antenna) or go to your radio club's junk sale for funds.

[M0MJH]

Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Oct. 03 2007,16:18)]When people flag you down in your car to ask you if you can talk to MARS!
When you can reply to this comment in a really sarcastic voice "Yes, and I can talk to uranus as well" with a straight face... Oh hang on a sec, you guys don't pronounce Uranus the same way as us brits

[2I0JVI]

Quote[/b] (M0MJH @ Oct. 04 2007,09:51)]Quote[/b] (wa6mhz @ Oct. 03 2007,16:18)]When people flag you down in your car to ask you if you can talk to MARS!
When you can reply to this comment in a really sarcastic voice "Yes, and I can talk to uranus as well" with a straight face... Oh hang on a sec, you guys don't pronounce Uranus the same way as us brits
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

73 Jonathan

[nq3x]

When you plan your next vacation around which small island or banana republic has a well-equipped Rent-a-QTH or at least radio-amateur-friendly accommodations...and worrying because it's a two-point country for CQWW, not three.

You go all psychological and subtle to get your wife a General-class license, so you can operate multi-single from that island, knowing her voice calling "CQ" is worth a legal-limit amplifier and a 25dB antenna array.

Your wife is actually considering getting her license, but not for phone contesting ("You want to use me like that!?"). She's a linguist, is fascinated by CW, and wants to run stations in Sweepstakes, because it's harder that CQWW. :shock:

[w8znx]

when
im a lumber jack
and im ok
i sleep all night an work all day

[W0BKR]

You know when you are a real ham, when...

1. You try to help others that need help in learning the code, technical study guide material, installing antennas, repairing radios or just asking questions in general without making them feel like fools.

2. You turn your dial past inappropriate QSO's, language, etc. and choose not to participate.

3. You try to improve your skills by learning something new, i.e. code, digital modes, etc, rather then whine about how hard something is. And you achieve it through motivation, work and time.

4. You help other newer ops around you with possibly the loan of a spare HF radio to help them get started.

5. You participate in your local radio club without making it an exclusive (members only) club, welcoming in the new and the older ops.

6. You take an active role in field day rather then sitting around drinking beer and eating just to get away from home.

7. You conduct yourself appropriately when on the air and don't involve yourself in name calling contests, frequency ownership contests, etc. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[n1ydx]

When:

You tap out, on your steering wheel in morse code, the exit cities on highway signs.

N1YDX - Lee

[aa5te]

When your 3 and half year old son grabs the mic to your radio and yells "how 'bout the time tango echo, you're five nine Tennessee" - (my call phonetically and a signal report in a pileup or contest, as repeated by him). http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[aa5te]

When you climb your tower, in below freezing weather, with 1/2" of ice on everything, chipping ice off of each rung of the tower as you climb, so that you can free your Wilson System 1 tribander of the evil grip of the DX inhibiting frozen rotator, rotating the tribander by hand to a guessed heading for Bouvet island, then getting them on the first call on 10M. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[aa5te]

When you explain to your wife that she has to accept whatever interference your rig is causing to her phone conservation or soap opera per the FCC rules.

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (aa5te @ Oct. 04 2007,07:20)]When you explain to your wife that she has to accept whatever interference your rig is causing to her phone conservation or soap opera per the FCC rules.
But ONLY if you live to tell about it! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

(HE** hath no fury like a soap opera addict scorned!)

[n2cfj]

When every time you come home, you get out of the car and do a visual inspection of your antennas before going into the house.

[W4HAY]

... when you find sending CW requires less effort than speaking.

[w2rdt]

When you have put out so many radials on your
vertical that you have no more degrees to add any
more.
When you show up late for your wedding due to
a DX contact.
When you would rather make love with your HF rig
instead of your wife.
Russ==KC2RKO

[w8gtf]

...when you stop by your local radio shop for some coax, and they ask you technical questions about the new models.

[ab9lz]

Quote[/b] (W4HAY @ Oct. 04 2007,10:15)]... when you find sending CW requires less effort than speaking.
amen.

...also, when you find (much to your wifes dismay) that you consider normal conversation to be nothing more than QRM, and can copy right through it.


73 m/4

[w7lpn]

When your daughter has been watching and you didn't even know she cared, then she recites the phonetic alphabet perfectly in about 10 seconds & smiles confidently, then askes for a copy of "Now you're talking". http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[aa5te]

When you wish your wife/boss had an attenuator button or a notch filter...

[WA6MHZ]

When you put priority on winning an Ebay auction for another Radio over the House Payment

[VO1GXG]

Quote[/b] (n2cfj @ Oct. 04 2007,05:00)]When every time you come home, you get out of the car and do a visual inspection of your antennas before going into the house.
Guilty as charged!

i do it while walking from the bus stop .

[KC7YPJ]

I'll answer just as soon as I get my current pile of treasures (commonly refered to as junk by all who know me)
restored to working order or thoroughly pillaged for parts, eta 2020,
possibly longer if the pile merges with another

[n2cfj]

When your junk box isn't just a box.

[va7aax]

when your junkbox has way more parts and is organized better than mouser or digikey.

also when your junkbox has parts older than you are

[VE7DCW]

when you start to identify morse code characters being generated in every day sounds. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif birds doing it..workers hammering away, car horns etc. It just about drives a person crazy http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

73

[K8YZK]

When you are on traveling and look for antennas or call plates, probably both.

[W4MAJ]

Noticing new elements added to towers on your daily commute.

[k3wrv]

You work DXCC and/or WAS QRP.

[k0dxc]

Quote[/b] (W4INF @ Oct. 03 2007,09:24)]When the cable company calls and ask if they can borrow some of your coax, as they are short for a job in your neighborhood. :-)

Hasnt happened to me, but it came to mind.
Thats great!

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif You and other local amateurs are at the local 2 meter repeater site and you ask questions that no one else there can answer, about the repeater itself.

I was a technician at the time and all the others were generals / advanced and extra class operators ( several years ago...like, before the year 2000 ....you know, like, in a previous century !! ) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

You know the type, the kind of person who asks the simpliest of questions that no one can answer without erupting fire & smoke.

The type that pi$$es the " know-it-alls " off with the simple questions ....and it IS ok to ask questions about different aspects of amateur radio...isnt it ? That is why some of you are here...to learn from others ?? !! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[AE6QE]

...when your daughter wants your callsign, and wants to see the latest QST.

...when the same daughter makes up her own callsign to use in her Disney Princess FRS radios.

...when you justify leaving your computer on 24/7, to serve as the island's (sometimes) only IGATE.

...when you can listen your your baby's monitor from a block away.

...when you offer the "findu" website to help others get to your house.

...when you succeed getting two or more pieces of "test equipment" to work in harmony, and your 5 year old daughter understands the basics of how to read them.

And, you might be a digital ham when...

...your computer transmits more than you do.
...you shop for new computers, and check and see if you can add sound cards and DB9 Com Ports.

73,
Rickey/AE6QE

[w4glm]

When you have the stones to attempt an equipment repair

and realize you finally have the ability to actually make that

repair, good feeling............Mac

[K1CJS]

When you come to a ham radio web site (Like this one) and can see nothing of interest to you, so you go back to your rigs and the bands.

[M0MJH]

.... you read out a number, postcode (zip code) or something over the telephone to someone and say "QSL?" at the end.

[VE3HBD]

When all you post on QRZ are endless "ham radio is dying" and "cw is the only way to do ham radio" messages.

[k3wrv]

Dup'd again

[k3wrv]

You suddenly realize there are certain frequencies that are used in certain modes, and even during a contest, you decide to be "nice" and avoid them. SSTV. RTTY. AM, PSK, etc). That has happened because many of us tried to be Gentlemen and didn't want to risk the wrath of our elders.
You realize that there are LID's on the air, and are polite even to them, and ask them nicely to change their F**** operating practices.
You try to live by the "Amateur's Code" - all parts of it.
You become the best operator you can be. (But that part never happens - Kind of like being a Bhuddist or something who wants to get to Nirvana).
Being a HAM is only something you can strive for, but even if you receive enlightenment, you can't quite get there.
Having a license is not enough - admit that it's a license to learn, and then go learn, behave, and be nice to all.
Doubt I'll ever get there, but I'm trying as hard as I can.
Syn - see Velvatine Rabit, which is a kid's book.
IMHO, you only get to be a HAM by virtue of your peers' opinions. You can't do it yourself, because others will mutter. Kind of like being Leet or a Geek. It's not what you do that counts, just what others think about you.
de Bob

[kn4ds]

When you spend part of the morning working the California QSO Party, go to get a cup of coffee, realize your wife is annoyed and ask her what you forgot... and when she asks you what day it is, you respond "California QSO Party"

The correct answer was "our anniversary"

Fortunately, the weather should be mild tonight... so it shouldn't be too bad out in the dog house.

[W4HAY]

A dozen roses, a nice meal out, and a really sappy movie will fix that.

Don't ask me how I know.

[kn4ds]

Quote[/b] (W4HAY @ Oct. 07 2007,21:44)]A dozen roses, a nice meal out, and a really sappy movie will fix that.

Don't ask me how I know.
Actually, I found myself in need of a quick trip to the store... 'cause I really did know what day it was... but she still thought I didn't. I always do something similar every year, and she still thinks, every year, that I will forget... <shrug>

When I came back with the flowers, it did make it much better.

And I don't need to ask how you know... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Oct. 07 2007,18:35)]When you spend part of the morning working the California QSO Party, go to get a cup of coffee, realize your wife is annoyed and ask her what you forgot... and when she asks you what day it is, you respond "California QSO Party"

The correct answer was "our anniversary"

Fortunately, the weather should be mild tonight... so it shouldn't be too bad out in the dog house.
Forgot mine too. My wife said there better be something in the driveway in the morning that will do 0-200 in under 60 seconds. So I got her a bathroom scale.

[kn4ds]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Oct. 07 2007,22:13)]Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Oct. 07 2007,18:35)]When you spend part of the morning working the California QSO Party, go to get a cup of coffee, realize your wife is annoyed and ask her what you forgot... and when she asks you what day it is, you respond "California QSO Party"

The correct answer was "our anniversary"

Fortunately, the weather should be mild tonight... so it shouldn't be too bad out in the dog house.
Forgot mine too. My wife said there better be something in the driveway in the morning that will do 0-200 in under 60 seconds. So I got her a bathroom scale.
and funeral services are pending.

[KC5CSG]

Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Oct. 07 2007,19:20)]Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Oct. 07 2007,22:13)]Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Oct. 07 2007,18:35)]When you spend part of the morning working the California QSO Party, go to get a cup of coffee, realize your wife is annoyed and ask her what you forgot... and when she asks you what day it is, you respond "California QSO Party"

The correct answer was "our anniversary"

Fortunately, the weather should be mild tonight... so it shouldn't be too bad out in the dog house.
Forgot mine too. #My wife said there better be something in the driveway in the morning that will do 0-200 in under 60 seconds. #So I got her a bathroom scale.
and funeral services are pending.
LOL, now that's funny!!!!

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (KC5CSG @ Oct. 07 2007,19:51)]Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Oct. 07 2007,19:20)]Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Oct. 07 2007,22:13)]Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Oct. 07 2007,18:35)]When you spend part of the morning working the California QSO Party, go to get a cup of coffee, realize your wife is annoyed and ask her what you forgot... and when she asks you what day it is, you respond "California QSO Party"

The correct answer was "our anniversary"

Fortunately, the weather should be mild tonight... so it shouldn't be too bad out in the dog house.
Forgot mine too. My wife said there better be something in the driveway in the morning that will do 0-200 in under 60 seconds. So I got her a bathroom scale.
and funeral services are pending.
LOL, now that's funny!!!!
ROFL!

No, THAT is "getting off easy!"

[W0UZR]

*When smoke is pouring out of your radio and just shrug it off and talk on it anyway.

(Yes, Ive done that as well as the power supply on my L-4B)

*When you grab the mic to answer the phone.

*When you sign off with your call sign at the end of the phone conversation.

[k4kyv]

Using your thumb and index finger to modulate your stream of pee to send Morse Code, you make it all the way through your entire callsign before the supply runs out.

[ke5qjx]

When giving someone directions to your house you tell them turn by the 150 foot tower with the panels then make a right by the 75 foot tower with the beams then they ask if you can give them anymore landmarks other than towers and you say sure make a right 2 houses after the house with the three satellite dishes

[kl7aj]

Quote[/b] (k4kyv @ Oct. 07 2007,22:48)]Using your thumb and index finger to modulate your stream of pee to send Morse Code, you make it all the way through your entire callsign before the supply runs out.
I guess this leaves most YLs out of this particular "mode". Then again.... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[n0nwo]

when you realize that the the alarm at the end of the wash cycle on your new washing machine is a perfectly sent slow code letter "v"

[n2cfj]

This one happened to me today.
When you are at a client who uses business band and one of his radios begins the morse ID and you stop your conversation to listen to it

[W4HAY]

When your copies of Playboy and QST arrive in the mail together and you read QST first.

[WA7KKP]

. . . when you do your high dollar shopping at the hamfest, and laughing at all those who pay retail at the candy stores.

[AA0CX]

You know you're a real ham when you're in a CW QSO and you send to the other guy "the xyl just walked into the shack and is giving me the hairy eyeball about being on the radio too much." (She's been an "EX" XYL for several years now> http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[kl7aj]

Quote[/b] (W4HAY @ Oct. 10 2007,14:20)]When your copies of Playboy and QST arrive in the mail together and you read QST first.
Best one yet!

[w3wn]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Oct. 07 2007,22:13)]Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Oct. 07 2007,18:35)]When you spend part of the morning working the California QSO Party, go to get a cup of coffee, realize your wife is annoyed and ask her what you forgot... and when she asks you what day it is, you respond "California QSO Party"

The correct answer was "our anniversary"

Fortunately, the weather should be mild tonight... so it shouldn't be too bad out in the dog house.
Forgot mine too. #My wife said there better be something in the driveway in the morning that will do 0-200 in under 60 seconds. #So I got her a bathroom scale.
That explains a lot!

[WB8MKV]

When you take your morning walk, starring at rooftops to find new antennas and suddenly walk into the back of a parked car....ouch

[ae6rf]

Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Oct. 07 2007,19:20)]Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Oct. 07 2007,22:13)]Quote[/b] (KE4UWL @ Oct. 07 2007,18:35)]

The correct answer was "our anniversary"

Fortunately, the weather should be mild tonight... so it shouldn't be too bad out in the dog house.
Forgot mine too. #My wife said there better be something in the driveway in the morning that will do 0-200 in under 60 seconds. #So I got her a bathroom scale.
and funeral services are pending.
Nahhh...

After that my XYL asked me if I didn't want to see her for a week!

Of course I said "yes."

So I didn't see her for 5 or 6 days, then the swelling went down enough that I could JUST barely open my left eye... # ;-)

73 de Donald

[wa9cwx]

When you know rooftops in your town better than the fronts of buildings...

Frank

[KG6WOU]

You are a real ham when other operators are asking YOU how to do something....

When your wife spots antennas just as fast a you do....

When your wife starts to tell you about how a new house would have 'room for more antennas'....

When it takes you an hour to explain what you did on your day off.

[k8jd]

I knew I was a real ham when someone answered the CQ I sent from my first one tube transmitter that I built from a schematic in PE magazine, from junk parts from an old TV.
I was 16 years old then.
46 years later I am still having fun on the air !http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif