my ham radio bio

I have been reading all the code/no code discussions along with people writing about the dumbing down of amateur radio. I decided to tell my amateur radio story. I was involved in the cb craze of the 70s and in 2000 I decided to learn more about ham radio. I decided in Jan of 2000 to get my ticket. I talked to local hams and received lots of help and encouragement. I became a ham in March. I purchased an ADI 147+ and enjoyed 2m. After a couple months I bought an IC 706MKIIG to see what HF would be like. I monitored for about 6 months and in Dec I decided to attempt cw. I studied for 1 and half months and passed my code and general in Feb of 2001. I told many friends I would not use CW. But 3 days after I upgraded, I looked at the bencher paddles I had purchased and thought I would try it. I found a freq on 10m and called cq and got a call back and although I was nervous I finished the qso and the excitement began. Listening to the bands I noticed that some DX I wanted to try on cw was in the Xtra portion so in May I upgraded. Best move I ever made in ham radio. I now run cw 95% of the time. I am not the fastest or best cw op on the bands, but I have lots of fun. I have set up a digital station and enjoy PSK and RTTY during the times I am not using CW. My 6 year old son is learning cw and loves listening to it. He asked his teacher last week if she was ever going to learn her code http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif He has a nice receiver in "his shack" and next summer he will become a new ham. I am not the most enabled when it comes to electronics, but I try. I dont understand everything about the hobby, but I have fun and really enjoy the hobby. I am a teacher and my school is one of the big project schools and because of this program I have been able to introduce many students to ham radio. I realize this is not probably one of the most exciting posts here, but just wanted to let all know there are many types of people who are hams and we all come from different backgrounds and have entered this hobby for different reasons.

Thanks for reading,
WD0MR

This is a really encouraging post. Of course, CW may not be for everyone, but this post shows that people can and do find that they enjoy it even though they originally didn't think they would. Most of the people who are against CW have never given it a fair try. It's like learning a foreign language... difficult at first, but then it gets easier and more fun. And it's a skill to really be proud of.

Thanks for this post !

[K6UEY]

MARK WD0MR,
Mark a little belated but Congratulations and welcome to Ham Radio.
To paraphrase your last statement if I may " we all come from different backgrounds and have entered the hobby for different reasons" In my estimation therein lies part of the problem, Ham Radio has always been an attraction for all levels of people from all different backgrounds, however the common bond was they all had the same goal and purpose, that was to satisfy the curiosity about Radio Communications and in that process just maybe advance the state of the Art toward the future. For reasons unknown to me those reasons are now different to the new people coming into Ham Radio. It would appear there is more personal advantage required, philosphy, the "Whats in it for me ? " syndrome. Anyone who has entered into maturity at any level knows what this attitude can do to the fraternal bond of any group.The basis and foundation on which the decades of tradition, trust and common bond were built, are being diluted and cast aside.
You may be one of the lucky ones to have slipped under the wire #and still have the oppurtunity to spend a life time enjoying the many benefits and pleasures, not to mention the life long friendships that come from Ham Radio. #
Lots of luck on your journey ...... # #73, # ORV
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