View Full Version : Why Upgrade?
AE2NY
08-06-2004, 05:43 PM
OK Consider this my soapbox, I'll speak then step down for the next pour soul...
Being a new Ham, licensed back in March of this year, I've had so many TNC's such as myself, come up to me and say "Why are you studying code? Why are you studying the ARRL General License Upgrade text? They're gonna grandfather us in anyway in a few years or so. Why go through so much work?"
To those types of people, and we all know you're out there, I say this...
"WHY NOT? I'm currently building a power supply and I know next to nothing about electronics. I'm studying my code and only have about another week to go before I feel truly comfortable with it. I'm getting about a 77 - 80 on the QRZ General Class practice tests. Why? Why am I doing all this weird and out of the way stuff when I can wait to be grandfathered?"
Because I want to feel like I've accomplished something. I want to feel like I've given back to the hobby that has given so much to me. And yes, by studying and putting forth the EFFORT, you ARE giving back to the Amateur Radio Community.
You don't want to put for th the effort it takes to LEARN a new hobby? You want to be lazy and have everything HANDED to you? Fine, you can be that way. But in my opinion, you have no business being upgraded to General and you sure as hell have no business being a Ham in the first place.
I'm done. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
73 de KI4VPR
._._.
K3STX
08-06-2004, 05:47 PM
GOOD FOR YOU!! With an attitude like that you are sure to success in whatever you set your mind to!
See you on the bands soon.
paul
Anothony,
Consider yourself in the majority!! Most of those that I have met on and off the air that are working towards an upgrade, do now want a "freebie" as the minority few are asking for. You and the others in your situation have motivation and dignity in this instant gratification age we are in.
Good luck and remember. If you have a technical question, you can always post it on here in the question forum and there are many technical wizards out there, Tech up through Extra that are more then glad to help out!
I was all set to get "hot and bothered" ! It certainly is a good thing that I read all the way through your post!
Congrats on a great attitude, as others have mentioned. Do come back often and ask as many questions as you desire. I am sure that you will be rewarded for your effort by the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction you get when you have worked your way up the ladder of success!
73 and hope to meet you on the air some day !
Jim AG3Y
WA5KRP
08-06-2004, 06:26 PM
VPR,
You are much wiser than your avatar suggests. Looking forward to working you on the big bands.
WA5KRP
Texas
N8CPA
08-06-2004, 07:01 PM
Tony, you are not merely an Amateur Radio licensee. You are a ham! Thanks for "getting it" and caring.
AI4FR
08-06-2004, 08:15 PM
Amen!! I was asked the same thing many times and my answer always was "I did not want anything handed to me for free".
Other may disagree with me, but it is similiar to putting in an honest days work, you simply feel better about yourself when the day is done.
Great post!!
Anthony........once you get the morse out of the way, why stop at general? Keep pluggin' and go for ae. There is absolutely nothing stopping you except your own belief that you can't. Good luck my friend. Your attitude is what ham radio is all about. 73 Patrick
KG4YUV
08-06-2004, 08:32 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KI4VPR @ Aug. 06 2004,10:43)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Why? #Why am I doing all this weird and out of the way stuff when I can wait to be grandfathered?"
Because I want to feel like I've accomplished something. #I want to feel like I've given back to the hobby that has given so much to me. #And yes, by studying and putting forth the EFFORT, you ARE giving back to the Amateur Radio Community.
You don't want to put for th the effort it takes to LEARN a new hobby? #You want to be lazy and have everything HANDED to you? #Fine, you can be that way. #[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Anthony,
BRAVO! That is the true spirit right there, sir. You may have read some of my posts and noticed I'm 15, and yes, even us "obnoxious smart-@$$" teenagers put forth the effort.
I feel very honored to see someone like yourself doing the right thing, not letting it be handed to you, doing what someone says is required if you want it... but not because someone else wants it to be done, not because you're being forced to do it, but because YOU want it to be done, and you realize the pride you feel from achieving something on your own.
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">But in my opinion, you have no business being upgraded to General and you sure as hell have no business being a Ham in the first place.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
You've finally said what needed to be said. (Not flaming or mentioning any names/calls) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
K6PME
08-06-2004, 09:42 PM
Why upgrade? Because I LIKE learning new stuff! I'm having a blast in the Extra Manual! The math is a bit rough for me but other than that the only downfall is having to wait to gather all the part's and trying to make time to make all the fun stuff. I'm finally beginning to really understand the schematics I've been downloading.
Who's cares what your motivation is to upgrade. Do it 'cuase you want to. do it 'cuase your having ~fun~.
KB5WX
08-06-2004, 09:45 PM
As Davy Crockett once said : " Persactly ".
I had a few ask me why did not just wait till they grandfathered me in.. I did not want to wait.. I wanted to get on HF, and I knew that I would have to work for it. For me it was well worth it.. Now I am working on my Extra class.. I have the Gordo book here, and I am thinking I will take it next month, I am making 70's on the practice tests and I have about 6 weeks before the next test session.. that should be plenty of time to do more reading and get familiar with it enough to be make 95's - 100's on the practice tests..
Great work Anthony. Done in the true spirit of Amateur Radio. If you want to know why we need to preserve telegraphy testing, just look at those waiting for the free upgrade.
Anyway, good job OM!
AD5QB
08-07-2004, 12:35 AM
Anthony,
Good post. You've hit the nail on the head in stating that this hobby is about LEARNING and giving back. Good luck with your study and I hope to meet you on HF one day soon!
KC0OFZ
08-07-2004, 12:49 AM
Good attitude and finally a refreshing post to read and follow in the replies. This attitude is what advances us and makes us better.
BRAVO
73 KCØOFZ
Is this "grandfather" business actually going to occur?
Congratulations on a great outlook on ham radio.
Actually, this attitude will serve you well in all of life's
adventure. Good job.
Studying and taking the tests, and learning new things are the most fun I have in amateur radio, the actual on-the-air stuff is just frosting on the cake.
AE2NY
08-07-2004, 02:59 AM
.. ._ _ ._ ... #.... _ _ _ ._ _. .. _. _ _ . ... _ _ _ #_ _ . _ _ _ #_. . #_._ _. . ._ _ #_ _ . #._.. _ _ _ ._.. !
._._.
_ _... ..._ _ #_.. . #_._ .. ...._ ..._ ._ _. ._.
W4ROT
08-07-2004, 03:15 AM
Continous wave ain't the bastard some proclaim. Just requires a little input, like any good detector.
Best to you, enjoy and do it at your own pace.
as they say in the Big Easy...Have Fun!
w4rot
AI4EP
08-07-2004, 03:43 AM
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif aint this where I am supposed to jump in and mumble a bunch of nonsense ?
NAh !! Not yet...problably not at all...too small of an audience, and not enough pay !!
hee hee hee !! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif betcha did not expect that !
K0EWS
08-07-2004, 03:55 AM
Add me to the list of those wishing to congratulate you on your success. Your work ethic is terrific. My two ham radio students here that were licensed yesterday were over tonight. They had their first ever QSOs in my shack and it was gratefying for me. What is even more gatefying is that these 2 high school kids are already started on learning the code, and the general upgrade as well! You know something? With attitudes like these I'm seeing, I think we're going to be all right after all! Keep it up! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
KM5FL
08-07-2004, 04:01 AM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KI4VPR @ Aug. 05 2004,11:43)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">OK Consider this my soapbox, I'll speak then step down for the next pour soul...
Being a new Ham, licensed back in March of this year, I've had so many TNC's such as myself, come up to me and say "Why are you studying code? #Why are you studying the ARRL General License Upgrade text? #They're gonna grandfather us in anyway in a few years or so. #Why go through so much work?"
To those types of people, and we all know you're out there, I say this...
"WHY NOT? #I'm currently building a power supply and I know next to nothing about electronics. #I'm studying my code and only have about another week to go before I feel truly comfortable with it. #I'm getting about a 77 - 80 on the QRZ General Class practice tests. #Why? #Why am I doing all this weird and out of the way stuff when I can wait to be grandfathered?"
Because I want to feel like I've accomplished something. #I want to feel like I've given back to the hobby that has given so much to me. #And yes, by studying and putting forth the EFFORT, you ARE giving back to the Amateur Radio Community.
You don't want to put for th the effort it takes to LEARN a new hobby? #You want to be lazy and have everything HANDED to you? #Fine, you can be that way. #But in my opinion, you have no business being upgraded to General and you sure as hell have no business being a Ham in the first place.
I'm done. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
73 de KI4VPR
._._.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Anthony:
You, sir, with one swipe of the pen, have earned the respect of every old phart here.. Me included..
KM5FL
W5HTW
08-08-2004, 04:29 AM
I agree with W0LC - the majority of NCTs would like to improve their station in this hobby. Probably most would, with a bit of direction, encouragement, and attention by Elmers. I know a few who would not, and who will undoubtedly wait for the silver platter.
It is only the fact that the minority are far more vocal than those who, instead of complaining on these forums, are actually at home with the code oscillator and learning. Ya' can't be both places at once.
You, Anthony, are in the right place. You will earn the license. What's more, amigo, you will earn the respect. Not just mine, but the one that really counts; your own. And , as they say on the credit card commercial, that's "priceless."
Ed
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">With attitudes like these I'm seeing, I think we're going to be all right after all! Keep it up! [/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I agree with you, I have see some great attitudes on youth hams.. and I think that the future of ham radio will be perfect!
K7JBQ
08-09-2004, 07:04 PM
Hopefully, they'll be grandfathers before they're grandfathered.
Or perhaps they'll want grandfatherhood for nothing too.
73,
Bill
Anthony
Very postive approach! #It is quite refreshing to see someone who wants to apply themselves vs those who want to be handed a gift.
You and people like you WILL keep this hobby alive! Most importantly, you have great things in store for you in the future.
Keep walking the walk!
KF7QQ
08-10-2004, 12:22 AM
Ham radio rocks.
K4UUG
08-10-2004, 12:52 AM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KI4VPR @ Aug. 06 2004,13:43)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">OK Consider this my soapbox, I'll speak then step down for the next pour soul...
Being a new Ham, licensed back in March of this year, I've had so many TNC's such as myself, come up to me and say "Why are you studying code? #Why are you studying the ARRL General License Upgrade text? #They're gonna grandfather us in anyway in a few years or so. #Why go through so much work?"
To those types of people, and we all know you're out there, I say this...
"WHY NOT? #I'm currently building a power supply and I know next to nothing about electronics. #I'm studying my code and only have about another week to go before I feel truly comfortable with it. #I'm getting about a 77 - 80 on the QRZ General Class practice tests. #Why? #Why am I doing all this weird and out of the way stuff when I can wait to be grandfathered?"
Because I want to feel like I've accomplished something. #I want to feel like I've given back to the hobby that has given so much to me. #And yes, by studying and putting forth the EFFORT, you ARE giving back to the Amateur Radio Community.
You don't want to put for th the effort it takes to LEARN a new hobby? #You want to be lazy and have everything HANDED to you? #Fine, you can be that way. #But in my opinion, you have no business being upgraded to General and you sure as hell have no business being a Ham in the first place.
I'm done. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
73 de KI4VPR
._._.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
YAWN ANOTHER CODE NO CODE DEBATE
Glen said no debating code or no code, upgrades is just another way to skirt around glens rules,You know damn well what has held back alot of people from the upgrade to general. OH YEA CONGRADS ON THE UP GRADE http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif
There is always that one person or persons who can not control themselves.Also, not able to think in a prudent and logical manner within a group of their peers.
KI4VPR My best wishes on your determination to upgrade.
73
KG4YUV
08-10-2004, 02:39 AM
Well OM OBN, there was no debate here til you apparently tried to stir up one.
ATTN ALL: DO NOT START DEBATE
CHANGING SUBJECT
----
"Now back to our regularly scheduled thread"
----
Anyway once again, KI4VPR, congrats and keep at it and let us know on your progress! I look forward to working you on HF in the near future! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
W8AMD
08-10-2004, 09:09 AM
Congrats sir. You are part of the soul of amateur radio. It is about the journey of learning.
K4UUG
08-10-2004, 01:18 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KG4YUV @ Aug. 09 2004,22:39)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Well OM OBN, there was no debate here til you apparently tried to stir up one.
# # # # # # ATTN ALL: DO NOT START DEBATE
# # # # # # # # # # #CHANGING SUBJECT
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #----
# # # "Now back to our regularly scheduled thread"
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #----
Anyway once again, KI4VPR, congrats and keep at it and let us know on your progress! I look forward to working you on HF in the near future! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
DID I PULL YOUR CHAIN SON ! KIDS SHOULD BE SILENT BECAUSE THEY MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING!
AE2NY
08-10-2004, 01:37 PM
That's enough, my god! I started this thread not as a debate or as a generator for a fight. Being that I'm 32 years old I feel I can say this...
OBN --> Grow UP! Enough slamming of the kid, he's obviously more interested in learning than you are.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
KI4VPR
KG4YUV
08-10-2004, 10:47 PM
Hmm I simply speak the truth and all I get is age discrimination from OBN... tsk. After all, there WAS NO debate started here! Why'd he say that?
Anyhow, enough of this nonsense. Thanks Anthony. Took the words from my mouth. Keep working on that upgrade!
--. ..- -.. / .-.. ..- -.-. -.- / . ... / --... ...-- / -.. . / -.- --. ....- -.-- ..- ...- / .-.-. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
P.S. Let's see if we can get some stories from when others were learning the code and passed, that'll make some great posting here. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
AE4FA
08-10-2004, 11:37 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Why'd he say that?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Poor fellow just can't help himself, Patrick. #
I commend your spirit, entusiasm, and drive! #You're the kind of guy we need in amateur radio!
Tony, keep at it! You are, too!
AE4FA
08-10-2004, 11:55 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (N1OBN @ Aug. 10 2004,06:18)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KG4YUV @ Aug. 09 2004,22:39)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Well OM OBN, there was no debate here til you apparently tried to stir up one.
# # # # # # ATTN ALL: DO NOT START DEBATE
# # # # # # # # # # #CHANGING SUBJECT
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #----
# # # "Now back to our regularly scheduled thread"
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #----
Anyway once again, KI4VPR, congrats and keep at it and let us know on your progress! I look forward to working you on HF in the near future! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
DID I PULL YOUR CHAIN SON ! KIDS SHOULD BE SILENT BECAUSE THEY MIGHT LEARN SOMETHING![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Uhhhhh . . . Glen?
W5ALT
08-11-2004, 12:23 AM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KG4YUV @ Aug. 10 2004,18:47)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">P.S. Let's see if we can get some stories from when others were learning the code and passed, that'll make some great posting here. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Well, I was waiting for OBN to start off, but seems he must be acting shy at the moment.
I memorized the sound of the letters and numbers using a CPO, then listened to the ham bands for 30-45 minutes a night and tried copying. At first I got nothing, then a letter or two, etc. After about 2 weeks I was ready to pass my novice exam. After making a few thousand contacts as a novice, the 13 wpm General was easy. Never have been able to copy tapes or code practice stuff, but no problem copying signals in noise.
73,
Walt, W5ALT
K6UEY
08-11-2004, 02:46 AM
Well it would seem that the only thing holding most back from upgrades is that four letter word that no one wants to hear. It is not new,it has been a recognized problem for decades, that single four letter word is the culprit that stands in the way of many not making it to the next level.Of course it has been declared not politically correct to use the word in present company,as some take it as being offensive to their delicate value system.That same four letter word has been the cause of many heated debates, some say it has nothing to do with being a deterrent, others say it is the primary reason many do not join the depleting masses of Amateurs.That four letter word is not a new word it merely has been given more importantance by the new thin skinned #crowd who need some thing as an excuse for not putting forth the sincerity and dedication excercised by the many generations who have gone before. Most of them were not allowed to use that four letter word as an excuse,they were encouraged to substitute Perseverance and accept the challenge head on.They did accept the challenge and for some it was easier than it was for others,but the persistence and dedication to the task won out for most,others were simply not cut out for the task,their failures line the sides of the road, as crumpled wrecks,symbols of those who gave up,and were not willing to give their all as the pinnacle #of their efforts.Not everyone can pass the test and make the grade,those who do, are rewarded by recognition of their labor and toil,those who fail, are encouraged to study and try again with even more enthusiasm,those who refuse to try are admonishingly lectured for their admission of defeat they so #commodiously have succumbed to, a mere four letter word
"LAZY"......... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
K7JBQ
08-11-2004, 05:09 PM
I see the system upgrades are working perfectly.
Now even Orv makes sense.
73,
Bill
N7AAO
08-11-2004, 05:15 PM
Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ Aug. 10 2004,19:46)]They did accept the challenge and for some it was easier than it was for others,but the persistence and dedication to the task won out for most,others were simply not cut out for the task,their failures line the sides of the road, as crumpled wrecks,symbols of those who gave up,and were not willing to give their all as the pinnacle #of their efforts.Not everyone can pass the test and make the grade,those who do, are rewarded by recognition of their labor and toil,those who fail, are encouraged to study and try again with even more enthusiasm,those who refuse to try are admonishingly lectured for their admission of defeat they so #commodiously have succumbed to, a mere four letter word
"LAZY"......... ;)
I won't state my position on retaining or eliminating that portion of the test here, since the moratorium is still in effect, but I will say this...
If I, with my mental block about that topic, can pass it, anyone can.
KF0RT
08-14-2004, 01:53 AM
Here's fun. My very first ham license (WNØAMJ) was dated 01/02/1970 -- I was 13 at the time. Upgraded to General and then Advanced in 1973.
My "little" brother always had an interest in this as well and got his General in about the same (early 70's) timeframe. Never was real active. A little over a year ago, his son Mike got interested and got his Tech ticket at age 12 (beating my 1970 Novice by a year). Last weekend, my brother passed his Extra test and is excited about trying HF for the first time.
Guess I better get on the ball, eh?
N7AAO
08-14-2004, 01:56 AM
KF0RT... I have a copy of the ARRL Extra guide that I won't need anymore... e-mail or send a PM if you're interested.
That is all well and nice, but why stop at upgrade. I was interested in amateur radio forty years ago, but couldn't get over the hump to get a general license. I lost interest until some friends from my high school radio club days told me to get on the ball and get a ticket. In less than a year, I went from tech to extra class VE and have helped several people get licensed or upgraded. Now I'm trying to restart a testing program at my local club besides lending a hand at two other clubs. Next up will be license instruction.
73 de kc9egb, Tom C.
N7AAO
08-18-2004, 09:00 PM
EGB,
Already done, got my VE as a General and upgraded to take full advantage... once I get one or two more hurdles out of the way I hope to set up a class too. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/unclesam.gif
W0UZR
08-26-2004, 10:19 AM
Quote[/b] (KI4VPR @ Aug. 06 2004,10:43)]OK Consider this my soapbox, I'll speak then step down for the next pour soul...
Being a new Ham, licensed back in March of this year, I've had so many TNC's such as myself, come up to me and say "Why are you studying code? #Why are you studying the ARRL General License Upgrade text? #They're gonna grandfather us in anyway in a few years or so. #Why go through so much work?"
To those types of people, and we all know you're out there, I say this...
"WHY NOT? #I'm currently building a power supply and I know next to nothing about electronics. #I'm studying my code and only have about another week to go before I feel truly comfortable with it. #I'm getting about a 77 - 80 on the QRZ General Class practice tests. #Why? #Why am I doing all this weird and out of the way stuff when I can wait to be grandfathered?"
Because I want to feel like I've accomplished something. #I want to feel like I've given back to the hobby that has given so much to me. #And yes, by studying and putting forth the EFFORT, you ARE giving back to the Amateur Radio Community.
You don't want to put for th the effort it takes to LEARN a new hobby? #You want to be lazy and have everything HANDED to you? #Fine, you can be that way. #But in my opinion, you have no business being upgraded to General and you sure as hell have no business being a Ham in the first place.
I'm done. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ;) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
73 de KI4VPR
._._.
I don't know how the heel I missed this one, and even though the original poster and any of the people that posted aren't going to see this, I have to say this anyway,,,,(my commas again)
<span style='font-size:17pt;line-height:100%'><span style='color:red'>GOOD FOR YOU !!! GREAT !!!</span></span>
Now, you are my kind of man! A real man will take inocitive, and isn't lazy.
And you are right. Those people don't belong in ham radio, period!!! And that's why I urge everyone to drop their membership to the ARRL and don't support it. Cause when this new format goes through, there are going to be a lot of CBers on the bands. And I guess we won't get away from CB no matter what we do !!
We want REAL Ham operators out there. And you,,sir,,(took my hat off) Are A
<span style='font-size:17pt;line-height:100%'><span style='color:red'>REAL AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR!!!</span></span>
W5KLB
08-26-2004, 05:41 PM
Quote[/b] (KG4YUV @ Aug. 10 2004,15:47)]Hmm I simply speak the truth and all I get is age discrimination from OBN... tsk. After all, there WAS NO debate started here! Why'd he say that?
Because it seems he has issues... lots and lots of issues!!
Don't let him scare you away. Remember this is the internet... this isn't Amateur Radio.
W5KLB
08-26-2004, 05:47 PM
VPR:
Good luck on the upgrade. I just know that you will pass with no problems!
W0UZR
08-26-2004, 06:13 PM
I was so busy being so pleased that we have a real ham radio operator joining the ranks and wanting to get things done "The Old Fashioned Way" That I forgot to wish VPR good luck on the test.
But I can't wish him luck. Luck is for a person that does things half heartedly and is only half ready, and stands a good chance on not making it! That person NEEDS luck... And VPR isn't one of those. He'll pass,,,Cause he's made of the same stuff that people used to be made of in the old days.
PS And let's <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'><span style='color:red'>STOP THE G#%$*& BICKERING</span></span>
How come it is that it's only the threads that we should be congratulating someone, wishing him well, or something like that,, and a New Person on top of that,,,That people start bickering?? VPR is probably thinking "Why the h,,, do I want to get this upgrade for, and talk to people like THIS ?"
K0WVM
08-26-2004, 06:17 PM
You know, I was thinking the same thing until about 2.5 years ago. Then, the HF bug bit and would not let go. I am hoping to have myself up on the air within the next 4 - 6 months. Already got my 706 MkIIG rig and just planning on getting a few accessories (200 ft of Heliax coax, connectors, Antenna tuner, dipole setups, ground & ground wire). I am currently listening to just a little bit off of 17 and 20 meters.
I am pumped man! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
KB5WX
08-26-2004, 09:03 PM
VPR
Again UZR is absolutely correct . You don't need the luck .But I will wish you the best anyhow . Hit the books and do some online practice tests and you will be fine .I have all confidence in you . Looking forward to hearing you on HF .
K6UEY
08-26-2004, 09:21 PM
I think they have the TEST non-discriminatory now,so that any one can pass,I just read how a little 11 year old girl passed with flying colors first time out.I think they call that equal oppurtunity,no previous experience required.It is my understanding that negotiations are under way with General Mills,to make the application even easier yet. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
KA9VQF
08-26-2004, 09:30 PM
I didn’t know Cracker Jacks was a General Mills product.
K7JBQ
08-26-2004, 09:32 PM
Orv,
I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts that "little 11 year old girl" will turn out to be a fine operator and a credit to amateur radio.
73,
Bill
K6UEY
08-26-2004, 09:52 PM
K7JBQ,
Bill, I will give you the same odds on a bet that the little girl will not sit around and whine it is too hard, or I can't do it, make it easier. She has demostrated she has the sincere desire to be a Radio Amateur and she will continue to learn and progress up the chain to the top class.I'm glad some one has what it takes,even if it has to be demostrated by a little 11 year old girl,she has the stuff Amateur Radio was founded on and made it possible to endure all these decades of mere wannabees .A credit to Amateur Radio a REAL HAM Operator. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
K7JBQ
08-26-2004, 09:56 PM
Orv,
Did I misread, or are you agreeing with me?
73,
Bill
KA9VQF
08-26-2004, 10:01 PM
Quote[/b] (K7JBQ @ Aug. 26 2004,14:56)]Orv,
Did I misread, or are you agreeing with me?
73,
Bill
Grab some 02 and your nitro pills and wait for the reply.
K6UEY
08-26-2004, 11:00 PM
K7JBQ,
Bill only time can answer that question,as the norm I usually do not agree with others,as most can not stay on one side of the fence long enough to establish a position,how ever it is not too uncommon for others to agree with me.Some say I'm opinionated and I agree,but to them it is a derogatory term,once I have considered all the info I have available, I find it no problem forming an opinion.I by the same token have no trouble updating my opinion when new information becomes available.It is always reassuring to know others are in accord with my opinions. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
N9ZXK
08-27-2004, 08:32 PM
First of all, i'm glad he did an upgrade. He did it for himself and no one else. Thats cool. It isn't fair to him to turn this into a code V no code catfight. Yes a catfight. Most of the times here its like 2 women fighting. Get a life.
One more thing too. Why does everyone thinks all nocode techs want to be grandfathered in if and when they make changes. If we are then we are, if not then we are not. We are not the ones who will be making the changes. the fcc will be doing that. We will be only doing what they will let us do. Nothing more, nothing less. I myself would like to be on hf but really dont care if i get there or not. If i upgrade with learning the code then people will put you down cause you only had to do 5 wpm and not 13. You can never win. As it stands right now in jan. i most likely wont be a ham anymore. To much fighting. Makes 11 meters around here look good
Good job man on the upgrade. Have fun with it.
Good day
K7JBQ
08-27-2004, 08:40 PM
zwk:
Too much fighting? In here or on the air?
If the latter, why not QSY? I haven't observed all that much fighting on the air, except of course in the pileups, but that's a different story altogether.
But to quit amateur radio because of what's ranted in T&O, in my opinion, would be nothing short of foolish.
Some may put you down because you only passed 5wpm. I will not. I passed at 20wpm. Big deal. That was then, and I wanted full privileges. This is now. For most of us, life goes on. For the rest, just ignore them and enjoy ham radio.
73,
Bill
JBQ
Spoken like a true Amateur!
What you did to get past the test is not important. What is important is you stepped up to the challenge, learned something new, and joined one of the few hobbies that has a test for an entrance criteria
There is plenty of folks to talk to and make friends with. Lots more than those who point fingers and brag on what they have accomplished in the past.