Forty Years is a Long Time

Forty Years is a Long Time

I was first licensed in the early 1960's as a novice in Tucson, Arizona. I barely squeaked by the 5 wpm code test and the written test, but I got my license and I was on the air.

CW didn’t appeal to me, I had a few contacts around the states, even one with “Communist” Russia and taking into account my allowance money as a high schooler , my equipment was a simple Multi-Elmac transmitter and a Hallicrafters SX-23. The antenna was a very droopy dipole.

I operated from my bedroom during breaks in my homework and getting the evil eye from my
parents who wanted to know what weird pastime I was now into. Why wasn’t I smoking and hanging out at bars like the other kids, they wondered.

The lure of talking to some one on two meters was much more interesting than pounding a straight key and trying to understand what someone was saying when I heard the string of dits and dashes from my huge Hallicrafters speaker.

We had a great time on two meters, as several of us were on every night with our Heathkit Twoers and our collinear arrays pointed at each other and pointed at the Catalina Mountains so we could experience mountain bounce.

We even put the Twoers in our cars and drove all over town chasing each other while we were talking on two meters and while we were sitting in Johnnie’s Drive In checking out the girls in the adjoining cars. We were cool.

This was much more fun than morse code.

Time passed way too quickly and nearly 40 years later, after working and building a successful business, I have decided to get back into ham radio.

Eighteen years ago when my wife and I were looking for a new home, I picked our present home, knowing that I would eventually become active in ham radio. It is in the middle of town and on a nice ridge over looking the ocean.

I joined the local DX club and within a matter of minutes became very intimidated with most of the members talking about all the CW they were working. One fellow even said that he put his microphone away and can’t find it!!

So, just like a couple of kids, N6DDF and I got on the air every evening, “pounding the brass.” We are only about four miles apart and five watts on 15 meters is not a problem. Of course we reviewed each transmission and reception via two meters. Our wives thought we were nuts.

After about a month of this I mustered enough nerve to go big time, answering an evening CQ on 40 meters. W6SBE came back; chills were running up and down my back. Here I was, giddy as a teenager, with my first CW contact in 40 years and poor Dan was my first victim.

It has been a struggle, but as one of my early contacts recommended, I try to make at least one CW contact.

CW has taken on an interesting lure, it is mystical.

And there is another reason I have become a brass pounder...It is good for your mind. CW forces me to use my brain and makes me think. At this age, that’s a good thing.

There is a camaraderie among operators totally unlike sideband operators. In my past week of contacts, everyone has been very kind and very understanding, even when I send my usual QRS and explain that I am new to CW.

So the title of my article is “Forty Years is a Long Time,” but could also be entitled “A Public Apology” for those fine operators I work. Bear with me, I will become as talented (and as fast) as each of you.

After forty years, I now have the desire.

Arnie, W7BIA

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Arnie, congratulations and welcome back. The virtues of cw are limitless. 73 Roy WA4DOU

[n5xz]

Good for you! CW may not be necessary, but it's alot of fun! I operate about 90% CW at home and mobile. Try CW mobile after you get your "CW legs" back. It's a blast! I am currently working on "Mobile CW WAS". I wonder how many others have done that?

Allen Brier N5XZ(/M)

[k3msb]

Hi Arnie -- What a tale !

Struggle, acheivement, #camaraderie !

Welcome back !!

73 Mark K3ZX

[N5JO]

Arnie,

Welcome back. #Ham radio is a hobby that never forgets you and that is never forgotten...The
remaining fragments of our youth still remember the sounds of heterodynes at 2 a.m., the smell
of ozone from over-taxed power supplies and the excitement of that rare DX that was worked
when no one but you could be heard by Vlad in oblisk 124. #We chase the memories of youth in
our return to the hobby, seeking an El Dorado elixir that will let us return to the fantasies and
excitement as it was felt by 14 year old boys so long ago.

I am VERY glad that another born again ham has returned in time to experience the verve that
middle aged life is so short on. #

Best 73,

Mike N5JO
Austin, TX

[K2WH]

After 32 years, this story could have been written by me. #The details, situations and excuses are almost exactly the same for my ham career.



Reluctantly, I may have to get back into the mode to #complete my W.A.S. on 160 meters because I'm relatively sure only CW will get through to Alaska and Hawaii. #Even having W.A.S. on 80 is not a guarantee to do the same on 160.



At the urging of my mentor N3DD, an admitted code head, I have all the tools (brand new Iambic keyer, 756 pro, antenna etc.) in place to bring my speed up from a dismal 5 WPM to at least 20 WPM. #It will be a challenge and who knows, I may find I missed my calling 30 years ago.

[k5dh]

Arnie,

Congratulations on discovering the joys of Morse! #Don't fret about it taking you forty years.
What matters is that you are enjoying working CW, and that it's brought some of the magic
back into your radio-activity. #I've been hearing this from more and more people these days.
Even holders of the reduced-code licenses are discovering that Morse code is not some kind
of barrier meant to "keep the riff-raff out". #It's a fun, friendly, classic mode of communication
that still has a place in our world and in our hobby.

I've been a ham for 25 years, and I've always loved working CW. #My "elmers" were both die
hard CW men, and they instilled a love for CW in me that will never go away. #I am one of the
fortunate few to whom learning the Morse code came easily. #That's a gift, one that I am
thankful for every day.

You're right about the courtesy and camaraderie that exists on the CW bands. #I've always
felt that way myself. #When a newcomer plugs in a key and tries their hand at Morse for the
first time, no one jumps on their case and gripes about them being "another damned newbie".
Instead, the experienced CW ops slow down and help them work their way through those
nervous jitters and sloppy fist with understanding and patience. #That's the way it should be.
There's a certain "warmth" that flows between operators during good rag-chew CW contacts
that I just don't feel on any of the voice modes. #And don't even get me started about the
CBers on 2-meter FM!

Listen for me on 20m and 40m CW in the evenings, and give me a call if you hear me. #I'll be
happy to QRS and enjoy a chat with you! #I'll even plug in one of my straight keys and work
you the old fashioned way if you like! #

73,
Dean Hemphill, K5DH
Lake Dallas, TX

[k5ena]

Welcome back, Arnie. Your story sure brought back the memories. I was licensed KN5ENA in 1960 and struggled with the code on the novice bands, but made quite a few contacts, even some dx. Upgraded to tecnician and stayed there for years until the 70's when I upgraded to general and, finally to extra. Would not have made it all the way if it were not for local hams encouraging me and working with me on the code, especially the late WB5MPU, Larry Papke, whose son now holds his call.
Again, welcome back and cu on the air.
73, John, K5ENA.

[Crocker]

Forty Years is a Long Time is also my story. As a part time Tucson resident, I spend winter months in Tucson, this story is very similer to mine. I got my ticket, WA6JKJ, in 1959 and was active during my time in the US NAVY. Due to job and extensive travel for the next few years, I didn't get back to being a Ham. Now I'm getting back in, learning the code again, reviewing the exam questions, and hope to again have my license.

I have not found anyone who has older Call Books and can't find my old call letters listed anywhere. Of course, if I could find my old license, I could go from Tech to Extra Class in two tests. Did you have the some problem when renewing your license?

Hope to contact you by CW in the near future.

U of A Class of 1966

Robert Crocker

[w6kat]

What an interesting story Arnie. I actually got tears in my eyes reading it and thinking back to my youth. I was first licensed in 1957 as a Novice, and have remained semi-active all these years. I too remember the excitment of those first CW 40mtr contacts from the basement of our house, and how my dad thought I was crazy listening to those strange "noises" on that strange looking radio (a BC 348?). I havn't done much CW work these past several years, but when I do, I use the original straight key I had when I first got my license. And I sure agree that CW people are great for comaraderie and courtesy. Some have even slowed down for me during CW contests. Welcome back to this wonderful hobby, and hope to work you one of these days on CW.

Don, W6KAT
Whittier, CA

[K3CW]

I was also first licensed back in high school (but that was "only" 20 years ago for me) and I used to work CW almost exclusively. Life got in the way, however, and I've been inactive for most of the last 15 years. So now that I'm getting back into the hobby, I'm in the same boat as you were OM - with my call as an added handicap! You see, no one believes me when I ask them to QRS!
I'm at about 10WPM now and practicing, practicing...

Chris
K3CW

[n8avx]

Haven't been on CW for almost 15 years. Still have the old J-38 I started with in 1975. Used an AN/ART-3 with a dynamotor as my first transmitter, the RX was a Navy TSC-14.

For some reason last year at Dayton I went and bought an Iambic key paddle to work with the Icom 746. Got an old Johnson SpeeDX bug sitting on top of the Drake MS-4 speaker, hooked to the TR-4. Sitting next to it is the original J-38.

There is hope yet...

73,
Jim
N8AVX

[KC2JCA]

This, for me, puts ham radio right into perspective. Wonderful story. Even though I personally have had my license only for 19 days, let me add "Welcome Back!".

30 years ago it was the "code" that kept me from getting my ham ticket, I just didn't get it. Some people say I still don't get it, but that's a different story!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

So this year, at 45, when I discovered a No Code License, I wanted back in. Funny thing is, since I got my license on the 1st of February, I have been immersed into learning code.

For whatever reason, this time something clicked. I've built a practice oscillator and searched out various methods of learning the code. The thing that worked for me was using Code Quick and following that up with practice sessions at the ridiculously high speed of 25WPM.

Of course, at that speed I am really only copying about 75%, but with that and the combination of having a practice oscillator for sending, I feel confident I will do well on my code test next month.

CW and QRP is for me. My next project, to start soon, is a 40 meter CW rig. Perhaps one day we will have the chance to have a QSO.


Long Live Code.

73, Jim - kc2jca

[kf4yio]

Arnie

What a great story and my very best congratulations
go out to you. I was lucky and learned the code
while in the military but your story should show all
of us what enjoyment ham radio can bring us.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you work many
DX cw stations.

73's

KF4YIO Jack
Ringgold, GA.

[KB4FOS]

You go, Arnie!....

This was a well written article, poignantly reminding me of my own roots. I also came up through the Novice ranks. Ohms law was easy compared to an on-the-air contact while your elmer looked on in judgement. He was N4EPD, Mike (I still remember). He was an honest man and wasn't about to turn me loose on the bands without proven efficiency. VE's are bought and sold nowadays like campaign promises. Little honor survives.

Too bad for us all, that the dumbed-down version of proficiency is now accepted as a passport to the bands. The Novice sub-bands are now silent, thanks to our greed and impatience to get instant, RF gratification. Only time will tell if "incentive licensing" ever really provided any incentive at all, or was just a smoke screen for inevitable failure.


JaxJoe
SpectrumArc (http://www.joe.firstcoastonline.com/)

[NG7Z]

Arnie,
While reading your wonderful post, memories just like yours came back. As a teen in the sixties, CW was my only mode and all I could afford was a homebrew 6146 40 meter transmitter my Dad helped me build. Those crystal controlled rag chews often were several kcs apart. Later, after many mowed lawns in the local neighborhood, I bought a Knight T-60 and even later, a Heathkit SB something transceiver. If you're interested, visit http://www.arrl.org/?news_list_off=60 and look for a web article I wrote titled, "Low Power, Crummy Antenna". I think you'll enjoy it. Welcome back and hope to hear you soon.
73
Paul NG7Z

[Midwest]

What a fine story to show the value of learning different aspects of the hobby. #Whether one chooses amateur radio for technical, social, service, or personal satisfaction reasons, this wonderful hobby provides rewarding opportunities for fulfillment.

CW does seem to draw many amateurs who just like to relax and enjoy a hobby without getting involved in controversy. #Many of the nice guys and gals are found on that mode.

An experienced hand will never object to a QRS request but may keep the QSO a bit more abbreviated than usual. #For many years a large number of Extras have used mostly the novice bands. #They can go pretty fast but enjoy CW at a more comfortable pace. #They also like to welcome newer hands and enjoy "The Dance" of simple QSO patterns.

Each facet of amateur radio has its proponents and they are neither right nor wrong, they simply have their preferences and others have no right to rate one facet as being higher level than another. #We need to remember to keep the frame around the picture of the hobby large enough for all to fit comfortably.

Again, nice letter !! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[wa1ljd]

Arnie, congradulations and welcome back to the fun and excitement of CW. Reading your story, brought back many fine memories of when I was a novice. I first got my novice ticket in the middle of 1969 as WN1LJD, many and many of cw contacts. Really fell in love with morse since i started working my ole straight key. I joined the navy in 1970 and kept up with the hobby till this day, i do 90 percent cw, and you can find me on 30 meters hitting the key. i generally get on after midnight, since i work 3-11. Since my novice days i have kept in touch with another operator i have met on cw in 69. to this day we qso back and forth.. take care. and enjoy the cw mode. Augie Wa1ljd.. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[NL7DS]

Thanks Arnie,
Now that's #what ham radio is all about. So many aspiring and new hams miss the whole point of why we have this and why we have that. They seem too immersed in what they hate or don't hate about the hobby that they miss the joy of being a part of one of the greatest fraternities in the world.
I surpassed the code tests. It took many years to do it and I hated every last minute of it. But looking back, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
Five years ago if you had told me by the year 2002 that 80% of my on air activity would be CW I would have laughed at you.
I don't care who you are, #no-code Tech or an Extra...to me your still a part of the greatest family every assembled.
Again, thanks for the story.
73
de Durell

[WA0KNP]

Great story Arnie!

I have been licensed for 40 years, too! #I took a 15 year break and returned to the airwaves in Feb. of 2001. #The ICOM 718 I purchased is the first rig I've ever had that can put me on any mode but CW...and, to this day, it is still my "mode of choice". #I gave a program on ham radio to the local Kiwanis Club and the question came back, "Why code when you can use SSB??". #Ya know, I really can't explain it...once you have it in your blood it just won't go away. #I'm glad to be part of that brotherhood of believers and I feel a little sad for those who will never know the thrill of CW. #Oh, I enjoy chatting on SSB once in a while but it just doesn't send that chill up the spine you get when you hear the sound of that DX CW signal coming back at you with your call from thousands of miles away.

73, #"Ray" #WAØKNP

[n7wsb]

I am learning cw so I can go to tech plus and maybe to general - I hope to past the test this coming weekend (I've been studying for the last few weeks) - actually while studying I find cw rather enjoyable. Its actually plesant. I'm not sure if its the sound or its just me, but I think once I get onto hf I will learn to love cw :). What at first was ah no cw, became something that actually has a certian geek factor to it.

[prayer]

Thanks Arnie,
Your story give me a lot of incentive to get back into CW. Especially living in PNG it would be very exciting to make some contacts from this side of the world.
Code did not come easy to me but I passed my 13 wpm. Sorry I did not keep it up.
I'll be getting back into it agian.
Thanks for the wonderful story and hope it gives others like me a bit more appreciation of the hobby.
Now where did I put my key...
David Ingraham,
PNG

[K3HVG]

1959.. in the attick with an S-40B and a Viking Challenger (first Challenger kit sold by Electronic Wholesalers in DC, my Dad was told..). #All KN3HVG had was CW so there was no question of choice nor of decision. #I don't seem to recall the struggle with cw that some relate; I think I was enthralled enough with the idea that I could talk around the world that any qualification hoop was not a problem. #And besides, pounding brass was "neat". #I now lope along at about 10wpm... enough to get by yet still have a good time. #Welcome back OM!

[NS1O]

Just thought that I would put my two cents in, Welcome back and I hope to work you on CW. I have been a ham for 28 years and during that time I let my code slow down. Last year I got back into HF and 10 Ghz now my code's coming back and I find it alot of fun, theirs nothing like a CW contact in the middle of the winter while watching the snow come down. I'l be looking for you.

73
Al
NS1O

[ag4hy]

great story and great comments;;;
so glad to read a story like this and all the aimable comments. really wonderful. maybe when i get over discovering what else there is on ham radio; i'll get into code, but are you sure that "GET OFF MY FREQUENCY" doesn't exist on the code frequencies? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
fellows; there is so doggone much to experience on ham radio that one could be classed as the proverable,"one eyed dog in a meat house" hey that's me http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif thanks, Arnie for the great story..
mumble, mumble, where did i put that old brass key? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
73 and have a good day http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
willie ag4hy

[kcwings]

Glad you seem to be enjoying yourself on CW, afterall that is what amateur radio is suppose to be for, fun. Pardon me though if I still think CW stinks. I was always told that I didn't like CW because I couldn't do it. To prove them wrong, I got my Extra expressly for the purpose of hushing up the people who said that.

The courteousness of CW operators also must be put into question. I use to work a lot of RTTY. It would never fail that a CW op would come right into the middle of my QSO calling CQ.

I guess what I am really trying to say is don't let these guys intimidate you period. Whether working QRO or QRP, CW or SSB, RTTY or Packet. It should be what you want to do, not what you are pressured into doing. I personally wish the CW diehards would give it up and go away.

[ve3bqn]

Thats a good story congrats--I got my licence April 11th 1947 in grade 11 high school going to a technical school for radio twice a week--when they found out i was a day student the day school would not give me permission to attend night school--so I changed my name and signed in as one of my pals Colin MacDougal--changing back to my real name the day of the exam--and bieng so rude as to go to my high school principal and telling him--"see I maintained the same marks and I got my licence!!
Ted sparrow

Hi Arnie,

Like you, I was first licensed in 1960 as a novice. I was not fortunate enough to have understanding or encouraging parents and they would not allow me to spend my money on such "foolishness". After a year, I let me novice ticket expire (it was un-renewable anyway) and didn't upgrade to the next step, Technician.

After graduating from High School and spending 3 years in the army, I joined the work force in 1965 and sometime in 1966, I got the bug again. I got busy and studied for my Technician license including, of course, 5WPM for the code exam. I was pretty sure back in those days that 5WPM was the upper limit for me and I really was only interested in talking on 6 meters to some of the guys I had met around town (We didn't have our first 2 meter repeater until around 1970). Unfortunately, I soon tired of talking with the same 4 or 5 guys all of the time and once again became inactive.

In 1976, I hooked up with another group of guys and they encouraged me to get my code speed up and go down to the FCC office in town. seems that they had grandfathered the "Mail-Order" Technicians and all I had to do was pass the 13 WPM exam to upgrade to General.

With the Tech now having novice priviledges as well as 50mhz up, I got busy on the novice bands and built up my code speed went down and passed the exam, took the advanced test, passed it, bought me a new rig, big amp, tower and Tri-bander and was on the air 100% SSB chasing DX. Well, you might have guessed, I soon tired of this as well and intrest slowly slipped away. Yep, inactive again.

Now comes 1990. A friend of mine, an accomplished brass pounder, got me involved in the local ham club, got me back on the air at the club station. Moast everyone in the club held extra class tickets so they all started giving me gaffe wanting to know when I was going to upgrade. Once again, I got busy, got on the air on CW, built up my speed and passed the 20WPM exam.

However, this time, I caught the CW bug and began to spend more and more time at the key/keyer. Pretty soon, I realized that I had not been on SSB for quite a while and discovered that I was having more fun than I had ever had since I had "re-discovered" Morse code.

I've been CW only for the last ten years. In fact, I don't even know where the microphone for my rig is.

Well, I made a short story long, so I'll finish now. Welcome back to Ham Radio and to the ranks of the "Brass Pounders"

73 & gud DX

NC5S
Ed

[KG4OHE]

Congratulations to you, Arnie!

I too have just become active in Ham radio again after 40 years only I never got my Novice ticket because I never learned the code. #My ham radio buddy then, already had his General and rarely ever worked CW.

Time passes (40 years) and while I'm working away from home, I found some time on my hands and decided to look into an antique radio club flea market that I saw the ad for. #Well I found an old Allied Knight-Kit Star Roamer GC Receiver for $20 and I was gone all over again.

This time I went down to my local Ham Club and took the code-less Tech license (passed it on field day weekend) and then went to the club's field day site and "hung out" for the weekend. #Talk about fun!

As soon as my call sign came thru I went down to my local Ham store and bought a dual band HT and got on the air. #I was fortunate in that I was in the Seattle, WA area where there is a very active and supportive 2 meter repeater community

I purchased a regular 2 meter rig from another ham (NG7Z - Paul) who became my "CW elmer" and helped me get thru my code proficiency and I was able to get my General ticket after only 6 months as a Tech. #Am currently working on my Extra Class license which I hope to pass before I get to my first anniversary date.

Ham radio has always had a pull on my psyche as I'm basically a talkative person (ask my wife) and enjoy meeting lots of new people. #The internet just didn't do it for me and now I feel I've achieved a life long goal of finally getting my license.

I've gained a new respect for those who work only CW but feel that in order to be a "Good" operator, one must be well rounded so I've also taken up PSK-31 and phone as well.

I am also a firm supporter of the LPCA (low power, crummy antenna) concept as I live in a rental home in a CC&R restricted neighborhood (with the ever vigilant CC&R Nazi Enforcers).

Best of Luck now that you're back amongst the active ranks and maybe we'll meet down the log.

73 de KG4OHE

[K4RTN]

The story could have been about Me 45 years ago. Now I am an Extra class and can't get enough of it'.
Jack K4RTN http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[k7rnv]

ditto for me too. i was licensed in 1962 and am back having so much fun!!!!!!!!!!! best wishes and good dx. 73 bob http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[K7NIK]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Arnie, I read your acticle and I was elatted at your continues's love for CW. I took the test for 5WPM twice for the Technician+, and for the General 7 times until I passed the 13 WPM. I didn't get into CW but SSB, now I tring to practice my skills at CW so I can make some contacts, I haven't a antenna up as yet until my new house gets finished and I can put up my Cushcraft MA5B so I can get back on the air. I wished I had gotten into Amateur Radio years ago, it's a great Hobby and a great way to meet so many nice Ham's all over the World. Cheers/73/Nick/KQ6RU

[kf4glg]

Arnie, thanks for the great read. I've only been a ham for a few years now, but I can remember sitting on my grandmothers porch in the 50's trying to tune in the mysterious "dits" and "dahs" on the old floor model multiband radio. I spent hours late at night tuning in far off shortwave and broadcast stations and always wondered what the cw stations were saying and where they were at. Now, years later, I know. To me ham radio is cw. All the rest, ssb, rtty, psk31 etc, are just more things to have fun with. You can teach an old dog "new tricks". Sometimes it can be difficult teaching a "young pup" to step over his poop! Ham radio is fun! 73, mike

[VE6BUD]

Hey there!

I first obtained my basic license in 1990, back when Canada just had
come out with a no-code license. I played around on 2m, 6m and a
month later, got my 5 WPM CW qualification. Oh what FUN I had on
80 metres! One time, I can remember having a 4 hour long QSO with
some very tolerant and patient ham at a very tedious 4 WPM, we both
had a lot of things to say and never did this ham say, "Sorry, you are
too slow for me. Please QRQ to 15 WPM or I'll call it QRT"

I have to admire any ham that could put up with that. That's one
thing that makes me really proud about this hobby. The fact that people
are willing to let others learn and to become part of that so-called
"Elite" group of CW'ers that hang around on the bands. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I've found that most other hobbies can end up being hostile to newbies.
I like it when I can ask someone about antenna theory, rig problems,
shack wiring or other stuff and they are very willing to give a hand to
help.

About 1995 I decided to get out of the hobby in order to pay for my
tuition so I could take Computer Engineering. I regret selling off my
equipment.. So I've been QRT for the last 6 years.

In December of 2001, I finally got back on the air with a beat up old
Icom IC-2AT... It's not HF but it's a start. I can't wait to get back on
HF again. I've told my girlfriend that I'm looking at buying a house soon
just so I can put up a tower in the backyard. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif (Working HF in a condo
complex really sucks.. especially when the condo board comes after you
for attempting to mount a 5-element Quad on a balcony railing! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif )

Anyway, Thanks for sharing your memories. I guess I"m still a newbie
in a lot of ways, I'm quite young in comparison to a lot of hams that I've
met. I was born in 1974, what can I say. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

73

[wa2dax]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
HOO RAH ARNIE!
You brought back many fine memories of days gone by. Like you I was licensed in the 60's and only learned the code "because I had to". Even in the Boy Scouts I avoided the code like a plague, learning the semiphore instead. Once I got my "WN" call, I got on-the-air with a borrowed Heath AT-1, WWII BC-348 Receiver and "high dipole" at about 12'.
Got to the point I ACTUALLY ENJOYED IT! Before I went off to college I could copy around 30 wpm by ear.
Over the years I dabble in code, but like many others, lack the time to do as much as I would like. Recently I picked up a couple of tube rigs (remember those! Glowing filaments, heat........). Talk about bringing back memories and enjoyment. Fulfilling operation. While I don't begrudge the newer hams (post-incentive licensing and code requirements), I don't think words can express what WE enjoyed that they (for the most part) haven't experienced. You sort of had to have been there, done that and got the t-shirt. Anyone who has experienced this knows what I mean, the rest look as if there are 3 heads coming from my neck.
Thanks for the Memories, Arnie! May have to fire up the Swan 350B or KWM2!
Best 73.
Kane, WA2DAX

[yd1sms]

Welcome "back" Arnie,
your story is so beautiful.
It motivates me to practice this mode harder.
I am back to the radio after almost 15 years of no radio activity.
Now I have my ham license again.
But.... almost 99.99 % of my activity is on the phone mode.

My ham license doesn't allowed me to work DX.
One of the condition to go to the upgrading examination is have at least 5 QSL cards for CW QSO confirmation.
Actually I did some CW QSO on 80 meter band.... but.. I am still not a good CW operator.
I am a lazy CW learner :-((
Although, my friends at the radio club are CW maniac !!
But.. since I read your story... I'll practice my CW skill every day..
It is true... your story really motivates me....
Thank you very much Arnie.... for sharing your beautiful story.

73 de yd1sms-Budi
Bekasi-West Java
Indonesia

[Aerobat9]

"Welcome Home" Arnie. 7 yrs of USAF CW, 8hrs per day, injected that "cw bug" into my blood, and no filter could ever take it out. I was off the air from Feb. 64 til June 97, but using the electric horn, during my 35 yrs of trucking, kept my fist in good condx, and kept me awake at 3am. Other truckers that would hear the "cw" from my horn thought I was nuts, but it served it's purpose. CW is a LANGUAGE, just that, and no more, and it's always nice to be "fluent" in another language. Increasing your speed is like adding more words to your "vocabulary", When all other modes FAIL, someone can always "pull-out" a CW signal. "If you dish-it-out, you must also be willing to take it" is a good motto. Send at the speed that you are capable of copying, and you will gain more & more respect and admiration from other Hams, as you have from me. QRS was established in the "Q" signals for a very practical purpose - - "speaking faster than the other station is capable of listening, will NOT ACCOMPLISH ANY COMMUNICATION" !

73, Gene/K3QLZ

[AB8KC]

Real nice Arnie
You have brought back memories to all of us. In 1959 I passed my novice test and 3 months later in 1960 got my ticket WV6LKC and CW was king to me. With my SX-28A and 50 watt home brew, pounding on that key, hoping for that DX. Thoes are the best memories I have. MY family moved to Reno Nv. and I got my Conditional ticket K7RFK then to WI. W9EZU Then back to CA. W6EZN by this time I was all over 20 meters on ssb and the nets were starting to come in, I really didn't care for the nets, seemed to have the frequencies all pluged up even to this day. Well, got married and like a dummy let my license expire, boy was that a mistake. the manuals have increased, so to thoes of you who arn't active, don't let it it expire. Well, last year I was determined to get my license back,thank GOD and I really do, my ticket is back. I was surprised when I became a member of my local radio club that no one really promotes CW for a way of communication but only to get there HF privileges.Arnie, thanks for you story, I think all of us want to go back to romancing the key. I wish the FCC would realize this and keep CW alive and well,for all of us. As soon as I can find a reasonably priced cw filter for my 430 I'll be joying you.

George AB8KC

[BG9HB]

I am wouking on 29.600Mhz with a radio station used by fishman in china.I have no chance to use cw,becaude my station have no cw ,But I am sticking to listen to tape for cw .now I can copy 30 wpm .Is that ok if i listen to radio? I wish we have chance to do

[BG9HB]

I am wouking on 29.600Mhz with a radio station used by fishman in china.I have no chance to use cw,because my station have no cw ,But I am sticking to listen to tape for cw .now I can copy 30 wpm .Is that ok if i listen to radio? I wish we have chance to neet you #on air.
# # sorry for my poor english .

[W8OKN]

Excellent! #I was licensed in 1976. #I operated CW for several years. #In 1986, I became a 2m only ham until about 4 months ago. #A good ham friend loaned me a 20m QRP CW rig and my first CW QSO was with another great friend of mine whom I hadn't spoken to since 1985. #We operated CW on 20m, by pure chance, while he was sitting in a parking lot in Texas using an FT 817! #We are both from Michingan!! #Talk about chance!!! #I now own an Icom 718 and work 75% CW, QRP.

[W5ATX]

The common thread here is all the guys who like CW gave it a chance. That's what can't happen in today's society - nobody has patience for anything. Give CW a chance? Not a chance!!! It's just too easy to pick up that 2m rig and yak.

It is the way of the world today.

In my case, I got my novice at age 13 in January 1975. There was no option but CW so I learned to enjoy it. It was cw or qrt - easy choice. I also learned how to keep my rig on the air, as there was no money to be paying for repairs. So I learned as I went. That's how it is supposed to be.

When November 1975 came, I was ready for my General. A trip to NYC to the FCC office and a month later my General was in the mail. As money was still an issue, I just stayed on CW. By then of course it had had its chance and I was hooked.

To anyone who doesn't want to use CW, that's fine. But everything said in the previous posts is true. It's a fine place for fine ops. And you won't find as many LIDS there. A few but not as many. And the idea that a 400HZ cw filter can kill nearly all QRM is just unbeatable. I personally get headaches from the noise on the SSB bands. Oh well, maybe that's my loss, but cw . . . I'm getting back on CW soon, and I'm looking forward to it.

As for the memories, yes indeed. It'll be like being 13 again.

Good luck and 73,

Chris

[wb6bcn]

Arnie, W7BIA
I too am getting re-interested in CW: #I was initially licensed in 1969, almost 35 years ago. As a novice I think my best contact was with a homebrew transmitter with about 1 watt input power to a UA9 in Russia from my QTH in Southern California, about 15 miles from my present QTH.
It was definately having loads of fun back then. #With raising a family I found it necessary to sell some of my equipment from time to time. I was havng trouble also getting over the 12 WPM barrier, so when I went to upgrade and failed to pass the 13 WPM test. At that time the novice wasn't renewable so I opted for the Tech. From time to time I got some old equipment someone else retired, so I was intermittently active on 2 meters AM or FM. When they started putting tone squelch on repeaters, and the radio I was using died about 15 years ago, I went dormant. #
In 2000 when they restructured so I only needed was to pay the fee to upgrade to General I did. I still didn't have anything to go on the air with. #Early in 2002 the contract I am on changed vendors and I started drawing a pension from the previous vendor. Now I was able to acquire some equipnent. #After nearly 15 years I was able to consider the possibility of buying some radios. My last purchace was a J-38, #and the first contact I made I was more nervous then the first contact I made as a novice. #I am currently listening to off air CW, #and using a computer program to get up some speed. #I am looking to getting into CW in a big way soon after the first of the year. #In August I took the inititive to get my Extra so I can go anywhere I want that FCC permits for Amatuer use. #
I am looking to exercising my J-38 a lot.