New hams

[kc7wgs]

I love the article and follow-up by KD5ICK on "How I Became a Ham". The interesting part was how many of these people had an individual that provided some guidance toward getting their license. I would like to hear from people what they, themselves, are doing to bring quality new blood into the hobby. Here's my story...

I retired from the business world about 8 years ago, quickly became bored and went back to school to get my teaching credentials. Went to work at a local middle school teaching keyboarding and computer applications. Since I tend to spend a significant part of my free time in the classroom, I put in an HF station as well as 2 meters (getting permission to put the antenna up is another very interesting story).

Before long I had two young women in my class studying for their Tech licenses. They both passed and went on to get their General. Kristen, KD7IED went on to get her Extra class. As a result, both fathers decided they were interested so now they are both licensed. I think they are both General class.

Last summer I moved to the High Schiool to teach Computer Hardware support. Again, I put radio equipment in the room since I spend much of my free time there. As part of the class the students have to study enough related material that getting their Tech license was not that hard so the entire class decided to go for it. Of the 9 that tested, 6 passed with 2 more scheduled to take another test at the local VE session. Two students are now deep into getting their code. Now I have students that aren't even in the class asking about amateur radio...

I have been buying HTs on ebay and swap meets to give them and I have a couple of funky old HF radios that receive but won't transmit. Local radio club members have loaned me some equpment so we can get some of them on the air.

My next step is to invite them to the ARES/RACES meeting that we have once a month and get them involved in community service.

We tend to hang out on 17 meters (18.150) where I give them HF experience with the friendly rag-chewers. They operate while I provide the Control Operator function. Stop by and say "hello" and meet some wonderful students.

Rick
KC7WGS

[wb0nni]

Way to go! You're exactly right - our future lies in not only the interest we instill in young people, but in our willingness to elmer them along. For me, it was W0HE (see http://rmrlent.dtgnet.com/amp/w0he.html), and for my sons and their friends it was Dad that brought them along. If every ham would devote even a portion of the time that you have to introduce and elmer a young man or woman, and do that twice in their life time, our numbers would not only grow, but the operating privileges we enjoy would be riveted for generations to come.
My hat's off to you! Best 73s - Bob

[KC2JCA]

I'm helping my 11 year old son.


73, Jim - kc2jca

It is great to see so many hams taking the time to get young people involved in this great hobby. #

My story is actually just the opposite. #My daughter (KG4OPC) was actually the one who inspired me to get my license. #She decided last year, at only eight years old, that she wanted to get her technician license. #I actually learned the information while helping her study for her test. #We both took our technician test in July 2001 and both passed first try. #Since that time, I have upgraded to extra and she has already passed her general theory and is planning on taking her code at our next test session. #She is also a real inspiration to many others in our ham community. #There have been many who have decided that if she can do it, then they can too. #I love the hobby and it is great to see so many young people getting involved.

Keep up the great job that you are doing with your students. #These young people are the future of amateur radio. #Best wishes to all.
73,
Angela

[KD7OVP]

I am the second oldest of 6 children. My older sister wants nothing to do with amateur radio but all of my younger sibblings desprately want their liceses. Oh, yeah my mom is also licensed (good thing too she is the primary money spender, hehe). I appreciate every on air mentor I have and I feel forever indebted to them.
I intend to get my General and Extra and I am telling all my sibblings about it so we can woop the pants of people in contests. But you know contests are fun and it shouldn't be about POINTS. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[N3GWZ]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kc7wgs @ Mar. 30 2002,04<!--emo)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I would like to hear from people what they, themselves, are doing to bring quality new blood into the hobby. Here's my story...[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Rick, this is a great story and am glad that youngsters still have some interest in the hobby. #I started at the age of 14 and used to bring the rig to school but wasn't able to get any interest from anyone other than my best friend, KA3UEH. #Recently, I've been "pressuring" him and my coworker, WH6CMI, to upgrade to Extra. #They don't have a lot of time to study or I'd be quizzing them. #But, I'm taking them to the testing session this weekend and hope they pass. #There's another prospective ham at work, but he's too busy to study also. #I can't even get a few minutes from him to work some of the bands from my mobile setup in the parking lot. #I'm glad I got my license and upgraded when I was young because adult responsibilities take up so much time. #You got the right idea, teach them while they are young.

[ke7mbl]

I became a ham in 1998 by taking a class
from another ham; but I have a interest in
two-way communications for a long time.
At one time I was assigned to signal unit
while I was in the Army. I do enjoy the
hobby quite a bit. I'am currently a technician
lisencessy and don't plan to upgrade any
time soon http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

Well, nobody got me into the hobby. #My interest started in High School when I bought my first scanner (I bet if there was a Radio Club, I would of gotten my license then). #I lost interest in the scanner when I went to collage. #It wasn't until 9/11 when I found myself getting the old scanner out. #Then there was a new scanner, then another new scanner, a antenna and so on. #I started listening to the local 2M repeaters and got hooked. #Being a computer person, Packet, IRLP and iLink peaked my interested the most. #I started studying and then took the test at ARRL HQ in Newington. #Now I am working on my General ticket. #

Now I have started to speading the word.

[kc0mdc]

Excellent stories, great topic. As a new license holder I am always interested in other people's stories and starts in amateur radio. Reading stories like these played a large part in my deciding to get my ticket.

The local radio club here participates in a Boy Scout Jamboree by doing a session on amateur radio. I will have the pleasure of helping with the event this spring for the first time. The night I took my Tech test they told me about the event when I asked how I could get involved in the club and community service. Not only is it great to provide the service, but an excellent opportunity to get young people interested in this great hobby.

73's Tim

[K0RJO]

Hi all!
#Just thought I'd add my 2 cents in here. #I was interested in amatuer radio when I was young, and got interested in it through the CB radio. #However, until this last November, I had no idea how to get my ticket or how to pursue my interest. Lucky for me, my new beau ( now my fiance) had a Tech license and encouraged me to take my test. #After 4 days of study, I aced the test, and got my call sign about a week later. ( thank goodness for vanity calls- as mine is being changed) #My fiance' bought me my first radio..an HT...and now Im happily on the air in Nevada and Arizona. #I'm glad there are people out there like him, or I'd never have been able to further my own interest in amateur radio. Thanks K0ROB!! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[KA7CJH]

As far back as I could remember, my father would tell me about his time in the Navy Reserves. He did his reserve time either on Saint Nicholas Island or Pt. Mugu (Southern Calif.) Seems when he was out on the island in their spare time he would hang around with "Hams" and listen to them operate on the HF bands. I know he was interested too. But to this day he still hasn't gotten his ticket but I have. I was granted KD6NSD back in 1992 and since then spend numerous hours on the radio making new friends. Just wish the activity on the higher bands would pick back up. I think Amateur Radio is a great thing to be involved with. It has surely changed my life.

On a different note: I'd like to get in touch with operators who are into packet radio.. I have lots of questions..


73's de KA7CJH Chris

[MAB2003]

the individual who help me well more like two individuals my Physics teacher who is a general class ham and the president of the Ham radio club i am in SAM(ad6xs) he is an extra class licence they both introduced me and helped me with whatever i needed my friends Sam's website tutorials helped alot and they are free
www.transworldradio.8m.com and they work because i now have my tech and i got my younger brother into it and he has a tech to off that website

[MSB2008]

My brother who is an ham radio operator helped me with pretty much everything and i got to tell my life has changed since i got got my tech and i love it so far and i plan to become and amatuer extra someday http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[KG6KNB]

My story begins nearly 50 years ago when my brother and my father began studying for their novice tickets. #I was 6 years old and loved to set on the floor and listen to the dits and dahs of the practice records. #One evening my dad handed me a piece of paper with all the code written out and the equivalent letters and numbers. #He said that I should try to listen for as many letters as I could. #I learned my code but could never quite get the theory. #I was just too interested in play time and friends. #Being a kid in the 50’s was so much fun. #Both my father and brother passed their novice exams, KN6RUV and KN6RUZ. #My brother currently holds his General ticket K6RUZ. #My father passed away 14 years ago as WA6IGK, Silent But Not Forgotten.

My brother and I enjoy the back roads of this great nation with our Jeeps and communication had become somewhat of a problem. #With the encouragement of my brother and the memory of my father I have recently passed my Technician exam and I’m looking forward to my General. #I have applied for vanity call letters so I my operate with my dads original call sign.

73 #KG6KNB #Jay T

[KG4ROL]

Started mine by listening to a scanner in High School. I listened and started to get interested in it. Went to the military for a couple of years and got a little more interesting when I talk to two ham operators in those two years. Well, I got serious about the end of last year and got my tech license this Feburary. Couple of guys invited me to an ARES/RACES meeting. Now, I'm getting involved with them and getting my Skywarn (basics) training tomorrow night. Now, I'm finding myself rag chewing on a local repeater and helping others at the same time or in times of need. I'm just 27 years old, still in my younger years. Matter of fact I think I'm 22 (hehe). Now, I'm talking to several other people about and couple of them seem interested in it. Just want to drop a line about my experince.

Take it easy out there and 73's,

Chris, KG4ROL
Oviedo, FL.

[ag4hy]

got my tickets right by my self,start to finish... no one had time to help and not because i didn't ask, i even ask arrl, nothing but a list of possible "elmers?" what ever that is. did get cussed out about asking for help for the tech, by a "ham?" only help was to be given the test...
How do you help people become a ham when they tell you to stick it in your !@~%$& _ _ _ ? aint got time for no ___ tests. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
ag4hy

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Hey all This is KD7QQO a BRAND-NEW member of the ham community Just got my call sign thursday my grandpa took me to a test for my tech licence I'm thirteen years old and am trying to impress my friends enough to get them to join-up! I cant wait to get my General and Extra http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Well hi to all! My new e mail address isKD7QQO@RN.COM thanks PEACE http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif !

[KF4BOT]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif5--></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (.KD7QQO. @ April 07 2002,16http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif5)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif Hey all This is KD7QQO a BRAND-NEW member of the ham community Just got my call sign thursday my grandpa took me to a test for my tech licence I'm thirteen years old and am trying to impress my friends enough to get them to join-up! I cant wait to get my General and Extra http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #Well hi to all! My new e mail address isKD7QQO@RN.COM thanks PEACE http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif ![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Congrats on getting your license and welcome to the fold. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[VE6VPD]

My story started when I was about 8 years old, in 1970. #We had an old tube AM radio with SW bands and a longwire antenna about 70' long. #The two were made for each other. #With a brother 7 years older than I, and CB starting to get popular, he licensed with a Hallicrafter CB-3A 10m AM rig modified for 11m. #Crystal control at it's finest!

In later years that longwire antenna would meet one of a few CB HTs ... I'll never forget the night I shot a signal about 35 miles with 100mW and that longwire. #I have had many CBs over the years... Radio Shack, Lafayette, Uniden and more HTs than I can remember. #I still have one today, in my off-road truck. #While the skip and linears are a bugger on that band, it will still get a few miles, and this is plenty for backcountry travel.

In 1980 I was in College and worked the college station (VE3MCH) at lunch times. #I studied for code -at that time 7wpm- and theory, all self-done. #Electronics in high school and at home were a big help. #Just about aced the theory exam, and code, well that was a toughie. #Could not get past 3wpm... along came computers... then Ham was out the window.

Fast forward to 2002... #I have made a career from computers for about 18 years now. #A couple fellows from the office decided to do a ham course. #Over beers one night, we exhanged similar stories of childhood love of radio, and he encouraged me to try the practise exam available to those of us north of the 49th parallel. #On my first try, I was one mark short of a pass... One trip to the nearest gear shop (http://www.ntfc.ca) and $70 later, I had my study materials. #Passed the general exam with a 91% mark. #Decided the night before the exam to try the practise exam for Advanced, and was one mark short of a pass (sound familiar?). #After 23 hours of studying advanced topics, I didn't even get in the 80's% for that exam, but I did pass it. #I swear I don't know how I remember inductance calculations but they just "came back", kind of like riding a bike.

So, here I am today, a so-fresh-the-ink-is-still-wet callsign, and with a few gray hairs, a lot of lost hair, but a bit more chutzpah than in days gone by. #Still never lost a love of SWL (first a Halli-clunker, then a Sony, most recently a Grundig Receiver) or a love of making antennas. #Wish me luck on this new-fangled-JPole thing, this week's project. #Dang, that ARRL Antenna Handbook is a whole bunch bigger than the last time I saw it!

73's,
Vince

[KB1HWH]

Hi There,

The name is Mike. My license was issued back in February (Was it that long ago?). I'm just starting to learn so much about this hobby and all it has to offer. I joined the local repeater club , and am frequently on the 2meter repeaters in this area (Springfield, Massachusetts., 147.000, 146.94, and 146.67). About two weeks ago I was up on a hill talking into a repeater 60 miles away WITH MY HT! I loved it, I was speaking to a guy in Latham, NY., about 120 miles away! Well, thats all I took for me to get interested in long range communications... (General Class Anyone?). I got the book and matieral in the mail the other day and have just started to read it. My goal is to have a General Ticket in Hand by Memorial Day.

My inspiration comes from two people. The first is my Science Teacher , an extra class Ham KW2D, who had some equipment in his room. That really sparked an interest, so much so I started taking his classes on it. However the technical stuff was way over my head. So I put it off...

The other person who inspired me was my father. When my father was in his upper class of High School he was a ham (KN1TGW) this is back in the 60's. My father never renewed his license and has totally got away from the hobby...

...well you know how the story goes... after my 8th grade class and losing interest b/c of the technical stuff which was over my head... I decided then to get one of them round 'tuits. You know, I'll get a round 'tuit sometime. #Well when the attacks happened in September, and my scanner listening peaked again, I decided to try for the test. Working as a Broadcast Engineer, the technical side was easy, so was the rules and regs. All I needed to learn was the band plans, privledges and Ill be all set. The hardest part was finding the VFW to take the exam (Tough when the city has TWO streets with IDENTICAL names). The VE's decided to poke a little fun with me b/c they knew I was nervous. After they scored my test, one of the test takers finally announced that they were "batting 1000"... all of a sudden I had this HUGE smile on my face.

Now comes the study for the Upgrade, Code, and HF. I like code, alot. I find it very interesting, and actually very soothing to just listen in on it. I've been told by several people it doesn't take a whole lot of money or equipment to get into the HF bands. Paitence is best... which with doing engineering all ready, I've learned to have (now driving... well we wont go there).

Wish me luck!

73's

Mike Fitzpatrick
KB1HWH

P.S. I am sticking to my six letter call, no matter what class license I get...

[KA7RRA]

I never was going to get my ham licenses,because of the code, but after being a CB-RADIO op I got tired of it and decided it was time to learn the code and get my license. I found out I liked the code a lot and was up to 21 wpm and got my call in 1982 I was a Novice then a tec then a gen.. Some day I might get my advance or extra
DAve....

[kc0isu]

Every now and then, I mumble things at work about radio. I brought my HT to work yesterday to listen to the repeater where they broadcast shuttle launch communications during liftoff.

One guy at work invited me teach Radio merit badge to his scout trip. I couldn't pass up the offer! Several of the adult leaders indicated they wanted to study for a Technician's license. I started drafting the lesson plan right away. Each week I bring in some piece of radio for demo, such as a global call sign map, a key + keyer, an o-scope, or a TV set + HT to demo interference. It's fun. I see potential here...

I'm actually a brand new ham, Just got my licence
last Thursday and have only made three contacts on my
2-meter I know my story quite well... It all starts back
whole years ago in the fall of 2000. My grandfather
(KJ6AP) and I were doing a contest that he invited me
to. At first I thought the way he said ALPHA PAPA was
funny but soon it was ME Now I’ve Worked Probably 10 or 15 Hf contests and made 1000 or so contacts in about 40 countrys (Most were in Japan and America…) ! well two weeks ago I took my test and passed and here I am!!! By the way good luck on your general Mike (KB1HWH) I'm working on mine now
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KC0MRN]

My story may sound all too familar.....I have been curious about ham for many years...then I found my OM(Gary-KB0CMP). He had been a ham for the 25+ years, but had been off-the air for the last 5. I got him to help me study, and I have been off and running ever since(whoa, almost a whole month). I am studying code now, and plan on getting my general and extra before June/July. I run an Icom W2A for local 2m. He has been a great help, and I am now the proud owner of a TenTec 580 Delta w/ a EV mike and a Yaesu 757. I can't wait to start getting contacts on the hf bands. I am learning much about antennas, and we run a inverted-trap v for 10,20,40, and 80. For 17m we use a horizontal rotating di-pole, and it works great getting 5/9s off both coasts! I hope to have my general ticket by the time we put up the MFJ 1788, 15-40 loop, so I can play! And then to top off my computer skills (laid-off Senior tech/Manager from Gateway) check out the psk31 digital mode and enjoy where those computer modems came from. I am getting my ten year old son interested, and hope he will want to pass his test this year.

73s
Michele KC0MRN

[WA4KC]

My story is very simple compared to some I have read so far. I was on the internet looking for a recipie for a ham and from the search engine came ham radio. I clicked on the link and the rest was history. That was about 7 months ago and now I am an Extra Class. I decided to take all of my exams first then decide what I wanted to do with the hobby. I try to get others involved but so far no luck. My friends are interested in too many other things I guess.
There are a lot of good hams in my area and I consider myself lucky to be around such nice people. I did all of my study on my own but now ask a lot of questions to fill in the blanks where the test questions left off. What a great hobby where you can talk to people from around the world while driving in to the office. The people that say they have the internet are missing out on the magic of a signal coming in from what seems like nowhere and making contact.
73, Phillip WA4KC

[KB3HWY]

That story is awesome! It was actually one of my friends who got me into radio, and we are both in the same grade now! I just today got my tech callsign, and i think that Ham Radio should become a more integrated part of te classroom, like in computer classes. My friend who got me into it, KB3GVY, is now studing for his Extra class licence, and i am studying for my General. 73, Leland http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N8PCA]

In 1980 I began listening to CB transmissions on a portable plug in radio. I was fascinated by what I heard and then began buying MANY different kinds of CB rigs. After six years of playing with 11 metre rigs (that I really liked) I met a good friend that I am still friends with that encoureged me to try for my ham license. In 1986 I earned my first ticket and have had three since as I moved to Florida and made a temporary change to a (4) call. Since I moved back to Michigan I have changed my call sign twice. I remember as a kid about twelve or thirteen that I was fascinated by these BIG towers and wondered how does it work?? well, it obviously had an impact on me and here am I today. Ham Radio has had a definate good impact on my life and I hope to interest my ten and nine year old kids enough to be licensed some day. of course that is up to them!! We as Ham op's should use and protect our bands as much as possible and try to encourage our youth to carry on our good hobby. 73' from N8PCA