Ham Radio Myths

[kb7rky]

Greetings, fellow Amateurs!

What is an interesting Ham Radio Myth you've heard of, had related to you, or that you've experienced yourself, and wondered if the Mythbusters could tackle it to see if it was possible?

I'm a member/administrator of the Mythbusters Fan Club ( http://www.mythbustersfanclub.com ), and, though we are not officially part of the show, we post ideas and discussions about the myths that Adam and Jamie test in a friendly and civil discussion format...even going so far as to design our own myths, complete with information, testing criteria, and a testing setup.

Also, please keep in mind our fan club is not an official site of the Mythbusters TV show...it is a privately-owned and fan-supported website.

Here's your chance to bring to light some of those nagging Ham Radio Myths you may have heard of...and who knows?

Thanks for your co-operation, and thanks to Fred, AA7BQ, for allowing me to post this message here.

73's:

Doug, KB7RKY
Administrator, Mythbusters Fan Club.com

[kc7jty]

MYTH:
The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.

[KE5FRF]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,12:42)]MYTH:
#The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif APPLAUSE http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[n2nh]

Quote[/b] (kb7rky @ Nov. 24 2005,14:18)]Greetings, fellow Amateurs!

What is an interesting Ham Radio Myth you've heard of, had related to you, or that you've experienced yourself, and wondered if the Mythbusters could tackle it to see if it was possible?
I've been hearing about LDEs (Long Delayed Echos) on the Ham bands for decades and always found them fascinating (as you might have noticed). I don't know if they would have a way to prove/disprove them, but I think it would be very interesting to look into this phenomena that has been around as long as radio has.

[NY7Q]

"The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth"

Actually, this is the truth, time and time throughout history of electronics and ham radio, has shown this to be very very true.

"the real ham is an all around CW and electronics person."

[KD6NIG]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,10:42)]MYTH:
#The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.
Unfortunately the MythBusters can only deal in absolutes http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N7WEJ]

The REAL HAM doesnt have to say he is...

[W7TUX]

Quote[/b] (NY7Q @ Nov. 29 2005,10:47)]Actually, this is the truth, time and time throughout history of electronics and ham radio, has shown this to be very very true.

"the real ham is an all around CW and electronics person."


And this is part of the problem in this hobby today. It must be so inspiring to be so high as to be able to look down on the rest of the world. #Have another beer.

[n0iu]

"It ain't bragging if you can do it!"
Ozzie Smith #1 - Retired Shortstop St. Louis Cardinals

[WD8OQX]

I would like to see it confirmed that a radio wave, given the right conditions, can travel full circle around the earth. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[K1MVP]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,10:42)]MYTH:
#The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.
Here we go again,--another comment from a NCT who
is ready, willing and able to REDEFINE what ham
radio IS or IS NOT.
At least there ARE some NCT`s who ARE "good"
and not so "bold".
# # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP

[ab9lz]

<<Why did I know that a lazy ass, no code LID, would make the first comment.

Biggest myth of all, "I can't learn morse code.">>

I agree, we've all had to learn the tenets of the English language (although after hearing the folks on 75m, I wonder...) and the rules of Math, code is trivial by comparison. In fact, my eight year old could decode whose name in the family was being sent after a few minutes of instruction... and he has no interest in radio (yet), we were just playing a game.
QSO's with cw require a little more patience, effort and time, hence the operators that practice this mode usually have a little more respect for their fellow hams, at least from my personal experience.

regards from a professional coder, c++ that is...

[n0zu]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,10:42)]MYTH:
#The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.

Is that why most of them on the Hf bands do not know good amatuer practice.

When they use voice, They use cuss words do not id ever 10 mins
and other things

YUP that's is more intelligent

[KD6NIG]

Quote[/b] (W7TUX @ Nov. 29 2005,11:08)]Quote[/b] (NY7Q @ Nov. 29 2005,10:47)]Actually, this is the truth, time and time throughout history of electronics and ham radio, has shown this to be very very true.

"the real ham is an all around CW and electronics person."


And this is part of the problem in this hobby today. It must be so inspiring to be so high as to be able to look down on the rest of the world. #Have another beer.
"(Insert beer company name here) the proud sponsor of drunken tirades on (insert band here)"

[w8znx]

myth

that droping code requirement for hf privileges
will save amateur radio

myth

that amateur radio needs saving


myth

that all old time ops on 75 fone are drunks

de mac

[KE5FRF]

Quote[/b] ]At least there ARE some NCT`s who ARE "good"
and not so "bold".


I especially like the "bold" comment.

Attention all NCTs, as sub-members of our "fraternity", you must speak only when spoken too, and opinions shall be withheld in the presence of your superiors or else harsh punishment shall be inflicted upon you for your insolence. How DARE YOU be so BOLD as to have an opinion and voice it amongst the superior ranks of this land. A GOOD NCT is a QUIET NCT who keeps his mouth shut and operates in the shadows, carefull not to offend the sensitivities of his masters. A decree shall be put forth from this day hence, that all insolent NCTs will endure 40 lashes if they as much as make eye contact with those who art superior by virtue of Gods holy "fist" bestowing the CW attributes only a true nobleman shall obtain.

Good countrymen of the RF Kingdom, do these truths not speak for themselves? Let us all cast rods upon these peasants with God's wrath if an opinion is spoken hence forth!!


Now, having poked my fun, shouldn't the original intent of this thread be restored?

Here is my suggestion for a Myth, though I am not sure if it is a myth or not. At some point I heard, or was told, that if water is poured around a ground rod of a grounded antenna, that it will perform better. I don't know if there is any scientific evidence that this is true, but it is something I heard on one or two occasions.

[AE4ZV]

I heard one:

Someone said ANY topic started here will eventually turn into the old argument about code / no code. Any truth to this one? LOL.

73'
Frank.

[KQ6XA]

Did Marconi Myth it?

Marconi used medium wave radio on 366 metres (820 kHz) in 1901 for the first trans-atlantic contact at St. John's, Newfoundland, receiving a radio test signal transmitted by his high-powered spark transmitter station at Poldhu, Cornwall, England. Or did he?


Bonnie Crystal KQ6XA

[NY7Q]

oh oh, bonnie is here. myth carefully guys....hey, the FAT TIRE BEER, is great, and the CW is soothing to my soul.

[K3UD]

Here a two equipment realted stories. I have heard them over the course of my ham career but have never been able to track them down.

1. Back around 1969/1970 the Swan company produced a radio called the Swan 1011. It looked kind of like a modified Swan Cygnet of the same time period. This was marketed as a 10 meter transceiver with the added bonus of 11 meter receive AND another added bonus of a simple mod that allowed transmit on 11 meters. Initially Swan was advertising the 1011 in QST. This got a lot of ARRL members in an uproar. Now here comes the myth (or truth)..... The ARRL felt that they had to do something about this, and the end result was that Swan would not be able to advertise it in QST AND if the continued to produce it, No Swan advertising would be allowed in QST. In the end Swan set up a seperate company called Siltronix which ultimately produced and marketed the Siltronix 1011 and all was right with the world.

The evidence for it being a myth:

Swan was spending a lot of advertising dollars with the ARRL and I can not believe that they would walk away from it as well as threaten a very loyal advertiser with a ban.

The evidence for it not being a myth:

For a number of years CB radios were advertised quite a bit in QST and Hammarlund produced a receiver that also had an 11 meter transmitter in it (HQ-105 I think) and it was advertised in QST at the time it was produced and no one was complaining.

Myth 2:

When Collins produced the 75-A4 they did not initially include an antenna trimmer control which was a standard feature on almost all ham receivers of the period. The story was the the A4 did not need one. Collins was getting some complaints about it from hams and decided to add the trimmer in order to make the hams happy.

I have no evidence either way.


73
George
K3UD

[k5co]

It is fully true that such statements as this one:
"MYTH:
The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth. '

ARe always made by underacheivers that have a tech ticket and aspire to no more. How is it they think that they know what a "Ham" actually is? They have not been there.

[WD8OQX]

Can we get off the code vs. no-code BS & get back to the subject of the post? - Sheesh, enough already! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[n0iu]

Quote[/b] (AE4ZV @ Nov. 29 2005,13:03)]I heard one:

Someone said ANY topic started here will eventually turn into the old argument about code / no code.
Hmmmm...

I thought it was that ANY topic started here would eventually turn into League bashing because we all know that the folks in Newington don't have a clue as to what is really going on!

[KE5FRF]

Quote[/b] (WD8OQX @ Nov. 29 2005,16:40)]Can we get off the code vs. no-code BS & get back to the subject of the post? - Sheesh, enough already! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
I second that!!

[K1MVP]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ Nov. 29 2005,12:56)]Quote[/b] ]At least there ARE some NCT`s who ARE "good"
and not so "bold".


I especially like the "bold" comment.

Attention all NCTs, as sub-members of our "fraternity", you must speak only when spoken too, and opinions shall be withheld in the presence of your superiors or else harsh punishment shall be inflicted upon you for your insolence. How DARE YOU be so BOLD as to have an opinion and voice it amongst the superior ranks of this land. A GOOD NCT is a QUIET NCT who keeps his mouth shut and operates in the shadows, carefull not to offend the sensitivities of his masters. A decree shall be put forth from this day hence, that all insolent NCTs will endure 40 lashes if they as much as make eye contact with those who art superior by virtue of Gods holy "fist" bestowing the CW attributes only a true nobleman shall obtain.




.
KE5FRF,
Those are your words as far as "sub members"--NOT
mine.
I have found from my experience there ARE good techs,
both "code" and NCT`s.
I have ALSO found "good" and "bad" in extra`s and
generals, and even "advanced".
BUT I will say it`s much more common nowaday`s
for a newcomer to "think" he knows it all, than it
it was for the newcomer of years ago,(who by the
way WAS called a novice).
Man, if you call someone a "novice" nowadays, you
are considered an "elitest".

[kb7uxe]

Why do all the floresent lights in my shop light up and blink while I'm sending cw with my amp on???

Maybe not a myth, but awful mysterious to me....

remember:
without CW, it's only CB........

[N2EY]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,10:42)]
Quote[/b] ]MYTH:
The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator.

Yep, that's a myth - because of the word "always".

---

Some more myths:

"Nobody builds their own rigs anymore"

"Equipment prices are outrageous" (compared to
what rigs cost 10/20/30/40/50 years ago, they're
inexpensive when adjusted for inflation)

"All [license class] are [anything]"

"ARRL forced incentive licensing/open question pools on us"

"Hams once had exclusive use of all of the spectrum shorter than 200 meters"

73 de Jim, N2EY

[K3UD]

I think we have been hijacked.

Where are the marshalls when you need them http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

73
George
K3UD

[KC0KBH]

What a great show! I love even watching reruns 5 or 10 times.

[N2EY]

Quote[/b] (KQ6XA @ Nov. 29 2005,13:20)]
Quote[/b] ]Did Marconi Myth it?

Marconi used medium wave radio on 366 metres (820 kHz) in 1901 for the first trans-atlantic contact at St. John's, Newfoundland, receiving a radio test signal transmitted by his high-powered spark transmitter station at Poldhu, Cornwall, England. Or did he?



Nobody really knows.

Marconi claimed to have heard the Poldhu signal from Newfoundland on December 12, 1901 - at local noon or thereabouts. Various reports give the wavelength as anywhere from 3000 meters to somewhere in the present BC band.

But Marconi could not hear Poldhu with a tuned receiver - only with an untuned one. The Poldhu transmitter wasn't exactly designed for modern levels of harmonic reduction, so it is very possible that what Marconi heard was a harmonic of Poldhu and not the fundamental. If he really was on 366 meters, the harmonics would be 183 meters, 122 meters, 91.5 meters, 61 meters, 45.75 meters, etc. It's quite possible that one or more of these was heard rather than the fundamental.

It's also possible to speculate on whether Marconi really heard Poldhu at all. Midday in a sunspot minimum isn't the best DX time for any wavelength, and with the kind of equipment Marconi was using the results are unpredictable. More important, there were no witnesses or other confirmation besides Marconi's own reports.

In any event, it was not long after December 1901 that reliable transatlantic radio communication was demonstrated without any doubts.

Fessenden had a 2 way *voice* transatlantic system working by November 1906.


73 de Jim, N2EY

[k4kyv]

Quote[/b] (K3UD @ Nov. 29 2005,13:59)]Myth 2:

When Collins produced the 75-A4 they did not initially include an antenna trimmer control which was a standard feature on almost all ham receivers of the period. The story was the the A4 did not need one. Collins was getting some complaints about it from hams and decided to add the trimmer in order to make the hams happy.
I find the antenna trimmer control on the 75A4 to be useless on the lower frequency bands. No matter what antenna I use to receive, it makes no difference whatever on 160 and 80m. It just begins to make a difference with the signal on 40m. But it makes a big difference on the 10, 11 and 15m bands.

I suspect that it was included for those higher frequency bands.

[WW2E]

The biggest myth: "I can't learn Morse Code." This is usually accompanied by crying and whining similar to that of a toddler.

[W5HTW]

Quote[/b] (NY7Q @ Nov. 29 2005,10:47)]"the real ham is an all around CW and electronics person."
The real ham was indeed one of those.

Very few real electronics persons left, and truthfully, they simply aren't needed. They figure if they can boot a computer and swap out a sound card, they are an "electronics tech." And maybe so, since that's all that's done anyway, swap out boards. No one repairs anything anymore. Just swap the board. Or buy a new one. Unwrap it, plug it in, turn it on, and ... presto! All repaired.

The real "HAM" is one who wants to have a call sign, just like he had on CB, and that is just as easy to get. And he's working on it.

Fortunately there is an extremely wide chasm between the "ham" and the "HAM" - and viva la diference!

Ed

[W5HTW]

Quote[/b] (WW2E @ Nov. 29 2005,15:50)]The biggest myth: "I can't learn Morse Code." This is usually accompanied by crying and whining similar to that of a toddler.
Waaaaaa waaa waaaaaa waaa

Ah, the letter "C"

Waaaaaa waaaaaaa waaa waaaaaaa

"Q"


See how easy that was? Heck, they can even "whine" in Morse!

[wd0ct]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ Nov. 29 2005,10:45)]Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,12:42)]MYTH:
The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif APPLAUSE http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif More Applause http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[ke4pjw]

I allready posted mine on Slashdot (http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=169058&cid=14090673). :)

[WA2DYA]

Try this one:

Ham Radio cannot be something we do for fun so if we do not regularly save the world, the Government will make us go away and then sell our bands.

--- CHAS

[n3jbh]

Sorry folks I just have to do this.

NO-CODE TECH’S RULE !!!

***CONTENT REMOVED BY QRZ***

#Thanks jeff/n3jbh

[KB5DPE]

When installing an antenna, the colder and stormier the weather, the better the antenna will perform. T or F???

[KC2GOG]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,13:42)]MYTH:
#The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.
oh great! It took one post for this to turn into a morse code related thread.

Technician Class Ham KC2GOG

[ke5aqd]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,10:42)]MYTH:
The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.
Jealous?

[W5HTW]

Ah, enough of this NCT thread. Bye

[KE4EHX]

After they had the exploding tattoo myth I always wondered what the effect of a wave guide antenna would be on an tattoo with iron in the ink. I remember from the old exam questions that it could burn eye tissue if you looked into the end of one, so surely it could have some effect on ink with iron in it.

[k7tpd]

Quote[/b] (NY7Q @ Nov. 29 2005,10:47)]"The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth"

Actually, this is the truth, time and time throughout history of electronics and ham radio, has shown this to be very very true.

"the real ham is an all around CW and electronics person."
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif applause http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Soooo true! Thankyou!

[w5hze]

LDE's are not a myth. #I once observed this while visiting WA5ZVE's shack (I think it happened in 1972). #As I recall, he was shooting a near-polar path on 20m one afternoon, using a 2 or 3 el quad. #His transmissions "echoed" back in about 2 seconds or so, very strong. #The unusual condition persisted at least 1/2 hour. #Weird & fascinating.

Ron WB5HZE

[wb5yiw]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,04:42)]MYTH:
#The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.
It's the end of world! That's a myth I'd like to see busted.

Wireless was the end of the world when it made the telegraph obsolete. AM was the end of the world when it was invented. Double sideband was the end of the world when people started using it instead of AM, and don't forget, the world ended when single sideband became the mode of choice. But then the world ended when FM and repeaters got popular, and oh, my gawd, the heck that got raised when the Japanese 2 meter multimodes first hit the market. Weak signal work on 2 meters was the end of the world. Oh, and don't forget those renegades that used SSB on 432 mhz. Of course, packet killed it again, and the internet has killed us all. Cell phones brought about the end of the world, as did mobile computers. Oh, I almost forgot... home computers caused the end of the world too. Oh yeah, television was the end of the world, as was rock and roll. The horseless carriage, the assembly line, and the transistor radio all caused the end of the world. Oh wait, the VFO was the end of the world, real hams were "rockbound". Hang on a minute, the world ended even earlier...the printing press caused the end of the world. Now, even the common man could learn to read, and actually have something to read. No more sacred scrolls that were to be for the high priest only! Arrrrghhh...I forgot, microwave ovens caused the end of the world. Or was it the washing machine? Or dishwashers? BPL will most certainly cause it, as will hydrogen powered cars. Or did nuclear energy already do it? Geez...I can't remember....oh, I know!!! It was the discovery of fire! That's it!

Ok, the point in all this BS....the morse horse has been beaten not only to death, but to dust, to atoms even. Talk...about.....something......ELSE! Or at least do the world a courtesy and not turn every single thread on every post into this same argument. It will solve nothing. It will save nothing, it will end...NOTHING. Want to save CW? Get out from in front of your computer, and get on the air.

Now back to the original topic, I like the long delayed echo idea. I've heard about that ever since I became a ham (some 29 years ago) but have never experienced it. But how to prove or disprove it?

73's
Bryan

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (NY7Q @ Nov. 28 2005,11:47)]"The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth"

Actually, this is the truth, time and time throughout history of electronics and ham radio, has shown this to be very very true.

"the real ham is an all around CW and electronics person."
Where did you pass your 30 wpm test?

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (N7WEJ @ Nov. 28 2005,12:00)]The REAL HAM doesnt have to say he is...
That may well be true but many of them sure are quick to point out all those who AREN'T.

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (NY7Q @ Nov. 28 2005,14:27)]hey, the FAT TIRE BEER, is great,
Thats what you think. Fat Tire is only one step above Anheuser Bush, Miller, & Coors, and its a small step.

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (WW2E @ Nov. 28 2005,16:50)]The biggest myth: "I can't learn Morse Code." This is usually accompanied by crying and whining similar to that of a toddler.
When the FCC finally puts the axe to the Morse requirement in the not too distant future we will then see who the song words "who's cryin now?" apply to.

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (ke5aqd @ Nov. 28 2005,19:34)]Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,10:42)]MYTH:
#The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.
Jealous?
Yeah.....thats it.

[K7FE]

I have heard my own echo while operating full break-in CW late at night, thus my signal traveled around the world......... or waited somewhere for a bit and then pounced out of my speaker.

73,
Terry, K7FE

[KC9GUZ]

Myth. That most NCTs are ignorant, incoherant, stupid, have no knowledge of electronics, are lazy as cat****, and dont want to upgrade to a higher lisense class and learn code, and are total pests on the local 2 meter repeaters and in the eyes of the General, Advance, and Extras are to be considered the lowest form of scum and **** on the face of the earth and they should be treated like that.
Myth, NCTs should NEVER have any say so in club matters, should only speak when spoken to and should be seen and not heard.


http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[KE7ENC]

I'm partial to the blood, sweat, freezing temperatures theory that "the more of" makes your antenna work better. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[k9ni]

"the real ham is an all around CW and electronics person."

Thank you for clarifying that. I now know that with my Extra class license, 21 years on the air, volunteering during emergencies, etc... that I am most definitely NOT a real ham. I would never have guessed.

Oh, and I've been a CW op at Field Day because I was the fastest CW op in the club. I still don't like CW much (though I do keep my hand in, mainly because I have some neat CW QRP rigs that I like to dust off now and again) and I do not consider myself terribly knowledgeable about electronics. That means I'm not a real ham. You've cleared that up.

Please save us from the classism that so divides this hobby and discourages newcomers. Newcomers passed the tests the FCC required for their license. Oldtimers did the same. Nobody had a choice about what test they'd take.

Myth: Ham radio isn't dying.

[nn4p]

Pardon?

[n7zsd]

Myth #1:
I can go to QRZ looking for information to better myself in my favorite hobby and not get sidetracked and inevitably wind up getting torqued off by the forum posts.

Myth #2:
Someone can post a legitimate subject and it will not turn into a Code/No Code debate.

Myth #3:
All Amateur Radio Operators are kind and considerate of others.

How 'bout some reality?

Realism #1
Some hams spend more time with their shorts in a wad over Code/No Code, than they do on the air!

Realism #2
Every thread will eventually turn into a NCT bashing-fest.

Realism #3
Today I am embarrased to be a ham. #I came to QRZ to see if I could find a ham-oriented software engineer for a prospective project. As noted in Myth #1, I got sidetracked (again). #If this is what ham radio has become, I will hang up the mic, cw paddle, and keyboard, and go fishing instead.

Hey rky, the hell with this stuff, let's go fishin'! #I can be in Lewiston in by mornin'. #How's the Steelhead run? #I'll be damn glad to meet you, and we can talk myths with an eyeball QSO.

[K8ERV]

Quote[/b] (K7FE @ Nov. 29 2005,21:04)]I have heard my own echo while operating full break-in CW late at night, thus my signal traveled around the world......... or waited somewhere for a bit and then pounced out of my speaker.

73,
Terry, K7FE
The wwv time station is in my back yard. I have heard the WWVH (Hawaii) station come in faster than the local,cause the local bounced all around the world. Amazing.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[n0iu]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,20:17)]Quote[/b] (WW2E @ Nov. 28 2005,16:50)]The biggest myth: "I can't learn Morse Code." This is usually accompanied by crying and whining similar to that of a toddler.
When the FCC finally puts the axe to the Morse requirement in the not too distant future we will then see who the song words "who's cryin now?" apply to.
I am certain it will still apply to Technicians who are already crying that the high cost of HF equipment is yet another unfair barrier that is keeping them away.

[G8ADD]

Quote[/b] (N7WEJ @ Nov. 29 2005,11:00)]The REAL HAM doesnt have to say he is...
That's the nicest aphorism that I have heard for a long time! It has real resonance. You are not a REAL HAM because YOU say so, but you may be if I say so. Works for me!

I strongly suspect that it is a myth that there is a lot more bad behaviour on the air now than there was a generation or two ago. I heard behaviour, language and topics of discussion in the early sixties that disgusted me, I hear more of them now, but there are more hams now than there were then.

73

Brian G8ADD

[kt6k]

The verbage of some of these these posts is demeaning to the hobby. I heard one who "over-acts" is a "ham". http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[N1XHF]

Why don't we all stop the whinning and bitching and actually practice the hobby. Pick up your mics or keys and have a usefull QSO instead of this (and I don't mean talking about your medical problems!!!!). I do think the whole NCT bashing is a little funny though. Most of the time the locals here that do the NCT bashing actually bring their equipment to me to fix. I just remember that it only takes a few people to make the entire group look bad. Just like CB, there are still some good ole timers in my area that still use them but unfortunatley they are classified with the rest of the misfits.

[n2nh]

Quote[/b] (KQ6XA @ Nov. 29 2005,15:20)]Did Marconi Myth it?

Marconi used medium wave radio on 366 metres (820 kHz) in 1901 for the first trans-atlantic contact at St. John's, Newfoundland, receiving a radio test signal transmitted by his high-powered spark transmitter station at Poldhu, Cornwall, England. Or did he?


Bonnie Crystal KQ6XA
Allegedly, there is a Navy transcription of the occaision that was recorded on a record. Whether or not the frequency is correct is another matter.

[n2nh]

Quote[/b] (WB5HZE @ Nov. 29 2005,21:39)]LDE's are not a myth. I once observed this while visiting WA5ZVE's shack (I think it happened in 1972). As I recall, he was shooting a near-polar path on 20m one afternoon, using a 2 or 3 el quad. His transmissions "echoed" back in about 2 seconds or so, very strong. The unusual condition persisted at least 1/2 hour. Weird & fascinating.

Ron WB5HZE
Yep, there are some really well documented cases and some from very respected Hams and Scientists. Sometimes, near the poles there can be aurora that will affect the signal though. Still there are many that feel LDEs are the stuff of UFOs or at least a few beers. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[K2WH]

Myth: A ground mounted 1/4 wave vertical doesn't need radials.

K2WH

[k5co]

Myth: there is no ether

[wa4gch]

WOW ! im hearing LDEs (Long Delayed Echos) sounds like the good old days of CW ....... a long dead mode. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ky7f]

The "LDE" is apparently not a myth. I've experienced it twice. One event happened in late '99, and the other in 2000. Both were on 20 meters and both were early in the evening. One on SSB, and the other on CW. At the time, I was living in southern Wyoming. Each time, there were a lot of Russian stations coming-in "over the pole". I have to say, it startled the hell out of me when I heard it...just like an "echo". On SSB, when I was calling "CQ" and said, "over", immediately I heard "over" about a second or two later. Curious, I said my callsign, and the same thing happened again. Fairly strong, too. Same when it happened on CW. Have a witness to the event on SSB...my non-ham dad was sitting next to me and heard it, too. In both instances, it was very short-lived.

Maybe I should have sent myself a QSL card to confirm it, huh?

KY7F # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[WA5VQM]

Quote[/b] (KB5DPE @ Nov. 29 2005,18:09)]When installing an antenna, the colder and stormier the weather, the better the antenna will perform. T or F???
True.

When I was putting up my dipole last year the weather was chilly. Just before getting the thing up in the air it began to mist.

I've worked a lot of DX with that droopy wire. More than I expected. More than many other antennas I've had in the past.

If I can put the next one up while it's sleeting I'll be a "big gun" DX'er!

Mark - WA5VQM

[W9WHE]

My favorite myth is that HF verticals don't need radials or a counterpoise to be efficent. Hoooey!


W9WHE

[wa4brl]

Three of the top HAM myths:

1. Existance of the "DIODE" antenna

2. That Amateur Radio is an expensive hobby

3. Somebody out there had a stable Eico 753 http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kb2vxa]

"I would like to see it confirmed that a radio wave, given the right conditions, can travel full circle around the earth."

It was confirmed before you were born by SWLs listening to echoes. Sometimes the signal circles the globe several times producing multiple echoes. I have heard them myself on more than one occasion, myth confirmed by personal experience. No, I know the difference between it and multipath echoes, I have heard them and know which way to point the beam whether I want to work short or long path. Yeah, the beam all but eliminates those echoes while it has little effect on those circling the planet.

Having been warned early on page one of yet ANOTHER stupid code/no code debate dominated by the high and mighty butt-heads who have never listened to 80M, having said that I'm outa here!

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (k7vo @ Nov. 28 2005,23:23)]Myth: #Ham radio isn't dying.
good one

[kc7jty]

I can't wait till the Morse requirement is dropped. I will get an NCE ticket then immediately begin bashing the NCTs.

[KD6NIG]

The ARRL has the full and complete attention of the FCC regarding Amateur Radio Issues, as the National Association of Amateur Radio should.

[K2WH]

Quote[/b] (kb2vxa @ Nov. 30 2005,06:04)]"I would like to see it confirmed that a radio wave, given the right conditions, can travel full circle around the earth."

It was confirmed before you were born by SWLs listening to echoes. #Sometimes the signal circles the globe several times producing multiple echoes. I have heard them myself on more than one occasion, myth confirmed by personal experience. No, I know the difference between it and multipath echoes, I have heard them and know which way to point the beam whether I want to work short or long path. Yeah, the beam all but eliminates those echoes while it has little effect on those circling the planet.

Having been warned early on page one of yet ANOTHER stupid code/no code debate dominated by the high and mighty butt-heads who have never listened to 80M, having said that I'm outa here!
Done it myself and even recorded my CW signals delayed about .25 seconds. I washed the recording through a software program and removed the real signal and the remaining echo was a duplicate except it was much weaker.

Anyone can do this with very fast breakin mode. The receiver needs to have a fast recovery time and preferably a variable and very short AVC.

K2WH

[W9WHE]

MYTH: ARRL gives a crap what the average ham thinks!

MYTH: ARRL is good for ham radio!

MYTH: ARRL has significant influence with FCC or Congress.


(Rolling on floor laughing myself silly)

[n9lya]

Quote[/b] (n0zu @ Nov. 29 2005,06:51)]Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,10:42)]MYTH:
#The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.

Is that why most of them on the Hf bands do not know good amatuer practice.

When they #use voice, They use cuss words do not id ever 10 mins
and other things

YUP that's is more intelligent
REALLY... While listening to some parts of 80 meters.. I heard all kinds of trash and not one ID...

73 JK

[K1MVP]

Another #ARRL "myth",--that ham radio still offers
"magic" in 2005.
See recent ARRL news article by W3IZ, "Show them
the magic".
# # # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP

[N2OBS]

When i wanted to become an amateur radio operator, i figured my distance from those other types of people known to distance themselves from others. Amateur radio to me is not only known as a hobby but knowing all hams were part of a ham community. These day it's about disrespecting groups of hams that entered during the beginning when the requirement was dropped on the technician license, putting myself and others as not real ham operators. We are certainly ham operators just as ones whom have been in this hobby for many years. I personally choosed to not upgrade my license based on the recent changings of things within the licenses, to not waste my time and effort and upgrade when we will certainly have the requirements of code dropped. We as ham radio operators should treat each other with the respect ourselves deserve and just because i am a technician class license operator, i deserve as much respect as the general, extra and even the advance operators do....we are all ham radio operators doesn't matter what license you hold. CW is just another mode of communications, we have each other a freedom of choosing what type of communication mode we want to be on. We are deviding ourselves, disrespecting each other over a mode of many that ham radio has to offer. I can respect those who choosed to upgrade, why can they not offer the same level of respect? Our ranks are growing in numbers and offer all of us...ham radio operators an ongoing chance to keep our frequencies, it's up to us and everytime we devide each other with putdowns we give those who are waiting in the wings to snatch our frequencies from us for profitable gain. Money makes the world go round i have heard many times, but behind that currency are people who are providing the cycle of rotation. I am still proud of my license, it has provided me a chance to enjoy meeting people locally and in recent times when i started up my own local echolink simplex node a chance to talk to people all over the world, i may never upgrade but maybe i will but for the time being i will wait and let things settle...then if the code requirement still has ground to set my foot upon i will upgrade. For the time being i enjoy my radio, my hobby and the service of ham radio continues on.

Keith G. Wucherer, N2OBS
Echolink Node 99729
Echolink Station N2OBS-L
Summerville, South Carolina
Licensed since October 8, 1991
Technician Class Radio Operator

[ka9ekg]

Well said Mike and Larry.You have to figure were this is coming from KD6NIG that has no interest in learning morse code.He is happy being a Tech.We got to stop slamming others cause they do not have the same interest in amateur radio.Thats what makes it a hobby for everyone.If the no code techs want to stay on 2 meters and 6 meters let them.But just because they do not want to klearn the code,do not force it on the one's that do.Long live FISTS #9701 and proud. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kr6dj]

I heard a myth once that two or more hams could have a conversation online without getting into a CW vs no-code debate. See if Jamie and Adam can find out if that is true, plausable, or busted.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[KC9GUZ]

Seeing that im a evil NCT and that make me not a real ham? I guess id better send my lisense back to the FCC and tell them to keep it because im not happy that im not a real ham.... LOL.:D

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (K1MVP @ Nov. 30 2005,13:10)]Another #ARRL "myth",--that ham radio still offers
"magic" in 2005.
See recent ARRL news article by W3IZ, "Show them
the magic".
# # # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP
Wrong. That's not a myth. It still offers a magic that nothing else does. Nothing.

Myth: that a cell phone can replace even a tiny fraction of the mystery and magic of ham radio. A cell phone is no different in operation than a wired one. You dial a number and get a person. No magic.

Myth: that there is, or should be, even a tiny "expectation of privacy" with a cell phone.

[n7spy]

Quote[/b] (W5HTW @ Nov. 29 2005,16:29)]Quote[/b] (WW2E @ Nov. 29 2005,15:50)]The biggest myth: "I can't learn Morse Code." This is usually accompanied by crying and whining similar to that of a toddler.
Waaaaaa #waaa #waaaaaa waaa

Ah, the letter "C"

Waaaaaa waaaaaaa waaa waaaaaaa

"Q"


See how easy that was? #Heck, they can even "whine" in Morse!
*applauds*

How come no one has mentioned the myth of...

Quote[/b] ]Amateur Radio is a hobby practiced by retired engineers

I know, http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[K1MVP]

Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Nov. 30 2005,16:25)]Quote[/b] (K1MVP @ Nov. 30 2005,13:10)]Another #ARRL "myth",--that ham radio still offers
"magic" in 2005.
See recent ARRL news article by W3IZ, "Show them
the magic".
# # # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP
Wrong. #That's not a myth. #It still offers a magic that nothing else does. #Nothing.

Myth: that a cell phone can replace even a tiny fraction of the mystery and magic of ham radio. #A cell phone is no different in operation than a wired one. #You dial a number and get a person. #No magic.

Myth: that there is, or should be, even a tiny "expectation of privacy" with a cell phone.
Well Jim,
You have your opinion, and I have mine.--I have three
children,--youngest 16, and the two oldest in early 30`s
ALL very bright, and none of them were interested or
"facinated" by this so called "magic" of ham radio.
All ARE "computer literate" and think ham radio is
"archaic", and my oldest son holds a EE and is a
design engineer with Raytheon.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #73, K1MVP
#
P.S., # BUT the ARRL "news and views" STILL insist ham
# # # # #radio has this so called "magic" yep, sure.

P.P.S, MY oldest son on a recent trip to France, called
# # # # #me with his cell phone, and the reception was
# # # # #"loud and clear".--and that`s WITHOUT HR.
# # # # #If computers and cellphones would have been
# # # # #around when I was 17,--like I would have really
# # # # #cared about getting a ticket,--I don`t think so.
# # # # #Like "nets" today really serve a purpose,--yep.

[kc2egl]

Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ Nov. 29 2005,12:56)]Here is my suggestion for a Myth, though I am not sure if it is a myth or not. At some point I heard, or was told, that if water is poured around a ground rod of a grounded antenna, that it will perform better. I don't know if there is any scientific evidence that this is true, but it is something I heard on one or two occasions.
I say it is a myth. Before becoming a ham I worked HF teletype while serving in the Army. From the US Army Signal School all the way to my last assignment I have been told by squad leaders and platoon seargents that soaking the area around your ground rod will make for a better ground. I say hogwash. How can soaking the area around the rod enhance the grounding when the rod is set down at least 5 feet below the surface? One would need to make sure that they were able to saturate the earth all the way down to the end of the rod.

This is only my 2 cents worth.

73's

Mike
KC2EGL

[n1jdw]

Most folks outside of the hobby still think that ham and CB are one and the same. I've even had someone ask me how much we have to pay per hour when making a call overseas! Then you have those who assume that we are all nerds with high IQ's, and plenty of $$$. No wonder this world is in trouble!

[n1jdw]

Most folks outside of the hobby still think that ham and CB are one and the same. I've even had someone ask me how much we have to pay per hour when making a call overseas! Then you have those who assume that we are all nerds with high IQ's, and plenty of $$$. No wonder this world is in trouble!

[AB9JV]

I thought this thread was about myths.

This is one I heard a while ago and don't remember the exact details.

It was about odd CW signals coming from a remote area. Uninteligable stuff that would happen from timr to time on no regular schedule. Skip ahead.

The transmitter was tracked down and it was a station of a ham that had died. Apparently he had set up a station in a shack in a remote area and was using solar panels to power the rig. So this guy croaked and nobody had discovered the body. His hand was on the key and by now was just a skeleton.

The rig was still operational and when ever the wind blew the curtains in the dilapidated shack, it caused the hand to tap out weird CW characters.

There was more detail to the story, but I forget.

I am sure that is a myth, but an interesting story, none the less.

If anyone has the full text, please post.

Much more interesting than the direction this thread has gone.

Lenny

And NO, I did not check my spelling, so if you find an error, just put a little red check next to it. ha ha http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[wa4brl]

Quote[/b] (AB9JV @ Nov. 30 2005,21:04)]I thought this thread was about myths.

This is one I heard a while ago and don't remember the exact details.

It was about odd CW signals coming from a remote area. #Uninteligable stuff that would happen from timr to time on no regular schedule. #Skip ahead.

The transmitter was tracked down and it was a station of a ham that had died. #Apparently he had set up a station in a shack in a remote area and was using solar panels to power the rig. #So this guy croaked and nobody had discovered the body. #His hand was on the key and by now was just a skeleton.

The rig was still operational and when ever the wind blew the curtains in the dilapidated shack, it caused the hand to tap out weird CW characters.

There was more detail to the story, but I forget.

I am sure that is a myth, but an interesting story, none the less.

If anyone has the full text, please post.

Much more interesting than the direction this thread has gone.

Lenny

And NO, I did not check my spelling, so if you find an error, just put a little red check next to it. ha ha http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Sounds like an update of strange signal investigated in the book/movie "On The Beach".

I had not heard this new one. Fact or myth?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif???

[W0GI]

Quote[/b] (K7FE @ Nov. 29 2005,21:04)]I have heard my own echo while operating full break-in CW late at night, thus my signal traveled around the world......... or waited somewhere for a bit and then pounced out of my speaker.

73,
Terry, K7FE
The NSA grabbed your signal, then let it go when they found it was ok.

Signals don't go around the world, who told you that?

The only reason you make contacts beyond 100 miles, is that the aliens, when they are not making crop circles, re-transmit our signals through their flying saucers. Cosmic repeaters.

If the bands are dead, it is because the aliens are busy making crop circles. #Didn't you have an Elmer?

What a Newby, Jeeze.....

73 - W6NJ

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (K1MVP @ Nov. 30 2005,17:22)]Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Nov. 30 2005,16:25)]Quote[/b] (K1MVP @ Nov. 30 2005,13:10)]Another #ARRL "myth",--that ham radio still offers
"magic" in 2005.
See recent ARRL news article by W3IZ, "Show them
the magic".
# # # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP
Wrong. #That's not a myth. #It still offers a magic that nothing else does. #Nothing.

Myth: that a cell phone can replace even a tiny fraction of the mystery and magic of ham radio. #A cell phone is no different in operation than a wired one. #You dial a number and get a person. #No magic.

Myth: that there is, or should be, even a tiny "expectation of privacy" with a cell phone.
Well Jim,
You have your opinion, and I have mine.--I have three
children,--youngest 16, and the two oldest in early 30`s
ALL very bright, and none of them were interested or
"facinated" by this so called "magic" of ham radio.
All ARE "computer literate" and think ham radio is
"archaic", and my oldest son holds a EE and is a
design engineer with Raytheon.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #73, K1MVP
#
P.S., # BUT the ARRL "news and views" STILL insist ham
# # # # #radio has this so called "magic" yep, sure.

P.P.S, MY oldest son on a recent trip to France, called
# # # # #me with his cell phone, and the reception was
# # # # #"loud and clear".--and that`s WITHOUT HR.
# # # # #If computers and cellphones would have been
# # # # #around when I was 17,--like I would have really
# # # # #cared about getting a ticket,--I don`t think so.
# # # # #Like "nets" today really serve a purpose,--yep.
My daughter lived in Germany in the 80s. She called me often and the call was quite clear. I'm sure it was the same in the 60s when I was her age. So what's different now that should affect our hobby/service? Answer: nothing.

That is still totally and completely different from direct contact with someone you never met before, but you share an interest in electronic communications, you contact directly, from your home (or car, or boat, or plane) to his (or hers). You put out a call, or answer one, and never know what interesting new person you might meet, or where. You might just make a new friend that you look up when you visit that country. Nothing else like it. Nothing. period.

And if the kids don't see that, it's their loss.

And if ham radio is "archaic", then so is their cellphone - it's derived from ham technology. Nothing but a 2-way radio with a phone patch, actually. Not knocking cellphones, I use mine all the time. But there is nothing magical about it, and it's still just a phone call. No magic, no adventure.

[K1MVP]

K4JF,--Jim,
As I mentioned before,--You have your opinion, and
I have mine, and obviously we do NOT agree.
So this subject is "moot" at this point to discuss any
longer.
# # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP

P.S, I have voiced my opinions on the ARRL`s "slant"
# # # or "skew" on this subject before.
# # # No need to continue,--time to "move on".

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (K1MVP @ Nov. 30 2005,21:01)]K4JF,--Jim,
As I mentioned before,--You have your opinion, and
I have mine, and obviously we do NOT agree.
So this subject is "moot" at this point to discuss any
longer.
# # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP

P.S, I have voiced my opinions on the ARRL`s "slant"
# # # or "skew" on this subject before.
# # # No need to continue,--time to "move on".
Yes, we differ. All I can say is some people are missing a lot of fun! :o)

From another angle you are right - ham radio is not for everyone.

[kb7rky]

Such a shame...I asked for some good, intelligent, plausible ham radio myths, and this degenerated to ARRL/code bashing, and a flame war within the first page. I am apalled at the attitudes demonstrated by the 'hams' here who abused the opportunity to discuss this in a civil fashion...instead turning this into a soap box for their posturing and bashing.

On the plus side, there were some good myths that were listed. Too bad I had to sift through the garbage to get to the good stuff.

Thanks to those who posed some good myths. I'll pass those onto the Mythbusters Fan Club and hopefully have Adam and Jamie take a look at them.

To the rest of you...sour grapes is all you have. Thanks for your worthless complaining and whining. Now, go tell your mommies and daddies you're using their computers without their permission.

Doug, KB7RKY

[ag4rq]

Quote[/b] (kb7rky @ Nov. 30 2005,21:15)]Such a shame...I asked for some good, intelligent, plausible ham radio myths, and this degenerated to ARRL/code bashing, and a flame war within the first page. I am apalled at the attitudes demonstrated by the 'hams' here who abused the opportunity to discuss this in a civil fashion...instead turning this into a soap box for their posturing and bashing.
Gee, I could have told you that this would happen before I even read your article. Welcome to the Internet and welcome to ham radio. The "Code War" will rage on long after the youngest of us are SK. So will the pro and anti-ARRL rhetoric. Today is the first time in months that I came to QRZ just to see what's going on. Nothing's changed. SOS.

Here's a myth for ya:

The "Code War" and the ARRL-bashing will end when code testing is eliminated.

Here's another myth:

All hams will all get along once code testing is eliminated.

Here's a word of advice for you all:

Quit wasting your time bashing each other on forums like this and go do something constructive. Get on the radio and make some contacts.

73 de AG4RQ #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[K1MVP]

Quote[/b] (kb7rky @ Nov. 30 2005,21:15)]Such a shame...I asked for some good, intelligent, plausible ham radio myths, and this degenerated to ARRL/code bashing, and a flame war within the first page. I am apalled at the attitudes demonstrated by the 'hams' here who abused the opportunity to discuss this in a civil fashion...instead turning this into a soap box for their posturing and bashing.

On the plus side, there were some good myths that were listed. Too bad I had to sift through the garbage to get to the good stuff.

Thanks to those who posed some good myths. I'll pass those onto the Mythbusters Fan Club and hopefully have Adam and Jamie take a look at them.

To the rest of you...sour grapes is all you have. Thanks for your worthless complaining and whining. Now, go tell your mommies and daddies you're using their computers without their permission.

Doug, KB7RKY
I am not sure what you would define as "civil"--
Everybody in "total agreement" or what?--Sure these
topics can be "emotional" and "opinionated" but so?
I did not "see" or "hear" anyone call another person
an SOB, etc, etc.

Gee, --it seems we have such a "hyper-sensitive"
society nowadays,--Ive seen and heard a lot worse
on some of the bands,--where guys are using
profanity, and swearing, etc,etc.

By the way,--its one of the reasons my youngest,
who did hear some of this crap on the air,--was
"turned off" from amateur radio,--and I would NOT
want her on the bands with some of this "stuff".
Again,-- I believe this thread was "civil" compared
to a lot of "junk" I have heard on 75 meters.

# # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP

P.S,--it also seems the latest "mindset" --is if
# # # #you disagree with the ARRL and say so,
# # # #you are "bashing" the league.--if thats
# # # #the case, then "so be it".

[K7LRB]

Quote[/b] (KB5DPE @ Nov. 29 2005,18:09)]When installing an antenna, the colder and stormier the weather, the better the antenna will perform. T or F???

Actually, in southern Arizona, it works much better if you install it in the middle of July! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[G8ADD]

Quote[/b] (kc2egl @ Nov. 30 2005,17:48)]Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ Nov. 29 2005,12:56)]Here is my suggestion for a Myth, though I am not sure if it is a myth or not. At some point I heard, or was told, that if water is poured around a ground rod of a grounded antenna, that it will perform better. I don't know if there is any scientific evidence that this is true, but it is something I heard on one or two occasions.
I say it is a myth. #Before becoming a ham I worked HF teletype while serving in the Army. #From the US Army Signal School all the way to my last assignment I have been told by squad leaders and platoon seargents that soaking the area around your ground rod will make for a better ground. #I say hogwash. #How can soaking the area around the rod enhance the grounding when the rod is set down at least 5 feet below the surface? #One would need to make sure that they were able to saturate the earth all the way down to the end of the rod.

This is only my 2 cents worth.

73's

Mike
KC2EGL
It will depend on the type of soil, but soaking a newly installed ground rod will wash down fines and pack the cavities produced by driving the rod into stoney or sandy soil, making a better contact. Also, although the rod may be several feet long, the water will flow down between it and the soil right to the foot of the rod, just as a gardener can improve the drainage of a heavy clay soil by digging in gravel. The clay remains clay, nothing flows through the individual pieces of gravel, but the water will seep around the boundary between the gravel and the clay.

73

Brian G8ADD

[ni4jm]

Quote[/b] (n2nh @ Nov. 29 2005,10:46)]Quote[/b] (kb7rky @ Nov. 24 2005,14:18)]Greetings, fellow Amateurs!

What is an interesting Ham Radio Myth you've heard of, had related to you, or that you've experienced yourself, and wondered if the Mythbusters could tackle it to see if it was possible?
I've been hearing about LDEs (Long Delayed Echos) on the Ham bands for decades and always found them fascinating (as you might have noticed). I don't know if they would have a way to prove/disprove them, but I think it would be very interesting to look into this phenomena that has been around as long as radio has.
My father once told me that he experienced an LDE of sorts. Back in the 80's after he had his general ticket awhile, his 2 element beam was pointed toward northern Europe. He called CQ and heard himself echo back about 2 seconds or so later. At the time he had heard about this feat but had never experienced it til then. If he moved his beam 5 degrees north or south the effect was lost but in that direction it was echoing back 5 by 9 (from what he remembers). I myself have not experienced this but I have plenty of time.

73s - KE4EAO

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (K7LRB @ Nov. 30 2005,23:49)]Quote[/b] (KB5DPE @ Nov. 29 2005,18:09)]When installing an antenna, the colder and stormier the weather, the better the antenna will perform. #T or F???

Actually, in southern Arizona, it works much better if you install it in the middle of July! # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Same in South Carolina. But it is not a myth that "If your antenna stays up in a storm, it is too small."

Another myth: "A ham station can ever be finished."

[kc0shz]

K3MT's grasswire antenna as a DX antenna.

He claims he was able to talk with Europe on this, but it seems that it wouldn't be that efficient.

Also, if it works on grass, would it work if it was floating on top of a stream?

[KD6NIG]

Quote[/b] (kb7rky @ Nov. 30 2005,21:15)]Such a shame...I asked for some good, intelligent, plausible ham radio myths, and this degenerated to ARRL/code bashing, and a flame war within the first page. I am apalled at the attitudes demonstrated by the 'hams' here who abused the opportunity to discuss this in a civil fashion...instead turning this into a soap box for their posturing and bashing.

On the plus side, there were some good myths that were listed. Too bad I had to sift through the garbage to get to the good stuff.

Thanks to those who posed some good myths. I'll pass those onto the Mythbusters Fan Club and hopefully have Adam and Jamie take a look at them.

To the rest of you...sour grapes is all you have. Thanks for your worthless complaining and whining. Now, go tell your mommies and daddies you're using their computers without their permission.

Doug, KB7RKY
A quick look at this BB in general should have told you easily what kind of responses were going to be generated, honestly http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KF4SCI]

I happen to know for a fact that man walked on the Moon. I'd like to see the Mythbusters team finally prove it to the fools who claim it was merely a Hollywood stunt.

[n7spy]

Quote[/b] (K7LRB @ Nov. 30 2005,23:49)]Quote[/b] (KB5DPE @ Nov. 29 2005,18:09)]When installing an antenna, the colder and stormier the weather, the better the antenna will perform. T or F???

Actually, in southern Arizona, it works much better if you install it in the middle of July! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
What do you mean July?

*Everybody* *knows* that, in Arizona, you *have* to wait until the middle of August to install an awesome antenna system. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Hint: Monsoon Season™

[nc5s]

Quote[/b] (kb7rky @ Nov. 24 2005,12:18)]Greetings, fellow Amateurs!

What is an interesting Ham Radio Myth you've heard of, had related to you, or that you've experienced yourself, and wondered if the Mythbusters could tackle it to see if it was possible?

I'm a member/administrator of the Mythbusters Fan Club ( http://www.mythbustersfanclub.com #), and, though we are not officially part of the show, we post ideas and discussions about the myths that Adam and Jamie test in a friendly and civil discussion format...even going so far as to design our own myths, complete with information, testing criteria, and a testing setup.

Also, please keep in mind our fan club is not an official site of the Mythbusters TV show...it is a privately-owned and fan-supported website.

Here's your chance to bring to light some of those nagging Ham Radio Myths you may have heard of...and who knows?

Thanks for your co-operation, and thanks to Fred, AA7BQ, for allowing me to post this message here.

73's:

Doug, KB7RKY
Administrator, Mythbusters Fan Club.com
I guess the moderator didn't like my first, truthful and heartfelt, response.

[W0GI]

Quote[/b] (G8ADD @ Dec. 01 2005,03:58)]Quote[/b] (kc2egl @ Nov. 30 2005,17:48)]Quote[/b] (KE5FRF @ Nov. 29 2005,12:56)]Here is my suggestion for a Myth, though I am not sure if it is a myth or not. At some point I heard, or was told, that if water is poured around a ground rod of a grounded antenna, that it will perform better. I don't know if there is any scientific evidence that this is true, but it is something I heard on one or two occasions.
I say it is a myth. #Before becoming a ham I worked HF teletype while serving in the Army. #From the US Army Signal School all the way to my last assignment I have been told by squad leaders and platoon seargents that soaking the area around your ground rod will make for a better ground. #I say hogwash. #How can soaking the area around the rod enhance the grounding when the rod is set down at least 5 feet below the surface? #One would need to make sure that they were able to saturate the earth all the way down to the end of the rod.

This is only my 2 cents worth.

73's

Mike
KC2EGL
It will depend on the type of soil, but soaking a newly installed ground rod will wash down fines and pack the cavities produced by driving the rod into stoney or sandy soil, making a better contact. Also, although the rod may be several feet long, the water will flow down between it and the soil right to the foot of the rod, just as a gardener can improve the drainage of a heavy clay soil by digging in gravel. The clay remains clay, nothing flows through the individual pieces of gravel, but the water will seep around the boundary between the gravel and the clay.

73

Brian G8ADD
You don't need a TV show, just an ohm meter.

Drive in two ground rods around a foot apart. Measure resistance between the rods. Add water or brine solution to ground. Measure resistance again.

You will see a lower resistance, unless your soil is already extremely moist.

In practical terms, this doesn't do much in the long term unless you water your ground on occasion.

You will be amazed how conductive soil really is.

73 - W6NJ

[M3GID]

Quote[/b] (n2nh @ Nov. 30 2005,05:47)]Quote[/b] (WB5HZE @ Nov. 29 2005,21:39)]LDE's are not a myth. #I once observed this while visiting WA5ZVE's shack (I think it happened in 1972). #As I recall, he was shooting a near-polar path on 20m one afternoon, using a 2 or 3 el quad. #His transmissions "echoed" back in about 2 seconds or so, very strong. #The unusual condition persisted at least 1/2 hour. #Weird & fascinating.

Ron WB5HZE
Yep, there are some really well documented cases and some from very respected Hams and Scientists. #Sometimes, near the poles there can be aurora that will affect the signal though. #Still there are many that feel LDEs are the stuff of UFOs or at least a few beers. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
I was in the shack with G3ROO (his place) today and we heard KZ8G calling CQ, we worked him with and without the linear on and on both his and our signals we had the ripple effect caused by working both long and short path simultaneously! It was weird! Personally I blame Icom, too many No-code Techs working there!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KC9AFN]

Just a thought, but have you ever considered what would happen if you started dialing phone numbers at random and tried to have a conversation with whoever answered? Thatw the difference and magic of ham radio. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[n5asa]

Hey How about the old ..put the coax/Pl-259 end in a glass jar! just incase a Lightning strike hits the ol antenna.
Keeps the energy in the jar so as not to fly around the room.......<s>

I just had to post this one, as there are many CB'ers and new hams who beleive this to be true.

Have Fun
73 Larry-N5ASA

[KC9AFN]

By the way, it's "thats". Sorry. Also just noticed, regestered 2001....posts..2.....oh well...I guess I spend too much time on the air.

[kb7rky]

Quote[/b] (K1MVP @ Nov. 30 2005,20:55)]Quote[/b] (kb7rky @ Nov. 30 2005,21:15)]Such a shame...I asked for some good, intelligent, plausible ham radio myths, and this degenerated to ARRL/code bashing, and a flame war within the first page. I am apalled at the attitudes demonstrated by the 'hams' here who abused the opportunity to discuss this in a civil fashion...instead turning this into a soap box for their posturing and bashing.

On the plus side, there were some good myths that were listed. Too bad I had to sift through the garbage to get to the good stuff.

Thanks to those who posed some good myths. I'll pass those onto the Mythbusters Fan Club and hopefully have Adam and Jamie take a look at them.

To the rest of you...sour grapes is all you have. Thanks for your worthless complaining and whining. Now, go tell your mommies and daddies you're using their computers without their permission.

Doug, KB7RKY
I am not sure what you would define as "civil"--
Everybody in "total agreement" or what?--Sure these
topics can be "emotional" and "opinionated" but so?
I did not "see" or "hear" anyone call another person
an SOB, etc, etc.

Gee, --it seems we have such a "hyper-sensitive"
society nowadays,--Ive seen and heard a lot worse
on some of the bands,--where guys are using
profanity, and swearing, etc,etc.

By the way,--its one of the reasons my youngest,
who did hear some of this crap on the air,--was
"turned off" from amateur radio,--and I would NOT
want her on the bands with some of this "stuff".
Again,-- I believe this thread was "civil" compared
to a lot of "junk" I have heard on 75 meters.

# # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP

P.S,--it also seems the latest "mindset" --is if
# # # #you disagree with the ARRL and say so,
# # # #you are "bashing" the league.--if thats
# # # #the case, then "so be it".
Less posturing...more discussion. There were about two or three 'real' myths I could discern from the rest of the garbage...the rest were ARRL and code/no code bashing.

Guess the trolls are everywhere...even in amateur radio.

Doug, KB7RKY

[n4avq]

Well here we are again off topic on yet another amateur radio forum about Code vs No Code. I think we should just drop code. I also think the Marines who protect us should drop height/weight/physical agility standards. I furthermore think that all state driving licenses should remove vision testing from their requirements.

While we're at it, most states have adopted mandatory reading tests in order to graduate from high school. What for? You don't have to read and most training is available in video or audio format.

Physicians have no need for biochemistry in order to practice, and most will tell you so. Likewise, Pharmacists will tell you that most of their entire liberal arts education had nothing to do with filling prescriptions accurately.

Why do we require these things?

Because without them, the person is something less than what we've come to expect.

[KD6NIG]

Here's one for you that I have wondered about that isn't ham radio related.

I see these commercials all the time (particulary from Goodyear) about these special tires they make that supposedly offer more grip in all conditions by having different tread patterns in the middle, sides, and in between. They also cost a major more amount of money versus brand X that you could get at your local tire dealer. Those tires are also rated M/S and supposedly are supposed to preform pretty well.

The question is, for the money, are you really gaining much more traction, etc from these 'computer designed' special tires they push, or is it just another gimmick?

Something that could be, in theory, tested probably.

Myth or Truth,
you tell me :

If you need n components you will only have n-1

73
Howard

Myth or Truth
You tell me :

when you've finally finished screwing the last of the 16 fasterners on the top and bottom case of your transceiver, you find the driver valve, ( that you forgot to put back in ), still sitting on the bench.

73

Howard

Myth or Truth,
you tell me :

"I always qsl 100 percent"

73

Howard

[WD8OQX]

Myth or Fact:

If you take something apart to fix it & after putting it back together , have parts left over & it works, you did something right. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

Myth or Truth,
you tell me :

Do we say,

"Thanks for the great QSO, hope to catch you again.

73,
Howard

Myth or Truth,
you tell me :

When we mean, "Thanks for the great qso etc. we actually mean, "Oh Gawd, what an ass !!! (p.s. ass means something different in the uk than the states ),

73

Howard

[ad5td]

Quote[/b] (n0iu @ Nov. 29 2005,05:08)]"It ain't bragging if you can do it!"
Ozzie Smith #1 - Retired Shortstop St. Louis Cardinals
"No Brag, Just Fact"

Walter Brennan, the Guns of Will Travers

Better;

"He's (Will's daddy) good, but he's (Will, played by Dack Rambo) better, and I'm better than both of them"

[wa0ttn]

Hey, I really enjoyed those "Myth or Truth" posts.

I have a supersition that never seems to fail. If I turn off my soldering iron before I completely button up a new project, there's always something wrong that needs to be resoldered. If I leave the iron on, the thing almost always works the first time I give it power.

Go figure #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

73, Dave

[w5alt]

Quote[/b] (n1jdw @ Nov. 30 2005,21:53)]... Then you have those who assume that we are all nerds with high IQ's, and plenty of $$$. No wonder this world is in trouble!
You mean we're not? I want my money back ...

[WD8OQX]

Myth or Fact:

When you're right in the middle of (or about to snag) that all important QSO, nature calls. - Am I right? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[kb9zll]

Quote[/b] (KD5PSH @ Nov. 29 2005,14:32)]It is fully true that such statements as this one:
"MYTH:
The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth. '

ARe always made by underacheivers that have a tech ticket and aspire to no more. How is it they think that they know what a "Ham" actually is? They have not been there.
What makes you so much of a real ham??? I know plenty of Tech Hams (More than just me) that have demonstrated they are a true ham. HF isin't that great a thing. Show me how to sucessfully put up a portable station to relay shelter ops... that's real ham stuff.

[kc7jty]

Radials on an omnidirectional vertical lower the radiated signal towards the horizon. I always thought this was true but not according to a question on the current general written exam.
I believe it was an advertisment for a CB antenna.

[n7spy]

Quote[/b] (WD8OQX @ Dec. 01 2005,17:25)]Myth or Fact:

When you're right in the middle of (or about to snag) that all important QSO, nature calls. - Am I right? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Ewwwww!!!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

Yet, oh-so-true http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[n0klu]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Nov. 29 2005,17:42)]MYTH:
#The learning & regular use of Morse Code always produces a better quality, more intelligent, more mannerly, and just all around better operator. Hence the term "REAL HAM" which is another myth.
Actually it is "Learning Code" always produces a better Ham.

Learning electronics and radio principles, or being polite to other amateur radio operators has nothing to do with being a better operator.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[w0bjh]

Fact:

"Old hams don't die; they just go to ground"

[N5FOG]

MYTH: EMCOM and SKYWARN Hams actually have some authority and some real need to for lights and siren on their vehicle.

[WD8OQX]

Quote[/b] (Kc5fog @ Nov. 30 2005,21:59)]MYTH: EMCOM and SKYWARN Hams actually have some authority and some real need to for lights and siren on their vehicle.
Since when? - the only thing I know that they (or we since I am in skywarn) are allowed is an amber light. ( like the rest of us pee-ons)

[N5FOG]

Quote[/b] (WD8OQX @ Nov. 30 2005,23:10)]Quote[/b] (Kc5fog @ Nov. 30 2005,21:59)]MYTH: EMCOM and SKYWARN Hams actually have some authority and some real need to for lights and siren on their vehicle.
Since when? - the only thing I know that they (or we since I am in skywarn) are allowed is an amber light. ( like the rest of us pee-ons)
I guess you haven't seen all the EMCOM'ers that go around with badges on their belts and acting like they are someone "Offical" and trying to throw their weight around (like they have some weight to throw around) Don't get me wrong I have nothing aginst EMCOM'ers, they are a big part of ham radio, just the ones that act badly. I was a part of my local EMCOM group till it got so bad dealing with all the oversized egos.

[n0klu]

Quote[/b] (Kc5fog @ Dec. 02 2005,04:36)]Quote[/b] (WD8OQX @ Nov. 30 2005,23:10)]Quote[/b] (Kc5fog @ Nov. 30 2005,21:59)]MYTH: EMCOM and SKYWARN Hams actually have some authority and some real need to for lights and siren on their vehicle.
Since when? - the only thing I know that they (or we since I am in skywarn) are allowed is an amber light. ( like the rest of us pee-ons)
I guess you haven't seen all the EMCOM'ers that go around with badges on their belts and acting like they are someone "Offical" and trying to throw their weight around (like they have some weight to throw around)
We here in Missouri have no desire to use "lights and sirens" for EMCOM or even SKYWARN, and we don't need no stinkin' badges!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[N7YA]

Well, I like the show...and im afraid you asked an innocent question in the wrong place. you just gave us another excuse to attack eachother. oh well.

I dont think the show would add a ham radio myth unless it was spectacular and gave Adam and Jamie a chance to blow something up...and it also had to be a myth that the public was aware of. early on in the replies someone DID mention long delay echoes...that IS a valid ham radio myth and our most viable application for a show subject, but i dont think anyone outside of the ham/tech community would care. nobody really knows much about us, and god forbid a prospect looks here to learn more!!

...to tell the truth, all these old ham radio cats are a basic mystery to the rest of the non-ham world, the ratings would plummet for a show. lets face it...ham radio is only important to us, and some of you take it WAY too seriously for your own good. i dont mean taking the FUN part seriously (dxpeditions, homebrewing, etc..) im talking about the angry ones who are slipping away slowly and dont know what to do about it, so they lash out. and QRZ.com is NOT a place to ask an innocent question lest ye be condemned to "newbie" status and criticized.

So i would suggest to keep the enjoyment of Mythbusters seperate from this forum...the show is good fun and educational....this is just a twisted form of dark fun that appeals to our devils inside. kind of like gawking at the dead at an accident scene. truly, I applaud those of you who can carry on a discussion without decending into pettiness. there are certainly a few of you, the troublemakers are basic attention hookers.

...like i said before, this place is a bag of doritos we cant seem to put down.

...carry on, 73

N7YA

[kb9iou]

The myth to test is when people say you can start a thread on qrz.com without it becoming a code/no-code debate or a cb/anti-cb banter

[kd6hdx]

Here are some of my memories of MYTHS / URBAN LEGENDS of the 11 meter band (which once was a ham band). #

An old geezer told me once he loaded up a rusty old spring mattress #to a tuner and had a qso on it. #(presumably all of the bedding had been stripped?) #Who knows, urban myth right?

Several old stories about this black guy on channel 6 here in So California that had a seperate 4 cylinder motor in the back of his van just to run his alternators for his 11 meter amplifiers. #Rumor is he has now passed away from cancer. Myth ? exposure to 10 meter RF in dangerous amounts, 1 or 2 KW?. #This operator lived somewhere around Pomona Ca, not sure can't remember his name. Super Fly or Duck Plucker B Stroke-ee something or other?

I have seen fluorescent garage lights flicker when the 102" whip of a jeep came in contact with them while talking through a CB with a kicker on, 100 or 200 watts?

And finally, ham radio myth #1. #I've heard that Alfred Vail actually invented Morse Code and not Samuel Morse. #Morse got a patent and Vail was apparently working for Morse at the time? #Would someone care to shed any light on this subject, I have long wondered if this is a ham radio myth? #Vail came up with a code for each letter while Morse wanted a code for each word in the dictionary?? Who knows out there?

KD6HDX 73

[k5co]

Myth: Hams in Girliemanlandia can't listen to my signals because my radio contains lead; a substance known to scare Californians.

[N8CPA]

Myth: #Once you go "HAM," and do that beep beep stuff you can use linears on CB.

Myth: #Once you go "HAM," you can put marine radar on your personal vehicle for weather spotting and seeing through mountain fog.

Myth: Once you go "HAM," you can modify radios to talk to anyone directly, without fear of FCC consequence.

[kb9ygd]

[B]WELL... I see some other hams have been talking about me...ah...yes indeed thank you!Yes i am ``The Real Ham`` and i`m of the opinion that REAL HAMS do CW keep Logbooks & QSL 100%.73 ``The Real Ham``My Webpage (http://mysite.verizon.net/res868sp/thetriantafilosfamily/index.html)

[K4JF]

Quote[/b] (KC9AFN @ Dec. 01 2005,11:07)]Just a thought, but have you ever considered what would happen if you started dialing phone numbers at random and tried to have a conversation with whoever answered? #Thatw the difference and magic of ham radio. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
There y'go!

[wa4dou]

edit

[wa4dou]

edit

[wa4dou]

edit

[ke6i]

Hmm, let me make up some 'testable ham radio myths' for the show then...


Ham Radio Myth: If you wired up about 10 micrwave oven feeds, and stuck 'em at the feed point of a 20 foot dish, it'd cook birds flying by.

Ham Radio Myth: If the ham radio tower fell down, it could rip the radios right out of the house by the cables.

Ham Radio Myth: With enough transmitted power,a bird's feet could get fused to the antenna.

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (n0klu @ Nov. 30 2005,21:54)]Learning electronics and radio principles, or being polite to other amateur radio operators has nothing to do with being a better operator.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Perhaps these are qualities the rabid pro codies are lacking in? They want the "good" thing they possess to overpower the lesser important items.

[kc7jty]

Quote[/b] (kb9ygd @ Dec. 01 2005,10:11)][B]WELL... I see some other hams have been talking about me...ah...yes indeed thank you!Yes i am ``The Real Ham`` and i`m of the opinion that REAL HAMS do CW keep Logbooks & QSL 100%.73 ``The Real Ham``My Webpage (http://mysite.verizon.net/res868sp/thetriantafilosfamily/index.html)
How REAL can you be using a no gain chicken sh*t discone?

[K8YZK]

That the ARRL is looking out for every single ham in the US, and listens to all its members and does what the membership wants.

[KD6NIG]

Fact or myth:

"Destinated": Only used by and invented by hams?

[K1MVP]

Quote[/b] (K4JF @ Dec. 02 2005,09:27)]Quote[/b] (KC9AFN @ Dec. 01 2005,11:07)]Just a thought, but have you ever considered what would happen if you started dialing phone numbers at random and tried to have a conversation with whoever answered? #Thatw the difference and magic of ham radio. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
There y'go!
Yep,--thats just about what ham radio IS coming
to,--with the "appliance" mentality,--and all the
"hi-tech" stuff.
What is there to talk about except,"hello-goodbye",
and your "5-9" good buddy, and "the weather here
is umpteen degrees".
"just put up my store bought G5RV and did it all by
myself"--"man life is great".
Yep, #dis "magic" of ham radio is also "great".

# # # # # # # # # # # # # 73, K1MVP

[wa4gch]

Howard Said .......

" If you need n components you will only have n-1 "


You got THAT Myth right!

Another Myth is ..........

1,000,000 CBers will take and pass the codeless general class within 48 hours. Lowering the IQ of ham radio down to that of a FIST MEMBER

This is false since FIST members have no IQ at all....

[kl7ut]

Ok, I've worked in Communications for many (35+)Years. We've always been told that using a handytalkie or cellphone in a lightning storm is a bad idea.

I understand that the possible ionization created by the transmitter might be a trigger for a lightning stroke "Leader" or that perhaps a long whip antenna could also become a discharge point. But in all my years, I've never known of or heard of a documented case of a radio user being struck by a bolt from the blue whilst transmitting with a portable...

I saw the mythbusters segment on the metal jewlery in the head and noted that that seemed to make no difference. What do ya think?

Oh... I have heard on two occasions, LDE radio signals. USAF HF Comm using in excess of 50KW (RTTY DSB Suppressed carrier) Once about 20 min. delayed and another over 3 hours!

[nc5s]

Quote[/b] (KD6NIG @ Dec. 02 2005,11:23)]Fact or myth:

"Destinated": Only used by and invented by hams?
Not invented by Hams. Invented by CB'ers. And now used mostly by ...........

[KB9KLC]

Quote[/b] (kc7jty @ Dec. 02 2005,12:21)]Quote[/b] (kb9ygd @ Dec. 01 2005,10:11)][B]WELL... I see some other hams have been talking about me...ah...yes indeed thank you!Yes i am ``The Real Ham`` and i`m of the opinion that REAL HAMS do CW keep Logbooks & QSL 100%.73 ``The Real Ham``My Webpage (http://mysite.verizon.net/res868sp/thetriantafilosfamily/index.html)
How REAL can you be using a no gain chicken sh*t discone?
Interesting......well polite is not part of your station is it now? Man this is sad...Norm hope to work you cw and will qsl soon buddy take care.
73

[KE5FRF]

Aha, I just recollected the most famous radio myth (or not?) of all, as I'm sure you will all agree. It has been the subject of many sit-coms such as "Gilligan's Island" and even a WWII legend involving Lucille Ball and Japanese spies......

It is the famous "RF Sensitive Tooth" legend in which someone with silver fillings in their teeth keeps hearing voices in their head and a tingling sensation in their mouth. As it turns out, an impurity in the filling creates basically a rectifier/detector circuit and the tooth is resonant at a certain RF frequency. In the case of the Lucille Ball legend, (I think) she is driving down a country road in California, and is disturbed to hear strange "dits and dahs" coming out of her mouth. Alarmed by this, she calls a Dr. friend who asks if she has any fillings. She tells him yes, and he explains the phenomenon to her, and he mentions that she must have been very close to a radio tower when it occured. She tells him no, she was out in the country, and this stirs his curiosity. He suspects a military broadcast, and calls the local Army installation and describes the story to an officer, who denies any broadcast from the area. the officer and the Dr. conclude it must be spies, and the officer sends out a team to the area to investigate. They discover a hidden bunker and some Japanese-American spies transmitting Morse messages to Japanese ships in the Pacific.

#As I mentioned, this theme has been played out in numerous sit-coms, and is perhaps the most famous radio-related urban legend of all.

#I only ocassional catch "Myth Busters" on TV, so I don't know if this myth has been looked at before. I just thought it was worth a mention. The science behind it seems plausible, and I know for a fact that metal structures have been found to resonate in the vicinity of high KW broadcasts. But I wonder how many OT hams out there with silver fillings have heard feedback in their headsets when the microphone is near their mouth full of fillings? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N8HE]

Quote[/b] (ke6i @ Dec. 02 2005,16:38)]Ham Radio Myth: If the ham radio tower fell down, it could rip the radios right out of the house by the cables. #
I had a 40 foot tower come down, my police scanner coax was kind of short, when the tower came down it took the scanner through the dry wall before the coax broke loose out of the connector. Good thing the coax was crimped and not soldered, it just might have taken it out of the house http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[k9ekg]

Quote[/b] (Kc5fog @ Dec. 01 2005,20:59)]MYTH: EMCOM and SKYWARN Hams actually have some authority and some real need to for lights and siren on their vehicle.
LOL!!! Now thats funny!

[k0ro]

After contacting at K5GO recently, I sent an email out to see if I was alone in my behavior: namely, when pulling a signal out of the mud, though wearing cans, I would instinctively lean forward toward the rig and swore it helped.

It turned out I was not alone, and we also found that some of our gang pounded the key or slapped the paddle harder to help break through a pile up.

So, does leaning closer to the radio really make that signal come up? (or, if it helps at all, does it simply help the operator ignore other stimuli?)

Art http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k8nqc]

A New Myth !!! #Hams should expect an interference free passband on HF SSB.

This one is far from truth. Those from channelized services and bands often expect a clear channel. Not so on HF SSB. Frequencies are often shared , with several QSO's being possible, in diverse locations. As band conditions change, you should expect to hear others in the passband, if not right on the same frequency. Conflicts are reduced not by specific regulations, since there is no way to tell who was on the frequency first, but by common courtesy. Those who scream for the FCC to chase the other guys away are simply whiners.

[G0GQK]

If its not a rude question, can anyone who replied to the original letter, remember what the subject was about ?
It seems that having read most of the responses that they cannot.

Mel G0GQK

[k5co]

Myth: Hams think clearly, write well and have excellent grammar.

[WA7NIW]

KD5PSH,

You sure got that one right. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KC0TJO]

If you're "distinated" you should seek medical attention.

[N4KR]

FACT: CW is the mark of a TRUE Ham Operator. The anti-CW, beer drinking, profanity spewing slobs who call themselves Hams are nothing more than the left over garbage from a sick and twisted society. Most of them are from the CB sewer. What is a Myth is that these demented people are somehow okay and should be accepted into our family. They are NOT okay and should never have been given a license. Lets do away with the Myth that anybody should be allowed into Amateur Radio.

[ad4mg]

Quote[/b] (N4KR @ Dec. 02 2005,21:32)]FACT: CW is the mark of a TRUE Ham Operator. The anti-CW, beer drinking, profanity spewing slobs who call themselves Hams are nothing more than the left over #garbage from a sick and twisted society. Most of them are from the CB sewer. What is a Myth is that these demented people are somehow okay and should be accepted into our family. They are NOT okay and should never have been given a license. Lets do away with the Myth that anybody should be allowed into Amateur Radio.
Wow. #If the majority of pro-cw or pro-anything hams felt like this, I would be ashamed to be a part of the amateur service.

There is no FACT in this post. #It resembles the ravings of a stingy old man greedily guarding what he perceives as only his.

There are plenty of beer drinking, profanity spewing slobs who call themselves hams on the bands now. #About the same percentage as when I got my 20 wpm Extra Class Ticket on October 10, 1993.

This may be the ugliest post I've ever seen here on QRZ. #You sir, should be ashamed of yourself. #What in the hell are you so bitter and angry about?

Everyone deserves a chance. #I'm probably not much happier than you about the direction that amateur radio is apparently taking, but I'm not going to take it out on the people who wish to join us.

Please ... take your medicine and go to bed.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[wb5yiw]

Quote[/b] (N7HQK @ Dec. 02 2005,05:37)]Ok, #I've worked in Communications for many (35+)Years. #We've always been told that using a handytalkie or cellphone in a lightning storm is a bad idea.

I understand that the possible ionization created by the transmitter might be a trigger for a lightning stroke "Leader" or that perhaps a long whip antenna could also become a discharge point. #But in all my years, I've never known of or heard of a documented case of a radio user being struck by a bolt from the blue whilst transmitting with a portable...

I saw the mythbusters segment on the metal jewlery in the head and noted that that seemed to make no difference. #What do ya think? #

Oh... #I have heard on two occasions, LDE radio signals. # USAF HF Comm using in excess of 50KW (RTTY DSB Suppressed carrier) #Once about 20 min. delayed and another over 3 hours!
I've never heard of anyone having it happen on the rubber duck or whip, but let me tell you what happened to me. I was checked into a weather net one night on a local 2 meter repeater. I had unhooked and grounded all my antennas and rotor cables, unplugged all the power cords, etc, and had everything as safe as I possibly could make it. Well, I live quite some distance from the repeater I was talking about and the house I lived in at the time had a metal roof. I thought using a mag mount on this roof with my ht would be a good solution. About an hour into the net, lightning hit a tree in the front yard and blew it literally all to pieces. There was enough voltage induced in the antenna and feedline to not only damage the ht, but actually heat it up to the point that it smoked and I had to turn it loose because it was too hot to hang on to. Needless to say, the ht was trashed (I almost said "toast"). Only the battery pack survived.

Thats about as close to getting hit by lightning as I ever care to get!

73's

Bryan

[KD5LVB]

I don't know if this qualifies but it is true. When I first got my ham tech license I had little uhf/vhf ht. I wanted to try my hand at 6 meters so I dreamed up the following myth to tell my wife. I told her that I had learned that continued exposure to 6 meter radio waves made men, how shall we say, excessively amorous. To make a long story short, she couldn't get me a 6 meter radio and antenna fast enough! While we all know that isn't the case and we should always put safety first, it makes for a great story.

[kf4vgv]

Myth: Echolink is the savior for ham radio! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N6BOA]

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[AC0GT]

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