The Collegiant Amatuer

[KI4LZK]

Joshua Jones, KI4LZK
315 South Broadway
Herington, Kansas
jonesj@ksu.edu


As I set here preparing to start my quest for higher education, I begin to wonder how I will stay active in our hobby, Amateur Radio. This is an age-old question that many of you have probably contemplated; will I be able to put an antenna up in the dorms? How will I keep everything hidden? Will my roommate mind? We will explore the options a College bound Amateur has.

One solution would be some sort of wire dipole out of a window. That would work, and the only problem would be finding somewhere to attach the other end of the wire. That antenna would also have to be made from a thin gauge of wire, in order to be “stealth.” In Kansas that would mean more then likely it would break because of the wind strain placed on it. Imagine, as you look at the horizon you see dark clouds begin to build. You begin to wonder if it is a thunderstorm or just a rainstorm, suddenly it begins to rain. Now the thunder begins, booming as if it was two freight trains colliding. You look out your window to find that the leaves on the trees are all turned over, and that the branches are beginning to fail as the fearless wind keeps howling. You briskly walk out to check your antenna, and what do you see? Your antenna snapped at the fury of the wind, and hit a fellow student in the face creating a two-inch laceration along their forehead.

Another solution would be to setup a Mobile station. Not that difficult to create, yeah it’s a compromise but so is any other solution I thought about. I like those smaller HF rigs such as Icom’s IC 706 MKIIG, and the Kenwood TS-50. I then think about one obvious fact! I don’t have a vehicle, well except for a bicycle. Think about setting up my bike for HF operations. Having to manufacture a mounting box for the radio, a mounting place for the radio, and a antenna mount. Then you have to figure out what type of antenna you would want to use, and on top of all this, IS IT SAFE? Do you really want to risk getting an RF burn? I can see this bike, strolling along the side walk, you hear the guy say “CQ CQ CQ this KI4LZK Kilo India four Lima Zulu Kilo bike mobile calling CQ and standing by!” Then you notice the 16ft wire being pulled along, and the antenna sticking out from the forks of the rear tire. Interesting sight, I would laugh, would you?

At this point, I was beginning to wonder if maybe it would just be easier not to setup a station at all. Then, I had a thought; maybe there is a school club. This would solve my dilemma! The club station would more then likely be on campus, so more thin likely within walking distance of my dormitory. It would also probably have some antennas. Why hadn’t I thought about this before? I thought to my self that this would be the best solution, so I began to research if there was such a club at Kansas State University.

The club station of W0QQQ (KSUARC) has an interesting history, with its roots in the late 20’s. In the beginning, W9QQQ was affiliated with the ROTC department, and its main function was as a MARS station. Later, when the FCC added the “0” call district the Station call sign was changed to that of the present day W0QQQ. The club station consists of an Icom 736, multiple HF as well as VHF and UHF antennas. Not only do they have all these antennas, but also a tower to put them on! They also have a 2m and 70cm repeater. The club has been in continues operation since 1927. For more information about the Kansas State University Amateur Radio Club, please visit their website at ‘http://www.ksu.edu/ksuarc/’.

This solution will be best don’t you think? I will not have to worry about getting caught in my “covert operations”, nor will I need to worry about my roommate having a problem. There are also some other benefits, one of which is meeting more people. I am excited about my introduction to academia, and also look forward to having a QSO with those of you reading this article.

I believe that Amateur Radio will help me with my studies, as I will be able to speak with those that have walked my difficult steps in the past. Already I have spoken to several radio amateurs that have either attended my school of choice, KSU, or are in my desired field after college. It is important to have some sort of mental release anytime you are doing something challenging, and our great hobby will be that release for me. In closing, I hope you see how difficult it could be to stay active during college, but how easy it will be with some planning.

[K7SU]

WOW...I envy you. You have some real challenges to overcome and yet you may be willing to just take the easy road and use the club station?? No WAY! That may be ok...but....
this would be a good time to experiment with INDOOR antennas using QRP. And of course the danger of getting caught makes it even more exciting! What are they going to do if they catch you? Give you lethal injection? I don't think so. Heck, they don't even do that for murderers and rapists anymore. And you have already assumed that your roommate won't like it. How do you know? This could be your chance to turn someone else on to ham radio. They may LOVE it...or at worst, they may not care that you are doing it. MFJ and several other manufacturers sell whip antennas with a base loading coil that will get you on 10 through 40 meters that you can stick out the window...and bring it in when you are through operating. Or, get yourself some small guage stranded, insulated wire and string up some folded dipoles in your dorm room. You'll be surprised what you can do running low power. Yea Yea, someone is going to bring up the issue of RF Exposure rules and the FCC. Might not hurt to do the calculations just to be sure you are legal...especially being that close to the antenna!
Not sure how your dorms are situated but if you could get on the TOP floor...the world would be your kingdom! The rig you get isn't that important.....get one with a good receiver. QRP is fine...but most 100 watt rigs will let you power back to 5 watts then when the opportunity arises, you'll still have a 100 watt rig.
Good luck with your studies....but don't let a few obstacles stand in your way of having all that fun!

73
K7SU
www.K7SU.4t.com

[wb6bnq]

Joshua Jones, KI4LZK,

May I say that your interest in wanting to use your "HAM" radio hobby is nice, BUT I would not let it get in the way of the primary mission. #If you want to succeed and really come out ahead, it would be wise to spend maximum effort at being at the top of the class. #That means not worrying about extra activities unnecessarily.

Sure, paint me as a square ! #However, an education is costly and it would be ashame to squander such an opportunity. #Having to go to the club station is a good thing. #It helps you to moderate your behaviour and time in a more appropriate way.

Good luck on your efforts.

73.....Bill....WB6BNQ

[ab8ma]

Quote[/b] (wb6bnq @ Jan. 09 2006,00:44)]Joshua Jones, KI4LZK,

May I say that your interest in wanting to use your "HAM" radio hobby is nice, BUT I would not let it get in the way of the primary mission. #If you want to succeed and really come out ahead, it would be wise to spend maximum effort at being at the top of the class. #That means not worrying about extra activities unnecessarily.

Sure, paint me as a square ! #However, an education is costly and it would be ashame to squander such an opportunity. #Having to go to the club station is a good thing. #It helps you to moderate your behaviour and time in a more appropriate way.

Good luck on your efforts.

73.....Bill....WB6BNQ

Bill,

I was trying to think of a way to say that the priorities of College should be emphasized. You said it much better than I could. Well put.

Bob - AB8MA

[W3MIV]

Quote[/b] (wb6bnq @ Jan. 08 2006,19:44)]Joshua Jones, KI4LZK,

May I say that your interest in wanting to use your "HAM" radio hobby is nice, BUT I would not let it get in the way of the primary mission. #If you want to succeed and really come out ahead, it would be wise to spend maximum effort at being at the top of the class. #That means not worrying about extra activities unnecessarily.

Sure, paint me as a square ! #However, an education is costly and it would be ashame to squander such an opportunity. #Having to go to the club station is a good thing. #It helps you to moderate your behaviour and time in a more appropriate way.

Good luck on your efforts.

73.....Bill....WB6BNQ
Good advice, Joshua. And, judging from the initial post, you would do well to hit the books and pay less attention to the radio.

[KI4LZK]

I plan to hit the books, and I plan to hit the very hard. I have my priorities straight. I have a very large goal, and more then I care to admit. With that said, It will be nice to have something nice to get away from it all.

As for having a in door station in my dorm...
I will have my QRP PSK Transceiver. I plan to experiment a little bit, but I am not sure if my roommate will appreciate it very much. I am sorry if you don't like my article, or do not think it is appropriate I am sorry.

[N9PMW]

Hi Joshua,

Great post and yes I agree that the books come first! That said, it was great working you back in November when that pesky tube went BOOM!! That's one QSO I'll never forget my friend. Hope to see you again on PSK.

73......Chuck N9PMW

[wb6bnq]

Quote[/b] (ki4lzk @ Jan. 08 2006,18:12)]I plan to hit the books, and I plan to hit the very hard. I have my priorities straight. I have a very large goal, and more then I care to admit. With that said, It will be nice to have something nice to get away from it all.

As for having a in door station in my dorm...
I will have my QRP PSK Transceiver. I plan to experiment a little bit, but I am not sure if my roommate will appreciate it very much. #I am sorry if you don't like my article, or do not think it is appropriate I am sorry.
Joshua,

It was not that we did not like your article. #It is more from a point of experience that we speak. #We (I use we as including the others above) are NOT saying not to have fun, as you will have time for that as well. #It is just that fun has a habit of getting in the way sometimes.

You did not mention what your major was, but trying to do QRP with in door antennas would be interesting. #Especially if you kept a log of your physical efforts, #activities and results for later articles describing such.

Our concern was from the point that so many people never get the opportunity to go to college. #Your article did not give the right tone and caused us to think that you might be getting lost a little.

Good luck with your efforts.

73....Bill....WB6BNQ

[KI4LZK]

N9PMW: Now I remember working you! I got your QSL card and was wondering why I didn't have you in the log! My QSL card is in the mail as of tomarrow!

Bill, I understand that. I will be majoring in Biology and plan on going on to Medical School after that. I know it is going to take quite a bit of time to make the grades I need in order to accomplish my goal and I am prepared to invest it. In addition to that I am thankful that I get to go. It has been a roller coaster ride to say the least going through the process.

Thank you all;

Josh

[ki9g]

Kudos to you Joshua!! I wish you the best.

Brent
KC9HWJ http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[NT7S]

While I agree that your studies should come first, you have to have a little bit of down time for your own interests, or you will go crazy. I'm going to school full-time and keeping up good grades, yet I still try to squeeze in some ham radio when I can. It is possible to do if you are diligent about staying on top of your schoolwork. As long as you don't neglect your school duties, you should be just fine.

[kf4vgx]

Joshua ,

You sound like a level headed person,
Knowledgeable enough to judge when to work , when to experiment with antennas.
You'll go far in life !
" Go for it Enjoy "
with respect , KF4VGX

[KZ1X]

If I had to do it over again, I'd pay less attention to the radios at the club station, and more attention to the women (NOT at the club station!).

You won't ever again get a chance at that much available p ... err, um, remember, as you date each girl, she's some other dude's daughter, so treat her with all due respect.

And, a tip for your English class ... the word you were looking for is "collegiate." ;-)

GL

[k3xc]

Good luck ham radio during college! I'm finishing up my eighth and final semester of college right now. I haven't been active at school for many reasons. The major one being fraternity life. The house I've lived in for the past five semesters is a beautiful $2 million stone mansion, but things get rowdy and things get broken hi (I would never chance a radio.) I have however been active over breaks and am getting close to completing DXCC Honor Roll. I am also the 3X sorter for the ARRL incoming QSL bureau. Two of the professors in the EE department are hams and my senior design project is ham radio related. The main thing to remember is ham radio is a life long hobby. College only comes once, enjoy it. While it may be hard to operate during college years there are still many ways to be active in the hobby. Ryan, K3XC, BSEE Bucknell University 2006

[KI4MSJ]

Hey Josh, Great post. I am a new HAM with a QRP Rig. I am using the Yaesu FT-817nd. I find it frustrating at times using low power when trying to hit distant contacts. I guess that's what they call the challenge. I also am in the medical field. I am a Fire Fighter/ EMT and like to carry my radio around. I found your article very interesting and want to wish you all the luck. By the way. Have you considered EchoLink. I have recently started using it and find it a great way to talk to radio stations from work. Anyway keep up the good work. Scott KI4MSJ

[KI4LZK]

I realized I spelled Collegiate wrong after it was to late. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif.

Scott: I have been an EMT for a bit over a year. I was in an EMT-I class but then I had to move here so I didn't get a chance to finish it. In North Carolina the classes ran about $65, here they run close to $500.

As for the Women well I will focus on them too. Have to get married sometime or another. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[k4lem]

As the Trustee for W!UV at the University of Vermont I would welcome you to that school with open arms. Since my retirement in 2000 the station has gathered dust. When the radio club was active we got student activity monies and bought a 400 watt statellite station, Yaseu 10 watt all mode 430-1200-144 transceiver. A beam antanna for 20-15-10. Dipoles for 40 meters. A 1500 watt AL1200 and had 220 wired to the shack.

But, when the leadership left (ME) the station gathers dust.

I'd say, start a amateur club. Start small and get the members tech licenses and buy a HTs for members.

Yes, I know, cell phones and the internet have grown like weeds since 2000 and they help to drain interest from the club.

But, have fund raisers and social activites.

The station we set up was on thgird floor of Votey engineering hall and the best damn student I ever had as a member was N1RII. That boy worked his butt off for the station. To this day we owe him for the politics and paper work he did with student actvities.

Anyway, I wish you well. If your school has an EE department that is of course, a plus.

K4LEM

[aa4ae]

Don't feel like you need to limit yourself to one universitiy. #There are plenty of colleges with ham radio clubs:

http://www3.baylor.edu/BARC/Clubs.html

Plus, once you get to college, you can always start a club and apply for space and funds from student government to get a station going. #Usually this sort of thing includes finding a faculty sponsor, finding enough members to hold office, and writing a constitution for a club. #There will be additional challenges for a ham radio club, such as getting a club license, preventing unauthorized station operation, getting wiring and antenna authorization, and so on. #

It will help if you can find a tenured faculty member or permanent staff member to be the license trustee, because they are likely to be around a long time and this will save paperwork and foster continuity as undergraduates are typically not around for more than four years. #Plus, full professors may have the kind of power and institutional knowledge to help clubs overcome obstacles that they encounter (like getting permission to run wiring). #

It is also important to find out as soon as you can about the student government funding cycle and club requirements, because money may come available only once a year, and if you don't meet the official requirements at that time, you're likely to be out of luck until the next year, which, for a freshman, might mean you don't get the club running until you are a junior. #That is, if a school plans for each fall the previous spring, your're out of luck your freshman year. #Then, if you don't have your ducks in a row by your freshman spring, then you miss out on your sophomore year, too. #

Good luck.

[ka9inv]

As for getting a station set up in a dorm... good luck. Most schools aren't going to let you set up any kind of antenna outside of your room. Don't mean to discourage you, but I've already tried.

If possible, leave the station at home and go there to op on the weekends. I've found that there is no time during the week to op at school, anyway.

If you can't go home, I'd go for the school club. In fact, that would probably be your number one option. Some ham companionship in college is something that I don't have the luxury of having at a liberal arts school, so take full advantage if there is one.

Good luck with continuing the hobby at school. I've found it enormously difficult and I have to go home to operate HF, but it makes it that much more fun because I don't get to do it often.

[N5UV]

Congrats on college, Josh. I'd focus on the women on campus at this point, doing radio work in college is extremely time-consuming...especially when you don't have a club station at the school. My radio operating basically went on hold during my school years because I tried going stealthy in the dorms to no avail. You'll find it next to impossible to contact any DX, and calling CQ with a wire ant. hanging out the window, or wrapped around the wall, or loading up your metal window, etc., just won't cut it...trust me on this one. Any dorm built 20+ years back typically has wire-mesh plaster, or walls using cement with steel bars, so signals won't get out very well unless the ant. is outside of building. Then try putting an ant. up without the RAs seeing it, they never cooperated with me. I did the mobile bit, but using a tube rig like that is kinda hard...then the campus cops give you a hard time, so you end up having to go off campus...somewhere...I even tried to get Univ. of North Tx to set up a club, but they shot me down several times...until they built one for the TAMS students (high school child prodigies), and even then, the general student population couldn't use it...I'm still bitter about that one.

Since you're school has a club station, be thankful and USE IT. As other hams have stated, club stations normally gather dust. It's better to keep the shack running in the long term, because the more use it gets, the more likely they'll be able to keep it going for other college students in the future. Not only that, you can work up an appreciable amount of DX, or run contests from the station...oh the fun you'll be having! I envy you!

And don't let these geezers hassle you about college... anybody that's smart enough to get a ham license (even now that the test is easier than it's ever been) has enough common sense to know why they are going to college and how important it is to get thru it. I just love it when old folks lecture the young about what they should or shouldn't do...they forget they were young once too, and everybody's gotta learn the hard way...yes, you to will become jaded like everyone else, so don't worry about it, go to college, have a great time, and enjoy it while you can. I had a blast at UNT and graduated w/honors, I'm sure you can do the same too.

[ab8ma]

Quote[/b] (k4lem @ Jan. 09 2006,13:49)]As the Trustee for W!UV at the University of Vermont I would welcome you to that school with open arms.
I was at UVM from 1968 through 1973. Major was Professional Chemistry - a superset of the chemistry required for med school. I was among the last in Tupper Hall before it went coed. We called our floor "Upper Tupper" for obvious reasons. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KC0UZA]

Keep up the studying but don't let it get you down. #As the old saying goes, "I never let my schooling interefere with my education". #LOL http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[KU2US]

Hey College dude! Go for it all!! It will make you an even more well rounded person. Your book crunching, QRP, The ladies, football games, BEER! Many years down the road, when you have your FULL vintage Collins station, degree and you are playing with endoscopes, you will look back at this experience, and smile. You will wonder how you did it all? But will be glad you did. Yes-The books are #1 always..If you dont do it all, you may be sorry later! Prioritize and it will happen. Good Luck

[KE6US]

Success in college requires keeping your priorities straight:

1. Girls
2. Studies
3. Other friends
4. Ham radio

You will enter as a "collegiant amatuer" and graduate as a "collegiate amateur".

And if you are going to KU, I'd put basketball above girls or they will put you on probation. At W0QQQ they will teach you to call "Go KU de W0QQQ" instead of CQ.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com

[k4lem]

Quote[/b] (KE6US @ Jan. 09 2006,12:08)]Success in college requires keeping your priorities straight:

1. Girls
2. Studies
3. Other friends
4. Ham radio

You will enter as a "collegiant amatuer" and graduate as a "collegiate amateur".

And if you are going to KU, I'd put basketball above girls or they will put you on probation. At W0QQQ they will teach you to call "Go KU #de W0QQQ" instead of CQ.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com
[QUOTE]

Really got to laugh here, because the girls first part usually are the academic loosers. The ham radio bunch usually are geeks, who think about girls way after computers and electronics.

But, not always, N1RII had a stead girl friend and he also now works in banking with probably a six figure income. And, with all of that, and his girl friends disinterest in radio, he basically did fund raising of thousands for us between his sophomore to senior years.

By discouraging radio in the younger set, you contibute to the OLD FART syndrome all too well known on HF bands and I would say from what I hear here on two meters, VHF as well.

[ky5u]

Quote[/b] (NT7S @ Jan. 08 2006,20:55)]While I agree that your studies should come first, you have to have a little bit of down time for your own interests, or you will go crazy. I'm going to school full-time and keeping up good grades, yet I still try to squeeze in some ham radio when I can. It is possible to do if you are diligent about staying on top of your schoolwork. As long as you don't neglect your school duties, you should be just fine.
This is the best idea of all. Spare time on the air can help you unwind without neglecting your studies. My passtime in college was watching my "cool" fellow students smoke, shoot, snort or swallow their money. If any of your pals want to have a cheap trip, see me. I can wack them in the head with a 2X4. After the initial pain, the results are the same as the various chemical alternatives and ALOT cheaper. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

Best of luck and congrats on your mature attitude.

[kc8kod]

Have a great time in college, study hard, learn as much as you can, and don't forget to relax occasionally! Perhaps we will meet up sometime on PSK when you are not busy. 73 de kc8kod

[k5dh]

Joshua,

I won't even comment on how important it is to keep your nose in those books. That's been well covered already.

Let's get right to the real topic: operating from the dorm! If your dorm room has windows that open, I suggest the B&W AP-10A "Apartment antenna". It sticks out of the window, and the sash holds it in place. You feed it directly with 50 Ohm coax, and run a counterpoise wire along the floor inside the room. It's easy to set up and break down, and it's not real obvious from outside. If you operate only at night, no one will ever see it. I used an AP-10A a few years back while operating as SM6/K5DH on vacation in Gothenburg, Sweden. I had the antenna sticking out of our sixth floor hotel room. I was using a Yaesu FT-817 QRP xcvr and I made contacts all over Europe on 20m CW with a couple of Watts and that AP-10A antenna. I believe MFJ also has a similar antenna in their line, but I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that the quality of the B&W model would be vastly superior. Another possibility would be a SuperAntennas MP-1 on a homemade window mount. I use an MP-1 when I'm portable these days. It's best described as a "manually operated screwdriver", although that definition isn't really correct. Look them up on the web for more information.

These are all multiband antennas that are fed directly with 50 Ohm coax. That makes life simpler, and you won't be limited to one band like you would be with a typical dipole.

Email me privately if you want to discuss further: k5dh@qsl.net

Someone suggested paying more attention to the girls. I really support that! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

73 and best of luck in school!
Dean K5DH http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[w4gpw]

Cool Josh!
When I go to College I'm planning on being a business major and also learning how to machine parts (for the W4GPW line of keys HI HI!). My shack will probably cosist of my Dad's Yaesu FT-817 into the short G5RV with my trusty Vibroplex Blue Racer 2000.

73 and good luck!
Patrick Whitson, W4GPW

P.S. Keep working on the medical career. My dad started out on the Rescue Squad in 78 and now works in Gaston Memorial.

[KD7LDH]

Quote[/b] (KE6US @ Jan. 09 2006,12:08)]Success in college requires keeping your priorities straight:

1. Girls
2. Studies
3. Other friends
4. Ham radio

You will enter as a "collegiant amatuer" and graduate as a "collegiate amateur".

And if you are going to KU, I'd put basketball above girls or they will put you on probation. At W0QQQ they will teach you to call "Go KU de W0QQQ" instead of CQ.

Eric
KE6US
www.ke6us.com
You can say that again!

Have fun in College!

As for the Biology major.... If its ur game then do it.... To become an MD I hear you can major in anything... You just need to take a Year of Bio, Phys, Chem, O-Chem, and English (I think thats all of them)...


-KD7LDH

[KG4NEL]

Quote[/b] ]Success in college requires keeping your priorities straight:

1. Girls
2. Studies
3. Other friends
4. Ham radio


Amen to that...but...what's a "steady girlfriend"? Wink wink, nudge nudge. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

When I was in the dorms last year, I managed to get a 100' long wire made from 22awg wire strung out of my window to an adjacent flat roof...and proceeded to receive everyone's computers on campus. Not too encouraging. Now I'm in a 3rd floor apartment, and my 746 sits mostly unused. My mobile setup gets more use, but even then it's sporadic. When you're on campus from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening, there simply isn't too much time to get on the air.

If you work HF in the dorm, beware of the "QRM" caused by your neighbor playing 50 Cent or Young Jeezy too loudly http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif That's where a nice set of closed headphones really comes in handy.

~ Jim
Sophomore business/IT major, Virginia Tech

GO HOKIES! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[kv7m]

Hey Josh,
congrats on your adventure to college.i Agree with k7su.Since we all know that your primary mission is education and that not even ham radio can divert you from that mission.I encourage you to continue studying the hobby...experiment and try different things.play with (home brew) antennas that you make yourself.i #play with wire antennas alot.Its surprissing the level of perfomance that can be acheived through simple wire antennas,strategically placed.maybe that dorm still needs a flagpole in front of it,maybe a flagpole with a vertical antenna stealthily devised inside.With a radio club there on campus you should also be in contact with other hams who can provide or put you in touch with even more resource.My wish is that when you sit there pooring over your grades(all a's and a B good job!),you feel the pride of your efforts-successfully navigating college education and combining the hobby of ham radio in a blend that has a high yield of grades and contacts.....ham it up josh!You will do great! 73
luke kv7m p.s. if i remember college correctly, next time we try to reach you you will be too busy! you'll be working a world economics test ,3 contacts in rare d.x. land and 4 or 5 young ladies all at the same time using different modes(hihi)...yep, i feel for ya josh! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[ab8ma]

Quote[/b] (ab8ma @ Jan. 09 2006,18:12)]Quote[/b] (k4lem @ Jan. 09 2006,13:49)]As the Trustee for W!UV at the University of Vermont I would welcome you to that school with open arms.
I was at UVM from 1968 through 1973. Major was Professional Chemistry - a superset of the chemistry required for med school. I was among the last in Tupper Hall before it went coed. We called our floor "Upper Tupper" for obvious reasons. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Ok Josh,

Now you know that you HAVE to keep us informed. When do you start? The dorms will be neat, if they are as I remember them. Any chance you will try for a Frat?

And for the rest - I really was a Chemistry major. Just ended up graduating with a Math degree, but that's another story. My favorite was Advanced Inorganic.

Keep us informed Josh.

Bob - AB8MA

[KI4LZK]

I will be on the First Floor of the dorm. I check into the dorm, enroll and do the orientation tomarrow at 8am. KSU Is about an hour from home so I am going to pack the van to night and leave about 6:30. As far as the girls go http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif pretty good looking from the little bit of walking around campus I have done. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[NN3W]

God. There will be ample time for amateur radio after college.

College is often the best 4 to 8 years of your life.

Pu$$y; studies; friends; beer (or borboun); pu$$y. In that order.

I was as active as it gets during my HS years, and I promptly shed amateur radio for other interests during my four years of higher learning.

You should keep in mind that RAs will not be keen to antennas. They are rules enforcers on certain issues and that will be one of them. You should also bear in mind the risk factors of a radio. Someone might hurt themselves with one (at 100 watts) or someone might pour beer into it or turn it on and leave it key down for 24 hours.

Leave the radio out of the dorm room.

[W9AFB]

I speak from recent experience here...

I spent my first year in college in the dorms. There was way too much other fun stuff happening and radio was more or less put to the wayside. I had a scanner that I turned on when doing homework and occasionally checked in on the local repeater, but that was pretty much it. There is TONS of RF noise in a dorm, even VHF/UHF. It didn't get any better when I moved to an apartment. Trying to run anything other than your HT through a repeater will be not so fun.

I haven taken advantage of the University club station for radio operating. Theres already antennas, radios, and computers all set up and no worries about bothering others.

There's lots of other activities to explore at college. I've aquired many more hobbies and interests since arriving. I'm not really putting radio aside however. I'm still very much active. I have a mobie radio in my truck that I use when traveling to the airport 5 days a week. I operate at the club station during contests.

The way I figure, the RF spectrum will be there for me when I need it. Take advantage of college and all that it has to offer. Heck, we were the #10 party school in 2003. Not much has changed since then. heh...

Go ILLINI! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Yet another reason college is fun.

[kd7nqb]

Its good to hear that you staying with the hobby through school. I too am a college ham and I have been forced to only have my HT in my dorm for a variety of reasons. I do hit a little glim of luck since my parents house with the rest of my gear is only about 25min away but still I envy your passion. Keep it up, we as the youth of the hobby are the only way we can keep this amazing hobby from finally dying off.

Sincerly, Kd7nqb

[N6BOA]

Majoring in biology? Ok you will have time for ham radio. Major in chemistry or biochem? Then it is time to sell your stuff on ebay or store it. Premed isn't that tough, an English major can do it. And after you have taken your first P-chem class, you will know what I mean. Though I never aspired to go to medical school (I wasn't into dissection) I know many who did, and got there all the while having fun doing extra-curricular stuff. I double majored in biochemistry and microbioloigy and engaged in immunochemistry research for many years after graduating. I designed, via monoclonal antibodies, many cancer diagnostic reagents and kits. It was cool work. I never had time for extra-curricular things during college. If you want med school, you can major in a less academic-intensive course of study (something non-science), get the better grades, and take only those courses necessary to pass the dreaded MCAT. That way you get great grades, still pass the MCAT and can play with ham radio! It is a myth that one must major in science to be "premed". I applied to medical school about ten years after graduating, got in, then decided it wan't for me. I am not the doctor type. Of the sciences, bio will be the least difficult for you - not a bad major for better grades. If so, you should be able to stay somewhat involved with ham. But like these other folks say, don't let it become a distraction! I earned my Masters in chemistry and decided that was best for me...med school? - rock on!

Best wishes and have fun, but work hard! Note: half the MCAT success is in your writing skills so be sure you can communicate well in that area!

73 de N6BOA (Microbio/Biochem '83)

[w8gew]

Trust me Josh, getting a station on the air will be the least of your worries once you're at college. I view Ham Radio as something to play with when I am away from college life.

Good luck in school, see you on The Facebook!! LOL

-Greg, W8GEW

[NL7W]

Hi Joshua,

Did you mean to use the adjective collegiate instead of collegiant, in your article's title? I am not sure if anyone has addressed this or not… No biggie…

Anyway,

Congratulations on your gumption - tackling college head on. I wish I'd done that as a youngster right out of high school, instead of an Air Force career. The opportunity was there, I just chose another path at the time.

Like a few of the others had mentioned, I would concentrate on your studies, and spend little time with ham radio. I would do this at least until completing your college stint, and until you’ve whipped the competition - your fellow American (U.S.) and foreign students.

By the way, the club station idea someone mentioned sounded pretty good. I fondly remember an active military recreation station, Keesler AFB’s K5TYP, while I was studying electronics around 22 years ago. It was a blast – with great camaraderie and a contesting spirit.

Study hard and 73,

Steve Gehring, NL7W
Palmer, AK

[k4lem]

[B]

If this kid is to follow in all you guys foot steps, I guess we should throw out the college amateur stations, most of the books and haul in the beer and condoms.

Nice advice.

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

[N5UV]

Quote[/b] (k4lem @ Jan. 10 2006,06:56)][B]

If this kid is to follow in all you guys foot steps, I guess we should throw out the college amateur stations, most of the books and haul in the beer and condoms.

Nice advice.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Finally,Josh, I have a relevant piece of advice, from the wonderful movie "Animal House"....

Bluto: [thrusting six-pack into Flounder's hands] "My advice to you is to start drinking heavily."

Otter: "Better listen to him, Flounder, he's in pre-med."

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

[w8mje]

A few hints from someone who ran a station during his college years:

1. QRP. I ran 35 watts CW and no one ever complained

2. Keep a portable TV close to your antenna, and tune not just for minimum SWR, but for minimum TVI.

3. Good grounds help. I secretly ran a ground line one night to a rod I had pounded in below my porch. This may not work if you're in a dorm- I was in an old University owned apartment building.

4. Get as much wire as you can out there- drop it from a window, run it out to a tree, whatever. Right now you'll be doing most of your operating at night to take advantage of propogation, so consider antennas that go out the window at night and come in during the day.

5. I have a friend who got WAS with an antenna consisting of a large loop that went a couple turns around the door to a porch off his apartment.

[kb2vxa]

Hi Joshua and readers,

The man is right, get your priorities straight. After the BEER BASH you'll be too drunk to even find the radio anyway. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif Seriously, once in a while you'll have a bit of free time and there's always things to fill it even if it's just a 2M rig, a dipole taped to the wall and the local repeater. Yup, you'll think of something, even if all you think about it is that it's near the bottom of your priorities list between the panty raid on the girls dorm and releasing lab mice in the lunchroom.

[wa5znu]

Check out portable operation. HFPack has some advice for portable antennas (not just backpacks, but picnic table operation, etc.). You'll be out and getting some exercise and fresh air, and not "bothering" anybody in the dorm (though I don't think on-the-air TV is an important part of dorm life these days).

If your rig isn't portable enough, try an inexpensive monobander from Small Wonder Labs or a mono- or multiband right from Wilderness Radio, or Elecraft (in order of increasing cost and sophistication).

If you don't do CW (yet), try a SmallWonder Labs PSK-20 and a laptop. You can use a doublet in a tree and an inexpensive QRP tuner and make plenty of contacts at QRP levels. This will likely work in the dorm as well, and it's audio noise free, if that's what bothers your roommates. They'll just think you're using your computer with a small grey peripheral, hi hi.

[ab8ma]

Quote[/b] (kb2vxa @ Jan. 10 2006,19:05)]and releasing lab mice in the lunchroom.
mice?

[kc0mdc]

No shortage of girls on this campus http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif Of course I work at the Recreation Complex, so.........

I've been on staff here at KSU for about a year and a half, and Manhattan and KSU are great communities. I've dropped you an e-mail. Get on the air, we need some noise around here http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

73 de Tim

[VE7RFH]

Still trying to find a definition for the word 'collegiant' as used by our college student ham friend.

[kb2wye]

Quote[/b] (wb6bnq @ Jan. 08 2006,20:44)]Joshua Jones, KI4LZK,

May I say that your interest in wanting to use your "HAM" radio hobby is nice, BUT I would not let it get in the way of the primary mission. #If you want to succeed and really come out ahead, it would be wise to spend maximum effort at being at the top of the class. #That means not worrying about extra activities unnecessarily.

Sure, paint me as a square ! #However, an education is costly and it would be ashame to squander such an opportunity. #Having to go to the club station is a good thing. #It helps you to moderate your behaviour and time in a more appropriate way.

Good luck on your efforts.

73.....Bill....WB6BNQ

the man has a very good point...

[w5ese]

I agree with the advice of WA5ZNU. Look at the rigs like the Small
Wonder Labs SW+, the Wilderness Radio Norcal 40A or SST,
or the Elecraft rigs (K1 or KX1). With a 5-7AH gel cell and a
portable dipole, you could find a quiet corner on campus
somewhere and operate portable QRP. These simple rigs are
also great for Field Day.

And a VHF/FM HT will be alot of fun as well. Keep your attention
on your studies, but when the occasion permits (and it will), the
camaraderie of the other hams on campus will make for fun
memories.

Get a group together to participate in Field Day, too, if you're
not too far away during the summer.

73
Scott

[KC8YTK]

Joshua,

I became a ham in Dec. 2003 during my freshman year at Northwood University in Midland, MI. I then lead a friend of mine into the hobby and he became KD8ADF before returning to Georgetown in the fall. Between the two of us, we have come up with a few ideas. A wide variance of antennas and using things such as batteries (the ones you can steal out of APC power supplies work best, otherwise they are also available off of eBay). KD8ADF has access (thanks to being a member of the Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service "GERMS") to the roof of his dorm and goes up there to work various bands (all voice, sorry I know you're into PSK31) from there.

In addition to being a advertising/marketing/management major, I also work for the Campus Safety department which is the campus law enforcement agency here at Northwood. I speak from experience. No one is going to bother you about a wire sticking out of a 3rd floor window or even a 1st floor window. You're right, use thin guage but when you attach it to a tree, two words: bungee cord. Attach the bungee cord to the tree and the other end to the wire. Haha, there you go as long as you can find a way to ground it.

One word of advice though: KEEP IT QUIET!!! Damn college students always think corporate America is giving them cancer through radio waves anyway, so don't become a target for candle-light vigils and screaming lesbian protestors (I have no problem with lesbians, my lesbian friends laugh at my opinions) but you get my point that you don't want to become a target for problems. It's an inherant risk, but neither Jon or I have run into anything in our experience.

Also, keep in mind, being a freshmen is hard and it sucks a lot, but next year you will have more choice in who you room with and also keep in mind that at most colleges it is cheaper to live off campus than on. Study hard but don't forget to have fun and meet all the cool people you do at college, there are a lot of experiences you can easily miss out on. But don't forget to balance. Despite what these other guys say, it is possible to enjoy life as a ham, a person in their late teens/early 20s and a college student. I'm a triple major with a language arts minor, have gone through the National Ski Patrol's Outdoor Emergency Care basic course (equavalent to EMT Basic) and still have a job and social life. Jon is in pre-med at Georgetown and has the lofty goal of becoming a periatric neurosurgeon, became an EMT with GERMS, sought and made the National EMT registry and holds down a job which he was reciently promoted to a supervisor position in with University Information Systems and we both have social lives. It's all about balance...

Best of luck and I'm sure we'll all be waiting to hear what happens!!

Chris
KC8YTK@comcast.net
AIM sn: KC8YTK

[kd6dxa]

I vote for the wire dipole out a window. I have done this many times over my years as a student (on the long Ph.D. track) from various dorms/apartments and have never heard a single word about it from anyone. Use the thinnest guage wire that will withstand the wind (black insulation works well for stealth) and make some small insulators from plexiglass. My own current setup is a 22 guage dipole about 15 feet off the ground, and I never want for a QSO. Good luck and 73!

[w1yw]

You managed to use two words in a row that are spelt incorrectly.

I trust you appreciate that 'collegiate' does not mean 'amateur'-ish.

Quote[/b] (ki4lzk @ Jan. 06 2006,17:42)]Joshua Jones, KI4LZK
315 South Broadway
Herington, Kansas
jonesj@ksu.edu


As I set here preparing to start my quest for higher education, I begin to wonder how I will stay active in our hobby, Amateur Radio. This is an age-old question that many of you have probably contemplated; will I be able to put an antenna up in the dorms? How will I keep everything hidden? Will my roommate mind? We will explore the options a College bound Amateur has.

One solution would be some sort of wire dipole out of a window. That would work, and the only problem would be finding somewhere to attach the other end of the wire. That antenna would also have to be made from a thin gauge of wire, in order to be “stealth.” In Kansas that would mean more then likely it would break because of the wind strain placed on it. Imagine, as you look at the horizon you see dark clouds begin to build. You begin to wonder if it is a thunderstorm or just a rainstorm, suddenly it begins to rain. Now the thunder begins, booming as if it was two freight trains colliding. You look out your window to find that the leaves on the trees are all turned over, and that the branches are beginning to fail as the fearless wind keeps howling. You briskly walk out to check your antenna, and what do you see? Your antenna snapped at the fury of the wind, and hit a fellow student in the face creating a two-inch laceration along their forehead.
How about a slinky antenna using pvc pipe as the support. add some xmas lights and now you have a cool concealed antenna that is in plain view. just take of the lights when trying to tune it. it would be a nice indoor antenna if you live on the 2nd or higher floor.



73
Kevin
W0KCF

PS it worked in the barracks in the navy. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[wa8mea]

Ahhhhhh....sweet memories....

EVERYBODY in my dorm thought my ham radio station was COOL! #They even assisted me in violating the rules by helping me construct an outdoor antenna in the dorm building's front yard! #I used 66 feet of #24 enameled wire, strung to a lone tree in the yard. #The end was anchored on the top floor, with the enameled wire running along the edge of the window frames without notice. #It came through my window screen and connected to an MFJ random wire tuner.

There, the antenna remained from the fall....through the winter. #Spring came, and so did baseball season. #The fellas started warming up in the yard in front of the dorm. #it wasn't long and the wire came tumbling down after practicing fly balls.

The coach went to the dean. #The dean called me in. #I figured I was in real trouble. #She told me I should have come to them FIRST, instead of being sneaky about the whole situation. #She went on to explain that the "no outdoor antenna" rule was geared towards dorm dwellers who wanted better FM and TV reception. #And that mine was a special circumstance they gladly would have made exceptions regarding.

My advice? Go to the brass immediately. Take along good PR stuff about amateur radio, especially in light of Hurricane Katrina. #Who knows? #They might let you put up an HF tri-bander!

73, Bill - WA8MEA
http://HamRadioFun.com

[n7vr]

Hi Joshua,
I am glad to sse your balanced sense. You might wish to discuss this with some at HFPACK. They have bicycle mobiles, hand carried, and protable station that provide lots of fun. Most of these are QRP like FT-817. They are lots of fun. Look at HFPack Group (http://www.hfpack.com)

Form my personal point of view, I have meet a number of interesting people walking in the park talking on 17 Meters accross the US. People quite often come up and ask what I am doing. I often let them chat with the station I am in QSO with. It is a great promotion for Ham radio and I get to meet new friends http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[WB4E]

Josh,

KC8YTK has it right; it's all about balancing the interests and demands in your life. Now if you can find a study partner who is a hot chick, is an EMT, and likes to spend time in the club ham shack, you'll have it made! Just be sure to watch the VOX settings! #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

It might have been in jest, but you mentioned operating bicycle mobile HF. That brings up an important point I did not see mentioned here -- you also should incorporate exercise into your schedule. Not many college students think of that. #Bicycle mobile is a perfect way to get some exercise in. Check out the Bicycle Mobile Hams of America (http://www.lafetra.com/BMHA/) web site for good ideas on how to safely operate bicycle HF.

Best of luck in your collegiate career!

[wx9jc]

Hi Joshua,

You'll be able to balance everything as well as use the radio now and then. #I'm a junior EE major at Bradley University and I still find time now and then to go up to the club shack and get on the air. #Granted, it's not as much time as I'd like, but I do put studying as my first priority. #That's the best advice I can give. #Be thankful your school has an active club. #We have a club, but right now I'm the one and only member (and President). #I am having a heck of a time finding either current hams, or new people to recruit. #There really aren't too many college students who are interested in radio - even science majors.

My advice other than to study hard is to first find some friends when you get there. #Keep yourself organized and prioritized. #When you have free time you can go play radio in the club room. #That's what it's there for. #As others have said, I really wouldn't mess with dorm room radio set-ups. #They really aren't good things. #Reception will not be good, and there just isn't enough room for antennas. #Also, you run a very big risk of damaging the equipment from spills, etc. (parties happen). #I know too many people who've had to get new computers due to beverage spills! # # #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif #

And as far as making it a huge priority to find a girl, it's overratted. #It will happen without too much trouble. #Don't put everything else on the back burner to find women. #

Good Luck!

Jarrod
KC9CJY

[N3KIP]

Ignore the idiots who say not to operate whilst you are in college. I got my licence while I was a student, and operated from my room on campus. I never asked for permission, because it would never have occurred to me that I needed it, and no-one ever said anything.

A few students complained when I overloaded their stereos, but as engineering students they actually understood and accepted that it was the fault of their equipment. Try getting your neighbours to beleive that after college! College is a brief respite from the ignorami.

I was only licenced for VHF and above when I was a student, but I don't think HF would be a major problem. Go ahead and buy that HF mobile antenna. If you dont use it on your bicycle you can use it in your room or just outsde the window. If they can hear a mobile, then they can hear a base station with a mobile antenna. A friend of mine (ex-WB3W, aka F6DWI) used to use a mobile antenna leaning against the bedroom wall with 100 watts! Be careful of stray RF, though, and watch the SWR as well.

Sadly, the old club station, G2PI at Loughborough University, seems to be QRT. It was the oldest college club station in the UK, too. Older than G6UW at Cambridge. Mind you, we never could get the valves (tubes) for the old HF rig, so it wasn't used on Tx the whole time I was there. We used the callsign a few times though.

You know, if you were to go to Loughborough University and re-activate G2PI, the drinking age there is still 18! There are three bars on campus, too. I wonder if the ham shack is still located at the bottom of a hill? More likely it's gone altogether.

73 de Alun, BSc, G8VUK, N3KIP

(EE degree, UK Full licence, US Extra)

[KI4MRU]

Well, I have to agree with the other current/recent students and say that it's certainly possible to do everything you want while in college, as long as you keep it all in moderation. I'm in my final semester earning a BSEE at Grove City College in western Pennsylvania. And if I can finish that degree in four years, participate in all manner of clubs and groups, have a social life, and still find time to get my amateur license and operate, I'd say anybody can. I've also been involved with the campus FM broadcast station, and that's a whole other interesting side of the spectrum. It definitely helps if you can find a professor or two who are licensed and get to know them. I've managed to work out an independent study project for this semester where I'll be working with one of my profs on a software-defined radio. Pretty interesting stuff, and I'll be getting credit for it! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif No matter what you do, enjoy the next few years. Everybody says it, but it's true: they'll be over before you know it.

In terms of operating from the dorm, I haven't had much luck with it, but I'm only on VHF/UHF and the school is in a rural area. The nearest repeaters are 20+ miles away, and I haven't been able to hit them on my 5W HT. But the school is setting up an HF station that I'll be able to use for this independent study. (I'm taking the general and extra tests next week.)

Oh, and if you search the FCC database for the name of your school, you might be able to find the frequencies that your campus safety department uses. Listening to their traffic can be an interesting diversion. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[N3KIP]

I used to work on our campus radio station too, but it was an AM one with very low power and transmitting aerials in all the halls of residence (dorms to you). I stepped through someone's ceiling installing one of these aerials, and we all left the building in a hurry! Hopefully the campus security won't come to get me now after all these years!

Thanks for calling me a recent grad, BTW. I graduated in 1981!

73 de G8VUK/N3KIP

[nc5s]

Quote[/b] (ki4lzk @ Jan. 06 2006,16:42)]Joshua Jones, KI4LZK
315 South Broadway
Herington, Kansas
jonesj@ksu.edu


As I set here preparing to start my quest for higher education, I begin to wonder how I will stay active in our hobby, Amateur Radio. This is an age-old question that many of you have probably contemplated; will I be able to put an antenna up in the dorms? How will I keep everything hidden? #Will my roommate mind? #We will explore the options a College bound Amateur has.

One solution would be some sort of wire dipole out of a window. #That would work, and the only problem would be finding somewhere to attach the other end of the wire. #That antenna would also have to be made from a thin gauge of wire, in order to be “stealth.” #In Kansas that would mean more then likely it would break because of the wind strain placed on it. Imagine, as you look at the horizon you see dark clouds begin to build. You begin to wonder if it is a thunderstorm or just a rainstorm, suddenly it begins to rain. Now the thunder begins, booming as if it was two freight trains colliding. You look out your window to find that the leaves on the trees are all turned over, and that the branches are beginning to fail as the fearless wind keeps howling. You briskly walk out to check your antenna, and what do you see? Your antenna snapped at the fury of the wind, and hit a fellow student in the face creating a two-inch laceration along their forehead.

Another solution would be to setup a Mobile station. Not that difficult to create, yeah it’s a compromise but so is any other solution I thought about. #I like those smaller HF rigs such as Icom’s IC 706 MKIIG, and the Kenwood TS-50. #I then think about one obvious fact! I don’t have a vehicle, well except for a bicycle. Think about setting up my bike for HF operations. #Having to manufacture a mounting box for the radio, a mounting place for the radio, and a antenna mount. #Then you have to figure out what type of antenna you would want to use, and on top of all this, IS IT SAFE? Do you really want to risk getting an RF burn? #I can see this bike, strolling along the side walk, you hear the guy say “CQ CQ CQ this KI4LZK Kilo India four Lima Zulu Kilo bike mobile calling CQ and standing by!” Then you notice the 16ft wire being pulled along, and the antenna sticking out from the forks of the rear tire. Interesting sight, I would laugh, would you?

At this point, I was beginning to wonder if maybe it would just be easier not to setup a station at all. Then, I had a thought; maybe there is a school club. This would solve my dilemma! The club station would more then likely be on campus, so more thin likely within walking distance of my dormitory. #It would also probably have some antennas. Why hadn’t I thought about this before? #I thought to my self that this would be the best solution, so I began to research if there was such a club at Kansas State University.

The club station of W0QQQ (KSUARC) has an interesting history, with its roots in the late 20’s. In the beginning, W9QQQ was affiliated with the ROTC department, and its main function was as a MARS station. Later, when the FCC added the “0” call district the Station call sign was changed to that of the present day W0QQQ. The club station consists of an Icom 736, multiple HF as well as VHF and UHF antennas. Not only do they have all these antennas, but also a tower to put them on! #They also have a 2m and 70cm repeater. #The club has been in continues operation since 1927. For more information about the Kansas State University Amateur Radio Club, please visit their website at ‘http://www.ksu.edu/ksuarc/’.

This solution will be best don’t you think? I will not have to worry about getting caught in my “covert operations”, nor will I need to worry about my roommate having a problem. #There are also some other benefits, one of which is meeting more people. I am excited about my introduction to academia, and also look forward to having a QSO with those of you reading this article.

I believe that Amateur Radio will help me with my studies, as I will be able to speak with those that have walked my difficult steps in the past. Already I have spoken to several radio amateurs that have either attended my school of choice, KSU, or are in my desired field after college. #It is important to have some sort of mental release anytime you are doing something challenging, and our great hobby will be that release for me. In closing, I hope you see how difficult it could be to stay active during college, but how easy it will be with some planning.
?? Collegiate Amateur ??

[wb4tjh]

I certainly hope they teach him how to spell "collegiate"....just kidding:

[w8wlc]

Josh good luck to you on your ventures. When I attended the university during the 70's I used a HW101 feeding a thin guage wire dropped out of the 5th story window between the screen mesh all the way to the ground level. I tuned this will a simple L-network and used the steam heating line as a ground. It worked great and allowed me to keep in touch with my friends at other schools and was a great honey magnet because back then long distance calls were expensive and phone patchs were free. My son now attends the university and really nothing has changed as far as radio operation goes. You will find now that the university stresses good study habits and woe be to those who go out of their way to disturb others in this venture. Hope to catch you on the air

[kr1s]

Josh: I once wrote a book titled "Low Profile Amateur Radio." If you can find a copy it may be helpful. If I were you, though, I'd put aside ham radio and stick to your studies. Your post contains numerous grammatical and spelling errors. A college student ought to be proficient in his or her own native language. So give the bands a rest and hit the books.

73,

Jim, KR1S
http://kr1s.kearman.com/

[N7COA]

Kudos, Joshua. While pursuing a degree in Geology, I was also pursuing WAS and the two do not go well together when falling asleep in class is a problem. Problem solved by turning off the rig except for weekends and , especially, leaving it off during mid-terms and finals. Cramming and dxing don't go well together. Best of luck and hope you make med school.:)

[ab8ma]

Joshua.

Study. And Girls. Let the radio take a distant third. You have the rest of your life for the radio. Get good grades now. Then you will better afford the equipment you will want later.



Oh, did I mention Girls?

[N7COA]

Forgot to mention something, Joshua. While pursuing my degree, I got re-licensed as a Novice in 1975 (started in 1959) and upgraded to General in 1976, the same year as I graduated. And, as a married student on the GI Bill, I lived off campus and had the shack in my house. Still, the studying had to come first while raising a family and working part-time and being in the Army Reserve. It is just a matter of balancing your time.:)

[ah6fc]

Nice post. I agree with the others, use the club station, operate on vacations, and study hard.

Good luck!

[w1yw]

Quote[/b] (ah6fc @ Jan. 16 2006,11:05)]Nice post. I agree with the others, use the club station, operate on vacations, and study hard.

Good luck!
Exactly.

And party prudently on Friday and Saturday nights (only).

[ve2ftt]

Hi,
let me share a similar experience...When I first started my elect. engineering class in 1981 in Laval University (Quebec City, Canada), I had to put up a vhf station and could only dream of setting up an hf station in my small room... Things changed over the years and when I left with my diploma in 1985, there was a fully equipped club station (yes, one with antennas mounted on a tower on a roof...) and I hope others now can benefit from it...

Ham radio is a great way to meet people and help the community when you have time and interest but the challenge is to manage to get your degree asap and keep ham radio as a hobby that combined with some sport activities can help implement a balanced life...


73's and good luck

Bruno, VE2FTT, HB9TRE... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KI4LZK]

Quote[/b] (ve2ftt @ Jan. 17 2006,15:18)]Hi,
let me share a similar experience...When I first started my elect. engineering class in 1981 in Laval University (Quebec City, Canada), I had to put up a vhf station and could only dream of setting up an hf station in my small room... Things changed over the years and when I left with my diploma in 1985, there was a fully equipped club station (yes, one with antennas mounted on a tower on a roof...) and I hope others now can benefit from it...

Ham radio is a great way to meet people and help the community when you have time and interest but the challenge is to manage to get your degree asap and keep ham radio as a hobby that combined with some sport activities can help implement a balanced life...


73's and good luck #

Bruno, VE2FTT, HB9TRE... #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Bruno;
I have been playing quite a lot of basketball since I have arrived here at KSU. I bet in the last week I have lost 10 pounds. Anything to keep the Freshman 15 off http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

73

Josh

[n5sdh]

Josh Jones,
Are you by chance affiliated with Film Tech?
73's.

[k2bkt]

Go to a technical college....:D

[W2CDR]

Hi Joshua,

I see this has been up a while, but I'd figure I'd chime in with my 2 cents.
I would not focus too much on Ham Radio while you're in college, rather if your desire is to attend Medical School, you not only have to get good grades but you also have to get some worthwhile EXPERIENCE.
I have worked with a number of undergraduates/research technicians who had aspired to enter medical school and they all shared a few things in common.
1. Extremely Intelligent (which I'm sure you are..)
2. Alot of Medically relevant experience.
One guy had mastered the Mandarine Chinese language and volunteer in Chinese hospitals. Upon his return to the US and graduating from College, he conducted research in a Microbiology lab while volunteering in a Hospital that catered to a predominantly Chinese population.
Another dude, traveled to South Africa and volunteered in a medical clinic in an extremely poor villege.
The point was not to gather the experience alone but to get something out of it, such that they could apply it in their medical career later on.
So you want to think alot about extracirricular activities and how you can apply that knowledge (or convince your interview committe) to an eventual medical career.
If you can find a way to incorpate amateur radio into an activity that promotes medicine, then that can be a way for you to maintain amateur radio as a hobby, while adding to your resume.
As a post-doc fellow at Weill Cornell Medical College, I lectured a Neurology class to medical students and I'll tell you, they are amazing. Intelligent, ambitious, and VERY competitive, so you want to get into a competitive frame mind as well.
Stay away from Frats, they are a waste of your time. You're in college to advance your career, not to party. I've had a number of friends who were ambitious like you, but they got too absorbed in the "college" party life. Consequently, their grades suffered. They did not get to medical school and any other advanced degree programs.

As for me, I hold a Ph.D. in Molecular Pharmacology. During my undergraduate years (B.S.) I not only got good grades, but I obtained two research grants from industry and government, experienced scientific research in both an industrial and academic setting and conducted research in a another country (Italy). I was accepted into the ph.d. program in the middle of my senior year of college. I don't want to toot my horn, but use me as an example of how competitive you need to be to get into either medical or graduate school. Grades are not enough any more, nor will deep pursuit of Amateur Radio help. I was totally inactive during college.
Don't worry about girls, don't let them distract you. Do what you got to do with them, but always have your career in the back of your mind!! (Always!).


Good luck, keep you head on strait, nose in the books, spend you free time in a medical related/biomedical research activity! Nothing wrong with being a geek..geeks are the ones that make it to med/grad school..and you know what....that's when the fun starts!!!!

Ciao, Dr. W2CDR

[wa0dth]

When I attended Kansas Technical Institute in Salina Kansas I stayed in the dorm there. It was a converted pilots berrics. This was way back in the late 60s.
What I did to get on the air, was use a window mount aluminmum telescoping antenna. About 16 ft long. It was built so you could close the window down on it. The loading coil was inside with tap points for tuning. A wire from the tuning coil ran out to the alminum tubing. The tubing went out at a 45 deg angle. I would only put it in the window temporarly for operating.
I made quite a few cw contacts with it at night during my study breaks. Also it is important to have a good ground or counterpoise. I clipped onto a steam radiator.
Back in those days rigs were boat anchors so I used seperate rx and tx. Tube rigs. hi hi
With todays compact rigs it would be a snap.
One word of caution. You might use as low power as possible because of RFI to stereos in the dorm. That might be advantagis if the noise gets to bad, hi hi. kidding.
Hopefully your off the ground floor.

Good luck

[WB3JOK]

I might as well add my two cents worth. I got my Novice in 1976 and the following year at age 15 went off to the Univ. of Maryland to live in the kennels, I mean the dorms, for four years while getting my BSEE. My first roommate was a 17 year old Extra but he was more interested in trying to get laid, drinking, and being BigManOnCampus than studying. He flunked out and had to go live at home and reapply the following year.

I had my priorities in order: study, try and fit in socially, #then party. Girls basically weren't in the equation for an underage kid with no social skills and thick glasses (fortunately the drinking age then was 18 for beer and wine and I was big for my age so could usually get away with drowning my sorrows). No time left for ham radio after those important activities!

Anyhow, #I'd wanted to go to med school too but the premed advisor gave lousy advice, and at that time only about 1/3 of applicants to med school were getting in, so I didn't even apply. I graduated with my BSEE in 1981 at age 19 and went right to work for a small "Beltway bandit" (defense contractor). $23,500 had a reasonable buying power for a single guy in '81, too. About six years later I realized I was really bored designing circuits and having them thrown in the ocean or fired into space, so I took the few remaining premed classes that an engineering major didn't already have (while still working full time), aced the MCAT and went to med school. In 1987, EE majors had nearly the highest acceptance rate to med school (over 60%) of any major - history majors were the highest at 64%, believe it or not. Biology majors, because there were so many of them, had the lowest rate at 39%. I'll bet the figures are similar today - med schools want people with different kinds of experience ("well-rounded"), not just science "grinds" with no outside interests at all.

I chose a school (the military's Uniformed Services Univ. of the Health Sciences) that paid ME $24,000 a year to go there rather than the other way round. Got my MD in 1991. Of course I had to be in the Air Force for a while http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

Now, fifteen years later, I'm working 2/3 time, soon to be 1/2 time, and trying to enjoy life rather than keep my nose to the grindstone. A billion Chinese don't give a crap that I graduated from college at 19 instead of 21 http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif #If I had to do it all over I would have stayed at home for a couple of years and took classes at the local community college before jumping into the deep end at a huge university. Also, although I have an impressive resume, I'd have enjoyed life much more by taking a different route - although as some philosopher (Kierkegaard?) once said, "Life may only be understood backwards but it must be lived forwards".
The point is when you're 18 you think you'll live forever and you can't wait to get older and all grown up and "do something with your life". Unfortunately one day soon you will look in the mirror and think "who is this middle-aged person?"... so do study and also do some partying, but keep things in perspective: remember you only get to go through life once so don't waste it!

[n7th]

You're in college now. Spell check is your best friend. The posting title should read (not say) "The Collegiate Amateur"

Best of luck.

[W2NJS]

Joshua:

One of the basic tenets of the amateur fraternity is that the amateur is balanced. This hobby/avocation, or whatever you choose to call it, can be extremely absorbing and therefore command a lot of your time if you're not prepared to control it. I'm speaking from experience, like many others who have commented on your inquiry and remarks. Another basic phrase to remember is to keep first things first, which to me would mean that the hamming is kept in the same place as partying when one is in school; you don't engage in it every day but maybe on the weekends you make time for it. You may have the maturity to handle the many demands on your time that you'll find in college but I'd bet that for most younger guys it's a process that has to be learned by experience. You sound like your head is screwed on straight so I wish you all the best.

73,

Tom, W2NJS
Washington DC

[kg4ulp]

When I was a freshman in the dorms in '86 I had a Heathkit shortwave radio that I had buit and wanted to set up in my dorm which was on the fourth floor of a tower. I decided to set up a long wire antenna. I ignored the fact that I would be committing one of the Big Three things you could do to get you automatically kicked out of the dorms (tossing anything of of the window) and went to Radio Shack and bought some medium-gage insulated wire. On a Friday afternoon I took the screen out of the window, tied off one end of the wire to a can of pop, and hurled it as hard as I could towards a tree across the courtyard. It sank straight to the pavement where it landed like 50 feet in front of my RA who was coming back from lunch with a bunch of his RA friends. He followed the wire up to my window. I WAS BUSTED.

So I freaked out and was told I had to meet with the building manager. I couldn't believe how stupid I had been. There was no way that heavy wire would have made it to the tree and it would have been too visible anyway. My parents were going to kill me. My life was over! I met with the manager and pleaded my case. Thankfully, he had a relative who was a ham, understood how crazy hams were, and had mercy on me. I didn't get kicked out of the dorms, and the next time I went home I brought the shortwave radio with me. 20 years later I'm an active Extra with a wire between two trees in the back yard. Wife hasn't kicked me out yet ;)

[KB8AMZ]

Quote[/b] (ki4lzk @ Jan. 06 2006,11:42)]Joshua Jones, KI4LZK
315 South Broadway
Herington, Kansas
jonesj@ksu.edu


As I set here preparing to start my quest for higher education, I begin to wonder how I will stay active in my hobby, Amateur Radio. This is a question that many of you have probably contemplated; will I be able to put an antenna up in the dorms? How will I keep everything hidden? Will my roommate mind? I will explore the options of a College bound Amateur.

One solution would be some sort of wire dipole extended out of a window. That would work. The only problem would be finding somewhere to attach the other end of the wire. The antenna would have to be made from a thin gauge of wire, in order to be a “stealth antenna”. Because of the high wind in Kansas, there's the likelihood it would break from the strain placed on it. I imagine, as I gaze at the horizon and see dark clouds begin to build. I begin to wonder if it's a thunderstorm, or just a rainstorm. Suddenly, it begins to rain. The the thunder begins, booming as if it was two freight trains colliding. I look out my window to see that the leaves on the trees have all turned over, and that the branches are beginning to fail as the violent wind howls. I walk out to check my antenna, and that it has snapped in two from the fury of the wind. I see that a fellow student has been struck by the flying part of the severed antenna in the face, creating a two-inch laceration along his forehead.

Is Joshua speaking about the wire that he was proposing to hang from his window?

Another senario, would be using a Mobile station. Not that difficult to create. Yes, it’s a compromise. So is any other solution I've thought about. I like the smaller HF rigs, e.g. Icom’s IC 706 MKIIG, and the Kenwood TS-50. I then realize one obvious fact! I don’t have a motor vehicle. I do have a bicycle, though. I think about setting up HF operations on my bike. I'd have to manufacture a mounting box for the radio, a convenient location on the bike for the radio, and an antenna mount. Then I'd have to figure out what type of antenna I would want to use, and would IT BE SAFE TO OPERATE? Do I want to risk getting an RF burn? I can imagine me on the bike, travelling along the side walk, saying “CQ CQ CQ this KI4LZK Kilo India four Lima Zulu Kilo bicycle mobile calling CQ and standing by!” Then I notice the 16-foot wire that's trailing behind my bike becoming entangle in forks of the rear tire. An interesting sight! I'd laugh, would you?

At this point, I'm beginning to wonder if maybe it would be easier not to setup a station at all. Then, I had a thought; maybe there is a school amatuer radio club. That would solve my dilemma! The club station would more than likely be on campus, and probably within walking distance of my dormitory.

I thought to myself that this would be a better solution, so I began to research whether there is a club at Kansas State University.

I found that the club station is W0QQQ (K.S.U.A.R.C.) and has an interesting history from its origin in the late 1920’s. The club Call began as, W9QQQ, and was affiliated with the R.O.T.C. department. Its main function was to serve as a M.A.R.S. station. Later, when the FCC added the “0” call district the Station call sign was changed to that of the present day W0QQQ. The club station equipment consists of an Icom 736, multiple HF as well as VHF and UHF antennas. Not only do they have all these antennas, but also a tower to put them on! They also have a 2m and 70cm repeater. The club has been in continuous operation since 1927. For more information about the Kansas State University Amateur Radio Club, please visit their website at ‘http://www.ksu.edu/ksuarc/’.

This would be my best solution, don’t you think? I will not have to worry about getting caught in my “covert operations”, nor will I need to worry about my roommate having a problem. There are also some other benefits, one of which is meeting more people. I am excited about my introduction to academia, and also look forward to having a QSO with those of you reading this article.

I believe that Amateur Radio will help me with my studies, as I will be able to speak with those that have walked my difficult steps in the past. Already I have talked to several radio amateurs that have either attended my school of choice, K.S.U., or are in my desired field after college. It is important to have some sort of mental release anytime I am doing something challenging, and our great hobby will be that release for me. In closing, I hope you realize the difficulty that college bound amateurs have to endure to stay active while attending college. The solution is easy with some planning.
Good luck and diligence to you, Joshua, with your college studies. Before I was a licensed ham, I hooked up with the K.S.U. A.R.C. (northeast Ohio, Kent State University). I was a temporary member working toward my license at the university amatuer radio station, K8GRA. Our membership was less than 10 student members and we had a faculty member that was our mentor, but we never saw him around the shack.

We found time in the evenings and on weekends to meet at the club house, the 3rd floor of an old house on the campus where the 1st and 2nd second floors were occupied by the Biology Department. The campus police department was located next door; we had to go sign out the key to gain access to our shack. We would advertise in the campus newspaper that we could send message-grams for students that wanted to contact family out of state. For our efforts, we applied for and received funds for operating and equipment purchase from the university Student Activities Funds. Most of our equipment was old, used, and purchased from estate sales, reserected military and homebrew. I was able to send CW on a pair of Drake Twins, 3rd party traffic, with my Elmer. The tragic events of May 4, 1970 put a damper on the club activities. The attrition of club members graduating, and no new members joining the club. Our small club disbanded in 1971.

If you don't have a campus A.R.C., you may find some locals that will let you visit and operate from their QTH. Surely, you can rig some antenna in your dormitory room to work HF, if its not against Residence Hall policies.

Do you have any Ham buddies attending college with you? HT's are a nice convenient way to communicate locally, concealable during class in your pocket or backpack, easy to retrieve and work local traffic while traversing from one building to the next. After May 4 at Kent State, I became an employee at the university. I sometimes carried my HT with me while at work and chatted with student hams when they travelled between their classes. The Residence Hall's Policy at Kent State Univ. prohibits the erection of transmitting antennas inside or externally from the dormitories, so those students found local hams that permitted them to use their equipment, on scheduled days.

I'm retired now, but I'm back in college (commuting to another college out of town) so I communicate via mobile to and from school. Not much time for QSO's when I arrive at home due to too many other activities as well as studies.

If you have the will to communicate while attending college, you will find a way to accomplish it. From your research, you've found that Kansas State University has an active Amateur Radio Club and you should be able to continue to operate while in attendance at college.

73, Terry, KB8AMZ

[ab8ma]

So Joshua -

Time for an update. How was the first year?

[KI4LZK]

Looking back almost two years ago I wrote this article. It is interesting to see how terrible my grammar was, not to mention my spelling. I have little time for amateur radio now, but I am still fairly active when I have a chance.