20 minutes at my first local field day

[KL1ZB]

I am new to the world that is Ham. I recently received my Tech license and purchased my first radio. I thought it would be fun to go to the local field and meet some other amateurs and maybe learn a thing or two.
Here is my story:
I pulled up and parked, got out of my vehicle and walked toward a group of people and strike up a conversation. One of them in the group was nice enough to show me around and point out a few on the different antennas and mobile rigs in operation. As I was about to enter a tent that the local club setup a amateur called me over asked me a question about my vehicle. This Ham, I assume he was a ham operator because of his name and call sign on his hat, proceeds to verbally accost/threaten me, telling me that he could write me a ticket or arrested me and that I could spend serous time in jail. I can only assume he was an off duty police officer.
At this point I decided that I had enough of the experience that was field day 06. I got back in my vehicle and left.

[N4AUD]

What was it about your vehicle that got his attention? Just curious...

[kc2prn]

yeah what was wrong w/ your vehicle? Do you own a pento or a hybrid http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif ? Just jokes but I really sad to hear that your first field day went !#%$#^$#. Best next thing to do is join a club (but not that one) and go to field day next year w/ the club. Sorry you had a bad experience http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif Well I wish you the best of luck and my club is the Bonac Amateur Radio Club on Long Island NY. freq. is 145.270 and reverse is 144.640 (i think). Call any time. KC2PRN 73.

[KL1ZB]

Quote[/b] (K1ALK @ June 25 2006,21:45)]What was it about your vehicle that got his attention? #Just curious...
It has a set of after-market horns. They are obviously not even hooked up. He went off about how he could write me a ticket and if I used them and caused a accident I would be held criminally libel and could spend some serious time in jail.

All I could do is say, yea, yea I know, yes, un huh, I know. When I tried to explain they weren't even hooked up he did seem to care he just went on and on.

[AB6ND]

What are after market horns? I have no idea what they are. Anyone else know?
AB6ND

[KC2MDP]

Do'nt let the bad experence throw you. Fortunatly, there are not to many of these Mad at the World Mental Midgets in the ranks of amature radio. It' just unfortunate that you had to meet up with one of the few that IS. Maybe you parked on his counterpoise and threw his VSWR all to hell. Or perhaps you blocked his line of sight to the local lunch waggon. Whatever it was consider it THERE loss, and do'nt look to harshly upon your local club because of the actions of one lowly idiot.

[KC2MDP]

Quote[/b] (AB6ND @ June 25 2006,22:37)]What are after market horns? #I have no idea what they are. #Anyone else know?
AB6ND
Air horns is my guess. Now why in hell would you want to blow your air horns at the local field day sight?

[N4AUD]

I have no idea what those are, but his reaction was a tad extreme. Seems like a private (and polite) "Those things are illegal, you're gonna get a ticket if you leave them on your car" type of talk would have sufficed.

Did he show you any ID? My bet is he isn't even a police officer. From the description he is probably either not an officer or a very inexperienced one.

Good luck in amateur radio! I wish your first field day experience had been better, but not everyone is like that, obviously.

[WA9SVD]

Sorry for your bad experience. But don't let one jerk give the impression that all of us are like that. (As you actually experienced before the jerk chimed in.) There are Cop wannabees that think they are all important and all knowing. Just try to ignore them as much as possible. Remember: "Those that can, do. Those that can't are wannabees." And take their failure out on the unsuspecting. (Probably should have asked him for his badge number...) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

But seriously, I'd send a letter to the president of the club describing your negative experience (possibly harassment?) at the club's Field Day site.

[KC2ESD]

KL1ZB What car do you have? If it was a Mustang the Possible cop could think you are a speeder. If it was a fixed up Honda Civic the cop could think you are with the Fast and Furious Crowd. Next Field Day go to another Club's FD event. Most clubs will welcome you In and even let you operate Like we did.
73 de Rick K2B/KC2ESD

[KL1ZB]

Quote[/b] (KC2ESD @ June 25 2006,23:00)]KL1ZB What car do you have? If it was a Mustang the Possible cop could think you are a speeder. If it was a fixed up Honda Civic the cop could think you are with the Fast and Furious Crowd. Next Field Day go to another Club's FD event. Most clubs will welcome you In and even let you operate Like we did.
73 de Rick K2B/KC2ESD
Its a plain chevy silverado 1500 work truck. No frills not even a cassette player! Its stock, other then the headache rack and the after-market horns horns on the cab.

I know I souldn't let this kind of thing bother me, I was just a little shocked. Normally it wouldn't have however being new the radio scene and not knowing all the "in's and out's" I was trying to be as nice as possible and sit back, watch, listen and learn and before I even open my mouth other then to introduce myself to a group of people this happens just made me take a step back for a second.

[kb9iou]

Sounds like you just got ahold of an all around jerk... there's one in every crowd, ham radio is no different... forget about him.. he was probably just trying to make himself look big... sounds like he's suffering from short man's syndrome.

Next year go to a different club's setup... I wouldn't let this guy bother you.

[wd0ct]

That is what you get for showing up with old w3sy saxophones hanging off your truck. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (KL1ZB @ June 25 2006,23:31)][
I know I souldn't let this kind of thing bother me, I was just a little shocked. Normally it wouldn't have however being new the radio scene and not knowing all the "in's and out's" I was trying to be as nice as possible and sit back, watch, listen and learn and before I even open my mouth other then to introduce myself to a group of people this happens just made me take a step back for a second.
Don't let this affect your perception of Amateur Radio. The guy was out of line, and created an incident that's now known the world over, thanks to the Internet. Unless he's truly a spokesman for the club, (in which case I'd find another club, and if it's an ARRL Service Club, I'd file a complaint, but only if the fellow was speaking with authority as an official of the club.) But most likely you met a jerk who was on some ego trip and not speaking for the club. The best response probably would have been "Show me the badge," or better yet, "Show me the vehicle code that says anything is not legal..." and that would have shut up the wannabee in his tracks. And then just turn away and talk to someone else. If he was a legitimate LEO (law enforcement officer) he would have either stated there was a perceived vehicle code violation, or issued a citation; not engage in verbal harassment.

But don't take this as something even remotely connected to Amateur Radio. The jerk's actions could have occurred anywhere; Field Day, the local Mall, etc.

[AB6ND]

Hi 1ZB. I'm still in the dark regarding after-market. Are they those loud horns used on large trucks?
Also we don't have the other guys side of the story perhaps his remarks were in jest.
73
AB6ND

[N1MLF]

It's unfortunate you ran amok of a jerk.. yep.. we got some of them too. Just too bad it had to be one of your first experiences in ham radio. Theres tons of good folks out there & you'll find 'em..Don't let one bad apple run ya into the ground bud...

--keep on hammin--

73 JW

This is another one of those cases that we obviously don't have the full story, and only one side of the partial story.

First post, carefully avoids mentioning what exactly about the truck was at issue.

Interesting that the poster says he assumed he was being confronted by an off-duty police officer. Why would a police officer confront him? If there was something illegal at issue, then seems to me the off-duty officer did the guy a favor by pointing it out and letting him go.

Second post, we learn that there are "aftermarket horns".

Third post, we now are told that there also was a "headache rack" whatever that is (and why do you suppose it would be called that).

What else hasn't been mentioned yet? Maybe a light-bar with blue or red lights? Maybe boom-boxes rattling the area?

I don't for a second buy the - 'oh innocent new-ham me was picked on for no reason by a callsign-cap guy'.

Whatever happened, clearly this was about a souped up truck and/or possibly the behavior of the driver as he approached the site, and not at all about ham radio.

I'm not jumping to conclusions about who was the jerk unless I hear the other guy's side of the story. He was wearing a callsign hat. So what was his callsign? We can look him up and just ask him.

[ky5u]

I would now like to hear the other side of the story. No offense, but there is always the other side.


Note: Corrected information.

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (KL1ZB @ June 25 2006,23:24)]Quote[/b] (K1ALK @ June 25 2006,21:45)]What was it about your vehicle that got his attention? #Just curious...
It has a set of after-market horns. They are obviously not even hooked up. He went off about how he could write me a ticket and if I used them and caused a accident I would be held criminally libel and could spend some serious time in jail.

All I could do is say, yea, yea I know, yes, un huh, I know. When I tried to explain they weren't even hooked up he did seem to care he just went on and on.
How come you didn't do what I would have done?
After the first finger he shook and pointed in my face, I would have said,

"Hay!!! It's not my fault your wife cut you off "

Then I would walk away. And if he followed me around keeping on b'ing, then I would have said, "Shall I call the police?" then turned to continue what I was doing/looking at. And if that didn't work, then I would have asked the main honcho there that I need a phone.

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ June 26 2006,04:56)]I would now like to hear the other side of the story. #No offense, but there is always the other side.


Notice you're using a CLUB CALL. #What is YOUR call?
He didn't come up a club call on mine.
Here is what it said in the details.

**********************************

Callsign: KL1ZB Class: Technician Codes: HAI USA
Name: Lee A Hobart
Addr1: 7817 Regal Mountain Cir
Addr2: Anchorage, AK 99504
Country: USA
Effective: 09 Jun 2006 Expires: 09 Jun 2016
FRN: 0015104466 What's this?
FCC: ULS Listing
Lookups: 29

[W7WV]

This incident has nothing to do with ham radio or the club except the fact that it happened at a ham gathering.
There are idiots everywhere in life.
Once you get onto the bnads you are bound to find someone who disagrees with your point of view and/or that you cannot stand to talk to.
Just spin the dial and move on. That's life.

[W5HTW]

It certainly would be nice to hear more of this story from more than one person.

However, from just what is presented here, I would have to say the fellow known as KL1ZB did nothing wrong. The person who was assumed to be an off duty police officer, if indeed he was, and if he felt compelled to touch on the subject of the horns, should have simply, and without much fanfare, pointed out they are illegal. Going into a long discussion was uncalled for (unless, of course, he received some static initially.) Had I been an off duty officer I probably would have pointed out, in a couple of sentences, that the use of those horns would be illegal, and let it go at that. They weren't being used. Vehicle codes may prohibit their installation in certain states, whether hooked up or not. Noise codes probably prohibit their use almost anywhere except in the desert.

ZB should have simply said "yes sir, and thanks for telling me about it" and gone on to another tent. This incident has nothing at all to do with ham radio, and I am sure he could have found someone else receptive (as he did with the first person who was showing him around.) To take this incident and form it into a distaste for ham radio or for Field Day, is a stretch. However, I can see where it would be a real turn off for a new ham, and I wish it had not happened that way. At the moment I see no reason to believe it didn't happen that way, so it is unfortunate, at best, and darned sad at worst. I hardly think Field Day is the place to enforce vehicle codes, and especially by an off duty officer who is there as a ham, not a cop. (Though it is getting difficult to tell the difference sometimes!)

ZB don't let this turn you away from ham radio.

Ed

[KI4NNL]

Well, here we have it. People are saying don't judge ham by this one fellow, but then turn around and presume he may be lying or leaving out things, because they have not heard the other side of the story, and its what he gets for having a "suped up truck" with a horn that wasn't even connected.

I will respect a person enough to take what they say at face value (at least in a discussion forum, I wouldn't when money or such is involved, I am not condoning being a fool), and until they prove themselves wrong, I have no reason to accuse someone of lying or leaving out facts.

This guy who gave him a hard time is a jerk and if I ran into someone at a club who treated me that way I would walk away from it till they apologized or quit, I don't have the time to waste on fools like that. #It seems like folks are looking for a reason to defend his behaivor though, for that you should be ashamed. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Listen to the folks letting you know this guy is a jerk and move on, ignore the others!

Quote[/b] ]This Ham, I assume he was a ham operator because of his name and call sign on his hat, proceeds to verbally accost/threaten me, telling me that he could write me a ticket or arrested me and that I could spend serous time in jail. I can only assume he was an off duty police officer.

So an (assumed) police officer tells ZB that he could spend some "serious time in jail". ZB says just because of some non-connected horns? That doesn't make any sense.

Yet ZB decides that Field Day and hams with call-sign caps are to blame, posts a blatant troll in a ham radio forum to whine and complain about someone else who isn't here to give his side of the story, and condemn the field day experience because of something that has nothing to do with ham radio.

ZB is no hero.

[KI4NNL]

No what I think he did is relate a personel experience. #Someone at his first field day chewed him a new one, and the person had a call sign hat on. #He also said someone was nice enough to take the time out to take him around the place. #

Sorry but he was treated rudely and left, he didn't go off on all ham folks, or on all field days, he just told you what happened, you say he is whining about that. Well by the same note then so are you! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Of course by that so am I. #I think we all need to get off the forums, if you post an opinion or experience you may get flamed for whining! # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Just having fun man, relax and realize sometimes ham operators can be jerks, I have met them (heck, I can be one!), don't discount someone for saying that fact.

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (nn4rh @ June 26 2006,08:04)]Quote[/b] ]This Ham, I assume he was a ham operator because of his name and call sign on his hat, proceeds to verbally accost/threaten me, telling me that he could write me a ticket or arrested me and that I could spend serous time in jail. I can only assume he was an off duty police officer.

So an (assumed) police officer tells ZB that he could spend some "serious time in jail". ZB says just because of some non-connected horns? That doesn't make any sense.

Yet ZB decides that Field Day and hams with call-sign caps are to blame, posts a blatant troll in a ham radio forum to whine and complain about someone else who isn't here to give his side of the story, and condemn the field day experience because of something that has nothing to do with ham radio.

ZB is no hero.
GO BACK TO BED !!!

[N4QX]

EDIT: post remains because I take ownership of even poorly chosen words, but see below for reconsideration.

As best I can tell, "after market horns" = sirens<s>, and "headache rack" quite possibly = lights.</s>

Rob, if I'm right, the reaction you got has nothing to do with him being an old ham or you being a new ham. #It has everything to do with you being a whacker and him being a rightly angered police officer.

Wannabe cops cause our hobby and service problems. #I truly hope you aren't one of them, and I truly hope my presumption is wrong.

[KC7ATO]

Nice catch ZB! Just keep reeling them in nice and slow.
TROLLING....TROLLING....TROLLING....keep those Hammies TROLLING!!!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Quote[/b] (KI4NNL @ June 26 2006,10:28)]Sorry but he was treated rudely and left, he didn't go off on all ham folks, or on all field days, he just told you what happened, you say he is whining about that.

Of course by that so am I. I think we all need to get off the forums, if you post an opinion or experience you may get flamed for whining! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Just having fun man, relax and realize sometimes ham operators can be jerks, I have met them (heck, I can be one!), don't discount someone for saying that fact.
I can't help thinking that he would not have been treated rudely if he had not been doing something that could result in "serious time in jail" in the first place.

Perhaps the callsign-hatted assumed police officer was merely trying to be helpful to a new ham, but ZB took it the wrong way.

Everyone is so ready to condemn as a "jerk" the guy who isn't here to explain his side, but so ready coo at the guy who came here to whine about someone being mean to him. I honestly don't understand that.

[kf4vti]

Quote[/b] (N4QX @ June 26 2006,01:38)]As best I can tell, "after market horns" = sirens, and "headache rack" quite possibly = lights.
FYI:
A 'headache rack' is a bed or frame mounted guard that covers the rear window to protect the driver from objects that may enter the cab thus causing a headache.

http://www.southwestfabricators.com/rear_bumpers/301_headache_rack_lg.jpg

[W4BD]

Well I am kind of confused right now about the call sign of KL1ZB. That is a 2X2 I would think and he is a Tech so how does a Tech get a 2X2. When I got my Tech I had a 2X3(KI4HJZ).

I can see the very same attitude right here on these posts that would turn me off if I were not thick skinned from 40 years of Construction work. We have a bunch of WANNABEES cops and BIG ME and LITTLE YOU types on here.

Having air horns on a truck be it a pickup or big truck should not present a problem unless they blocked the drivers vision or he used them. The "Headache rack" is nothing more than a stand back of the cab to look like a roll bar and is for show only and mount lights on.

73's

[W5MEJ]

Quote[/b] (W4BPK @ June 26 2006,08:54)]Well I am kind of confused right now about the call sign of KL1ZB. That is a 2X2 I would think and he is a Tech so how does a Tech get a 2X2. When I got my Tech I had a 2X3(KI4HJZ).

I can see the very same attitude right here on these posts that would turn me off if I were not thick skinned from 40 years of Construction work. We have a bunch of WANNABEES cops and BIG ME and LITTLE YOU types on here.

Having air horns on a truck be it a pickup or big truck should not present a problem unless they blocked the drivers vision or he used them. The "Headache rack" is nothing more than a stand back of the cab to look like a roll bar and is for show only and mount lights on.

73's
KL1ZB is a valid Group C callsign in Region 11 (Alaska). Alaska and Hawaii calls always seem to confuse people for some reason, but I can't imagine how anyone got the idea that it is a club call!

A headache rack is not for "show only", nor is it a lightbar. The normal use for a headache rack on a pickup is to allow you to carry items longer than the bed, and to protect the rear window. Hasn't anyone here ever used a pickup as a work truck before?

Sorry you caught flak at the field day site and on the forum, ZB...don't let it sour your opinion on all amateur operators!

73
Chuck

[KD6NIG]

You would think if some gentlemen on here could have taken the time to check out the guy's callsign, that a google search for 'headache rack' would have turned up pictures of what one actually is, instead of immedietely assuming that one is a lightbar and trying to make out the person as being some kind of wannabe cop.

Sure, there are 2 sides to every story, but it seems like when one of these stories is posted, people take the side of the person attacked or the attacker, and automatically make assumptions immedietely. How nice.

I would like to hear both sides of the story from someone who WITNESSED this and not the actual people. Of course, such witness would have to be a friend of neither. I bet you would find that both people are embelishing the story slightly. Personally, I wouldn't drive a truck with airhorns on it, but I would have advised the person that I didn't know, and would have welcomed him to cite me for my alleged infraction. Then I would have taken the debate to the proper forum if I felt the 'officer' was wrong-a court- and abided by its decision.

Provided the account is semi factual that was posted, its possible the person may have been a cop, and may have been trying to help, but who knows. I'm sure attitudes were present on both sides.

I'd suggest not visiting that club's field day again, and researching the vehicle code to see if what was mentioned is legal or not. If it isn't, I'm sure a true constable will be speaking to you about it someday anyway, so better to be safe than sorry. If not, do yourself a favor and don't continue the issue by going back to him and trying to set him straight. Just let it go..... If this guy is truely just trying to start something, he'll fuel himself off the conflict, and by doing that, you'll ensure he continues this well after you're gone.

[KE5FRF]

This thread has me utterly amazed.

The original poster, a BRAND NEW licensee since only June 9th, comes to QRZ.COM after field day, and makes a comment that he had a bad experience. He doesn't go into a whole lot of detail, granted, but he says an assumed off-duty policeman gave him a hard time. He indicates that his truck is basically stock except for a headache rack and some airhorns, which are not even operational. Now, anything else is conjecture (which I saw a lot of in this thread) ...but I saw many people jumping down this new licensee's throat and accusing him of wrongdoing and "defending" the supposed off-duty policeman. Amazing.

Now, I was not there, and I have no way of knowing who was in the right and who was the jerk. For all we know, KL1ZB drove up to the site blaring his airhornes and burning rubber. On the other hand, he may have came to the site queitly and respectfully and looking for Elemering and a new experience. Why it is safe to assume one way or another is beyond me, but he indicated no reason for me to think that he wasn't being truthfull. Yes, it would be nice to hear the other side of the story, but I will tell you THIS, if I had done something WRONG, something that might make me look bad, the last place I would be coming would be QRZ.COM to post about it, and set myself up for my bluff to be called. These forum pages get read by a lot of amateurs around the world, including Alaska, and I imagine it isn't outside the scope of reason that someone AT this field day site who observed the event that transpired might read this and set the record straight (if in fact there is anything misleading going on)...So, therefore, it wouldn't behoove anyone with common sense who did something wrong to come here and air it out in public.

Yet, half of the responding posts seem to ASSUME the guy who posted did something wrong. Is it because he drives a pickup truck? Is the assumption that he is a redneck or something? Well, I imagine that in Alaska, pickup trucks are probably common more out of neccessity than any kind of social class.

It is a tad shamefull that some people assume the worst when someone posts something. I remember my first few posts here on QRZ, when my total was less than 50 or so, and I voiced my opinion on some things, as a new Technician with a brand new license, and getting berrated and tongue-lashed by some old pharts. It is a shame that this is how we welcome someone to the fold.

I am glad I have fairly thick skin, or else I might not have developed much of an interest in amateur radio.

[N4QX]

Quote[/b] (kf4vti @ June 26 2006,07:53)]FYI:
A 'headache rack' is a bed or frame mounted guard that covers the rear window to protect the driver from objects that may enter the cab thus causing a headache.
Much thanks to VTI for helping my pickup-impaired status.

That having been said, what excuse is there for an after market horn?

[kl7aj]

Sorry you had such a rotten 'sperience. (Yikes, I hope it wasn't in KL7 land!) We always have a blast at field day....we usually get some good press coverage too.

Don't let one jerk ruin your day...hope you show up next year.

[n8yx]

Quote[/b] (N4QX @ June 26 2006,08:57)]That having been said, what excuse is there for an after market horn?
If it's a siren, none - unless the user is affiliated with a public safety/service concern.

If a horn - so that other drivers will hear you. Especially important if you need to get the attention of some yahoo who is about to run the intersection that you and the large trailer you're towing are approaching.

Any of you who are motorcycle riders know how woefully inadequate most bike horns are. If upgrading my bike's horn means I have a better chance of staying alive, the stocker is getting trashed...

[N4QX]

Quote[/b] (KD6NIG @ June 26 2006,08:46)]You would think . . . that a google search for 'headache rack' would have turned up pictures of what one actually is
The first two headache rack I found on google have models with overhead red or red and white lights. Upon further reflection, they appear to have potentially legitimate uses as supplementa brake or reverse lights if nonflashing and rearfaceing.

I'm still not sold on the "after market horns."

[n8yx]

From 13 AAC 04.210 - Horns and warning devices

"A motor vehicle operated upon a highway or other vehicular way or area, except for snowmobiles, must be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of at least 200 feet, but no horn or other warning device may emit an unreasonably loud sound or harsh sound or a whistle..."

Hmmm...looks like someone didn't define unreasonably loud in that R & R. If a semi's air horns are considered legal under that section, they would also be legal if mounted on a pickup. As written, the law makes no distinction regarding fitment.

If the OP was indeed accurate with his accounting of the events, the person who accosted him was either a wannabe cop (albeit with a bad case of Little Man's Disease) or a real LEO without a good working knowledge of his state's motor vehicle code...

[N6BOA]

Quote[/b] (W7WV @ June 26 2006,05:41)]This incident has nothing to do with ham radio or the club except the fact that it happened at a ham gathering.
There are idiots everywhere in life.
Once you get onto the bnads you are bound to find someone who disagrees with your point of view and/or that you cannot stand to talk to.
Just spin the dial and move on. That's life.
Yup...one guy doesn't represent ham radio. My guess is if he really acosted you for the air horns (and we don't know his side to the story), he has a burr up his south end. Don't worry about it and move on. Some people are just full of themselves. (I would look into those air horns though, as you might invite trouble elsewhere; see below). In CA:

The California vehicle code states: "27000. (a) ( )1 A motor vehicle, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet, but no horn shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound. An authorized emergency vehicle may be equipped with, and use in conjunction with the siren on that vehicle, an air horn ( )2 that emits sounds that do not comply with the requirements of this section."

I don't know about your state, but here in CA you might draw unwelcomed legal attention to yourself, even if the horns aren't hooked up....just a thought.

Take the advice of others in this thread, attend FD next year and stay with those folks that are welcoming you. It really can be a lot of fun! Also, get your General ticket so you can really have some fun.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif 73

[N4QX]

Quote[/b] (n8yx @ June 26 2006,09:04)]If a horn - so that other drivers will hear you. Especially important if you need to get the attention of some yahoo who is about to run the intersection that you and the large trailer you're towing are approaching.
OK, fair enough.

Rob, I jumped your case too early, quite possibly due to an enhanced (but justified) ensitivity to public safety wannabes in the ham radio ranks. You know better than I do why your vehicle is equipped the way it was, and my assumptions are unfounded. I am sorry.

You're going to run into jerks in any endeavor in life, and you're going to run into some people who have intermittently jerky moments, as I have today. please don't let this spoil you on ham radio.

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (KC7ATO @ June 26 2006,08:42)]Nice catch ZB! Just keep reeling them in nice and slow.
TROLLING....TROLLING....TROLLING....keep those Hammies TROLLING!!!!! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
WHAT THE H, E, DOUBLE HECK !

This guy is a brand new ham. New to here. He doesn't know anything about

TROLLING


NOTHING LIKE MAKING A GUY FEEL WELCOME !!!


GO TO BED !!!!!!!!

[KD6NIG]

Quote[/b] (N4QX @ June 26 2006,09:05)]Quote[/b] (KD6NIG @ June 26 2006,08:46)]You would think . . . that a google search for 'headache rack' would have turned up pictures of what one actually is
The first two headache rack I found on google have models with overhead red or red and white lights. #Upon further reflection, they appear to have potentially legitimate uses as supplementa brake or reverse lights if nonflashing and rearfaceing.

I'm still not sold on the "after market horns."
Google must be pretty random then. The first one I got was sans lights.

I guess you could mount them on there, though.

But, thats why when my boss required that I get one of those dual yellow light flashing things for my back window (for when I was doing security patrol) I opted for the suction cup mount. I'd leave it up while working, but as soon as I got home, I stowed it under the seat.

Less questions, comments, legality, etc (it was legal, as it was yellow). Just made things easier for all concerned.

If hes got a lightbar, I'd suggest he take it off. I'm sure the headache rack itself is fine. I'd check into the vehicle code for the horns, if legal, maybe a xeroxed copy in the glove box to cover myself and that'd be it. If not legal, then its up to the person to decide to take the heat or remove them.

I have a funny feeling though that the accuser, cop or no, enjoys confrontation. I don't view that as a positive thing, and I know a few people in law enforcement that, if I presented this to them, would probably agree with me. Agression on either side of the coin in a situation isn't a good thing. We'll probably never totally know all the facts, but I'm sure there is wrong on both sides of this coin.

[k2bt]

KL1ZB-sorry your having such a hard time at the fest and on this board! You didn't do anything wrong to have your honesty questioned. 2 of my brothers and a few friends are retired cops and they would have never questioned you about disconnected air horns especially off duty at a hamfest. I would talk to someone with authority at that club and let them know what happened. Maybe they can find a cage and a plastic badge and gun for him to play with.

[wv6z]

Quote[/b] (KL1ZB @ June 24 2006,23:24)]Quote[/b] (K1ALK @ June 25 2006,21:45)]What was it about your vehicle that got his attention? #Just curious...
It has a set of after-market horns. They are obviously not even hooked up. He went off about how he could write me a ticket and if I used them and caused a accident I would be held criminally libel and could spend some serious time in jail.

All I could do is say, yea, yea I know, yes, un huh, I know. When I tried to explain they weren't even hooked up he did seem to care he just went on and on.
Well I hope you were as nice and friendly as he was and that you were sure that you told him where he could go and what to do with himself when he got there. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[WA9SVD]

Regardless of the circumstances, the "cop" or wannabee was way off base berating someone in public at an Amateur Radio gathering. Unless he was on duty, and willing to issue a citation, he could and should have merely informed the person that he perceived a vehicle code violation, and left it at that. But he seems to have gone beyond that with some personal rant. An Amateur Radio event isn't the place to take such issue, and most (unfortunately, not ALL) legitimate law enforcement officials act MUCH more professionally than what was described.

[AB6ND]

1ZB how about letting us know which FD site you attended. If your account is factual maybe the other guy will surface and tell his side of the story.
73
AB6ND

[N4AUD]

I can't imagine some horns bolted on a truck is an arrestable offense in any state. It isn't here in Virginia.

I don't know the veracity of the original poster's story, but I spent a lot of years as a police officer and trained others to do so. To call someone out in public that way and act that way would be a prime example of a police officer who would not last long or who had better get a clue rapidly.

Either the guy wasn't an officer, he's a bad officer, or we are getting a really skewed telling of the events. Of course, there are THREE sides to every story- mine, yours and what really happened. We all know two people can experience an event and have completely different perspectives and memories of what occurred.

If what he said was what happened, I hope he doesn't let it turn him against amateur radio. If it was made up from whole cloth, oh well...

[KL1ZB]

I want to clear some things up. My first post was not a troll. I was just posting my first experiences as a Ham at my first local field day. Yes, I was deliberately being vague on some of my points for several reasons and I want to explain why. The first point was I do not know who this person is/was, I do not know if he was even a member of a club, he could have been a homeless person that found that hat and showed up however I doubt that is the case(I’m also not trying to say the homeless can’t be hams). I did not want to mention any names of people or call signs because I did not want to look like I was trying to attack/give any club or person a bad name.
As far as the problem with my vehicle I just wanted it to be known that the problem this guy had with me/my vehicle was not club/radio/field day related. I didn’t even think at the time of posting the problem was relevant because it wasn’t even ham related. Yes I was being vague but it wasn't because I was trying to troll or cover anything up.

I would also like to re-state that I met some very nice people at the field day. I’m sure if I wasn’t a noob to the ham world I would have probably just walked past him and not given it a second thought. It was never my intent to start a troll/flame war.

[K3STX]

This whole thread is wierd to me. I can not imagine why people would assume you had done something wrong. If you showed up with a severed human head on your truck, one of two things should have happened:

1. The wanna-be cop would call the real cops and you would be arrested, or

2. The guy would say "Hey, you know you can get arrested for carrying severed heads on your truck", in which case you would reply "Thanks for the heads up".

Any more conversation than that is more than necessary.

Hearing only YOUR side of the story, I would bet the guy thought you were a trouble-maker punk and "didn't like your type". When I had really long hair I got that all the time. You did the right thing, just leave.

Before next FD go visit other clubs, PICK one you like, and then you will be "one of the guys". You'll have a great time.

And get a haircut.

paul

[n7rjd]

All laws regarding horns should be ammended to include a requirement that they be loud enough to disrupt an average cellular phone call from a distance of 200 feet.

[W5HTW]

I reiterate, it was a vehicle code violation at best. That isn't a felony. It is a citation. No jail time involved. And even then, to be cited, the horns would have to be "available," which if they weren't hooked up, they aren't. The horns didn't emit ANY sound, let alone a sound that was in violation of sound ordinances. The "cop" was wrong to make a major case of it, but indeed could have casually mentioned "if those horns are working, you could get a citation for the vehicle code violation, (or violation of sound ordinances.) " And that should have been the end of it.

Large trucks have air horns for road use, away from population areas, and can indeed be cited for noise violations if those horns are used in town. They also have a timid little city horn, and that is the one they better use down on city hall square.

Most cities now have rules about idling truck engines, and a great many cities have rules against the use of Jake brakes. And rightly so. They are noisy critters and can wake up a neighborhood. Many cities prohibit a parked truck from idling its engine more than five minutes in an hour. That is simply to keep the heater working if it is cold weather, or to keep the batteries charged. Reefer units running are prohibited entirely except in industrial areas.

Noise is a pain. Some cities are outlawing those "can you hear me and tell I am really existing?" boom boom stereos. And rightly so. They are there not for the passengers in the car to hear, but so the car can be heard two blocks way, so the person can feel important and not be overlooked.

But the fact here is the horns weren't working. I would have warned him about having them, and I would have warned him about having them working. But not in any big deal way. And especially if I was off duty.

Headache racks are found on every flat bed trailer (tractor trailer types) in America. They are often found on pickup trucks that are used in work, such as hauling pipe, blocks, or other 'real work' loads. They are actually there so if the brakes are applied suddenly, the load does not shift forward into the cab. They are mandated on large trucks that carry flatbed loads. They can indeed be used to support other things, including light bars, extra turn/brake signals, tire chains and US flags. But they have a purpose in the real world. I think it is probably true some folks who buy trucks for the look, rather than the work capability, may add headache racks to feel macho. Well, they aren't illegal.

As a kid in Denver, I joined the craze, too! I installed a Bermuda Bell under the floor on the driver's side of my 50 Ford. Yep, it was loud. Yep, I got warned about it. Yep, I finally removed it before I got a ticket.

Oddly, my glasspak mufflers were NOT illegal! Though they sure caught some police stares a few times.

And once upon a time I had to prove to the inspection authorities in Delaware that that twin-throat muffler on my Austin-Healy 100-6 was the ONLY muffler one could buy for that car. And if I took that one off and bought a new one, it was going to sound exactly the same. They allowed me to register the car. But they didn't like the sound.

Ed

[KC5SAS]

Quote[/b] (KL1ZB @ June 25 2006,21:41)]This Ham, I assume he was a ham operator because of his name and call sign on his hat, proceeds to verbally accost/threaten me, telling me that he could write me a ticket or arrested me and that I could spend serous time in jail. I can only assume he was an off duty police officer.
You should have given him the ole 1 finger salute and told him to Get Bent. Unless he was there in an official capacity he had no business getting in your grill. Don't let the jerk get you down. #Play radio and have fun.

[kf6rdn]

Next time someone asks/questions, just ask why they have a problem with hornyness. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[N0WVA]

Even if the horns were fully functional, is field day, where everyone is supposed to be enjoying each other and ham radio, really a place to be making an issue of such a thing?

I think not.

Who really cares? Next hamfest I go to, maybe Ill have a wannabe cop tell me how illegal I am for not wearing my seatbelt.

The guy is a looser.

[KC9ECI]

Quote[/b] (N0WVA @ June 26 2006,21:17)]Who really cares? Next hamfest I go to, maybe Ill have a wannabe cop #tell me how illegal I am for not wearing my seatbelt.
Legality aside, it is always a good idea to use your seatbelt. I've lost track of how many times we've stood around a body at an accident scene waiting for the coroner to arrive and commented on how this person would still be alive if they had been belted in when they had the accident.

[N4AUD]

I don't think punching the guy, flipping him off or any of this other stuff would be wise. You were the better man, and didn't elevate a bad situation and make it worse. As far as being off duty, an officer can take action on the clock or off, 24-7, at least in this state. BUT if this guy was really an officer and if it happened as described, he needs more training because a lot of people will react badly, and one of the most important thing an officer does is keep the peace, not cause disturbances. Sometimes situations can't be avoided, but there are ways to deal with people without being a jerk. I'm still on speaking terms with a lot of the people I had to arrest back in the day, so I must have been doing something right.

In Virginia, BTW, anything you have on your car like lights and horns have to work. If you have fog lights, for instance, and they don't work you can't get a safety inspection sticker and you can get a ticket. Every state is different, and many counties and cities have their own ordinances (obviously).

Anyway, good luck with your newfound hobby. Ham radio can be very rewarding and there are many different avenues for you to explore. I hope you find a group in your area more to your liking, and that ONE GUY doesn't represent everyone in amateur radio.

[wa9cwx]

Let me see now.....

Licensed with an introductory class license for a total of 2 weeks. You go to an outside 'event'........You meet some really nice people, someone gives you a tour, you meet one guy who may have been inapropriately rude while trying to warn you of a potential problem..... and you POST about it.......and we all RESPOND to it.......

GOD...GIVE US LIVES.......

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

Either YOU or HE or BOTH of you often meet adversity and 'problems', OR you misenterpreted his intent, OR you misrepresented the situation, OR someone, somewhere is simply off the deep end, but in ANY case, this is all a great big non-issue, and most definitley needs to be moved to the "Rag Chew" forum, it SURE ain't no "Talk" item, it is only incidental to ham radio, and WE ALL should know that.

BTW

This never happens at CW gatherings, never, nope.....
we use buzzers, not horns, and we hook em up.

[KD4LEI]

Coming from an LE background, at the minimum you should have asked him to show a badge and ID. Threatening to "throw someone in jail" without identifying themselves as a police officer by badge and ID is a serious offense in of itself. I knew a guy who did this, wasn't an actual police officer and got arrested (charged too) for impersonating one.

You did the right thing in leaving and not making a scene. Find another club, know when they meet and get to know people. By this time next year, you might have a positive outlook on FD.

Don't let this incident sway you, there's always a clown in every crowd.

[ky5u]

Like I said, we need to hear the other side of the story.

[KD4LEI]

Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ June 27 2006,01:36)]Like I said, we need to hear the other side of the story.
Didn't we hear OWO's side of the story regarding some repeaters down where he lived in Texas and said he was getting chased off?

It took a few days, but the other side of that story came up and provided his side? I think this is what a lot of you are looking for.

[N0WVA]

Quote[/b] (KC9ECI @ June 26 2006,19:54)]Quote[/b] (N0WVA @ June 26 2006,21:17)]Who really cares? Next hamfest I go to, maybe Ill have a wannabe cop #tell me how illegal I am for not wearing my seatbelt.
Legality aside, it is always a good idea to use your seatbelt. #I've lost track of how many times we've stood around a body at an accident scene waiting for the coroner to arrive and commented on how this person would still be alive if they had been belted in when they had the accident.
Actually, I find that seatbelts give the driver a false sense of security, thereby lowering thier reaction time and causing them to drive carelessly.

Sometimes I wear it, sometimes I dont. All depends on what I feel like.

I could avoid all chances of me being bitten and killed by not working with high voltage and not building power supplies. Its risky. But its my choice and Im not hurting anyone else.

Race car drivers risk thier lives everytime they climb into that 200MPH car. They could work at an office job, but its thier choice.

Mountain climbers risk thier lives everytime they go up a mountain. Its thier choice.

All these people are risking thier lives uneccesarily. They are not hurting anyone else. Do we need laws to stop them?

The seatbelt law is among one of the most intrusive ones to get passed. Even though its sad you may see much blood and guts because someone was not strapped into thier seat, we dont need laws like this, just as a person should have the choice to smoke, chew, or drink beer , I should have the choice whether I want to be fastened into my seat in my own car.

As to the topic here, I dont see what the big deal is even if the horns were fully functional. If they were not heard by anyone, then there should be no problem.

Thats like saying that because my car is capable of doing 120 I am breaking the law. Maybe we should have a law that all cars have limiters at 75 MPH?

[n7rjd]

Quote[/b] (N0WVA @ June 27 2006,07:44)]Sometimes I wear it, sometimes I dont. All depends on what I feel like.
I haven't used one since I found out how to deactivate that annoying dinger. Best of all it's a simple matter of using the key, seatbelt buckle and headlight switch in the proper sequence and voila, no more dinger. I didn't even have to rip the dash apart to tear the thing out.

[K7JEM]

Post a picture of the offensive truck, and let us all decide, we'll take a vote on it, maybe a new poll.

Joe

[K6UEY]

Don't want to wear a seat belt ?? Stay out of California, first of all our people get tired of sweeping up what's left of the bodies and second Law Enforcement WILL stop you and cite you a hefty fine. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[KC9ECI]

Really, the thing with the seatbelt is fine, but I can tell you now, in all these years, I have yet to stand at an MVA w/fatality and hear the words, "If only s/he hadn't been wearing a seatbelt!"

If you choose to participate in dangerous things, would you not also choose to take all the safety precautions you could to avoid accident, injury, or death?

Do you really want the last mark you leave on this world to be a big blood stain and a few bits of brain on the highway that the fire department has to spray off with a hose and a few hundred gallons of water?

[N6BOA]

Nothin' like flattened "fauna" - it's what's for dinner! Ewww - seen it, not pretty. I can't even imagine not wearing a seatbelt and no one did in the 70s when I got my license. Hard to believe really...not that this has much to do with the original post...sorry.

[G0GQK]

Another example of the poor relationship between radio amateurs, whether they be old ones or new ones. #I wrote some time ago instead of keep saying that more young people should be encouraged to be radio amateurs, the people already licensed should be less rude and beligerent and more helpful.
Who wants to join a club whose members are a bunch of miserable old sods ?

[KI4ENY]

Quote[/b] (K3STX @ June 26 2006,15:25)]This whole thread is wierd to me. I can not imagine why people would assume you had done something wrong. If you showed up with a severed human head on your truck, one of two things should have happened:

1. The wanna-be cop would call the real cops and you would be arrested, or

2. The guy would say "Hey, you know you can get arrested for carrying severed heads on your truck", in which case you would reply "Thanks for the heads up".

Any more conversation than that is more than necessary.

lol.

[W0UZR]

I think that people that won't wear seat belts don't have much for brains. I don't like them either, but I want to give myself the best chance for coming out of a crash in good shape.
And I guess I can thank you people that won't wear them for driving my insurance rates up. Very inconsiderate of you !!!

[k0cmh]

Can't we let this one die. We probably already lost one new ham.

[W1RKW]

Quote[/b] (K1ALK @ June 26 2006,19:54)]I don't think punching the guy, flipping him off or any of this other stuff would be wise...
How about farting in his general direction???

[kj3n]

Quote[/b] (W1RKW @ June 29 2006,11:17)]Quote[/b] (K1ALK @ June 26 2006,19:54)]I don't think punching the guy, flipping him off or any of this other stuff would be wise...
How about farting in his general direction???
Only if you're French and he is an English-type. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

Oh, and you have to have an outrageous accent. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[W1RKW]

His mother was a hamster and his father smelt of elderberries too.

[ab8ma]

Quote[/b] (KL1ZB @ June 26 2006,05:24)]Quote[/b] (K1ALK @ June 25 2006,21:45)]What was it about your vehicle that got his attention? #Just curious...
It has a set of after-market horns. They are obviously not even hooked up.
Next year.

Hook them up.

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

[kj3n]

Quote[/b] (W1RKW @ June 29 2006,12:44)]His mother was a hamster and his father smelt of elderberries too.
And I'll bet he didn't even know the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow, either.

[K7KBN]

African or European?

[kj3n]

Quote[/b] (k7kbn @ June 29 2006,13:05)]African or European?
Uhhh... I don't know..... AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

[n6oln]

Back before I had gotten my general ticket, I visited a field day site hosted by the Baldwin Hills ARC in SoCal, and was treated very well. One of the major reasons that I bothered to upgrade...

Similar treatment at an overseas amateur radio club (Okinawa). Very friendly, helpful, made me feel like I was welcome.

Have visited other field day sites (when I moved into different parts of the country), where I was completely ignored. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Definately not the way to encourage new people..

[K6UEY]

N6OLN,
You make a good point that we all should remember,of course we don't need "NEW PEOPLE", what we need to bolster the fraternity are Amateur Radio Operators.

That was the big mistake the ARRL made,their mission it appears was to bolster the revenues,where as to revive Amateur Radio we need Amateur Radio Operators. It is not a rocket scientist formula,and with a little thought it makes a lot of sense. Apparently some thing in short supply in this 21st Century !! # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[N0WVA]

Quote[/b] (w0uzr @ June 29 2006,02:18)]I think that people that won't wear seat belts don't have much for brains. I don't like them either, but I want to give myself the best chance for coming out of a crash in good shape.
# # # # And I guess I can thank you people that won't wear them for driving my insurance rates up. #Very inconsiderate of you !!!
Somehow , if we could all be safe little beings and never get hurt in a car accident, I seriously doubt insurance rates would go down.

[al2i]

I used to be a careful, safety-minded person who always buckled up, but ever since armed men have been threatening to shoot anyone NOT buckling up and NOT paying the traffic fine and NOT complying with arrest, I have been removing my seatbelt, positioning my face in front of something hard on my dashboard, and driving erratically at extreme speeds.

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

[W8FAX]

Just saw this thread....I believe I would have told the jerk to mind his own f...in' buisness and then I would have left and found another Field Day site. I MAY have followed up with a letter to the club reguarding their public relations policy. These days there are too many folks around who are too ready to critisize and tell someone else how they should be doing things and living their lives..........too many "cork sniffers" with nothing to do I guess......

[n8yx]

Quote[/b] (W8FAX @ June 30 2006,06:34)]These days there are too many folks around who are too ready to critisize and tell someone else how they should be doing things and living their lives..........too many "cork sniffers" with nothing to do I guess......
Ain't THAT the truth...

[KL7FZ]

Never mind the d*** truck or horns....look out for the driver!!
Now I am going to put air horns on my truck! About the time the guy starts with his complaint about the horns it would have been honk, honk, hooooooooooonk!!!! Right over his complaint. My reason? I was trying to move some bozo out of the road in front of me!
Now, some of you more timid souls out there may find this offensive, but hooooooooooooonk to you too!
ZB, sorry if you had problems with this guy, but you should have stood your ground and told him thanks but "Butt out and get out of my way!"
#This is Alaska and sometimes it takes a LOUD horn to move moose and other wildlife out of the rural roads.
#And by using those airhorns, you can send an audible Morse Code message a looooong way to call for help in the bush.
#(see how I managed to work the code thing into this post!)
#As I said in the beginning...never mind the airhorns, watch out for the driver!! #http://www.matnet.com/~radio01/MEPIC/kl7fzguns.jpg

#KL7FZ #packing dual Weller 140's and GOLD Plated PL-259 Caliber ammo.

#Out hunting wild antennas.

[al2i]

Those Wellers will hurt a lot more than a traditional sidearm.

Quote[/b] (KL1ZB @ June 25 2006,15:41)]I am new to the world that is Ham. I recently received my Tech license and purchased my first radio. I thought it would be fun to go to the local field and meet some other amateurs and maybe learn a thing or two.
Here is my story:
I pulled up and parked, got out of my vehicle and walked toward a group of people and strike up a conversation. One of them in the group was nice enough to show me around and point out a few on the different antennas and mobile rigs in operation. As I was about to enter a tent that the local club setup a amateur called me over asked me a question about my vehicle. This Ham, I assume he was a ham operator because of his name and call sign on his hat, proceeds to verbally accost/threaten me, telling me that he could write me a ticket or arrested me and that I could spend serous time in jail. I can only assume he was an off duty police officer.
At this point I decided that I had enough of the experience that was field day 06. I got back in my vehicle and left.
Welcome to amateur radio

[KD6NIG]

Quote[/b] (K6UEY @ June 27 2006,16:33)]Don't want to wear a seat belt ?? Stay out of California, first of all our people get tired of sweeping up what's left of the bodies and second Law Enforcement WILL stop you and cite you a hefty fine. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Ah yes, the infamous "click it or ticket" campaign. They now have signs on the highway every so often announcing it too.

I believe the initial fine is $95 or something.

A ham friend of mine was telling me that his daughter recently bought a car that will not start without engaging the seatbelt. Also, allegedly, if its stopped and you disengage it, it will automatically shut down.

I hope it doesn't decide to shut down at ninety (subsequently locking the steering wheel) as you reach across the seat next to you to grab your dropped cellphone.

I personally wear my belt as I have no desire to kiss my dirty winshield for any reason. Perhaps I would feel more in the mood to smooch it if I cleaned it, however.

[KC9ECI]

We don't kiss the glass here, we do a dashboard taste test.

[ai4ep]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif I see nothing wrong with seat belts...or shoulder harnesses.

The emergency personell might like to find my dead body behind the straps of the shoulder harness instead of searching for parts all over the inside / outside of the vehicle and surrounding counties.

But then, what do I know ??

[n9zxk]

Man if you guys grill him for his first field day like you been doing. Then im glad i didnt tell you what happen at my first and last one.

[WD8OQX]

Given the story as originally posted, he was greeted & politely shown around UNTIL he reached the tent. That is when things went sour. I would think if he did something he wouldn't have gotten the greeting - also I have to wonder what was said from the greater to the "hat-man" afterwards. - but I, too would like to hear more of the story.

Air horns? why not? need something to get some of these jerks attention.

Seatbelts - didn't even have them when I started driving. What makes anyone thing I do now? I will ware a lap belt but that "neck belt" is a bit to much - neck belt? The one that goes across your adams apple instead of your shoulder. Used to drive this way until the D*** thing was made all in one. Then used to put the thing under my arm, but here you will get the ticket for "not waring it right".

[WA9SVD]

Quote[/b] (KL7FZ @ July 01 2006,09:54)]KL7FZ packing dual Weller 140's and GOLD Plated PL-259 Caliber ammo.

Out hunting wild antennas.
But don't wild antennas need a LOT of marinade and tenderizing to be edible? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Then again, in Alaska, I guess you gotta eat what you can catch! At least them antennas don't move TOO fast or put up much of a fight! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

(Wish you could ship some GOOD Salmon down our way, instead of what the grocery stores carry. {{GRIN}})

Really, have a good summer, and good operating. I'm sure you will be "rare" when ever/where ever you get on the air!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KL1ZB]

For those who wanted pictures.
They even work now.

http://homepage.mac.com/lostngone/.Pictures/backopen.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/lostngone/.Pictures/front.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/lostngone/.Pictures/side.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/lostngone/.Pictures/back.jpg

[K7JEM]

You need a real tank and air horn setup. Only a wuss would have something so lame.

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

[K4AY]

At least you can do something about the deer problem. Beep, beep, Bambi.

[KI4PEQ]

No offense meant, OM, but is there a railroad locomotive somewhere in Alaska that is missing its train horns? #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I've been thinking of getting a set of Grover horns, most guys that have my truck prefer the stealth method of mounting them, UNDER the truck!

I'll bet they sound like THIS! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpU2naSEAS0)

[w7lpn]

There's jack-asses everywhere. Don't blame HAM. If you tell people at the club about him they'll probably tell you to ignore him. Who knows? Maybe his gramma had a heart attack from an air horn going off in her ear?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[KF0RT]

You sure he wasn't talking about the bag o' stash and rolling papers on the dash? 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

73, Rob

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (N4QX @ June 26 2006,08:57)]Quote[/b] (kf4vti @ June 26 2006,07:53)]FYI:
A 'headache rack' is a bed or frame mounted guard that covers the rear window to protect the driver from objects that may enter the cab thus causing a headache.
Much thanks to VTI for helping my pickup-impaired status.

That having been said, what excuse is there for an after market horn?
in a very large part of this country, loud horns are very useful for running deer,moose,bears and other large critters off the road before you get close to them ! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[WS2L]

Quote[/b] (KC2MDP @ June 25 2006,17:40)]Do'nt let the bad experence throw you. Fortunatly, there are not to many of these Mad at the World Mental Midgets in the ranks of amature radio. It' just unfortunate that you had to meet up with one of the few that IS. Maybe you parked on his counterpoise and threw his VSWR all to hell. Or perhaps you blocked his line of sight to the local lunch waggon. Whatever it was consider it THERE loss, and do'nt look to harshly upon your local club because of the actions of one lowly idiot.
I agree, don't let one bad experience turn you off to the entire ham community, it is pretty unusual to run into a knucklehead like this.

[al7n]

If all this happened in June, why the hell wait until the middle of November to bring it up?

If only one character at this "event" was "offended" by something you did, or appeared to do, I'd have just ignored 'em.

If more than one or two people mentioned "something" you might have done, then I'd be back-checking my own actions pretty carefully. If more than one or two people noticed something out of the ordinary, something bugged 'em. You need to figure out what that was.

If the dude WAS a city cop, or State Trooper, he would either have had to be in uniform, or properly identify himself before speaking to you about ANYTHING he
saw you do. And then he wouldn't have been abusive about it. Otherwise he was way, way out of line.

How many beer cans/liquor jugs were visible in the immediate area at the time? Did the guy smell like booze?

Sure would be interesting to know who this dork was.....and where/when all this took place......

You probably shouldn't have even brought this up...you got a lot of folks curious now........

[n5na]

Quote[/b] (al7n @ Nov. 20 2006,13:31)]If all this happened in June, why the hell wait until the middle of November to bring it up?
This thread was started June 25.

[al7n]

Oh, Excuse me, I didn't notice....

[n1ydx]

Howdy

I moved to NH in 1996 and immediately found a Ham Club locally. I joined and from the day of joining I felt like a 'newbie.' I went to two meetings and never again. I was not part of the 'clique'

After 10 years I joined another club further away and am very happy with it. I was invited to join a community event and the club has great meetings and eats.

Don't judge one club alone, there are others and even a short drive might give you loads more satisfaction.

I know this is an old thread but it opened up again and I see other Hams giving the same or near same advice. Listen.

N1YDX - Retired US Army

[ka5piu]

Hello.

I have been in something of the same position.
It is not uncommon for me to drive a big truck, thus the average supercop wannabe makes note of said big truck, as it is equipped with a genuine ham rig, (TS-430).
So, Mr. SCWB calls the FCC, and the company, and the local police, you get the picture.
This is all done without a bit of thinking.
I have had the police come out twice, the reaction is somewhat mixed.
Hand said officer my ticket and I am on my way.
Remember, it would be very uncommon for the average freebander to use a key, minor details.
That and the genuine cobra 29 ltd classic CEPT right next to
it might be a hint, freebanders would use one radio out of banded for everything.
So, as the saying goes, forgetaboutit.

[w3bny]

Could we please see the exumation order for digging up this old dead thread please? But now that this stinky thing is above ground... This is how I normally handle chooch's like that.

I normally give them the fraternal order of popsicle stick manufacturers secret sign Along with some french language lessons and possibly the name of a good kosher sushi restaurant.....SOSUMI!

[KD6NIG]

Seeing the picture of the horns now, I can see why the local wannabee errr local constable errrrr whatever he was said something.

I've seen freight engines with less http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

But, the fact remains that the approach used by the 'officer' could have been better. If they are illegal, I'm sure a local officer will advise you of that shortly. Not like you can't notice those things.

I wouldn't want to be too close when they go off, either http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[K0RGR]

Many years ago, in California, we had an El Camino with a very similar setup. And, we used them a lot. Never had a problem.

If you can get arrested for something like that in your state, it's time to move to a new state.

The only thing your truck is lacking now is a whole bunch of huge antennas. If you're a Tech, you need to covert it into a VHF contest machine, capable of working at least 9 bands, all modes. A great set of off-road lights would look nice, too.

If the guy in question was a cop, he didn't handle the situation at all professionally. In some remote parts of the U.S. and Canada, though, this is not totally uncommon behavior. The local constable makes up the law as he goes along. So, if you stick out as an individual, expect to get the attention of those who think 'sameness' is next to godliness.

[al7n]

People and the transportation they drive can reveal a lot about their personalities.....How the vehicle is kept generally, and especially how it is "tricked out", stuff like excessive chrome "accessories", flashy hubcaps or wheels, lots of antennas, personalized registration plates, loud colors (and/or fur trim), loud dual exhausts, altered suspension, light bars on top, large unnecessary air horns, and things such as that can have a great effect on other people's first impression of the driver and what kind of person he (or she) might be....it's not always right, but first impressions tend to stick.