Simple. Like Contests ? Have at it. Don't like them ? Enjoy all the numerous options that most of us do G3SEA/KH6
Tnx for your comments. I'll use the rapid pace of contesting to practice my copying proficiency. A couple of times I've helped others get points. But mostly just practice.
My comment was made without venomous thoughts. Good on you, OM. On your CW skills. I hope to be there soon.
But it can be a hobby for many of us. And the FCC itself references Amateur Radio operators as being licensed users who operate as a hobby. From the FCC website: Amateur radio (also known as 'ham radio') services are regulated under Part 97 of the FCC rules. Amateur radio operators are licensed users who operate radio communications as a hobby or a voluntary service running within amateur radio frequencies allocated by the FCC. Reference: https://www.fcc.gov/general/amateur-radio-services-and-public-safety-communications
Notta hobby. Its a licensed radio SERVICE. Just--a----SERVICE. Go read Part 97. Not the ambiguous verbiage written by a government employee tasked to write a summary of something they didn't read properly--and sticking the poorly vetted response on an 'FAQ'.
You are as free as anyone to define terms however you choose. But to argue that Amateur Radio is not a hobby would be to contradict, in addition to the FCC's website: The ARRL: http://www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio UK’s OFCOM: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/ass...teur_radio_licence_guidance_for_licensees.pdf RSGB: https://rsgb.org/main/get-started-in-amateur-radio/amateur-radio-a-hobby-for-the-21st-century/ Radio Amateurs of Canada: https://wp.rac.ca/amateur-radio-courses/ The president of the IARU: https://www.itu.int/itunews/manager...ar=2007&issue=08&ipage=amateur-radio&ext=html AARP: https://www.eham.net/articles/17976
Its not an argument, its a fact. The ARS is not a hobby. Its of little consequence that the user scenario is sufficiently privileged to be lax in its execution of mission as to allow 'hobbyist' usage. But invoking unused DNA as the mission of DNA is fatuous, IMO. Perhaps we should just dispense with Part 97 and use your carefully tailored references to redefine ham radio? Nah, our mission is just FB as it is. After visiting the League today, I am convinced that the 'hobby' moniker is even less relevant than you assert. That's because ham radio is rapidly becoming an appendage of other activities and not the activity in itself. It is becoming a communications link for non-commercial activities where comms need to be assured, often as a backup to carrier (cell/smartphone)options. 73 Chip W1YW
Note correction. My hobby is building guitars. Be happier if the dang adjustment saddle screws didn't pop out with these tired eyes.... Murphy in action.
Chip, Ham radio is an acknowledged hobby by thousands of people. Ask 100 active Amateur Radio licensees if they have any hobbies. My guess is 100 of them will list ham radio as one.
Definition of "contesting" = Throw out the rulebook, FCC rules governing Amateur Radio Operation. Not to mention the spacing agreement to minimize interference with existing stations/groups. Who the heck cares of my station interferes with a group of old timers that were rag-chewing one KC down or up the band. The heck with them...I'm after points!! Sad, but it seems to be the SOP for today's contesters, and it's getting worse! Don't give me that "crap" about, "I didn't hear them"... 95% of the time, if I can hear you, you can hear me... 40+ years as a Ham, and I'm watching the hobby self-regulation go to heck in a handbasket. History "does" repeat itself....CB wasn't always like what it has turned into today! Think about that statement. Are you a Ham Radio Operator or a glorified CB'er?
Well... I was going to reply here but then I thought about it and decided that nothing good would ever come from engaging in yet another me vs the universe argument. OH, wait... I replied anyway. Guess I'm just another pot stirring... Never mind.
My analogy of many contesters is like being on the freeway and that inconsiderate driver we've all experienced lane-changes in front of you forcing you to break to avoid them. They swerve lane-to-lane until out of sight. What pleasure they experience comes at the expense of others. I've read HAMs referring to Contesting as a "Contact Sport" and believe that pretty well sums it up. Don't force fellow HAMs of the air share the bands. If it's contact your looking for lets do coffee sometime I'll buy.
