|
|
-
I have monitored ham radio on HF and 2 meters since the late 70's, and got my tech ticket in '02, General this past month.
What is most striking to me is that the focus on the technology has faded away, and ham radio seems to be more ragchewing than an educational advocation.
When I monitored the ham bands 30 years ago, I was drawn to it by the fact that there were things to be learned. It was an educational hobby. Now, very few people can repair their own gear, due to advances in techology, such as surface mount components. Because of that, I hear very few hams discussing their rigs or antennas, which is very different from a few decades ago.
It seems to me that the leaps in technology have actually hurt ham radio, more than help it. Somehow, I hope that we can all find a way for the hobby to be educational, interesting and fun. Those qualities would bring others into the hobby, in search of a common goal of learning something we didn't know before.
-
 Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (n0tzl @ April 14 2006,11:49)]Like N3WRH the code held me back for years, several months of intense study finally got me past the 5wpm test in February, upgraded to Extra 2 weeks ago and I did not memorize the answers to either written test. For the Extra it took a lot more than a study guide to learn the new areas required but I had the references at hand since I use them all the time, was somewhat dissapointed when the actual test required so little of that knowledge to pass but that doesn't mean I didn't learn it.
I'll continue to learn radio theory as I need that to experiment in the digital modes where I like to play, just because so few newer Hams build their own rigs doesn't mean they can't come up with new ideas and combine technology they know even better than radio with it to come up with something neat.
One thing I apperently won't be learning more about is code as the only way to get my speed up is practice and since nobody will talk to you on that mode unless you have a perfect fist at 20wpm it's a dead end unless I cheat and use the computer.
Dan N0TZL
Not true. The new SKCC group operates on, as George mentioned, 7120 and 3720 as well, and will be happy to go along at 5 to 7 wpm. You have been misinformed, or were just making one of those "instant observations."
As a long time code guy of "used to be" 35 wpm, but now more like 25, I will gladly slow down for you to 5 or 10 wpm. You name it. And I do operate both 40 and 80 Novice bands.
So try it. I am not alone. There are many fine CW folks down there doing slow speed CW and happy to be doing it.
Ed
-
Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (W5HTW @ April 14 2006,17:05)]
Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (n0tzl @ April 14 2006,11:49)]Like N3WRH the code held me back for years, several months of intense study finally got me past the 5wpm test in February, upgraded to Extra 2 weeks ago and I did not memorize the answers to either written test. #For the Extra it took a lot more than a study guide to learn the new areas required but I had the references at hand since I use them all the time, was somewhat dissapointed when the actual test required so little of that knowledge to pass but that doesn't mean I didn't learn it.
I'll continue to learn radio theory as I need that to experiment in the digital modes where I like to play, just because so few newer Hams build their own rigs doesn't mean they can't come up with new ideas and combine technology they know even better than radio with it to come up with something neat.
One thing I apperently won't be learning more about is code as the only way to get my speed up is practice and since nobody will talk to you on that mode unless you have a perfect fist at 20wpm it's a dead end unless I cheat and use the computer.
Dan N0TZL
Not true. #The new SKCC group operates on, as George mentioned, 7120 and 3720 as well, and will be happy to go along at 5 to 7 wpm. #You have been misinformed, or were just making one of those "instant observations." #
As a long time code guy of #"used to be" 35 wpm, but now more like 25, I will gladly slow down for you to 5 or 10 wpm. #You name it. #And I do operate both 40 and 80 Novice bands.
So try it. #I am not alone. #There are many fine CW folks down there doing slow speed CW and happy to be doing it. #
Ed
I was going to answer that strange statement, Ed, but you beat me to it with the facts. Thanx! 73 & CUL
Yes, I slowed down to 20 WPM for my Extra exam. Why do you ask?
-
Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (ke6irp @ April 07 2006,14:01)]No worries-- I am sure that the great arrl license dumb down drop the code and have an easy hobby will make our ranks swell like no other previous dumb down....hahahaha------ 
My goodness you should be appointed ambassador of good will, appointed to welcome all new amatures. Better yet maybe you can head up amateur recruiting!
-
Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (k5set @ April 16 2006,17:54)]
Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (ke6irp @ April 07 2006,14:01)]No worries-- I am sure that the great arrl license dumb down drop the code and have an easy hobby will make our ranks swell like no other previous dumb down....hahahaha------ #
My goodness you should be appointed ambassador of good will, appointed to welcome all new amatures. #Better yet maybe you can head up amateur recruiting!
"I am sure that the great arrl license dumb down drop the code "
CODE=SMART
Just ask W4TAA who sits on the 6 meter SSB calling frequency waiting for anyone to call so he can transmit CW over the top of them .........
DROP THE CODE just like the rest of the world .....
The only good CODE is a ZIP CODE
-
And within the next 10 or 15 years all you naysayers will be taking a dirt sleep...and no one will remember you for your positive remarks...only your negative ones. What a shame....BOO HOO...
-
Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (w1bak @ April 17 2006,06:50)]And within the next 10 or 15 years all you naysayers will be taking a dirt sleep...and no one will remember you for your positive remarks...only your negative ones. What a shame....BOO HOO...
kinda like one ah-sh** wipes out 1000 that-a-boys
The only good CODE is a ZIP CODE
-
Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (wa4gch @ April 17 2006,08:07)]
Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (w1bak @ April 17 2006,06:50)]And within the next 10 or 15 years all you naysayers will be taking a dirt sleep...and no one will remember you for your positive remarks...only your negative ones. What a shame....BOO HOO...
wa4gch- kinda like one ah-sh** wipes out 1000 that-a-boys yes Been trying to get the code now a year and have not Passed the test yet, But you can Bet when I do pass it the shi# will leave my place, others may like it and thats good I am glad for them , But when I get lucky enought to Pass it , the shi# will leave here with no love lost, 73 wa4gch good post
-
I dont have a problem with the code only thoes who demand everyone learn it ....
The only good CODE is a ZIP CODE
-
Originally Posted by [b
Quote[/b] (wa4gch @ April 17 2006,16:01)]I dont have a problem with the code only thoes who demand everyone learn it ....
wa4gch - sir thats the Better way to put it , I just dont care for it myself that,s all,73 Bill
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
