Short Takes #29: Sweeteners and Buzz-Killers

In this editorial, W7DGJ relates how new hams (or those who are coming back to the hobby) find certain aspects of the ARS as strongly enticing. At the same time, there are some serious turn-offs (or "Buzz-Killers" as referred to in this piece). Read here about three of them, and join us for a discussion of this topic below. Thanks, Dave W7DGJ

 

In line with the article and the dominance that 2 meters has for new operators, has there ever been a cheap radio built that provides 10M coverage? I'd LOVE to see a radio that brings other Technician level frequencies into the hands of the first-tier newbie.

 

Dave, 2m FM isn't what it was in it's hay day. If I leave the radio on our local repeater, there is a decent bet that the squelch won't be broken all day.
I can literally key the mic right now, throw out my call and receive zero response.
I personally think it's because there are too many repeaters. My area has 5 2m FM machines, just as many 440 machines, and a few 220 machines.
That does not include a number of digital repeaters.
For that reason, I don't recommend 2m FM for new amateurs.

No one makes affordable single band radios. However, I did work someone with an Anytone 5555 on CW and it sounded really clean. It's about $200. There are multi-band Chinese radios in that price range, but are mostly QRP.

Sad to say that without learning CW, there will be a fat chance of a newbie making an HF contact in a few years when 10m closes it's propagation doors again.

I'd like to see renewed Technician interest in VHF and Above SSB/CW/digital modes/SAT work. It's not unused bandwidth by any means, but there is s much scope for the imagination if you have a decent bunch of people around with futile imaginations.

I agree, huge buzz kills are asshat hams who intentionally, or unintentionally go out of their way to not give you the freedom to explore or make you feel unwelcome. Even as a ham of 48 years, I still feel that sting in conversations on QRZ.

 

I get it, Ron. I get a somewhat anxious feeling when I post on QRZ - wondering what kind of criticism I will face. I think that's just the world of social media, though. I'm not picking on QRZ, but it's out there as you say. You're right that learning code would be best for most newbies but those doors are closed for now. A nice little QRP cw station isn't that costly. Thanks, Dave

 

You are more then welcome.

Even though learning morse code is not a requirement in the US, it has not prevented folks from learning it. I think you would be surprised at the number of Technicians that are code proficient.
Additionally, in Canada you can either take a test OR learn CW to advance past their primary license; quite a number of folks are taking them up on that and learning code. It ain't SK yet

 

Good morning, Dave

Your article got me to really thinking about the ARS and what it really means to me personally as well was what I have encountered on both sides of the pond.

I have always been fascinated by radio and that is why I got into it. And I almost quit after experiencing some rather dour individuals in person and ota. The cliques I have no patience for and I see it quite a bit in person as well as ota. What a perfect way to alienate a newcomer. That and unwarranted criticism about their equipment or operating style or licence class, hey, they are learning so cut some slack, yes? In fact, we all are still learning, no one does it perfect. I have no tolerance for poor behaviour and if someone has to act that way on the air, then toss your licence in the rubbish bin and be a politician. The ARS will fail if that sort of thing continues as newcomers will not feel welcomed in the slightest. It is always the few bad actors that ruin it for the whole service, it seems. But that is a pattern with anything I suppose.

2 metre activity is not terribly active here, though oddly enough, 70 cm is. Has to do with the mountains, methinks, and being somewhat rural to boot. Seems counter intuitive, I know. One would think 2 metre would be better but for some reason in this area 70 cm will get out better in many cases. Multi-pathing is often an issue on 2M. I really wish the FCC would allow 4 metre operation like in the UK. Pretty cool band.

I think another factor for new operators is the cost of equipment. It used to be you could get a good radio from the big three for a decent price. Now, the radios need an instruction manual larger than the Greater London phone directory to operate them and many features are not really needed in my opinion. Well, ok, Yaesu has a few offerings, but things have really changed. The Chinese radios, you have to have a degree in Buddhist meditation whilst trying to programme them in order to avoid a stroke from the aggravation.

I enjoy radio so much, yet the things you mentioned such as cliques and bad behaviour really detract from it if one is not careful to insulate themselves from the negativity. If a person likes CW, why not? I don't, but I have interests in modes that others may not, so it all works out, methinks. There is enough band space so just go where you do feel welcome and do the modes which you enjoy. There is always time to explore other aspects. Support the learning of new amateur operators and listen to their interests and what they wish to do and help them if you can, who knows, you may find a new mode that puts you over the moon. And I think that using one's ears more than their mouth will go a long way towards good will in the service.

73 Dave
Tony AA7FR

 

Putting a working link to the topic would help many find something to comment upon.

 

If I was Dave, I would ask: 'How are you getting to this thread without reading the article?' I think I know the answer, but am curious.
This will help Dave improve his delivery path.

I always start QRZ at the Homepage and look for Dave's article there.

 

I always start with new posts.

 

Does this look like the 'Buzz'?

 

Sorry, I am out of the country and internet access is rare and very sporadic. People find my column as the largest square on the front page of QRZ, but I added link thanks Don — Dave

 

Dave: good topic to discuss, and I'd like to add another "buzz kill" suggestion to the list.

I got interested in starting up in AR about five years ago, just before the COVID shutdown occurred. I had just moved 3000+ miles across the country, didn't know anybody, and was looking for some hobby or interest to occupy my time during the cold, bleak PA winters. So, I got a few books on AR, started reading about it, said "yeah, this sounds like fun". Studied for my Technician license, got it, and quickly realized that (exactly as you described in your article) 2m wasn't all that exciting or fun. So I dove immediately into studying for the General, and when the opportunity finally came to take the test (by now COVID restrictions had limited in-person testing dates), took and passed the test.

Now to set up my first station. The closest local ham club was "closed for business" thanks to the pandemic. But hey...I consider myself a pretty smart guy, I've got these ham radio books and the internet for research, PLUS I've got this fantastic website of fellow ham radio operators filled with discussion forums of all types that I can go to for help and ask questions....right?

Well...sorta. It seems there are a few hams that aren't so willing to lend a hand or answer your questions, other than with some snarky reply. "Did you bother to search the forum archives?"...or "That was covered in the exam study guide, you should already know it!"...or one if my personal favorites: "Oh geez, not THIS again!". Being a newbie, and actually stating so in my initial question, was an open invitation for some "experienced" hams to just tell me to "Go look it up."

I get it. A lot of the same topics keep reappearing on the forum pages, and maybe some of you OG's are tired of rehashing them again and again. But your snarky replies aren't helpful, and only aid in adding to the buzz kill column and turning people off to the hobby. I read posts where (older) members disparage the fact that AR seems to be dying out; that fewer new hams are joining the ranks and soon this hobby may slip into oblivion. Then they turn right around and chastise some newbie for asking some question they feel is beneath their stature to answer. How is that helpful?

I'm only a couple months away from turning 60, and there's something I was taught at an early age that I KNOW these older, more experienced, OG hams were taught as well, and that is:

If you don't have something nice to say...don't say ANYTHING at all!!

Be nice if we could apply that to on-air conversations/QSO's as well, but that's a whole other problem...as you pointed out.

 

Thanks Brando — your comments resonate for sure. Many have had similar experiences. Dave

 

Hi Tony - I really enjoyed your comments …. Especially the line about using our ears. Thank you, so true!

 

Hi Dave,
Thanks for the kind words about the Cherokee Amateur Radio Society. We really do strive to welcome new people. One activity that has helped new people become assimilated is have several events per year that has a focus on the new comers. Twice a year (but we could do it more often) we have a New Hams Luncheon. Anyone who has been licensed 2 years or less is invited to participate. The reasoning is that these people are afraid to look dumb by asking questions in the larger group. We take that fear away, and have 3-4 experienced hams as mentors and have lunch and an open discussion on any topic they want. This has proven to be successful in retention of these new hams.
Another way is to have a club-wide picnic in Spring and Fall ( ie better weather times) and have 2 to 3 HF stations set up for people to try out. We purposely focus on the new hams, many of whom have never made an HF contact, to get on these radios with a mentor at their side. A bonus is if the location is a POTA site. This can be even more exciting if they create a pileup and have the chance to juggle many contacts at once. This too has been successful for retaining the new hams in the club.
I hope these ideas can help your club as well. If you have any questions for me, feel free to reach out to me. My email is good on QRZ.
73, Marty - KB4MG