Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
lou giovannetti (KB2DHG)
on
July 12, 2008
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OK, Is it just me and my passion for this hobby or is it just that Amateur Radio is the coolest hobby around?
I have been involved in the radio hobby since early 1970's. As most of us have, I got started as a CBer.
I have many interests from auto racing, collecting vintage model cars, art and travel...BUT Amateur radio has been the most rewarding and relaxing hobby I have...
I am an avid rag chewer, DXer and all around operator. I like Vintage gear and the new stuff, CW is my most used mode BUT you will find me on SSB and even AM from time to time...VHF, UHF and my beloved HF bands are always used.
I also like to do a lot of SWL... and this brings me to this article...
Every morning before I venture off to work, I turn on the rig and listen to the HF bands. Today it hit me that this hobby is and can be a wonderful friend and company to the many lonely Amateurs out there. I was listening to some senior gentleman talking and discussing all topics from radio to days gone by... Kind of reminded me of the days long gone where the people would meet in a coffee shop or barber shop in some small town and tell tails of days gone by...
Bottom line; I find that in this day of hustle and bustle, people have become cold and introverted. We mostly are busy in the rat race of making a living or just living, that there seems to be no outlet, that does not cost money.
Amateur Radio offers us more than we can realize...The hobby can be a comfort to those who are widowed and like myself who has just gone through some personal family problems... I am now living alone but have my Amateur Radio to keep me company and the many wonderful Hams that are out there standing by and listing... I can always find a friend via Amateur Radio... And so I say that this hobby offers more bang for the buck, for what other hobby has so many different avenues to go and experience than the hobby of radio?
We can build our own radio's, participate in contest, bounce an electromagnetic wave around the world and even send pictures via radio waves the old fashioned way... WIRELESS!
Computers can do the same thing BUT to me it is NOT the same... There is something magical about doing it by RADIO!
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W4DL on July 12, 2008
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I could not have said it better Lou; of all the hobbies I have had and still pursue, amateur radio is still number one on my list as it has been for years.
Good DX! Mike
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by K0BG on July 12, 2008
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I agree to a point. If you ever worked in amateur radio (counter sales, manufacturing, representing, etc.), you get a little tainted toward it. I was there for nearly 6 years. If you travel or commute a lot, it can be very rewarding as long as you don't let distraction get to your driving.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W8KQE on July 12, 2008
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It's not just you Lou. I feel your passion. I have a gazillion hobbies myself, but Amateur Radio is very special. I've always been fascinated by being able to, quite simply, attach a piece of wire to a 'black box', and be heard around the world! More so than ever in today's fast paced, ultra high tech world of cell phones, computers, etc. I think it was the 'futurist' author Alvin Toffler that coined the phrase "high tech and high touch" way back in the early 80's? in his book 'Future Shock' (or 'Future Schlock', depending on your opinion of him!). His assertion was that as society gets more high tech and fast paced, humans will have even more of an innate desire or need to balance that out by engaging in SIMPLE pastimes (i.e. fishing, time with the grandkids, gardening, camping, tinkering in the garage, talking via CW, etc. etc.) that relax them and 'slow things down'. Good article!
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KE5GK on July 12, 2008
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Interesting article.
Please note: Not all hams started as CBers!
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KR4WM on July 12, 2008
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Lou, I agree with you absolutely, totally, 100%! I wish ALL amateurs felt this way!
73, -KR4WM
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N4OI on July 12, 2008
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Great article -- and there IS something very therapeutic about listening to faraway voices (or CW!) coming through the QRN!
As an aside, I have been trying to think of any sport other than HF contesting that involves contestants from their locales around the world participating in a simultaneous competition. Think of it, the Olympics brings the world together, but only in one location. I always picture radiosport contestants around the world waiting anxiously for the "gun" to begin a major event -- some starting in the afternoon, some in the wee hours of the morning. And they are from all social, political, geographic and ethnic strata. For that reason only, I believe that HF contesting (or radiosport) is a very unique and fascinating world pastime. Someone should do a good documentary about it -- people need to know how cool this hobby is!
73 de Ken - N4OI
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N2UGB on July 12, 2008
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Nice bit, Lou. Reflects the feeling many of us have. My thing is QRP cw. Two-way QRP when possible. That's my greatest satisfaction. I remember years ago, when insomnia hit, getting up at two in the morning and finding a kindred spirit on one of the bands.
I sure wouldn't call anyone on the phone at 2AM just to chat.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by NK5G on July 12, 2008
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Well said Lou,
Don't let others that "only agree to a point" get you down. I am a Broadcast Engineer and got my interest in my profession from the hobby and I have yet to have any tainted days. I see what I do as an extention of the hobby. I share your passion and enjoyment. See you on the air.
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by KC8BYF on July 12, 2008
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Lou, I would have to agree with a lot of your statements on amateur radio. Mostly, it is a great forum for lonely, as well as many other people, with any myriad of reasonings for participating, to be "connected" to others. There are so many aspects and intertwined hobbies with in the hobby that there is virtually "something for everyone" if amateur radio is given even half a chance. "It ain't just for nerds!"
Of course there is the internet for connecting with others. The internet (easy way out or plug and play), which requires nothing more than an ISP connection and a couple hundred dollars invested in a "machine", to "have the world at your finger tips". In the day and age that we are living in there is no wonder that attracting newbies, whether youth or otherwise, is a difficult task. We live in a day of "convenience". Cell phones, internet... how much easier can world wide communications get? Flipping open a cell phone or turning on a computer to "talk", to most, would be a lot less effort consuming than erecting a decent antenna system and setting up a proper station to excite the antenna system. I would have to say I have gone the internet route to attempt to fill in the gaps of time when there is no one to talk with. The internet communications forum was fun for a short time and offered nothing as far as the "hey, I did this" sort of satisfaction that amateur radio has offered over the years. Radio really does contain some degree of "magic" even though it is more of a science or an art than it is a mystery. None the less, REWARDING !
Now, we also live in an age where there are so many, ridiculous and almost communist, regulations and by-laws, on every thing from antenna erection to aesthetic requirements, of our home neighborhoods, many people, who would otherwise be interested in radio, are distracted if not totally turned away from the art. Any person who didn't (or doesn't) possess a very strong desire to involve themselves in radio, with possibly a large bank account to retain attorneys in the fights with neighbors and City Hall, would be rendered "belly-up" in the wars against "We the People" being waged by the "No Fun Police" in todays environment of existence. I know I am reaching WAY OFF TOPIC... Just couldn't help tossing in the, "The Sky Is Falling", for all the conspiracy theorists. Hmmmm, Maybe the sky really IS falling.
Even though all amateurs have not "earned their wings" soaring up from the depths of "CB" radio... Many like yourself, and I as well, were involved in CB radio somewhere along the way. Speaking for the "connect- ability" of CB... Back in the early to mid 1970's CB was pretty fun ! Being just a youngster in the 70's, still, remembering the fun and maybe even the stimulation to further pursue radio, all that radio stuff is still a great source of the best memories of my youth, in my mind. I recall coffee breaks and jamborees being a very fun and popular way to "connect" with others. Saving all my allowance, lunch tray return coins and lawn cutting money was a top priority in 1977 and 1978 for the Rat-Shack DX 160 that was in lay away. Yes, CB surely fueled or maybe ignited an interest in SWLing and radio in general (no pun intended being a terminal general class for now) back there in years gone by. It was when the FCC dropped the license requirement of CB that it really lost the appeal it had. When was that anyway? I think it was somewhere in 1980. I even remember my moms CB call (which the whole family could use) it was KAGH-1980.
Lou, I am certain that this article will "stimulate" a lot of good memories ! Great Job !
73,
jimmie
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W6WBJ on July 12, 2008
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Yeah, it's a great hobby, all right! Where else could a bunch of overweight, diabetic, intellectually-stunted losers find each other? If it weren't for ham radio, they'd have to meet at the supermarket!
Seriously, though, it's a really screwed-up hobby that merely reflects how dumbed-down the American public has become. I wouldn't have a thing to do with most hams in real life.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by VE3TMT on July 12, 2008
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Excellent article Lou,
I am one of those who got my start through CB radio. I still remember getting my first pair of walkie-talkies one Christmas morning only to drop one a few hours later and break it. Then came the Christmas in the mid 70's and I had expected a full 23 channel CB only to unwrap every present under the tree but it wasn't there. After my mother sat there for a few minutes watching the tears stream down my face she told me she hid it with the antenna in the basement. I think I set the world record for the 100m sprint that day.
I get up every morning before work, grab a cup of tea and head in here to scan the VHF bands and listen to the guys on 40m. I also check the online swap boards, read the forums and see if anything new is happening in the ham world. I am also a race fan, a sports fan, and have hobbies outside the house, but amateur radio is always there to enjoy when I just want to unwind. And I know it will be here for me when, or if I ever retire from the work force. It's something I look forward to every day.
Max
VE3TMT
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by AE5I on July 12, 2008
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Very nice article Lou!
I think ham radio is a unique hobby/service and hope it never goes away.
Like you, I have many other interests but the one that has been with me the longest and most consistently is radio. And not everyone who works in a given field gets jaded toward it. My time in broadcast engineering was very enjoyable and I think one reason I'm partial to 160 meters is the similarity of some of the gear to what we used in AM BCST radio.
Hope to see you on the air!
GL DX and 73
Tom AE5I
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Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by WA4D on July 12, 2008
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This piece is poorly written and begs for cheap sympathy. That KB2DHG's wife may or may not be dead has zero to do with ham radio.
KB2DHG says that "Every morning before I venture off to work, I turn on the rig and listen to the HF bands" He doesn't read the local paper or check RSS feeds for communication of substance. Rather he listens to dying lonely old men whose lives are behind them. Social security recipients who cling to one another through the crude social fabric of amateur radio. For their lives are irrelevant in the globalized information society.
Only a ham ignorant of the explosion in social networking would utter, "there seems to be no outlet, that does not cost money.". Where lectures from MIT professors abound or social discourse that examines all manner of political and cultural phenomena. Where digital communication, collaboration tools and new media burst forth like flowers in spring. The digital culture is decades beyond the comprehension KB2DHG and his nodding respondents here.
KB2DHG sees the world as "cold and introverted" for his only window is via ham radio. And that is typical of the bitter old men that dominate the hobby.
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by KC8BYF on July 12, 2008
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WA4D missed the whole point of Lou's posting.
WA4D must be a very intellectually superior person in his somewhat, self proclaimed I am certain, expanded and enlightened mind.
As for myself; I'm not bitter, lonely or "old". Along with a few other interests I enjoy spending my "free time" with the amateur radio hobby. Most hobbies are quite entertaining. Setting aside some time to read some of the E Ham threads, as well as some other ham related and non-ham related threads, has proven that, no matter how much fun it can be to read what others' glean from the abundance of amateur radio or the discussions folks take part in concerning radio or other hobbies; There are always a few of the same types of individuals who remind me of our friend we have here (Mike).
There are always a few wet blankets in the crowd who thrive on their ATTEMPTS in bringing others down. Perhaps they are trying to make themselves feel better about who "they are" or better stated "who they THINK they are". Surely, this particular person (Mike) neglected to account for what myself and possibly a few others may have seen in reading the tripe he spewed . Maybe Mike and others such as himself admire the rewards of their self realized superior perspective on life and what life has to offer at the expense of other individuals in their critical outbursts ....sad, very sad indeed. I just couldn't help myself after recognizing this ridiculous behavior exhibited in the (trashy in my mind) response Mike has shared with us. Mike, as I am reminding myself now, in my personal reply to your post, perhaps, I shouldn't even post this reply to you and the likes of yourself... There are absolutely times that some thoughts are better off kept to ones self. How good you must feel about yourself in the FACT that what we all saw here in your taking a shot at Lou and his WIFE ! There is a word for fellas like you (WA4D Mike or Michael whatever your, surely regretful, parents called you by: Yes, that was a personal poke at you, sir.) ...it's similar to what a thorn on a rose has to offer or what it may deliver, starts with "P" and ends with "K". I am sure we are ALL intelligent enough to fill in the blanks between P & K. I mean... for Pete's sake... Shame on you OM ! You lowly trouble maker !
All I can say is What a boob !
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by N7BUI on July 12, 2008
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Nice article Lou! Thank you for sharing. Many seem to be soured on amateur radio and want to express their displeasure at anybody who seems to be enjoying it. When you find your "hobby" raises your stress level, it's time to push it aside for a little while.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W8JII on July 12, 2008
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W6WBJ:"Yeah, it's a great hobby, all right! Where else could a bunch of overweight, diabetic, intellectually-stunted losers find each other? If it weren't for ham radio, they'd have to meet at the supermarket!"
Just curious which category do you find yourself in?
73, Ron
W6WBJ;"Yeah, it's a great hobby, all right! Where else could a bunch of overweight, diabetic, intellectually-stunted losers find each other? If it weren't for ham radio, they'd have to meet at the supermarket!"
Just curious---------------which category do you find yourself in? :>)
73, Ron
w6
wbj
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by K8YZK on July 12, 2008
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Nice article Lou;
Myself I did not start with CB, luckly my dad was a ham, and with his help along with others I became licensed. Ham radio(actually CW), helped in my first job I retired from (US Army Communications), and for the pass 42years it has been a great hobby. A way to make friends and keep in touch with the family.
As far as comments about listening to HF on the way to work, don't worry about those, as maybe he is one of the one's he is talking about.
73
Kurt
K8YZK
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N3JBH on July 12, 2008
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W6WBJ:"Yeah, it's a great hobby, all right! Where else could a bunch of overweight, diabetic, intellectually-stunted losers find each other? If it weren't for ham radio, they'd have to meet at the supermarket!"
Would it be safe to assume then that you are not active in the hobby any longer?
http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/ApplicationSearch/applAdmin.jsp;JSESSIONID_APPSEARCH=rzlpL5DVBrybfq11T7SQvHQxQy5PG40wsTLn42pLj68DF3BZGXHy!623014434!-237507786?applID=3860365#
To: W8JI hey Tom i do beleive that hey just might fit in to the intellectually-stunted loser Slot.
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by N6AJR on July 12, 2008
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I don't understand why folks have to trash every single article here. I found this an interesting, thoughful article.
My biggest problem in Ham radio is to try and narrow it down to just a couple of aspects. I really seem to enjoy contesting, and I love DXing, but I also enjoy some of the ECOM stuff too. I like to build simple projects and I like to have lots of "stuff" too. My problem is I try to do everything, and that can be a bit much some times, I even talk on the radio now and then :)
As far as the overweight , insulin dependent ETC. old men, I guess I qualify there too. Being that way has nothing to do with amatuer radio, . I was disabled at work about 10 years ago, but With the help of my friends, I have a super station set up, and enjoy radio alot.
I am fortunate to be able to participate in a hobby that my physical problems are inconsequencial to my ability to operate. Perhaps us fat old men gravitate to Ham Radio because we can participate. I have been a ham since 1978 and only weighed about 160 back then I I must have grown into the hobby.:)
If you feel you must take pot shots at others to make your self look superior, then shoot away. All it really does is make you look small and petty. I could really care less.
So thanks for the nice article and I wish all gud DX..
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC0WVW on July 12, 2008
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All I can say to that article is a hearty --AMEN-- !!! I couldn't agree more.
73 GB
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W6WBJ on July 12, 2008
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Like I said, it's a great hobby for fat, diabetic old men.
HEAVEN FORBID that any of these losers should actually get out of their ham shacks and get some exercise!
The hobby is nothing but an excuse for them to sit on their fat asses.
And hey, as long as we're posting URLs, take a look at this one (commonly known as "The Enforcement Bureau's New Orifice"):
http://www.directcon.net/retroguybilly/Opposition.doc
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by NC7A on July 12, 2008
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"For their lives are irrelevant in the globalized information society."
"The digital culture is decades beyond the comprehension KB2DHG and his nodding respondents here."
Agree with KC8BYF...really a sad mind set/perspective on humanity. Have a hard time understanding how my lack of appreciation for/comprehension of "digital culture" somehow makes me inferior or irrelevant. I just enjoy talking with someone on 20 meters. How is communicating with them "digitally" in any way superior or more relevant? Until someone shows me how this new global information/digital culture will make me a better person...I don't see much need for it. I enjoy my limited digital world with the internet and all but I sure don't need a digital camera on my phone, don't need texting, don't even need digital satellite TV garbage anymore. I just want to share my experiences with another human being. My digital Mark V Field is nice but the old analog/stone age Heathkit wasn't too bad. In fact, in view of our increasingly dysfunctional society (energy, climate, social issues, etc), I'm bracing for an early return to an analog world (if we're lucky). People (most) still need people. Ham radio is a great way to get there. Technology has always been a mixed blessing. Once it becomes our "God", it becomes a curse. (BTW, I'm not a diabetic, obese, ignorant, dirty tee shirt wearing/foul smelling, red neck throwback to the 30"s. Just an average MD who still doesn't understand SWR and likes to talk on the radio.)
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A Dr. who doesn't need antibiotics
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by WA4D on July 12, 2008
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Whenever professionals like NC7A trot out their resume, they are usually attempting to give their position legitimacy. Absent any logical or supporting rhetoric , he uses his professional standing for cover. It's amusing and typical of physicians who suffer from megalomania and need obsequious patients. It doesn't transfer here NC7A.
I say to you "Dr." you have no need for the digital culture for you know little if anything about it. The "internet" is not digital culture. (Please reference the last 3 books on technology and culture you have read should you chose to refute)
What is most laughable about NC7A's view is that technology must show him the path to enlightenment or how become a "better person" to warrant acceptance.
Stick to medicine Dr. Your resume and Luddite beliefs have no "value" here.
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by KE5MXA on July 12, 2008
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First, Lou.. very good post. I talk (voice chat)to people around the world every day on the computer, but it does not give the same rush and happiness as making a DX contact with the little station and low antennas that I currently have.
Normally I would not bring myself this low but... W6WBJ(Mr Cromwell) as a lawyer you should know the rules are supposed to be followed not broken... The FCC has spanked you for being bad and your crying abuse. You need to take your spanking and quit trying to make others feel miserable cause you were in the wrong.
http://www.fcc.gov/eb/AmateurActions/files/CROWE08_02_14_1174.html
Shawn
KE5MXA
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by KE7FD on July 12, 2008
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I think what Lou is saying is consistent with the intent of amateur radio, that being to foster good will and contribute to the art of radio (heavily paraphrased). I am certain there could also be as many differing viewpoints of his tag line, "Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!" as there are operators. Each is just as valid as the next and I suppose Lou touched on many of the characteristics about radio shared by all of us.
Two men stood in the self same room, one said, "I'm hot", the other said, "I'm cold". Which of the two was right? They both were. Each was just expressing an opinion.
Where we as people really earn the title of "amateur" is when we seek to impose our point of view on someone else by tearing them down. I am regularly amazed at the number of self-appointed guardians of self-promotion (a.k.a, bigots) who post on eHam.net. Lou's comments took the high road. He wasn't speaking for everyone, just himself and he shared his viewpoints. If we are adults, by now we ought to have developed the capacity to appreciate different views other than our own. I can not and will not speak for anyone else, just myself, but I was disappointed at the tactless attacks made against Lou. Sure, we Americans have the right of free speech and many seek every opportunity to exercise that right. But, does that mean something MUST be said? Does it not also stand true that we can choose to abstain from making comments, especially when those thoughts reflect the baser, self-promoting "sub-human" (Neanderthal) aspects of human nature?
I followed the links of one of those critical of Lou's post and eventually found a long list of the books he is reading (or recommending) this year. What an impressive collection of cutting-edge thought. Still, his comments about Lou persuade me to conclude that he is one of the dumbest smart persons arrogant enough to point out that fact here on eHam.
Lou, kudos on a well though out and expressive treatise of your perspective of amateur radio. You, in my opinion, are certainly from a more professional crowd.
KE7FD
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by NC7A on July 12, 2008
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WA4D...Sorry OM, I didn't know my views were invalid. I mentioned the MD part only to make the point that not all hams fit the ignoramus stereotype that is often painted. In my experience almost everyone I meet is much smarter than I am in some area. I may know a bit more about medicine, but they know a lot more about electronics, poetry, law, whatever. So what. I no longer need to validate who I am in terms of a degree, bank account, size of house, tower height, genital size, race, gender, etc. I've no problem being a "Luddite". I have a nice Luddite family, nice Luddite kids in a nice Luddite town. I'm only a family doc so I'm really at the bottom of the medical food chain. I end up looking up to a lot of people...especially the "simple" folks like Lou/KB2DHG.
re: "What is most laughable is the thought that technology must show him the path to enlightenment or how to become a better person."
That's not my thought...that's the point I felt YOUR intial comments were attempting to make. Maybe I misread something. it seemed to me that the negative comments your post received rejected that thesis.
re: "Internet not digital...whatever"...
Just hard for me to put big ideas in a few small inadequate words. Just doing the best that I can.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W9ZXT on July 12, 2008
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Lou, I really liked what you had to say. I have read what others had to say and see a variety of comments and attitudes. One old saying I always remember and try to hold on to is, Before you try to take the Speck out of your brothers eye, take the Plank out of your own. Keep up the good work Lou and ignore any of the negative comments and get on the air and make a difference in someones life. We ALL can do it, it starts with us and our attitude. Again, nice article Lou. I love that old D-104 too. God Bless!!
Nick
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Making a list and Checking it twice...
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by KC8BYF on July 12, 2008
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Well... WA4D ...Hmmmm I better place that call on the "black flag" list.
After following the thread on Lou's topic for some reason or another a thought came to me as I read it again after Worship / Service tonight.
WA4D said :
This piece is poorly written and begs for cheap sympathy.
Mike... I have decided to forgive you (not that you would understand that) for the extremely obnoxious things you have said to or about Lou's article. I forgive you as well for your taunts towards others, here in this thread, that have taken a defensive stance toward your abrasive nature as well.
Perhaps, it is YOU sir (WA4D Mike) that is begging for some type of cheap sympathy. I honestly do feel that all the "knowledge" <in the whole world> is not equipped to deliver what you "seek".
Remember this too Mike, my "friend"
Jesus ...Loves You in spite of yourself
Everyone else ...Thinks you're an asshole
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The great myth of Ham Radio: That it's cool
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by WA4D on July 12, 2008
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Ok NC7A, the one dimensional world of text leads to misinterpretation.....so I am guilty on that score.
The culture of Ham radio can only be held in low esteem. Tune the bands and listen to discourse that is largely "drivel". Do you hear conversations of "technology", history, books, film, art, culture or of interesting life experiences? Rare if ever.
One of the great myths of ham radio is that it is a fertile garden of communication. How absurd! Even K1ZZ Dave Summner ARRL CEO acknowledged as much when he wrote in the June issue of QST that many (most?) hams don't even know how to hold a conversation. (It took him how many years to figure this out?)
I got a chuckle out of W9ZXT's remarks above: Don't listen to anyone who is "negative" and then he invokes God!
cheers,
mike/wa4d
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RE: The great myth of Ham Radio: That it's cool
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by NC7A on July 12, 2008
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WA4D...I recognize and respect your intellect. I could not have an intelligent discussion with you about the digital world. Not my "thing." Let's talk about the best way to deliver a footling breach. At the risk of sounding like a completely arrogant a**hole, someone once told me that our culture, as a whole, functions at a 5th grade level. One only has to reflect on our movies, music, marketing, political games, magazines, etc. to see that's self evident. Guess we were lucky to get an education, have parents to kick us in the butt to study,and have the economic means to pay for college. And while knowledge is power and economic freedom, most of those I hang with haven't been so lucky. Many didn't have the ability, let alone the opportunity.
I agree with you in regards to much of what I hear on the air...often not much better than CB. I also hate the fact that my CW at this point is RST, QTH, name, and "sorry OM too much QSB". Next year it will be better...more content and I hope at 20 wpm. But I did talk to a fellow in Alaska a few months ago....owns a boat, charters, etc...what a treat just to meet him. Also a retired musician from Wisconsin....neat...and we didn't talk about my prostate (not prostrate). Now if I can just find Lou on 20, I'd like to get to know him a bit better. Need to go...trying to learn how to tune my vertical...need to keep the mind active. 73
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RE: The great myth of Ham Radio: That it's cool
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by KC2OYZ on July 12, 2008
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WA4D - I see you are very impressed with the online world - nothing wrong with that.
But your mistake is that you didn't understand the opening piece, and you don't understand what ham radio is all about. Your contention is that there's lot more to see and learn on line, so who needs ham radio. Sorry, but that's just plain dumb. Why bother to compete in the hundred yard dash when you can go 100 yards in your car in a few seconds without working up a sweat? Why swim in the ocean when you can get to other side of the world by ship? Why collect stamps if you're not going to mail any letters with them?
I was licensed as a novice in 1964 , and I work in computers - I program and manage high tech systems all day long - I have been on the internet and using email for 18 years - I was on BBS's and Compuserve and went through every other step between Gopher at the command prompt and YouTube.
BUT, I STILL love messing around with my Johnson Matchbox and my dipoles and checking out the bands and getting a signal report and talking to people in different places, with different accents and different outlooks. Why? IT'S FUN! IT'S RELAXING! IT'S CHALLENGING! You need skill, you need talent, you need motivation, you need LUCK to be succesful - to snag that hard DX station, to make your signal better, to get a QSO going when the band is dead and you have use your head and your skill to do it. I could go on and on, but what's the use? You just DON'T GET IT!
Think about this: a lot of people like to collect and use old radios. Just go on eBay and you'll find out. Outside of a used motor vehicle, I can't think of any consumer item that has more resale value and collectibility than a used ham radio. But how many old computers do you see being bought and sold - try buying a computer and taking good care of it and then selling it 5 years later for 50% or 75% of it's original price - how many takers will you have? A computer is slow and outdated after a few years, and it goes out into the dumpster - nobody has any use for it any more. WHY is that? The answer to me is simple - radios are personal and they are fun, computers are not. I hate computers - I just like to use them - but I love radios.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by BHARDIMON on July 12, 2008
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby! Yeah, if you're an old man who still lives in the 60's; otherwise it's embarrassingly outdated. Ham radio operators, the big "experimenters" on the cutting edge who still use ladder line, morse code, tubes and doublets. Man, you guys are rocketing our culture in to a new frontier.
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RE: The great myth of Ham Radio: That it's cool
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by KC2OYZ on July 12, 2008
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WA4D - so why are you on here? Just to show us how superior you are? To prove to us that you have graduated from ham radio and gone to something 'more advanced'. Why don't you just turn in your callsign so you aren't connected with us neanderthals?
Oh, I've got it - you're on a mission - you want to enlighten us - you're allowing us to bathe in the glow of your wisdom, so that maybe one day we'll also be able to evolve like you, and achieve a higher level...
Sounds to me like you are projecting when you accuse Lou, who wrote the opening piece, of begging for sympathy. All I saw from Lou's piece was that he's a nice guy who loves and appreciates the fun and adventure of amateur radio.
Maybe WA4D, maybe you're the one begging for sympathy - did someone insult you on the radio? Would you like us all to apologize and say we're sorry, on behalf of hams the world over? Will you forgive us?
As for ANYONE who thinks that hams are 'intellectually stunted' - I CHALLENGE you to take ME on... just try it...
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC2OYZ on July 12, 2008
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BHARDIMON doesn't seem to have a call sign. I guess he's also on here to enlighten us and lead us out of the darkness. Is it some kind of new religious cult? Did a holy man tell them it's time to redeem the lowly ham radio operators?
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Tweaking the nose of Low Brow Hams
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by WA4D on July 12, 2008
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Ok gang it's been fun. We've had name calling, vulgarity, charges of arrogance, and outright indignation! And of course God and Jesus made an appearance amidst the shrieking.
The uneducated working class hams who join these discussions are (as always) the most pathetic. Incapable of marshaling their position rhetorically, they invoke the anal orifice as their metaphor of choice. Devoid of imaginative writing skills, they are left grasping their low brow culture. These guys are the true representatives of amateur radio!
Cheers
mike/wa4d
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC2OYZ on July 12, 2008
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And for all of you advanced specimens out there that have evolved past radio, I'm wondering how you propose to get data back from space probes and space explorers - I don't think there are any T3 lines to Mars just yet... and it seems to me that a number of our astronauts are also ham operators - I guess they don't know much about technology either. They should ask BHARDIMON and WA4D to explain things to them...
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC8PPO on July 12, 2008
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Oh for crying out loud. How juvenile will this get?
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC2OYZ on July 12, 2008
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WA4D - I guess you haven't read my posts - or are you selectively neglecting to address them...
I saw your website - it looks interesting - but why do you find a need to dump on other people? I work in hi-tech - big time hi-tech - high performance mission critical systems in the financial industry that must handle billions of dollars of worth of transactions daily under strict time constraints without failure. I have many years of formal eduction under my belt - more than you do in fact, based on your website.
But I like people, and I can talk to anybody - if you like people and you listen to them, you learn a lot and you enjoy life - and ham radio is great for that. And as others have said, most of the guys you meet on the bands have something interesting to contribute - a particular area of expertise, particular life experiences and observations - if you find it boring, so don't do it. But leave us alone.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC2OYZ on July 12, 2008
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KC8PPO - if you don't like the discussion, you can leave - you're not obliged to hang out here.
A guy comes on here sporting an Extra call sign and starts telling hams that they're a bunch of dummies and old farts and criticizing a very nice article because it's below his alleged level of intellect and sophisitician. This is a public forum, and he made himself a target - probably wanted to be a target - so we're all getting our wish - he's the target and we're shooting at him - it's great fun - virtual war games...
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC8PPO on July 12, 2008
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Hey don't attack me, man! I'm not participating, just commenting on the nonsensical discussion. If you guys want to do that, go on ahead. Goodness.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KD0AMG on July 12, 2008
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KC2OYZ: It's generally considered a better idea not to feed the trolls.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC2OYZ on July 12, 2008
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WA4D, you should not be on this website, or on the radio - you should be running for political office - you have the talent for distorting and reversing things that is required...
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N9FE on July 13, 2008
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My GOD. This site has gone down the crapper..Most of you deserve Each other.. Eham I'm done With your site
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KB2DHG on July 13, 2008
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First I want to thank all the kind people who came to my defence of the horrid responce from WA4D...
I am NOT widowed and was seeking NO sympathy. I was stateing a point that a lonly person can have company in their home via Amateur Radio... I Appreciate all the defence I received and can only say that my intent was to post a nice positive article on this site to communicate my passion and enjoyment of this hobby.
To you Mr. WA4D, You generalized me as an old fat man with no Life... I do not want to stoop so low to your level but let me explain who I am... I am a Mechanical Engineer, Graduated from MIT and work with the Elevator Industry desiging safety devices for elevators and am on the ASME/ANSI Ai7.1 Elevator / Escalator code committie.
I am Very active in my other hobbies which include Vintage Auto Racing, and building and restoring Vintage Porsche's, I am an Artist and do drawings, mostly mechanical stuff. I ride mountian bikes long distances and am a Master Mason and do many charitable events.
Amateur Radio IS a FINE RESPECTFUL HOBBY Unfortunately as in ALL venues and interest it does harbor its share of bad apples. I consider you that cancerous apple that we all wish would relinquish YOUR Amateur Radio License.
THIS ARTICAL WAS NEVER MEANT TO HAVE ANY NEGATIVE RESPONCE... ONLY TO PUT A SMILE ON OUR FACES THAT WE ARE PART OF A WONDERFUL THING!
GOD BESS YOU ALL AND GOOD DX, 73 DE: LOU KB2DHG
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by BHARDIMON on July 13, 2008
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I would say 75% of hams are uneducated working class types, just look at the spelling (even with AUTO SPELL CHECKER) and listen to them on the air...They ain't the cream of the crop.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N2UGB on July 13, 2008
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Thanks Lou. You are a good person. Hope to work you one day on amateur radio.
I now pull the plug on eHam.
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by N5EAT on July 13, 2008
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W4AD: In all of EHAM.NET's many posts, I've never read such a complete waste of bandwidth as yours here.
You have violated so many rules of logic that I don't have time to discuss each one, but the conclusions you have reached concerning the original poster are so without foundation as to mock the intelligence of some of the Earth's higher insect life.
What kind of disorder is it which causes you to be angered by someone turning on their radio in the morning?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Start Your Tranceivers!
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by WB4JZY on July 13, 2008
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The DAWG got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KE0Z on July 13, 2008
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W6WBJ shouldn't paint us all with the same brush. I'm a 53 year old active ham. I also have run a marathon and several half-marathons. The last half marathon this past September A 10k last week. Today I'm going on a 40 mile bike ride.
I think hams are better troubleshooters than most computer based engineers because they have a better grasp of component level electronics. Most computer people don't know how a transistor really works.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KG6TT on July 13, 2008
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Its been a cool hobby for me for a long time... numerous aspects! Unfortunately encountering intentionally inflammatory forum antics/rhetoric isn't one of them. But like many I got pulled in with the original story content only to find re-enforcement in why I remain basically a tinkering ham and a seldom on-the-air 'voice' communicator. I wonder what we would hear/see if everyone had to be in the same room together before they could communicate... no masks... no 'anonymity by distance... full accountability and resultant consequences? I actually think there would be more substance and far less 'poking the caged tiger' for amusement.
Thanks for the original article... a nice salute to a people aspect of this hobby.
73,
Jerry, KG6TT
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W7ETA on July 13, 2008
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Thanks for taking the time to write your "article" Lou.
I still have FUN playing around with ham radio.
73
Bob
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by WR8Y on July 13, 2008
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This way-to-short article REALLY captured my experience: licensed since 1974, and started in CB only because I could not find local hams at first...
It's still a great hobby - and is so many things to so many people. IMO, it's about the most diverse hobby there is.
(Oh, and I'm 48, not diabetic, not overweight, I exercise daily and hike weekends 6-19 miles - sometimes with Ham Radio, sometimes without. The AVERAGE ham is in poor health, perhaps - but the average AMERICAN is as well - no news there!)
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by WR8Y on July 13, 2008
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""""I think hams are better troubleshooters than most computer based engineers because they have a better grasp of component level electronics. Most computer people don't know how a transistor really works.""""
Are you kidding? It's even worse than that - the IT guy at work (with a DEGREE in IT, no less) didn't even know what an accumulator or ALU was!!! All IT people know is Windows XP, Windows server and where in the registry to "tweak" to get something working....
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC2OYZ on July 13, 2008
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N9FE - we do deserve each other - but you don't deserve us - because we're hanging together to protect our group from an attack by miscreant, and you seem to think there is something wrong with that.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC2OYZ on July 13, 2008
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BHARDIMON - tell us about yourself - what makes you so special - 'the cream of the crop'? Is it because you know how to use a spell checker?
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by K0BG on July 13, 2008
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I suppose when you don't have a call sign, and your name isn't in the FCC database, you are to be believe. Not!
Alan, KOBG
www.k0bg.com
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W6WBJ on July 13, 2008
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Wow, KE0Z, it's REALLY GREAT that you're so athletic. Now if you'll just learn sentence construction and punctuation, you'll be all set!
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by WN2RUJ on July 13, 2008
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Last month at a BBQ for the familes of students about to graduate from High School, the president of the student body confessed to my oldest son that he has endured a lifetime of suffering from the embarassement of his father being a ham. Having found a soulmate, he and my son talked of their OMs chasing DX, soldering circuits, calling CQ, picking through trash at hamfests, building antennae and reading wierd publicaitons. Then there was the trivia about engineering, geography, geopoliics, commerce, shipping, emergency operations, goverment agencies, the ability to repair anything and the American Can-Do attitude. In our day when we were off to college many of the ham parents shopped for a phone patch to beat the ATT charges to call colleges halfway across the country.
It wasn' CB. For me it was the facination with electronics starting in 1959 watching my father erect a 40-ft TV tower and rotor. Being able to swing the antenna Saturday morings to sharpen the test pattern before the Modern Farmer came on before the cartoons. it was the rescue squad monitor below the TV coming on and calling the volunteers to the scene of a powerline that came down in a storm. From my first 10-transistor radio to the first Am/FM radio to reading every book in the 621 section in the nonfiction section of every library I has access to, it was electronics that lead the way to this hobby. In Junior High School it was the smart science/math guys who were the SWLs each with a Radio Shack, Lafayette, Knight Kit or Heathkit receiver. I too joined the lunch table with the 12-year old guys taking on the persona of fighter pilots as they bragged about the QSL cards received from the BBC, HCJB, Quito,, Equador the Voice of the Andes and island stations across the globe.
Long divorced, it was difficult to communicate with my father with only one phone line in the house. he suggested that we become hams. I held up my end. I joined the radio club in high school, got a licence and built a DX=60B bought from $1.85/hour earnings. Its been 40-years and I'm still waiting for a call. In any case, I spent long hours on the air while many of my classmates spent their time hanging out on street corners participating in activities that led them down the wrong road.
As a young man on the move it was advent of VHF rigs with synthacized frequency control that allowed communications on busines trips all over the place. It wasn't until three years ago now living somewhat permanently on a small city lot that I returned to HF after a 29 year absence.
With a dc to daylight rig and a dipole I try to get on the air as much as possible. I don't hear much activity as I used to back in the 70's. Is it my poor antenna, bottom of the cycle or my compromise rig I wondered. It seems that there is no random ragchewing anymore. If it weren't for contests I wouldn't know that my signal was getting anywhere. For now I sell my old junk on Ebay in the hope of saving enough for a new HF vertical.
With the other hobbies such as furniture building and trying to keep the heat inside the house in the winter we are busy providing services to the family when we aren't trying to chase a buck. Many people come into the shack and say."my brother used to do that when I was kid". Just the other day I retreived a triband beam being stored by a college friend. I rescued it from the trashheap when it was about to be discarded by a missionary organization. I still find ham radio a thrill even with all the changes over the past four decades. I don't mind some of the different people that some complain about. But I do admit I have little patience for the overzealous yahoo know-it-all who tries to give you a long winded disertation of what they think only they know. Howver you got into this hobby I am greatful that there still are enough people to keep it going.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W4VR on July 13, 2008
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One point you did not mention is that ham radio can actually keep a family together. Let me give you an example. My wife and I have been married for 38 years...no kids...and with all the traveling she did during those years I would have been at home collecting dust or in bars collecting females if it had not been for ham radio. She has always been a great supporter of the hobby and when I want new equipment there is never an argument on cost.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by CBISBACK on July 13, 2008
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W4VR Wrote:
"One point you did not mention is that ham radio can actually keep a family together"
I'd be willing to bet that ham radio broke up more marriages than it enhanced.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N6HPX on July 13, 2008
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Its one of the best hobbies around and one I wish we could all share with others, in the 30 yrs I tinkered with it and passed what I had to to get here I have met and chatted with some pretty good people whether we agreed on things or not.
I love the smell of the tubes sets in the old days and turning on the rigs to hear those stations on the other side of the world, and later visiting the same stations.
To hear the satellites pass and to try my darness to work one, but above all I consider it real radio when you operate from radio to radio rather than internet as thats not as much fun to me.
Its a fun hobby and have heard many none hobbiests tell me of there father's who use to be here and gave it up because of one thing or the other. Some for even more recent changes. Not everyone like what happened but I for one will never give up the ship.
73's from a Mariner on a ship off Hawaii
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KF4HR on July 13, 2008
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For those that have soured on the ham hobby to the point where you feel the need to pee on someone else's parade, please do not despair. You are more than welcome to mail your license back to the FCC and ask them to cancel it. I'm pretty sure the FCC will be able grant your request.
KF4HR
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by WA8MEA on July 13, 2008
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If I were "The Dawg", I think I'd be a little kinder to Lou.
Did anyone take a look at Lou's photo? Doesn't he look like he could be Chuck Norris' big brother??? No, really!!
BTW, didn't someone recently post an audio link to some of "Dawgs" wonderful on-air activities filled with racism, vulgarity and general obnoxiousness??? Would that person be so kind as to point out that info-filled URL once again???
Yeh, I went to church today and gave a quick thought to forgiving "Dawg" too. Then I started remembering in Dawg's particular case, we're probably talking about casting out demons.....
73, Bill
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KE0Z on July 13, 2008
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WR8Y, a few years ago I attended training for a particular Nuclear Medicine scanner. When we were going over the schematics for the analog sections of the gamma detector a couple of the computer gurus seemed a bit lost.
There are still a few places where component level understanding of electronics can be very useful and save a lot of money, switching power supplies for example.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KE0Z on July 13, 2008
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W6WBJ, Yes, I saw the grammatical error after I posted but didn't think it was bad enough to edit. I don't think of myself as an athlete. I'm pretty slow and really just trying to keep the extra pounds off the best I can. It is a slow losing battle.
I googled your call sign and see that you have attained a certain level of infamy. I don't know if you will be receptive to my advice but perhaps you should try to nurture the better angels of your nature if you can. I'm sure you have them and your life will be better if you do.
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RE: Ham Radio's Bitter old Men
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by AK2B on July 13, 2008
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To KC8BYF: As they say on a popular game show, "good answer". I was writing a reply when it occurred to me that the object of your post was the resident president of the He-Man Ham Haters Club. He reminds me of something David Letterman said to Howard Stern. "You really don't care what people are saying about you as long as they're saying something".
To Lou: Nice article, I feel pretty much the same way. I love listening to the bands. It's like listening to the sky.
Tom, AK2B
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W9ZXT on July 13, 2008
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MIKE WHATLEY WA4D, I knew you in the service, what in Hell are you doing man? You are disrespecting your fellow man, not to mention making a bad example of all of us Veterans!! Get a Grip Mike!! Put your hatred to rest brother!!
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N2LWE on July 13, 2008
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Great article. I agree with you in many ways. When I was out of work for six months recovering from a surgery, it was great just turning the radio on and listening without ever keying the mic.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W6WBJ on July 13, 2008
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KE0Z, I'm PROUD of any infamy that I might have within the amateur community.
To quote Henry David Thoreau: "What are YOU doing out there?"
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC2OYZ on July 13, 2008
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CBISBACK - here's another one - no call sign - a CB'er....
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC2OYZ on July 13, 2008
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I think we should suggest to eHam that they only allow valid call signs to register and subscribe.
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N5JYK on July 13, 2008
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Thanks for the article Lou!
However, there is too much noise on this site these days. It is just not worth the trouble to read the comments.
Take a hint eHam managers. The less we read the less we click.
-Brandon
-N5JYK
-------------------------------
Pithy SIG #107
-Never try to teach a pig to sing, it waists your time an annoys the pig. - Lazarus Long
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N6HPX on July 13, 2008
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No one I believe is willing to turn the license in as I stated its a good hobbie and havent seen any one peeing on the article just a lot positive comments.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KE0Z on July 13, 2008
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W6WBJ,
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
Henry David Thoreau
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by CBISBACK on July 13, 2008
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KC2OYZ Wrote:
CBISBACK - here's another one - no call sign - a CB'er...
======================================================
So KC2OYZ what's your point?
You don't like CBers? Are CBers not permitted to use this site? You the boss?
Don't need no stink'n call sign. Just clip the license out of the ARRL License Manual and make up your own call sign.
So KC2OYZ where's the love?
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by KC0RBX on July 13, 2008
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Man, some of you guys are really crotchity! I mean, geez! Lighten up a little would ya? I'm glad I didn't read some of the posts from some (most) of the articles on here before I worked toward my first ticket. Otherwise I wouldn't have even taken the tests necessary to get to enjoy facets of this service that I happen to think are "just cool". Do you guys talk to other hams face to face this way? Bring it on! Miserable old bastards ya.
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Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by K9CTB on July 13, 2008
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Very good article, Lou. Thanks. As to the "bitter old men" comment or the other ridiculous "experts" looking for recognition - Let me see ... there was an article a while back here which dovetails what you said. There are so many different directions a ham can take! AM people ... ESSSB people ... Good ol' DX ... Disaster preparedness and ECOMM ... SSTV .... Digital SSTV ... wow. That's only naming a few! So many ways to use ham radio in order to meet a bunch of bitter men, eh?
"Boob" is such a mild term to use for such foolishness, but I enjoy eham and would hate to lose my membership by being honest.
I hope to see more articles by the gang here. I really enjoy walking away thinking "Hey, I learned something new" when I read what's here.
73 de Neil
K9CTB
no bogus title
no outrageous special duties
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by W8JII on July 14, 2008
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Mail this to a friend!
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W6WBJ;" I'm PROUD of any infamy that I might have within the amateur community."
Interesting statement. Spoken like a true pompous, arrogant sociopath. Stay on your meds. I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself or others!!!!!!!!!! :>)
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RE: Amateur Radio -- Just a Cool Hobby!
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by N0YXB | |
