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eHam.net Survey
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Survey Question
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On-Air operating standards...How have they changed over the years?
Posted: Mar 09, 2009
(2027 votes, 120 comments)
by VK5LA
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Survey Results
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Nothing's really changed...
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14% (275)
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Standards are reflecting the changes in society...
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25% (512)
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I think there has been a general improvement...
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5% (109)
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I think there has been a general decline...
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26% (525)
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The FCC needs to do more enforcing and less talking...
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18% (362)
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Things went down hill when the code went....
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12% (244)
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Survey Comments
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learning the morse code
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What most people fail to realize about the code is that it can be heard so much better during weak signal copying. If all signals heard were s9,it wouldn`t matter if you used ssb or cw. In real world conditions this isn`t so. Think it`s hard copying a weak cw signal? Try it on ssb or am or fm. Many hams think if they don`t send cw 20 w.p.m. nobody will answer them. NOT SO! Even dx will answer you if you send code properly. Proper spacing is the main thing. "CQ" is sent -.-.--.- not -. -. -- .- which is nnma! So if this makes me "antiquated" then i`m all for it.....
Posted by
NO2A
on June 5, 2009
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The bad operators
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I'd disagree with the notion that the young people had anything to do with the bad operations. The influx of young hams has dropped faster than that of the hobby as a whole. Those HF freq. with the worst operators...well they are the older group. The retired, pissed off old men that didn't save for retirement right or were uneducated and never made much money...and are pissed because they failed to realize that even with a declining hobby, technology would make it easy for more people to be one the same airways bandwidth as has been there for many years.
I understand that some where stating young people as the cause not because of their operations, but more in the fact that the decision makers panicked with the decline stats on young people, but others often blame the younger generations.
I laughed at one old man complaining about the operations of others, including young hams...right on the air no less (HF), while he himself failed to identify for an hour, ignored a station trying to join the conversation, and the language, while not illegal/in violation of FCC, was certainly in poor taste. Sometimes hams need to look at themselves before criticizing others.
Posted by
N3PRZ
on April 26, 2009
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CB radio on Bands common
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This for me is a very discouraging subject because we as a group allowed the flies to come in through the ever more relaxed licensing requirements. The 75 meter band between 3.8 and 4 mhz is a filthy wasteland of lids, foul language, half wits and gubers.
Yes, we distroyed our own hobby, because knowing young people were no longer attracted and numbers would plumit, reduced standards.
How would you like to see any tech or even a professional, who had the exact questions and answers presented to them before taking a license exam?
I rest my case.
Posted by
W1IT
on April 25, 2009
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CW..
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Had a little trouble learning 13 WPM. beimng I started after 50 yrs.of Age, But came through it with out a scrarch...Tried the machines, worked a Ham in CA, when I told Him I was on a TONO, He Replied 'I don'y talk to MAchies, Never even signed Off..Well I tried all kinds of keyers I fund an Old Heavy Relay in my Junque Box,it dosn't move around, No body wants it. I Love it. the receiving operator Dosen't know nor CAre what I use, It works foe Me. That is My mind set on the whold Ham situation, Enjoy Enjoy which ever mode ,Rig , Keyer. antenna, Just Enjoy a Hobby that is as Fun and enjoyable as ou Make it, One time a neighbor Girl wanted to use Our Computer to do Her Home Work, The Computer was in My Shack, as she was doing Her Home work I was working a Ham in Belgium,, She asked me after a moment if the Ham was really in Belgium, She went on to get Her Ticket. and I still Use the relay to work CW...
Just Enjoy the Hobby,,
Jim W7TZG
Posted by
W7TZG
on April 24, 2009
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Sorta hard to separate out how I viewed the world and my enthusiasm for finally getting my ham ticket from what I hear on the air 30 years later.
Posted by
W7ETA
on April 24, 2009
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Who knew?
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As I see it, there is still a VERY small percentage of hams, and the general population, that are poor examples of human beings. Malicious, inconsiderate, rude, bigoted, whatever one defines the standard. I don't think knowing code makes a bit of difference to this behavior. The only difference is that it is much easier to engage ones mouth before ones brain on voice modes.
The problems we have know, those who dislike this or that, those who are just poor operators and don't care, seems to be about the same as when I got my first ticket. Which goes to prove that getting older doesn't necessarily make one wiser.
There are still a lot of great folks in the hobby, they deserve more recognition than the problem people IMHO.
Posted by
N2WN
on April 23, 2009
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Great comment Rex
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That is right on the money, I am sure that if there were more operators like Rex out there this hobby would grow.
Posted by
TIMEWILLTELL
on April 22, 2009
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Skip?
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It would seen that most 'Ham' are on channel with the read out to the '.00'. Words like 'Skip & 'Breaker'. Well I am not lazy, we all had to learn the 'Ham Speak' so I try and exlain that if they talk like that then DX will be difficult. That there are rules to follow about over modulation, beeping mikes and many other things. Most of the time they are very pleased to find somebody that helps them understand whats expected. If you want the standards to climb then get off your butt and help these people. It's so easy to blame 'CW', sign of the times etc. Being negative is so easy, don't be tempted. VK's have a 'Foundation' Call, the 'F' in the call. Everyone I talked to wanted to learn how it's don. Be kind to others and remember somebody helped you once.
Posted by
ZL4IV
on April 21, 2009
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There are a lot of stinkers on the bands that passed a code test.
Posted by
N7TRZ
on April 21, 2009
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Code vs. No code
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Really doesnt matter you have good and bad ham operators out there and if you really look at the staticics, the most people that lose their ticket are Advanced or Extra Class, not the newer hams out there. Pick any given night and listen to the 80m Chicken Band, makes old cb'ers sound like the hams followong the rules. I am proud to say, that I am a Know Code Ham, and due to my young age, I was not around to take the 15 or 25 or whatever the rate was for general, but I am able to SEND and RECEIVE at over 25wpm.
_.. . _. .._ _ _ _ _. _._
de N2TNK
Posted by
N2TNK
on April 21, 2009
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"My position is that people interested in joining the hobby but were not interested in code, have now joined the hobby because the code requirement was dropped."
The code test hasn't been required to become a ham since 1991.
73s John AA5JG
Posted by
AA5JG
on April 20, 2009
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What Ever
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When I passed my 5wpm test it was one of the happiest days of my life. When the FCC dropped the code it was a sad day for me. How ever it did not make me a better operator it did however give me a better mode of operation.
Posted by
KC7NHT
on April 18, 2009
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What Ever
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When I passed my 5wpm test it was one of the happiest days of my life. When the FCC dropped the code it was a sad day for me. How ever it did not make me a better operator it did however give me a better mode of operation.
Posted by
KC7NHT
on April 18, 2009
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Just Think
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Just think that the same government that runs the FCC now wants to run the health care system. Enough said!
Posted by
K3WVR
on April 17, 2009
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On air standards
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Looks like there are many varied opinions on
the topic. I have mostly used repeaters and
a little simplex on 2m and 70cm and talked
with some very interesting people on phone
not CW. When I do have enough saved to
purchase an HF rig, then I will have more
incentive to learn CW and possibly to
actually learn how to make a dipole antenna
perhaps. I totally appreciate the old times
just the fact that they exist and can elmer
us newbies.
AHO
73
Gary
KB3POQ
Posted by
KB3POQ
on April 16, 2009
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Operators
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Well said Gene (W5DQ)
I agree with you.
Posted by
NY7Q
on April 14, 2009
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They be gone soon enough
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I, for one, don't worry about the code or no-code issue. I figure that based on what is seen in the FCC licensing database that a large percentage of those that get the new licenses without having to really learn anything let their license lapse after the first renewal anyway. If you look at the database for any given day, good chance you will blocks of individuals that are expired or about to expire. And most of these folks never ventured away from the shack-on-the-belt mode anyway. I highly doubt if most of them ever even heard, much especially ever operated a HF rig on SSB and definitely not code. Too bad as they took the time to get started. They should have proceeded to upgrade and learn.
I've been licensed for 33 years. I currently use 20+ wpm code for the biggest portion of my operating. I don't put anyone down for not wanting to learn the code. It's a personal choice and priviledge. I think that we as amateurs, should not slam others amateurs because they choose to use code or happen to be from the old school. Believe it or not, us old timers do know a thing or two about amateur radio and in case you haven't heard, there was amateur radio before there was a no-code license. Hard to believe isn't it!
Gene W5DQ
Posted by
W5DQ
on April 14, 2009
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They be gone soon enough
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I, for one, don't worry about the code or no-code issue. I figure that based on what is seen in the FCC licensing database that a large percentage of those that get the new licenses without having to really learn anything let their license lapse after the first renewal anyway. If you look at the database for any given day, good chance you will blocks of individuals that are expired or about to expire. And most of these folks never ventured away from the shack-on-the-belt mode anyway. I highly doubt if most of them ever even heard, much especially ever operated a HF rig on SSB and definitely not code. Too bad as they took the time to get started. They should have proceeded to upgrade and learn.
I've been licensed for 33 years. I currently use 20+ wpm code for the biggest portion of my operating. I don't put anyone down for not wanting to learn the code. It's a personal choice and priviledge. I think that we as amateurs, should not slam others amateurs because they choose to use code or happen to be from the old school. Believe it or not, us old timers do know a thing or two about amateur radio and in case you haven't heard, there was amateur radio before there was a no-code license. Hard to believe isn't it!
Gene W5DQ
Posted by
W5DQ
on April 14, 2009
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Outdated?
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How is code more outdated than voice?
The historical order goes like this:
Grunts, Speech (AM, SSB, etc.), Code.
Now I realize not everyone can speak. They can revert to grunting. The skill level is indeed lower.
Posted by
N4LQ
on April 14, 2009
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Damn no code
Posted by
W5JUV
on April 13, 2009
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Look at yourselves!
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If you read down this long and silly thread you will see that:
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY REMAIN EXACTLY THE SAME!
This verbal donkey dew is the same old, same old blah, blah personal gripes of the years!
Go get on the air and be active hams!
Posted by
AI2IA
on April 12, 2009
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Much Better!!!
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Since the elimination of CW things have definitely gotten better. We no longer have the burden of having to study an antiquated, useless mode. We are now free to move on with the advancement of the hobby.
Posted by
SSBHAM
on April 12, 2009
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One thing that don't seem to change much is these survey questions.
Posted by
N4CQR
on April 12, 2009
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Degraded but acceptable
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Standards have degraded for sure.
There were always drunks and skunks on the air, just as in society. The difference is, most of those actually knew something about radio, they were just misfits socially.
Now, we still have social misfits, as always: But overall, they know less about radio.
On the flip side, most new hams who don't know much about radio probably know much more about computers, MP3 players, and lots of stuff that the OTs did not know about, especially since most of that hadn't been invented yet. ;-)
WB2WIK/6
Posted by
WB2WIK
on April 11, 2009
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Geezers and Wheezers
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I hate the old timers complaining about thier bowel movements...I hate the military hams whose egos are taller than the empire state building, and I hate the government types who want to run the EMCOMM show.
Its a hobby dammit Q@!@!!
Get used to it, or get out....
It seemed to go down hill recently, but a glimmer of hope from the young people...who want to learn....I have to instill my adaptation of CB language for ham language...
it wasn't hard... just say the same things everyone else does ...follow the leaders.....
daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...............
Posted by
KG4RRN
on April 11, 2009
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A funny observation.
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Here locally there were a few hams who were VERY VERY anti-CW. They said they would never upgrade until CW was dropped. They even made fun of people who liked CW. Then the day it was dropped they were on local repeaters celebrating as if they're favorite team just won the SuperBowl!
Shortly after they did upgrade. But guess what, they STILL spend 99% of their time on local repeaters & 2mtr simplex. Its rare they are ever on HF. I never see them in DX logs, never hear them rag chewing, never see them in contest listings.....
I wonder if this has happened where you live as well...
George - KI4FIA
CW 160mtrs thru 1296MHz
Posted by
KI4FIA
on April 11, 2009
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How di you know?
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WB1HJS Said: "Most of the code you hear is done with a keyboard and program. Not really a skill now is it?"
If you don't do code or know code then how do you know that most of the code you hear is done with a keyboard????
I work CW 90% of the time, I can't remember EVER entering a QSO with someone using a keyboard or program to send CW.
I got my license right before the Dropped the CW requirement, only licensed abt 5 yrs and love CW - DXing, Contesting & ragchewing in CW is great fun.
George - KI4FIA
Posted by
KI4FIA
on April 11, 2009
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Will and Persistence
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30 yrs ago I wanted to be a Ham with a passion. First license as easy if one REALY studied it, and the code only took 3 weeks to learn 10 wpm. In the first week and a half, each day, tape in car, making sounds of cw of billboard signs, I thought I was licked. No stopping. One magical day I copied an entire test paragraph with no mistakes. The mind can be tuned to the WILL to persevere. Same as Advanced, the 13 wpm was a joke as we HAD to run cw for a year and prove it. Only voice was a jokingly endorsement after 6 months in the first license. I personally think these no coders are just a bunch of lazy belly aching dudes who grumble because they lack pure will and persistence. If they loved and admired the Hams and priveliges, I say they would have damned worked hard to get it as most all did not long ago. Our 2 meter band is nothing more than repeater CB, and you can tell by the dialogue who were the CB'ers, pedal to the metal types. Hell, they don't even know how to make a dipole without whining. Code is the most reliable mode known on Ham. It can be read by the human ear in a pile of sigs, it can cut through bad propagation where the needle doesn't even move and SSB is dead, and I most certainly think these no coders are envious when they can't make a QSO on SSB, but sigs are still going on CW. I was told 20 yrs ago by the communications dept of the gov't " ham is just gloried CB", and it surely has arrived only to decline even more. What a shame !
Posted by
VE4AKW
on April 10, 2009
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Troll
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I'm not even sure what VK5LA's intent was with the "Things went down hill when the code went.... " choice. One has to assume he was trolling for effect. Although, at the 11% so far hat have chosen that answer, one must wonder if those folks were even licensed before the no code came into being. If so, they must've led very sheltered lives on the bands. I'm coming back from a 16 year absence, and other than the animal house that used to be on 14.313, 3910 is still there, and I feel as if I haven't skipped a beat. Then again, I'm not a repeater guy, so perhaps that's where this downhill trend can be found?
Posted by
WB1HJS
on April 10, 2009
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I think it's idiocy to blame no-code hams for the decline in standards. The vast majority of those engaging in the foul-mouthed operating, especially on 75 meters, are the older hams who have been licensed for many years, and who should know better. I remember plenty of foul-mouthed hams on the air in the 1970s too. I think there has been a general delcine in operating standards over the years, which reflects the rapid degeneration of morality and decency in society as a whole.
Posted by
WB4TJH
on April 10, 2009
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Code
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I am glad the code requirement was dropped.
That was the only reason that I now have a
license. I totally am amazed that people
can actually perform CW. I think amateur
radio is great and I'll even get on HF one
day and promote "good will" on those freqs
too. Technical aspects of electronics keep
proving to baffle me and when I have more
time I can really learn it. I do not have
an electronics/engineering/math history so
it is hard for me to quickly grasp the
concepts. It will be sometime before I take
the Extra exam. Until then, I'll love phone
portions of the frequencies and will take my
rig somewhere to have it fixed if it should
break.
I do not know enough about how ham radio has
changed so I will refrain from commenting on
that.
73,to all.
Gary
KB3POQ
Posted by
KB3POQ
on April 10, 2009
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code
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My position is that people interested in joining the hobby but were not interested in code, have now joined the hobby because the code requirement was dropped. Hence alot of people that were delaying their joining the hobby because the requirement to take a test in an area that is outdated now have. So this hobby can move forward now that it has removed the anchor or code from it that was dragging it down. Let the people that want to use code use it, more power to them, glad they enjoy it. It is just as silly as having someone do an EME contact to obtain a license. Let me break it down for you so you can understand......
code required to get license........bad
no requirement to take a code test to obtain a license.........good.
I hope you understand now.
Posted by
TIMEWILLTELL
on April 10, 2009
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code
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My position is that people interested in joining the hobby but were not interested in code, have now joined the hobby because the code requirement was dropped. Hence alot of people that were delaying their joining the hobby because the requirement to take a test in an area that is outdated now have. So this hobby can move forward now that it has removed the anchor or code from it that was dragging it down. Let the people that want to use code use it, more power to them, glad they enjoy it. It is just as silly as having someone do an EME contact to obtain a license. Let me break it down for you so you can understand......
code required to get license........bad
no requirement to take a code test to obtain a license.........good.
I hope you understand now.
Posted by
TIMEWILLTELL
on April 10, 2009
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Cool! So, what does that diatribe have to do with the subject matter of whether or not operating STANDARDS have gone down hill over the years or not again? You're making the argument that more people are entering the hobby now that the code is gone. Do you think operating STANDARDS have gone up or down since the code has been eliminated. That's what the last survey question is asking. Do YOU understand now?
Posted by
WB1HJS
on April 10, 2009
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code
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My position is that people interested in joining the hobby but were not interested in code, have now joined the hobby because the code requirement was dropped. Hence alot of people that were delaying their joining the hobby because the requirement to take a test in an area that is outdated now have. So this hobby can move forward now that it has removed the anchor or code from it that was dragging it down. Let the people that want to use code use it, more power to them, glad they enjoy it. It is just as silly as having someone do an EME contact to obtain a license. Let me break it down for you so you can understand......
code required to get license........bad
no requirement to take a code test to obtain a license.........good.
I hope you understand now.
Posted by
TIMEWILLTELL
on April 10, 2009
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"Again, you prove my point, code no code, licensing, spelling, anything...... you are so much better than me or anyone else that isn't staring back at you in your mirror."
Well, it was you who told me I was "der" for not reading the survey questions, was it not? And, if you read my original comment (I had the second comment in this thread), I said that I see no difference in the way things are now and when I first got on the air 32 years ago. Your point SEEMED to be that things are better since the code requirement went away. If you can't back that up, it's not my fault Time. Why not clarify for us what your position is.
Posted by
WB1HJS
on April 10, 2009
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standards
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Again, you prove my point, code no code, licensing, spelling, anything...... you are so much better than me or anyone else that isn't staring back at you in your mirror.
Posted by
TIMEWILLTELL
on April 10, 2009
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English as a second language
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I think you should look up the difference between "mode" and "Standards", "time".
Posted by
WB1HJS
on April 9, 2009
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English as a second language
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I think you should look up the difference between "mode" and "Standards", "time".
Posted by
WB1HJS
on April 9, 2009
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Dur
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Maybe you should read all the survey question Mark.
Posted by
TIMEWILLTELL
on April 9, 2009
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So, what's that have to do with the subject of this survey?
"I think that the best thing that has happened to this hobby is the dropping of the code requirement. Now there are alot of new operators replacing the dinasours that have been like a cancer to this hobby. Time to move this hobby forward and save it from the ancient practices that have kept new members from joining the ranks. The days are coming when you won't hear it on the net. Most of the code you hear is done with a keyboard and program. Not really a skill now is it?"
Posted by
WB1HJS
on April 9, 2009
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code
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Yes I hear it shinning through every night on 75 meters.
Posted by
TIMEWILLTELL
on April 8, 2009
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Real Future Old & Young
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I would not be too quick to write off Morse Code in the future, or the old timers who have helped to pass it along. Regardless of whether transmitted by straight key, paddle, or keyboard, it has the eternal qualities of simplicity and readability through noise. It offers the allure of a challenge. It gives super-portablility to portable transceivers, and it is a mainstay of QRP, too!
So, be glad the older generation of hams have passed it along. Be glad many of the new generation of hams have seen its values and taken it up by key or keyboard, and extend the hand of good will to all hams near and far, old and young, regardless of favorite mode, and you will see that all the good things of amateur radio are shining brightly.
Posted by
AI2IA
on April 6, 2009
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New future
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I think that the best thing that has happened to this hobby is the dropping of the code requirement. Now there are alot of new operators replacing the dinasours that have been like a cancer to this hobby. Time to move this hobby forward and save it from the ancient practices that have kept new members from joining the ranks. The days are coming when you won't hear it on the net. Most of the code you hear is done with a keyboard and program. Not really a skill now is it?
Posted by
TIMEWILLTELL
on April 6, 2009
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New future
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I think that the best thing that has happened to this hobby is the dropping of the code requirement. Now there are alot of new operators replacing the dinasours that have been like a cancer to this hobby. Time to move this hobby forward and save it from the ancient practices that have kept new members from joining the ranks. The days are coming when you won't hear it on the net. Most of the code you hear is done with a keyboard and program. Not really a skill now is it?
Posted by
TIMEWILLTELL
on April 6, 2009
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Reality
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Don't try to pass off this stuff about you "earning" your license. Nonsense! You passed the test. The FCC granted you a license.
What you know or don't know beyond passing the test was and is up to you. If you help another when asked, that is certainly a good thing, if you have the knowledge and skill, and style or manner to pull it off. Otherwise, don't push. Mind your own business. People who pass an entry level test have done all they needed to do to get that license. They are approved by the FCC to go ahead and use it. If they are motivated to study to pass the higher level exams they will do so. If they want help they will ask for it. Many of them are more skilled and knowledgeable than you or I. Respect them as individuals and they will respect you. If you think of yourself as one of the protecting elders of ham radio, go put a flower in a vase in front of your license and worship yourself. There is no seniority in the licensing system. Get on the air and show good manners.
Posted by
AI2IA
on April 5, 2009
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"I think that the newer hams are losing valuable operating experience by not knowing and getting to use the code. "
Maybe they're scared to ask questions about it for fear of hurting the feelings of the older ops ;-)
"A lot of the newer hams (but not all of them) show a lack of sensitivity when they get on the air and practically brag about the fact that they did not have to do the code to get their license."
I wouldn't feel slighted by that, but man, I'd feel like it was a really boring topic of conversation.
"But he forgets that this *IS* a technical hobby. And when he said it, he slighted those that took the time to learn."
Time to learn? What time to learn? I thought pure and thorough technical knowledge about ham radio was only something you could receive with a 20WPM license from 1972 or earlier! No one licensed after then will ever have any technical knowledge, becuase that information wasn't on the test, and god forbid anyone learn anything after the test. I think people are too wrapped up in how new hams get their licenses. What about what they do with them after?
You wanna be upset at the FCC for changing a rule about the entry requirements for ham radio, fine, I have some understanding of why you might do that.
But make sure you don't let any excited new people who just heard of ham radio last year and just got licensed last month get worried that they're doing something wrong, because they're just doing what is.
73,
Dan
Posted by
N3OX
on April 2, 2009
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Lack of Sensitivity
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There is often a lack of sensitivity on the air. Both the newer hams and the more experienced hams display it from time to time. Being a twenty word per minute extra class ham of thirty-four years, I guess I notice the lack of sensitivity more in one direction than the other.
A lot of the newer hams (but not all of them) show a lack of sensitivity when they get on the air and practically brag about the fact that they did not have to do the code to get their license.
It may be hard for them to fathom [in this instant gratification society we have grown into] that others worked very hard to achieve getting a license. It makes those that did written exams plus thirteen or twenty words per minute feel slighted.
We were having a silent auction at our radio club meeting a few years back. There was an old VTVM on the table and I was explaining the advantage of using a VTVM over a VOM. When I finished, one of the newer hams said, 'But that's technical'. He was right in that regard. But he forgets that this *IS* a technical hobby. And when he said it, he slighted those that took the time to learn.
On the other hand, those that put the newer hams down because they didn't learn the code are showing a lack of sensitivity as well. I'm sure one of the codeless hams code elaborate on that better than I can.
Is it any wonder that ham radio is becoming somewhat divisive?
It is probably best to leave the issue of whether or not you learned the code off the air which it where it will more likely offend someone.
I was opposed to the elimination of the code and I think that the newer hams are losing valuable operating experience by not knowing and getting to use the code.
Let's remember that we should all work together. And some of the newer hams could learn a lot by asking more experienced hams about their experience(s).
73,
Fred, WB4AEJ
Posted by
WB4AEJ
on April 2, 2009
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Is it different?
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Old generation vs new generation. Code vs no code. Extra vs general. General vs tech. Tech vs CB and FRS. Sounds like a typical family.
I earned a general class license back in the early 70's and had passed the 20 WPM code test with the idea of going on to get an Advanced and Extra. Didn't happen and in fact I let my license lapse. Then last year the bug hit me again and I retook the tech and general exams and just recently, 30+ years late I passed the extra.
So I'm a hybred or rethread a part of the old school and new. The airwaves are more crowded, there are more rude and annoying operators but I don't know if that means a higher percentage or the same percentage of a bigger audience. I definately remember examples of the same hehavior in the 70's just not so much.
Some people say the tests have been dumbed down..really? If you come across license maunuals from the 70's-80's and look at the questions in them compared to the questions in the current pool, there isn't much difference other than the fact that an advanced or extra manual cost $5.00.
Folks also complain about the availability of online study software. Back in the 70's and 80's we had it; it was called a book with the test questions and answers in them. All the questions and all the answers and the software called a book required a lot of page flipping. It was a lot slower, but it was the same principle.
The main thing I see diffrent is the lack patience and offering of help. If someone is doing something wrong, they get jumped on in the majority of cases rather than someone taking the time time to help or correct. True mentoring seems to be the thing that has been lost.
Posted by
KC9NIY
on April 1, 2009
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It reflects society
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1. It's I want it now, I don't have to earn it.
2. It's I'm a Ham, come visit my website. I'll show you how to earn $5K a week scamming people on the Internet. Hams once had to have no pecuniary interests betwwen hamming and their businesses.
3. It's I can call anyone anything behind the keyboard or the microphone. Come get me, I am a thousand miles away.
4. It once was that you made a QSO with the least amount of power necessary to complete it. A DX QSO made with 5 watts was held in high regard to one made with 1000.
All we can hope is that enough of the good ones remain around long enough for us to enjoy the hobby. If not, we can bring back CB'ing again......not!!!!
Posted by
KA4EEF
on March 30, 2009
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Keeping High Standards
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I recently heard two hams on 75 meters. One was being very abusive, while the other controlled himself and the entire situation by acting like a gentleman. Neither had any way of knowing that I was monitoring.
I have been around awhile, and I try to do the right thing on the air, but even so, I was impressed by this exchange of words.
My conclusion is that nothing does more to promote good standards than hear another ham under abuse rise above the personal attack and handle it like a gentleman. It is impressive! So, just do the right thing when you are the target, and you will do more good than you might imagine.
Posted by
AI2IA
on March 30, 2009
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On-Air Operating Standards
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People are people, and in any hobby, you'll find a sampling of all sorts. Be respectful and kind, and you'll be passing the best part of the hobby along.
Posted by
KC2ULM
on March 29, 2009
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Lack of Proper Mentoring
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I have been a HAM since 1993, I was a no - code Tech. I consider myself a curtious and kind operator. I believe the decline in HAM radio today has less to do with test requirements or how hard you have to work to get the license (although I agree generally the harder you work for something the more you respect and appreciate what you have), the real propblem is a lack of proper mentoring or coaching.
I got interesting in HAM radio as a senior in High School, my neighbor and I had little CB's we used to talk to each other between our houses....(it drove our parents nutz because the CB clobbered the phone big time!)...My neighbors dad was a long time HAM and very accommplished in many facets of the hobby. He encouraged us to get our licenses and we studied hard and passed the test. He did not allow us to use online help or any of that stuff...he made us read the material and learn it.
When we recieved our licenses, he sat us down and told us that the license was a "Privelage" not a "Right", he told us to use our ears 70% of the time and our mouths 30% of time. He told us to ask questions rather than imparting advice, an so on. All those rules (and many more)he set for us then, I still follow everytime I turn on the radio.
Today I here HAMs who have had a license less than a year telling other HAMs what is right and what is wrong, I wonder how they would even know, when no one has ever told them?
Proper mentoring and coaching is the key to a good operating practices.
Just my $0.02
73
N1ONE
Posted by
N1ONE
on March 29, 2009
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Lack of Proper Mentoring
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I have been a HAM since 1993, I was a no - code Tech. I consider myself a curtious and kind operator. I believe the decline in HAM radio today has less to do with test requirements or how hard you have to work to get the license (although I agree generally the harder you work for something the more you respect and appreciate what you have), the real propblem is a lack of proper mentoring or coaching.
I got interesting in HAM radio as a senior in High School, my neighbor and I had little CB's we used to talk to each other between our houses....(it drove our parents nutz because the CB clobbered the phone big time!)...My neighbors dad was a long time HAM and very accommplished in many facets of the hobby. He encouraged us to get our licenses and we studied hard and passed the test. He did not allow us to use online help or any of that stuff...he made us read the material and learn it.
When we recieved our licenses, he sat us down and told us that the license was a "Privelage" not a "Right", he told us to use our ears 70% of the time and our mouths 30% of time. He told us to ask questions rather than imparting advice, an so on. All those rules (and many more)he set for us then, I still follow everytime I turn on the radio.
Today I here HAMs who have had a license less than a year telling other HAMs what is right and what is wrong, I wonder how they would even know, when no one has ever told them?
Proper mentoring and coaching is the key to a good operating practices.
Just my $0.02
73
N1ONE
Posted by
N1ONE
on March 29, 2009
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More Prisons please....
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We are in a permisive society.
We have lost the war on drugs, constantly looking the other way when importing CHEAP labor (illegal immigrants - human trafficing), telling communist China "dont worry about human rights" ($$).
Spend-spend (deficits).
Our liberal Government leaders have been failing us big time. FCC enforcement was an influencing factor years ago....
The Carrot and the Stick?
We could use more of both, especially the STICK.
"PAIN IS THE BEST TEACHER."
Change the prisons... When an inmate serves his term and leaves a prison he/she should say... "I never want to return".
Thanks in advance,
R.F. Burns.
Posted by
WB9YCJ
on March 27, 2009
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CHANGES???
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The only constant in this world is change. Whether Ham Radio changes or stays the same. It is my hobby and not even you can take it away from me. Some use CW some use SSB,SSTV. etc there is room for all of us even the drunk who gets on the repeater once in a while.. Live with it its "LIFE"
No different than life on the street or in the work place or the olde folks 73&88
Posted by
NF9A
on March 27, 2009
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*** Still Strong ***
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I have not really had any bad experiences.
People are People, sometimes crabby, sometimes not.
I don't think this has anything to do with CW going away, or your age, or if you know how to solder or not.
People are People..... 73,
Posted by
N1VVD
on March 27, 2009
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Do hope so...
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Ham radio is for having:
- more zones
- more countries
- more states
- more counties
- more districts
- more callsigns
- more prefixes
- on more bands
- in he log,
and/or for designing and brewing equipment + accessories to achieve the goal above.
If not, it is not ham radio. Changes are obviously in accordance with both the society and the technology but basics are and will always be intact. Do hope so…
Posted by
HA2MN
on March 25, 2009
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Keeping interest alive
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In my experiences with old timers and younger hams I have seen one major divergence. Older hams have a lot of experience in building devices. This experience has deepened their knowledge of electronic principles and given their talents the increased advantages of practical experience. This adds satisfaction and enjoyment.
My advice to younger hams (those below forty for example) is this: Start to build kits. Solder your own connectors. Build your own antennas. Whenever possible and practical, do the thing yourself rather than buy it. Acquire test equipment, at least a DVM, and improvise simple things like antenna insulators that you can make for yourself out of just about any plastic discards. (I made a fine receiving antenna with discarded wire and strong plastic bottle caps as insulators.) Learn to solder those PL-259s! When you do these things you will add accomplishment to your ham radio and this will increase your interest it.
Posted by
AI2IA
on March 25, 2009
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5...4...3....2....1
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"Poof....there went ham radio"
Sorry...trying to be funny. In reality, ham radio is becoming more and more irrelevant to so many people that it is a dying hobby. I still love it, but I have no false ideas that the hobby will evolve into something where 'on-air' operation will not even be around. I'm finding more and more as the 'old-timers' go away there is less and less interesting conversations. At 30yo+/- I'm not all that impressed with the chat and operating skills of other folks my age. It will always evolve...so YES it has changed over the years...along with the rest of society. Better or worse is just a subjective opinion...not something that can be argued as fact.
Posted by
N3PRZ
on March 24, 2009
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"Lack of consideration,respect and an 'anything goes' selfish mentality."
Watch Operation Repo sometime to observe a cross section of who you may be hearing on the bands. No one group has a lock on today's sense of entitlement, as many appear to have lost their way.
The rest of us should lead by example.
Posted by
NB3O
on March 23, 2009
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In the toilet...
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I was tuning across 40m today testing out an antenna and heard some kids talking on their dad's radio station. They were telling their grandpa they loved him and they'd talk to him later.
What are the bands coming to? Disgusting!
:-)
The ham bands are full of people. Some people are more gruff than others. Some people use more four letter words than others.
But a lot of hams are good people (even some of the ones that curse a bit and get a little too exasperated with the greener new hams) .
Yeah, occasionally there are some really foul conversations on the bands, but I'd bet a lot of you a buck that what *you* find offensive and what *I* find offensive are awfully different. I don't like everything I hear, but the ham bands aren't the place to hash some things out. That's not what they're for.
It seems to me that most of who I find on the ham bands are people who like ham radio, and I do too. Doesn't have to matter that they're twice my age, doesn't have to matter what their political or religious views are, it doesn't have to matter if they say "shit" on the air once and a while at 2a.m. when the kiddies are in bed, and it doesn't have to matter whether they prefer beeping or typing or talking when they're on the air.
You can make all this stuff matter a lot if you want.
But it's your choice, and if it's all the same to you I'd rather have fewer bitter pessimists kicking around the bands...
73
Dan
Posted by
N3OX
on March 22, 2009
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Times are changing!
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...and so is ham radio. But fear not, it
remains a hobby consisting largely of middle class white guys with to much money and to much spare time. So in effect, the more things change the more they stay the same.
However, this to shall come to pass.
Posted by
WA3QNS
on March 22, 2009
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decline
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So that I don't have to endure the crude and rude antics on SSB and FM I operate 100% CW. I have not listened to SSB or FM for years nor do I intend to ever operate these modes again.
CW too has it's bad actors who disparage others who accidentally or inadvertently transmit on the frequency of a DX station calling CQ up 1. But the level of poor behavior on CW must be less than 1/10% of that on fone.
Posted by
WX7G
on March 21, 2009
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Society in general
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I remember listening, as a kid in the early 60's, to a phone patch on my Dad's old Halicrafters S-38. A woman was talking to her husband about the birth of their son, which the man had missed because he was in the service, stationed far away. It was a really heartwarming moment, and that's when I decided to become a ham. The woman began to go into a bit of detail about how painful childbirth was, and the serviceman quickly reminded her "Honey, remember, we're on the air!". I simply can't imagine hearing that today.
I'm afraid the sorry state of affairs that plague many bands is what George Will once described as "a general coarsening of society". There is no getting away from it, and it's a very sad thing.
Maybe that's why my shack is 100 per cent vintage equipment. Maybe its a way of living in the past, but it's a time I miss.
Posted by
KB2NDN
on March 21, 2009
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Society in general
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I remember listening, as a kid in the early 60's, to a phone patch on my Dad's old Halicrafters S-38. A woman was talking to her husband about the birth of their son, which the man had missed because he was in the service, stationed far away. It was a really heartwarming moment, and that's when I decided to become a ham. The woman began to go into a bit of detail about how painful childbirth was, and the serviceman quickly reminded her "Honey, remember, we're on the air!". I simply can't imagine hearing that today.
I'm afraid the sorry state of affairs that plague many bands is what George Will once described as "a general coarsening of society". There is no getting away from it, and it's a very sad thing.
Maybe that's why my shack is 100 per cent vintage equipment. Maybe its a way of living in the past, but it's a time I miss.
Posted by
KB2NDN
on March 21, 2009
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OMG the sky is falling!
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Been in this hobby almost 40 years now and there have always been jerks and there always will be. The vast majority of amateurs are good people who take pride in their operation and it is a pleasure to operate every day.
Posted by
KQ9J
on March 20, 2009
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Changed a lot
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I was licensed back in '54 and back then, you didn't even say 'damn' on the air without getting reminded by whoever you were talking to about 'watching your language.' Now, there is so much crud on the air it's pitiful.
The first Novice license was a good idea. You got 1 year to upgrade, then the license expired. Now, you can keep your Novice till you die (except now you are grandfathered to tech). People just don't realize how much fun it was with the Novice license.
Now you can just go to QRZ.com and answer the questions over and over till you have them memorized. What have you learned about operating procedures--diddly squat!!
We live in a 'gimmee' world now. 73
Tom W7WHY
Posted by
W7WHY
on March 20, 2009
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Changing Society
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America home of the greedy, disrespectful, selfish whiners. Many but not all. We should encourage and welcome new hams. If the guy or gal isn't doing something quite right lets be helpfull not hurtful.
A lot of the new and some seasoned hams should listen for a while before transmitting. Find a conversation that you can add to and do just that. Here are some helpful tips to HF hams (Myself included).
Radio Checks- Don't break an ongoing QSO solely for a quick radio check or signal report then leave, that's just rude. I did it when I was new to the hobby but have learned from my mistakes. If you join in on a QSO, most folks will let you know if they can hear you poorly or strongly.
Contesting- Listen to see if the frequency is in use. Ask if the frequency is in use. Call CQ and listen. Stay off of slow scan, maritime or disaster frequecies.
DX- Again listen before calling. See if he's working split, see if he's already in QSO and if he's calling someone's call that does not have one same letter as yours... Shut Up and listen for QRZ.
Posted by
N5YRJ
on March 20, 2009
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Changing Society
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America home of the greedy, disrespectful, selfish whiners. Many but not all. We should encourage and welcome new hams. If the guy or gal isn't doing something quite right lets be helpfull not hurtful.
A lot of the new and some seasoned hams should listen for a while before transmitting. Find a conversation that you can add to and do just that. Here are some helpful tips to HF hams (Myself included).
Radio Checks- Don't break an ongoing QSO solely for a quick radio check or signal report then leave, that's just rude. I did it when I was new to the hobby but have learned from my mistakes. If you join in on a QSO, most folks will let you know if they can hear you poorly or strongly.
Contesting- Listen to see if the frequency is in use. Ask if the frequency is in use. Call CQ and listen. Stay off of slow scan, maritime or disaster frequecies.
DX- Again listen before calling. See if he's working split, see if he's already in QSO and if he's calling someone's call that does not have one same letter as yours... Shut Up and listen for QRZ.
Posted by
N5YRJ
on March 20, 2009
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Please don't blame the no-coders for the demise of the ham bands. It really started around the year 2000 with restructuring. And it was those techs who were a problem back then. Many of them have recently upgraded their license and are now on HF for the world to hear.
Posted by
OLDFART13
on March 19, 2009
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Standards
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KA5JRX, you are on to something. Back when we had to pass a series of code tests, you valued your license because it took effort to earn. Many new hams really don't value or respect their license today because it involved so little effort to earn. If I value my license I am not going to engage in any behavior that might jepordize it.
73s John AA5JG
Posted by
AA5JG
on March 18, 2009
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Changes since 1975
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I think the hobby was a lot better when the code was a requirement. Licensed operators showed more respect to others and learned to follow proper protocol. Maybe there are simply so many more licensed operators now a days that we see a lot more different kinds of people on the air, 'The Good, The Bad and The Ignominious.'
Posted by
KA5JRX
on March 18, 2009
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I can't really say. I have not been around long enough to comment on the subject.What I can say is that there are good and bad elements that factor into every aspect of life and that we can not focus merely on negativity. Not only have I not been a ham long enough to have experienced a change in amateur radio, I have not been on this earth long enough to have experienced it. But then I guess I am diving further into the question than necessary. I would like to say that if the standards have changed and they are for the worse then it is up to us(the amateur community) to correct the issue. Remember that many people follow by example so if you do not set a good example then their actions will only be a reflection of your own.
73 de KB3LAZ
Posted by
KB3LAZ
on March 18, 2009
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Standards
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WB2TQC writes: "I don't know for sure when it actually started to go down hill but my opinion is that it started when Novices were no longer Novices."
John, you really hit the nail on the head with this one. I was first licensed in 1980 and had a very similar novice experience to you. Everything changed in 1991 when the FCC dropped the code test for the Technician license, and the ARRL decided to push the Tech license at the expense of the Novice license. At that time, there were 2 point of entry licenses for ham radio: the novice and the Tech. The ARRL geared everything towards the new ham getting a Tech license and completely ignored the Novice ticket.
Also, that is when ham radio really started becoming the new CB. I don't mean the "Roger D Hello skipland" CB but as a radio service open to everyone. We saw campaigns to have hams get the XYL licensed, now that CW is no longer required. It served the cellphone purpose until cellphones became cheap.
Nowdays most people getting ham licenses in my area don't even care about ham radio. They either get it for their job, or they get it to pursue some other interest like weatherspotting. The hobby aspect of ham radio is being killed in the name of a "New citizens band" radio.
73s John AA5JG
Posted by
AA5JG
on March 17, 2009
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Standards
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K6RB writes: "Too many of the newcomers have opted to be HT FM repeater types. It's not entirely their fault, though, because today's ubiquitous CC&Rs are a real impediment to putting up virtually any kind of HF antenna except 'stealth'types."
Don't blame CCRs for this (although they are the picture of true evil), blame the ARRL and your local club. This is the kind of ham radio they are pushing today. Go check out your local club sometime, if they are anything like my local clubs, 99% of the discussion will be about FM and APRS.
The more recent editions of the ARRL's "Now your talking" was pretty much all about FM. It barely mentioned the non-FM things that Technician class hams could do, like 6 meters, 2m SSB, satellites, etc. It was geared completely towards repeater operation. I don't know if the current edition is like this or not, as I threw away my VE badges when the FCC removed the CW test and no longer teach ham classes. I suspect little has changed in the manual.
73s John AA5JG
Posted by
AA5JG
on March 17, 2009
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Standards
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Because of a busy work schedule, the majority of my HF activity is on weekends, in contests. Because of this preference, some may say that I am part of the problem. However, even in contests, I still find civility and a degree of cooperation among contestants. Among the "Best of the Best" is the PA QSO party where serious competitors will relinquish a "run" frequency to a mobile or portable station in a rare county.
Yes, I hear a bit more profanity on the bands than I did when I was first licensed. For those who would complain, I suggest that they walk around a mall or urban shopping district for an hour with their DX-ears active. The language on our amateur bands is far more polite.
I have heard little impolite or profane language on VHF repeaters. The possibility of having to face-off at the next club meeting may keep us all civil on VHF.
Posted by
K3YD
on March 17, 2009
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Downhill
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The "sweetspot" in today's Sweepstakes contest population appears to be "check 55 to 60." I'm one of them - 1958. Back then, there was a lot more civility on the bands. Even on 75 meters, the (then) AMers were polite. I first noticed a definitive change in the mid-1960s as AM gave way to SSB in the wake of tranceivers versus separates. I find the phone bands uninviting - so I avoid them. Standards on CW seem to have retained their underpinnings, except during DXpeditions and popular-contest weekends. I lament the emptiness of the CW bands, these days. Too many of the newcomers have opted to be HT FM repeater types. It's not entirely their fault, though, because today's ubiquitous CC&Rs are a real impediment to putting up virtually any kind of HF antenna except "stealth" types. And, too many HFers seem content to flap their gums instead of paddling their keyers. I fear that the CW art will die out with those of us who still really enjoy it.
Posted by
K6RB
on March 17, 2009
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FCC enforcement not likely
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I too am dismayed with the lack of adherence to FCC rules, but like many other posters I believe it's representative of our society, not only of the offenders but also the ineffectiveness of any enforcement group. Similarly, traffic laws, in New York State anyway, go 99% unenforced, there is zero discipline in homes and in schools, and obviously our government can't discipline itself or anyone else, so let's not hold our breath waiting for FCC to crack a whip. I also believe that amateur radio is such a small segment of the FCC budget, and probably more like a thorn in their side, that if we harrass FCC to enforce rules in the ham bands, they might just wash amateur radio out of their hair altogether. They would have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Posted by
WB2NVY
on March 17, 2009
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FCC enforcement not likely
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I too am dismayed with the lack of adherence to FCC rules, but like many other posters I believe it's representative of our society, not only of the offenders but also the ineffectiveness of any enforcement group. Similarly, traffic laws, in New York State anyway, go 99% unenforced, there is zero discipline in homes and in schools, and obviously our government can't discipline itself or anyone else, so let's not hold our breath waiting for FCC to crack a whip. I also believe that amateur radio is such a small segment of the FCC budget, and probably more like a thorn in their side, that if we harrass FCC to enforce rules in the ham bands, they might just wash amateur radio out of their hair altogether. They would have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Posted by
WB2NVY
on March 17, 2009
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Standards
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Here in the UK standards have fallen in a dramatic manner.Since the governing body relaxed the entry requirements to an almost "Non Existent" level to obtain the Novice Licence things have gone from bad to worse. The 2Mtr band is now no more than CB was. Swearing..Twigs...Personals..My 20 is..and all the CB lingo in creation is the norm.I have been licenced for some 25 years and very reluctant to initiate a CQ call in case a "Good Buddy" type responds.I like many other UK amateurs have become quite selective.
Posted by
GW1MCD
on March 16, 2009
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Where is the FCC ?
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So we have the ARRL O.O. program, so what! This program is suppose to be Hams helping Hams. It is to remind them about FCC part 97, the rules and regs to abide by. That's nice but where is the FCC enforcemant? Hams are getting so brasing using inappropriate lanuage it's unbelievable. Is that because they know the FCC will not step up and take action?
I believe some people out there are directly challenging the FCC just to see what they can get away with. Their mentality must be if I don't hear from the FCC then it must be OK.
Breaker Breaker Hay Shaker any smokies out there?
No! Your clean and green.
Do you get my drift?
Posted by
WW3ZZ
on March 16, 2009
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It's Still the Same
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I've been licensed since 1974 and I really haven't noted a change. I remember hearing the same off-color topics being discussed on 75m, rude operators tuning up on top of conversations (this particular issue was even worse back in the days of tube rigs), questionable practices on 20m, deliberate QRM, etc. when I was first licensed. In fact I think if one had recordings of the goings-on in the mid-70s and compared them to what is heard on the bands today I think one might even find that these bad behaviors were even more prevalent then than they are today.
However, I also remember from my early days in the hobby that the vast majority of operators were polite and made ham radio very enjoyable. That's why I've stayed with this hobby all this time. Even today I find that with few exceptions hams are good operators and make this hobby a worthwhile pursuit. Yes, there are those folks who just seem to be miserable human beings and want to spread their unhappiness on the bands but their numbers are few. Most hang out on discrete frequencies or in specific sections of the bands. Just spin the VFO past those areas and you'll find that their antics are very much the exception rather than the rule. I found myself doing that 30 years ago and it's the same today.
Posted by
WB9QVR
on March 16, 2009
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It's Still the Same
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I've been licensed since 1974 and I really haven't noted a change. I remember hearing the same off-color topics being discussed on 75m, rude operators tuning up on top of conversations (this particular issue was even worse back in the days of tube rigs), questionable practices on 20m, deliberate QRM, etc. when I was first licensed. In fact I think if one had recordings of the goings-on in the mid-70s and compared them to what is heard on the bands today I think one might even find that these bad behaviors were even more prevalent then than they are today.
However, I also remember from my early days in the hobby that the vast majority of operators were polite and made ham radio very enjoyable. That's why I've stayed with this hobby all this time. Even today I find that with few exceptions hams are good operators and make this hobby a worthwhile pursuit. Yes, there are those folks who just seem to be miserable human beings and want to spread their unhappiness on the bands but their numbers are few. Most hang out on discrete frequencies or in specific sections of the bands. Just spin the VFO past those areas and you'll find that their antics are very much the exception rather than the rule. I found myself doing that 30 years ago and it's the same today.
Posted by
WB9QVR
on March 16, 2009
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I've been a ham since 1978. I don't know for sure when it actually started to go down hill but my opinion is that it started when Novices were no longer Novices.
When I was a novice I worked other novices. We stayed in our own sub-bands and we worked each other in CW. Night after night, week after week. We worked each other and learned what was and what wasn't permissible. My log is full of roundtable qso's in CW with as many as 5 stns at a time. We were all striving for our General. All working up our code speed and knowledge. We had nothing else to do. We couldn't DX very well as many DX stns only worked phone in parts of our sub-band. I remember that first year as the best year of my radio journey. As we each made General we tried to stay together but we didn't. Each went his own way as the bands expanded for our use.
In 1982 I burned out. Kept the license up but took a long hiatus. Listening once in awhile but nothing else. When I came back in 2000 everything had changed. No more Novice ticket. No more camaraderie. No 'esprit de corp (sp?).
When you join the service you go to boot camp. There they show you the rules and force you to play nice with each other. When they took away the Novice ticket they took away our boot camp.
Just an opinion and probably not well stated.
73,
John WB2TQC
Posted by
WB2TQC
on March 15, 2009
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I think that the use or knowledge of CW has had little to do with the decline of ham radio (and I do know code).
It's more the lack of respect or others (and themselves) and the changing if not argumentative nature of the younger generations today.
Posted by
W7WV
on March 15, 2009
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Well, look.....
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I think it's interesting to note that the choice that specifies morse code has got so little votes as compared to a couple of the other choices.
Posted by
K1CJS
on March 15, 2009
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Standards--What Standards?
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I have a no code newbie general ticket ham as a neighbor. He operates wherever he wants to whether it be in the general or extra portions of the bands. I quess he's never seen a band plan or doesn't care. When he's on the air I get a signal of 60/9 with my antenna disconnected. This is what we get when you dumb down the standards to allow all the ex-CB'ers or freebanders to migrate to the ham bands.
Posted by
AC7WN
on March 14, 2009
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Standards--What Standards?
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I have a no code newbie general ticket ham as a neighbor. He operates wherever he wants to whether it be in the general or extra portions of the bands. I quess he's never seen a band plan or doesn't care. When he's on the air I get a signal of 60/9 with my antenna disconnected. This is what we get when you dumb down the standards to allow all the ex-CB'ers or freebanders to migrate to the ham bands.
Posted by
AC7WN
on March 14, 2009
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Just following the trend.....
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Society is becoming even more 'in your face', and ham radio is following.
Don't cut the other guy an even break, I'm right even if I'm wrong, to h*ll with the other guy, and so on.
Ham radio SHOULD be different, but it isn't.....
Posted by
K1CJS
on March 14, 2009
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standards
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I echo the great words of wisdom from KG4CLD. It will never happen, but it would be utopian in plan
Posted by
NF9A
on March 14, 2009
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When was it good?
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Today there are complaints of too much digital, too much contesting, too many 'CBers'. 25 years ago it was the Russian Woodpecker, inappropriate activity in the novice bands, and gargantuan pileups. In the AM days the heterodynes on 20 were horrible (so I've read) and I imagine life in the days of spark wasn't a picnic either. Just try to cope, because even when the bands are dead, that's something to complain about!
Posted by
WB9UAI
on March 14, 2009
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Standards? We don't need no stinky standards!
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Society has caused the notieable changes we see on the bands, but these changes didn't originate in amateur radio. Its a problem that has origins within all households. Poor discipline, lower educational expectations, lack of respect towards authority and continued compulsion of licensed amateurs to do nothing in the way of policing the bands.
Perhaps the FCC should change license renewals to every 2 years, require continuing educational course to maintain and raise electronic competency levels, and further require all operators to become members of local amateur radio clubs or groups within their communities. The latter may keep members from straying into illegal practices or face the penalty of losing some or all of their operating previleges.
"just a thought."
Posted by
KG4CLD
on March 12, 2009
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Standards? We don't need no stinky standards!
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Society has caused the notieable changes we see on the bands, but these changes didn't originate in amateur radio. Its a problem that has origins within all households. Poor discipline, lower educational expectations, lack of respect towards authority and continued compulsion of licensed amateurs to do nothing in the way of policing the bands.
Perhaps the FCC should change license renewals to every 2 years, require continuing educational course to maintain and raise electronic competency levels, and further require all operators to become members of local amateur radio clubs or groups within their communities. The latter may keep members from straying into illegal practices or face the penalty of losing some or all of their operating previleges.
"just a thought."
Posted by
KG4CLD
on March 12, 2009
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Standards
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Why should we have any on-the-air standards? We don't have any licensing standards.
73s John AA5JG
Posted by
AA5JG
on March 12, 2009
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Its getting ugly
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Having only been a ham since 95 I am not an old timer by any means. When I got on HF I noticed some problem areas on some of the bands and just avoided them. It hasnt changed an awful lot but the problem areas seem to be getting worse as the FCC becomes more and more lax about enforcing its own rules.
The warnings are just not working. Some of the worst offenders have been warned as many as half a dozen times and continue to be a problem on the air. Revoke their tickets and be done with it!
I blame the FCC for shrugging their shoulders and allowing the inmates to run the asylum. Put some teeth back into enforcement and youd see an overnight improvement in the bands because the ones abusing the rules would think twice before pushing the envelope.
Posted by
KE4ZHN
on March 12, 2009
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Sigh ...almost a troll topic IMO
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I have been licensed since 1996. That is not a very long time, considering. I was a very avid SWL since I was pre-teen in age. I listened to a lot of SW broadcast and even more Amateur Radio. My observation in radio protocol from around 1975 to present time, would be, nothing has changed too drastically. Some of the same OPs from the 70's are still on the air. Some of which are still exhibiting the same 'slack' practices. I think what changed the most would be the FCC and their current reluctance to perform any real enforcement of the rules. Has the FCC ever really done an affective job? I haven't been 'in the loop' long enough to really know.
It is not a code or no code issue. BUT, I will say that the 'bad behavior' experienced on SSB is very seldom encountered in the CW portions of the bands. QRMing from lids in CW... yes, that happens every now and then. Cussing, fighting and all sorts of 'junk' regularly heard on SSB, on CW...? Almost never. Digital modes? I have experienced some limited trashy behavior and questionable activity on digital modes. ATV... Be careful! If you have 'company' that you're demonstrating ATV with or if you have sensitivities relative to distasteful viewing material, have a readily accessible 'kill switch' on your CRT!
Proper standards of respect and/or values, in Any Thing, are taught and instilled in each individual according to their 'up bringing'. Those parts of a persons character can not be taught by any government imposed regulations or laws. However, those same laws and regulations can deter a persons senses in the path of 'enabling' they often offer. If it is legal does not necessarily mean it is right.
In conclusion, the 'free for all' mentality combined with the 'lack of accountability enabling' and 'entitlement generation' does, somewhat, have contribution factors in Radio Arts, just as any other part of life.
20+ WPM since 1998 and lovin' every minute of it.
Posted by
N8NSN
on March 12, 2009
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On-Air Op Standards
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BAD. My latest two gripes. Some new ham is not keeping his ham station under his/her control. Some kids are constantly on 146.520, blasting into my receiver here in Fairdale KY. I hope he/she reads this and takes appropriate action. It's been going on about one month now. Second, hams are mobiling through Louisville KY area in convoy, and NEVER give their callsign. I wonder if they have a ham license. I've monitored 146.520 since 1979 in case someone needs assistance/info.
Posted by
K4SFC
on March 12, 2009
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Ham exams
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"As recently state by Reilly's replacement a Ham License is a privilege not a Right."
Tell that to NCI, CQ magazine, and all those others who constantly clamor to dumb down the exams so anyone can pass them. After all, why shouldn't everyone become a ham?
73s John AA5JG
Posted by
AA5JG
on March 11, 2009
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No Respect for Part 97
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As an OO I have noticed a significant increase in the
lack of respect for part 97 Rules . I continually here far to
many Hams operating out of there band privileges, failing
to ID properly, running far more power then needed, poor
signal quality and using bad language .
As recently state by Reilly's replacement a Ham License
is a privilege not a Right. When you Signed your Form 605
requesting a Ham License you signed a contract with the
FCC agreeing to to abide by all of Part 97 not just the
rules one finds convenient.
I do not feel we need to go back to the days when the
FCC send out a Pink Slip for every minor infraction. But
they need to but some teeth back in to there enforcement
so the few bad Hams that thumb there nose at the Part 97
rules will not spoil it for the rest of us.
--
W7TG
Tom Gracey
ARRL Official Observer
Western Wa. Section
Posted by
W7TG
on March 11, 2009
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About the same
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I think too many folks base their opinion on a few bad apples.
Everyone remembers the one jerk, but no one remembers the thousands of hams who operate responsibly.
73
Dan
--
Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Clark County Indiana. EM78el
K9ZF /R no budget Rover ***QRP-l #1269 Check out the Rover Resource Page at:
<http://www.qsl.net/n9rla> List Administrator for: InHam+grid-loc+ham-books
Ask me how to join the Indiana Ham Mailing list!
Posted by
K9ZF
on March 11, 2009
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Attitudes...
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I noted a no change after being a ham for nearly 30 years(!). 20 meters is still a zoo. More so since propagation sagged.
75m and 160m chasing DX, folks are much more polite and patient even in the pileups...
2 meters FM, no change. VHF/UHF dx chasing, like 160m operators.
The importance is listening, then thinking, BEFORE touching the microphone...
On another QRZ rant someone suggested sending a tape to an offensive person of a distasteful conversation. There may be something to this, if people put aside their arrogance and egos.
Ham radio is a hobby and hobbies are meant to be fun pastimes.
Posted by
N1BNC
on March 11, 2009
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Courtesy is gone!!
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I have only been licensed for about 17 years, and active on HF for about 12 of that.Previously I hung out with a lot of my ham buddies, and I definitely see a decline in operating practices. Tuning up on a frequency in use, and not even having the courtesy to ask if the freq is in use. I constantly hear malicious interference during a QSO. There is too much spectrum to use for this to happen. I enjoy rag chewing, and try to do so as often as possible, and if someone wants to join in, I invite them to join. It is called MAKING NEW FRIENDS, AND LEARNING NEW THINGS. I still enjoy amateur radio, even with its faults. 73 keep on a keepin on. 73 gud DX. de W5roy
Posted by
RADIOROY
on March 11, 2009
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Down Hill Slide
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Yes, there has been a general decline in our culture & it is reflected on the bands as much as anywhere else. Just make sure we don't add to it ourselves.
By the way, some our worst offenders can knock out 20+ WPM code, so "no code" is not the problem. Many CB'ers became Hams in the 70's, so CB'ers are not the cause of any decline this century. And watered-down exams are also not the problem, as some of the most arrogant jerks are the PhDs that I've worked with (on the flip side, some of the coolest dudes I worked with have also been PhD's).
Beside, young people of this generation were weaned on PC's & cell phones, not 11 meters. So really, any decline can be attributed to society's decline, and I bet that includes long-term Hams lowering our standards (I even find myself watching things on TV that I'd never watch 20 years ago).
73's
KI4WGI
Posted by
KI4WGI
on March 11, 2009
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watch where u tune
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"I have been hamming for over 50yrs and was always proud of my chosen hobby. Now when I bring a visitor in the shack for a "demo" , I have to be SO careful of what frequencies and time of day that I select for the demo."
Could not have said it better!!
KT4WO
Posted by
KT4WO
on March 11, 2009
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Attitudes...
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I noted a no change after being a ham for nearly 30 years(!). 20 meters is still a zoo. More so since propagation sagged.
75m and 160m chasing DX, folks are much more polite and patient even in the pileups...
2 meters FM, no change. VHF/UHF dx chasing, like 160m operators.
The importance is listening, then thinking, BEFORE touching the microphone...
On another QRZ rant someone suggested sending a tape to an offensive person of a distasteful conversation. There may be something to this, if people put aside their arrogance and egos.
Ham radio is a hobby and hobbies are meant to be fun pastimes.
Posted by
N1BNC
on March 11, 2009
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more enforcement?
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more enforcement how about any real enforcement
Posted by
KB9RQZ
on March 10, 2009
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No pride / loss of tradition
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I have been hamming for over 50yrs and was always proud of my chosen hobby. Now when I bring a visitor in the shack for a "demo" , I have to be SO careful of what frequencies and time of day that I select for the demo.
In my early days, I cut my teeth on 75m AM. I really enjoyed the great bunch of guys on 75. Today, I find more bad language and offensive conversation than I can hardly stand on 75m. Yes overall "standards" have declined in our society, but it is declining faster on the air. I would love to get my grandson interested in amateur radio, BUT I sure wouldn't want him to listen to 75m most of the time. Why must we abuse the airwaves in such a foul way? Too many show no regard for our wonderful amateur radio tradition.
My other "beef" is many of those that have joined the amateur ranks from CB and have refused to educate themselves as to amateur radio procedures, protocol and vernacular. WHY must our amateur heritage be lost and polluted by CB slang and bad habits? If they wanted to be hams, I would think they would want to sound like hams. Unfortunately too many have just changed to a different frequency to carry on their "CB" conversations with other "CB" buddies and not join the hobby at all. 73/ Bill Grand Rapids, MN
Posted by
K0AWU
on March 10, 2009
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decline
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There has been a slow and deliberate decline in operating practices over the last 30 years I have been a Ham. It has nothing to do with code/nocode. It is more to do with the attitude of people in general. New hams dont know better yet and old hams dont care. Of course it is also the other way around in some cases. ;)
Posted by
N0FPE
on March 10, 2009
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Bad Behavour
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Take a listen to 3910 Khz some time. You will hear anything you can imagine. music, racism, profanity at it's worse, etc ... you name it, you can hear it there. Why is nothing done about this? Any new ham listening to 3910 Khz would wonder what kind of a hobby he or she has taken up.
Posted by
K1VV
on March 10, 2009
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Bad operators
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There have always been disturbed society members and of course they find the way to our frequencies. As such, nothing has changed.
But making deleberite interference to expeditions and DX, is something of these times and is really shocking. At least that is the way I experience it...
73 es gud DX, Dick PA2DW
Posted by
PA2DW
on March 10, 2009
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Odd...
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I find it odd that a VK station would have FCC action listed as one of the choices in his survey. Surely the FCC has no command over Australian hams? -KR4WM
Posted by
KR4WM
on March 10, 2009
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FCC should abrogate ITU treaty
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We should tell the internationalists to stuff if and roll back the Amateur Radio Service to Part 97 rules the way they were before Incentive Licensing took effect.
Posted by
W3DBB
on March 10, 2009
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Overall Decline
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I hate to say it, but some of the so-called old timers are the ones I have heard on the air with the dirty mouths. People need to really clean up their acts. I know that no one is perfect, but the ones that use profanity liberally need to clean up their on the air mouths.
Posted by
KR4JY
on March 9, 2009
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You should have to be 65 to be a Ham
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Yessir -- the world is going to hell in a handbasket! These young whippersnappers have no respect for anything these days. It is a far cry from the good old days when Hams were Hams and you could build an entire transceiver out of an oatmeal box and some Model-A Ford parts.
It's all a reflection of society today. With kids piercing their bodies and wearing pants that sag down to their knees, it is no surprise that the world economy is in the tank. Can Ham Radio be far behind?
Posted by
WA6L
on March 9, 2009
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Just to clarify my response, when I say " standards are reflecting the changes in society", I am also meaning that manners and politeness HAVE notably degraded on the air, too.
K7AAT
Posted by
K7AAT
on March 9, 2009
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Nothing has changed.
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Ham web sites, discussion groups, and polls are not ham radio.
Amateur radio operation has not really changed. Yes, there are technological advances, but the day to day interests, activities, and interaction of hams has been very stable over the many long years. - AI2IA
Posted by
AI2IA
on March 9, 2009
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Reflection of our Times
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I believe much of the bad stuff you sometimes hear is simply a reflection of today's societal standards :
Lack of consideration,respect and an 'anything goes' selfish mentality.
There are many reasons for this but this is a Ham column ;)
KH6/G3SEA
Posted by
G3SEA
on March 9, 2009
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I was first licensed in 1977, and have come back recently after a 16 year absence. I have seen absolutely no change over time.
Posted by
WB1HJS
on March 9, 2009
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Attitudes and foundations
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I enjoy the survey questions almost as much as the answers! As an old teacher (of electronics), I am often reminded that what we learn from those who have gone before us is indeed a foundation that supports where we stand and continue to build. Much like flying a small airplane, attitude is critical. What we build today is tomorrow's foundation and it is critical that we build it properly. 73, dan/ wy0o Grand Island, NE
Posted by
WY0O
on March 9, 2009
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