W2LJ's Blog - QRP - Do More With Less.

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So sad

Posted: 08 Jan 2016 10:05 AM PST
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I was browsing Facebook today when I saw this sad post (not verbatim) in
the Amateur Radio group. "I am leaving the hobby after 10 years. I am tired
of having people tell me that unless I have thousands of dollars of
equipment, and lots of land for antennas that I am not a "real Ham" (I hate
that phrase!). Have a nice life."

I feel badly for this individual, and I suspect there's more going on here
under the surface. But, if that's the definition of a "real Ham" then I'm
not one, either ...... and I've been at this "Ham Radio thing" for 38 years
now.

I am not going to insult anyone's intelligence by feigning that I don't own
expensive Amateur Radio equipment. I do. But when you look at my shack
compared to a lot of others out there, mine is relatively modest. No, I'm
way beyond two tin cans and a wire, but I'm also do not own enough
equipment that would equal the GDP of a small nation.

In the same breath, let me say that I do NOT begrudge anyone from owning
enough equipment that would equal the GDP of a small nation. Hey, if you
are wealthy enough, and you're not ignoring the basic needs of yourself or
your family in order to fund your hobby - more power to you.

The second part of his definition is nearer and dearer to my heart,
though. I have never been in a situation where I felt I could put up the
kind of antennas that I would like to have. At both my QTHs, the one in
East Brunswick, where I grew up, and the one in South Plainfield where I
currently live - both are typical NJ suburban lots that are 50 feet wide by
100 feet long. (15M X 30M).

I had a G5RV here in South Plainfield that took so may twists and turns
that it looked like I was playing the three dimensional chess board from
Star Trek. Everything I have has to fit on my property, even the radials
under by Butternut have twists and angles to them. I'm not complaining,
just stating the facts. Do I wish I had plenty of land where I could lay
out a classic Beverage antenna for 160 Meters - or even put up a half wave
dipole for 160 Meters? You're darn tootin' I would. But I don't, so I'm
not going to shed tears over it. As bad as my case is, at least I can have
outdoor antennas. A lot of people have to live with a lot less than I have,
and I think about that every time I am tempted to complain or feel sorry
for myself.

In the end, you make do with what you have. I'll probably never make DXCC
Honor Roll, but I am closing in on 200 countries worked. Given the antennas
that I have (and had), I think that's a pretty fair accomplishment.

The bottom line is that you can't let another person dictate to you what
something as wide in scope as Amateur Radio..... is. Amateur Radio is many
things to many people. My excitement over working Australia with 5 Watts
might make you yawn. Your excitement over having your 100th message passed
this month might earn just a shrug of my shoulders from me. Are either of
us wrong? No, both of us are enjoying what we like best in a hobby that
has enough room for everyone!

So the next time someone tells you that you're not a "real Ham", just smile
and walk away. Anyone who truly thinks they know what a "real Ham' is, is
just kidding themselves, anyway.

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!