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#11
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In article , "Scott"
writes: Hi folks. Please allow me to give a "newbies" view on the current state of amateur radio, and also ask a few questions. I recently took my Technicians License exam and passed with a perfect score. (I bring up the score just to indicate that I studied hard, and took the exam seriously). I am now studying to take the 5wpm mores code test. I have not yet purchased a radio, or even been "on the air". More on this is a moment. Scott: Good work, keep it up. I have also joined a local radio club, whose first meeting I attended last night. This club owns and maintains the local 2m repeater, and even though it is an open repeater, if nothing else, I feel as though by joining, I am helping to support a service which I plan on eventually using. But what disappoints me is the fact that I left this meeting knowing absolutely no more than I did when I walked into the door. That is not entirely unusual, and nothing to be worried about for now. I had been led to believe that one of the best ways for a new guy just becoming involved in this hobby to get practical advice on things like your first purchase of equipment, which bands are best for what, and the different applications of amateur radio, was to join a club. Well, unfortunately, the majority of the meeting I attended was, in my opinion, controlled by a group of 7 or 8 ham "veterans" trying to impress one another with their technical knowledge. You have just described virtually every meeting of every amateur radio club ever organized on this planet. Again, nothing unusual. So, I guess what I would like to do here is give my views on what I have seen so far, and invite anyone who is more informed on these matters to correct me. 1) The Amateur Radio Service is not an essential element in our society. Definitely not, but it does serve a useful purpose. After you've been a ham for a number of years, gained some knowledge and experience, and seen for yourself what is possible, you will realize that. Even in times of emergency, there is nothing you can do with a ham radio that you can't do with an internet connection, fax machine, land line telephone, or cell phone in similar circumstances. Not necessarily true in all cases. There have been virtually thousands of documented cases in which, during severe emergency conditions, amateur radio operators have been the only practical communications link to "the outside world" available to a community experiencing a situation which caused a widespread breakdown of primary communications resources. Ham Radio is a hobby, and like golf, gardening, bird watching, or any other hobby, it could cease to exist tomorrow, and nothing would really change. Again, not necessarily true. If amateur radio were to cease to exist tomorrow, then, on the next day, it would have to be re-invented in order to regain the practical backup communications capability it provides. 2) To me, the most appealing aspect to Ham Radio is the gaining of knowledge. Learning the "in's and out's" of all that encompasses Ham Radio o peration is the true fun, whether it is dx'ing, satellite, CW or whatever. But, like building a boat in a bottle, or even doing a crossword puzzle, the satisfaction comes in the steps taken to accomplish the task, not the end result itself. I vehemently agree. 3) From all accounts that I have heard, the number of new Amateur licenses issued has been declining for years. Actually, the total number of licensed amateurs in the U.S. is growing, but at a pitifully slow rate of approximately 0.003 percent. This would tell me that the best way to save the hobby was to open new Hams with open arms, instead of clinging white-knuckled to the past (packet radio, morse code etc.) look to the future, and make it fun. While I don't disagree that we need to be open to more new hams, the simple fact of life is that the old communications technologies we "cling to with white- knuckles," i.e. the Morse code, RTTY, packet radio, and even Single Sideband voice, all serve a very practical and useful purpose in carrying out our primary mission which is to be capable *backup* communicators under conditions where primary communications systems become unavailable for whatever reasons. Everything we've ever known about radio technology is always going to be applicable to practical and effective communications, and we need to retain the basics in order to understand and create the advances. Thanks for letting me rant folks. Now for some questions. "Ranting" is what this newsgroup is all about. Carry on. 1) Can anyone point me towards any resources to assist someone brand new to the hobby? (Stuff like recommendations on the type of equipment to get for the first time buyer)? Yes. That club you joined, but didn't learn anything from on your first meeting. Go back to the next meeting, and the next, and slowly get to know the people there and let them get to know you. Eventually you will find someone there who can help to steer you in the direction you want to go. However, keep in mind, that radio amateurs are essentially "self training," which means that it is primarily up to you to dig in to the available books, magazines, web sites, and other information resources. That's what I did, that's what virtually every successful radio amateur did. Nobody can beat you over the head with a "knowledge stick" and thus fill your head with things you didn't know a minute before. It will take an investment of time and money on your part to acquire knowledge and the equipment you need to create an effective and efficient amateur radio station. That should be your goal. 2) Also, any sources to purchase used equipment. I think I would rather buy more functional used stuff, than new equipment that has less "bells and whistles". Try eBay for starters. Also, check out the ARRL web site (www.arrl.org) for hamfests in your area. 3) One more thing...I am looking for information on antennas that is geared to the novice. I'd suggest that you invest in the ARRL Antenna Book. It has something for virtually every possible application. Bottom line: Nobody can help you become an amateur radio operator better than you can your own good self. You need to open books and read them, then open some more books and read some more. I'd suggest some simple electronics projects you can build yourself, in order to get some basic experience with electrical theory and electronics principles. I'd also suggest that you give top priority to investing in a good HF transceiver with general- coverage receive capability. The Yaesu FT840 is around $600 brand new, and could be your main HF rig for years to come. One more thing: Resolve to learn the Morse code and to use it on the air. Decide from the start that you are going to be a proficient CW operator, and don't give in to any of the frustrations normally associated with learning to use this uniquely practical, effective, efficient, and universal communications mode. We have all experienced them, and people from all walks of life have overcome them and become proficient CW operators. It's not that big a deal, and the only problems you'll have achieving success are those you make for yourself. Thanks folks. Your welcome. You will find more good advice from other regulars in this newsgroup. Start reading; the learning process starts now. 73 de Larry, K3LT |
#12
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"Scott" wrote in message ... Hi folks. Please allow me to give a "newbies" view on the current state of amateur radio, and also ask a few questions. I recently took my Technicians License exam and passed with a perfect score. (I bring up the score just to indicate that I studied hard, and took the exam seriously). I am now studying to take the 5wpm mores code test. I have not yet purchased a radio, or even been "on the air". More on this is a moment. Sounds like you're off to a great start. I have also joined a local radio club, whose first meeting I attended last night. This club owns and maintains the local 2m repeater, and even though it is an open repeater, if nothing else, I feel as though by joining, I am helping to support a service which I plan on eventually using. Makes good sense. But what disappoints me is the fact that I left this meeting knowing absolutely no more than I did when I walked into the door. I had been led to believe that one of the best ways for a new guy just becoming involved in this hobby to get practical advice on things like your first purchase of equipment, which bands are best for what, and the different applications of amateur radio, was to join a club. Well, unfortunately, the majority of the meeting I attended was, in my opinion, controlled by a group of 7 or 8 ham "veterans" trying to impress one another with their technical knowledge. Sad, truly sad. In the antique car club I belong to we always introduce new members at the meeting, we also go around the room at least once so anyone can ask a question, offer a bit of advice, etc. That fosters even more 1 on 1 conversations after the meeting ends. So, I guess what I would like to do here is give my views on what I have seen so far, and invite anyone who is more informed on these matters to correct me. 1) The Amateur Radio Service is not an essential element in our society. Even in times of emergency, there is nothing you can do with a ham radio that you can't do with an internet connection, fax machine, land line telephone, or cell phone in similar circumstances. Ham Radio is a hobby, and like golf, gardening, bird watching, or any other hobby, it could cease to exist tomorrow, and nothing would really change. Wrong. Amateur radio can and has been the ONLY emergency communications available in many emergencies. Think for a minute about the scenario of an emergency. No electricity, no internet, no fax and in many cases no landline if you don't have a plain vanilla phone that is powered by the teephone line...and even if the phone is line powered, many times even basic phone service is out. 2) To me, the most appealing aspect to Ham Radio is the gaining of knowledge. Learning the "in's and out's" of all that encompasses Ham Radio o peration is the true fun, whether it is dx'ing, satellite, CW or whatever. But, like building a boat in a bottle, or even doing a crossword puzzle, the satisfaction comes in the steps taken to accomplish the task, not the end result itself. Different strokes for different folks. Some like the steps, some the end result. There is no "norm" in my obinion. 3) From all accounts that I have heard, the number of new Amateur licenses issued has been declining for years. This would tell me that the best way to save the hobby was to open new Hams with open arms, instead of clinging white-knuckled to the past (packet radio, morse code etc.) look to the future, and make it fun. Not declining at all...but not growing significantly either. Thanks for letting me rant folks. Now for some questions. 1) Can anyone point me towards any resources to assist someone brand new to the hobby? (Stuff like recommendations on the type of equipment to get for the first time buyer)? You need to tell us more about what type of on-the-air you want to do. 2) Also, any sources to purchase used equipment. I think I would rather buy more functional used stuff, than new equipment that has less "bells and whistles". There's always EBAY plus the amateur magazines like QST and CQ. 3) One more thing...I am looking for information on antennas that is geared to the novice. Check out the ARRL web site for the books and publications they have available. Cheers and welcome. Bill K2UNK |
#13
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Leo wrote:
He seemed interested enough in learning the basics - and I'm pretty sure that he is very new to Amateur Radio, as he didn't ask a single question about Kim's callsign sorry bout that.... And that is unforgivable here in rec.radio.amateur.kim.callsign! - Mike KB3EIA - |
#15
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On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 16:18:39 GMT, Mike Coslo
wrote: Leo wrote: He seemed interested enough in learning the basics - and I'm pretty sure that he is very new to Amateur Radio, as he didn't ask a single question about Kim's callsign sorry bout that.... And that is unforgivable here in rec.radio.amateur.kim.callsign! - Mike KB3EIA - Awww - give the kid a break this time - he's new! 73, Leo |
#16
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He seemed interested enough in learning the basics - and I'm pretty sure that he is very new to Amateur Radio, as he didn't ask a single question about Kim's callsign He mentioned birdwatching in the orginial post, so he likely figured that Kim was abird watcher. A tit is a kind of small bird, if you thought of something else, well.... ;-) |
#17
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On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 19:42:03 GMT, Robert Casey
wrote: He seemed interested enough in learning the basics - and I'm pretty sure that he is very new to Amateur Radio, as he didn't ask a single question about Kim's callsign He mentioned birdwatching in the orginial post, so he likely figured that Kim was abird watcher. A tit is a kind of small bird, if you thought of something else, well.... ;-) Hmmm - he did, didn't he! LOL es 73, Leo |
#18
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