Diving into Ham Radio... uh oh!

[k0ua]

I always was a 'wanabee ham' but the learning the code was my downfall.
Had relatives and neighbors that had their tickets even had a close friend (an MD) that had the handle VE2MD.

Ironically I ended owning an avionics facility and we manufactured an aviation HF ssb radio.
Then as pilot I had a radio operator's license and later on became a director of the AEA (Aircraft Electronics Assoc)
As such I even gave a lecture on HF propagation to a room full of qualified techs.
But neve got a 'ham' ticket, but knowing all the jargon sure helped.

Interesting times, and I still miss that comradery.

It is not too late. Even now late in life you would have an easier time of it by knowing what you know.

 

[k0ua]

I always was a 'wanabee ham' but the learning the code was my downfall.
Had relatives and neighbors that had their tickets even had a close friend (an MD) that had the handle VE2MD.

Ironically I ended owning an avionics facility and we manufactured an aviation HF ssb radio.
Then as pilot I had a radio operator's license and later on became a director of the AEA (Aircraft Electronics Assoc)
As such I even gave a lecture on HF propagation to a room full of qualified techs.
But neve got a 'ham' ticket, but knowing all the jargon sure helped.

Interesting times, and I still miss that comradery.

It is not too late. Even now late in life you would have an easier time of it by knowing what you know.

 

[cdaigle430]

Never too late. I am a HAM since 1993-N1QWU. Some of my most memorable times was working with the local state emergency response crews for training. Another one is being a HAM relay station for the CAN AM dog sled races in Aroostock county Maine. I also got to talk with the space shuttle crew one time during their flyover. Got to hike up a mountain in Allagash Maine with the family and climb a 30 foot fire tower to perform maintenance on a HAM repeater battery pack Even when I was in the Air National Guard we got to use it.

We also used to have a weekly call where everyone called in and talked about there subject of the week Then there is the yearly HAM fest fun gathering in your state.

Please persue it and encourage others as the FCC is constantly trying to defend our hobby frequencies from corporations who want our frequencies for things like drones. The more operates the better.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I would love to have an HF rig for emergency. But hate to buy something I really won't use day to day, that will be out of date four months from now. And I won't know how to use it when an emergency arises.

I really, really hate spending money on electronics, and rarely do, because they are such poor value.

 

[cdaigle430]

I would love to have an HF rig for emergency. But hate to buy something I really won't use day to day, that will be out of date four months from now. And I won't know how to use it when an emergency arises.

I really, really hate spending money on electronics, and rarely do, because they are such poor value.

There are HAM operators still using tube type HF radios If you join the local club they may be able to let you borrow one......but really you dont have to worry about it being out of date and I do know HAMs that can repair and maintain them.

I had an Alinco that stopped transmitting one day and it was 6 months pout of warranty. A fellow HAM from the club fix it in 1 hour That was 1995 and I still have\use that radio. Its all about the frequency and your call sign-not the device.

 

[stevewarner1957]

I would love to have an HF rig for emergency. But hate to buy something I really won't use day to day, that will be out of date four months from now. And I won't know how to use it when an emergency arises.

I really, really hate spending money on electronics, and rarely do, because they are such poor value.

If your point about poor value is referring to quick obsolescence such as personal computers, cell phones, TVs etc. While this is a concern in Ham equipment do to new technologies it’s not quite the same. HF rigs are out there being used that are 40 years old or more, some operators actually prefer the old “boat anchors” as they are lovingly called by Hams. The new digital modes are fine but you don’t have to get involved unless you want to. An old boat anchor on 40 meters CW mode can be as much fun as it was 70 years ago. Call it retro radio!

de WA9SWW
Steve

 

[Industrial Toys]

Many rigs stayed current a long time. Some stuff like collins and halicrafters was reveered and used for many decades. I feel all that has changed. I am also a guy that can use almost anything for a very short time a realize it's shortcomings.

I have too much unused stuff as it is collecting dust. I mean, you buy a quality aluminum pipe wrench and it's value will only go up whether you use it or not. Not the same with most electronics. I remember when 2M ham handhelds had thumbwheel switches. Not many would want that now, with rigs going from DC to Light.

I have always loved and pretty much only used Motorola and GE VHF/UHF gear, but stuff like that is not available in HF.

 

[dragoneggs]

I spent a good part of last evening learning about... or I should say trying to learn about antennas. :confused3: I see that this aspect of the hobby will be another looong learning curve that will not be mastered.

 

[k0ua]

There are HAM operators still using tube type HF radios If you join the local club they may be able to let you borrow one......but really you dont have to worry about it being out of date and I do know HAMs that can repair and maintain them.

I had an Alinco that stopped transmitting one day and it was 6 months pout of warranty. A fellow HAM from the club fix it in 1 hour That was 1995 and I still have\use that radio. Its all about the frequency and your call sign-not the device.

Good post. Lots of guys use old boatanchors. Just because they are old don't mean they don't work. I personally prefer modern up to date radio equipment. When the SDR revolution came along, I jumped in with both feet. Mainly because I could. Not because I had to. I talk to guys all the time, that some of them are running 50 or 60 year old radios. Sometimes they may not be their main station, but they still like to use the old gear. I think some of them like using the gear they had or lusted after when they were young. But some of them just simply have old gear and that is all they have. In the last few years I have taught myself to work on SMD (Surface Mount Devices) gear. It wasn't easy trying to learn new techniques, but I persisted and was successful in some repairs. It can be done if you still have fairly steady hands, and use enough light and magnification. Sure not as easy as soldering wires onto the plns of a tube socket, but if one man can do it another man can do it. The best way that I know of to use ANY type of product you intend to use in an emergency is to practice with it often. Don't let it sit in the box, take it out and use it. And I don't just mean radio gear either.

 

[k0ua]

I spent a good part of last evening learning about... or I should say trying to learn about antennas. :confused3: I see that this aspect of the hobby will be another looong learning curve that will not be mastered.

You will get there Mark. Keep at it, and you have my phone number