a surprise

[dlwtrunked]

And how they will buy the cheapest absolute garbage radios. Then try to sell their 40yr old radios for brand new prices.

And how some hams will, ignoring technology changes, claim their old expensive radios are better than (some) newer cheaper radios.
Or claiming only certain brands are any good.

 

[R0am3r]

When you got into Amateur radio, what was the thing that surprised you the most?

I was surprised at the number of activities within the hobby. Even during the dark ages of ham radio there was CW, SSB, AM, FM, RTTY, MF, HF, VHF, UHF, DX, QRP, QRO, Field Day, Contests, ground wave, repeaters, homebrew, radio clubs, Elmers, etc.

Flash-forward four++ decades and we have PSK, JT65, FT8, FT4, MSK144, WSPR, LOTW, eQSL, DMR, Digital Voice, more bands, expanded privileges for new operators, digital logbooks, modeling software, satellite communications, software defined radios, copious software for the shack, etc. This list of activities is incomplete and hopefully will continue to expand in every direction. Yah, I am still surprised at what amateur radio offers.

 

[AK9R]

I was surprised at the number of activities within the hobby.

If anyone tells me they are bored with amateur radio, I refer them to this list: NFARL Web: 100+ Things to do in Ham Radio

 

[Skypilot007]

One thing that I noticed right away, Hams know it all ! Ham radio operators are experts in all subject matter. Everything from weather to cooking to lawn mowers, hams know it all !

 

[prcguy]

I was astonished on how many amateurs have ailments, diseases, surgeries or or other medical problems and amateur radio appears to be the place to discuss them.

Hi Hi OM, wanna come over and see my latest scar???

 

[mrweather]

I think that's a prerequisite to get on 80/75m.

 

[mastr]

I think that's a prerequisite to get on 80/75m.

I thought you had to be "disabled".

 

[AK9R]

In general, I am constantly reminded, and surprised, that some amateur radio operators have no concept of privacy. They will discuss personal matters, including health, on amateur radio that I'm not sure should be discussed on a public forum. It's like they forget that other people might be listening.

 

[K3YGX]

We 'old timers' have EARNED the right to talk about our ailments - and if you punk kids don't like it
there is always the big knob......turn it.

 

[W9OHM]

You forgot to add.......

"and get off my lawn!"

 

[K3YGX]

It's not MY lawn or I'd tell ya to

 

[ka9wrz]

We had 3 really high profile events were I live, and I absolutely LOVED volunteering for them.

I have always loved doing public service events.

What part of the country?

 

[kayn1n32008]

What part of the country?

Northern Alberta.

 

[k6cpo]

And how some hams will, ignoring technology changes, claim their old expensive radios are better than (some) newer cheaper radios.
Or claiming only certain brands are any good.

That's not unique to ham radio. I've had to deal with the Nikon vs. Canon argument in photography, the Harley vs Honda argument in motorcycling and the US Divers vs. Scubapro in diving (I'll take a Kirby-Morgan any day...)

 

[KF0NYL]

So what kind of oil or lube should I use on my radios?


Sorry I just could not resist. The nice thing about amateur radio is that there is something for everyone.