Could it maybe be your horrible attitude? Consider that for a moment.
New Ham looking for encouragement
- Thread starter Vondutch
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- Mar 9, 2013
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When I address people on the air I speak to them like any other operator would and I follow the guidelines strictly. I just don't have that geriatric "im about to croak" voice so they give me a hard time. It is what it is. I have had a couple great conversations the last few days from people who are open and accepting. Mind you they are both under 50 years old
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ
Wau to encourage the new guy...
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- Joined
- Mar 9, 2013
- Messages
- 62
Like I said ... There are nice experiences too. I would not recommend throwing in the towel and don't feel like your the only person being disrespected by people who think they are better than you because they were around when the first radio conversation took place back in 1910
Well, again on my way home from work I was listening to 2 hams, who from their conversation I took to both be Amateur Extras, who were complaining how new operators haven't earned their licences because the exams are so much easier than when they received theirs. I took the high road and changed frequencies, as much as I wanted to chime in I didn't want to give these guys another reason to dislike any new operators. I would have like to tell them that it isn't my fault the FCC has changed the requirements, if I would have been around to take my test in the 60's, which is when they both said they took their 1st exams, I would have studied whatever I had to in order to get my licence. All I can say is I am taking my General exam next Saturday and I hope I have the opportunity in the future to encourage rather than discourage.
Be glad it's only these two (and just a few more) in the hobby who think that way. Ham radio would be dead in a few more years with that mentality on an international level.
By and large, most people don't have this sentiment. I passed my 20wpm exam but I don't think everyone should be required to have 20wpm proficiency to gain an extra class license and I'll make that point known with proof of my exam if "they" ask. I've had to prove it before.
By and large, most people don't have this sentiment. I passed my 20wpm exam but I don't think everyone should be required to have 20wpm proficiency to gain an extra class license and I'll make that point known with proof of my exam if "they" ask. I've had to prove it before.
Welcome to the hobby and as others have said in this thread already: pay no nevermind to the grumpy Gus's! When I got my Tech license in 2003, I checked into a local club net after having listened for a few weeks. The NCS was a real gentleman and warmly welcomed me. Shortly thereafter I joined the club. After that I was invited by a club member to attend an ARES meeting and next thing you know I was a member and participating in drills at the Red Cross and working events like marathons and bike races!
You have a great attitude and you've gotten some very good advice here so far. I think you'll have a lot of fun for many years to come!
73 de W4PKR
Jim
BrettL
Member
Well, when I first got my license I started talking right away. I asked a lot of questions and people cut me short. So I asked even more questions. I read and read and browse the internet all the time about amateur radio related stuff.
On certain repeaters people always talk about what they did all day. Feeding the cows, taking meds, pumping a car tire, watching news, ect. I quickly moved on from them as that was not exciting to me. I want to know more about this hobby that I have gotten into. A lot of people were inviting and a lot of the older ham's were not. I have been made to feel stupid multiple of times.
I told a guy once on a repeater with a lot of activity that I would just hang out down there and they liked the idea. I told them the local repeater in my area was always quiet. A op came in and quickly let me know to NEVER say that again. He also said all I had to do was throw out my call and people would come back to me. I just let it be. I called for weeks multiple times a day/night and never got a response. Then I learned they were on different modes to get away from certain things. You cant hide for long...I will have a radio that will cover those modes too.
I took my test and passed. I did guess on several questions and may have gotten lucky with it but I have my license now and I want everyone that I can make a contact know that KM4IXU is officially a licensed Amateur Radio Operator.
They should start sharing their knowledge with us to help mold us into a good radio operator. Tell us the do's and don'ts. Help us understand to be a good operator. Just shed some pointer on the subject.
I have been told you will just have to learn on your own like I did after asking a simple question about a antenna. I also asked would it be ok to geta all mode 2 meter rig so I could talk ssb too. Only answer I ever got was no one around here does it. Does that mean if I get one and a good yagi will I not hear anyone on ssb? I don't think so. If I spin the yagi around enough and get the rotor hot enough I might be able to pick up a distant station where in that particular area they do talk 2 meter SSB.
I was told they don't talk simplex. They all use repeaters. After scanning frequency to frequency later did I find people who talked line of sight just for the fun of it and to test out their new equipment to see the improvements and such on 2 meters.
All I can say coming from a new inexperienced ham like me ( I'm only 2 month new into the hobby) is to get out there and talk. Do away with the haters and the grumpies and you will find a place to where you will fit in. Don't let any of their nonsense discourage you. We went through the effort to get to where we are now. Don't let this kinda stuff hold you back. Take your General Test!
The older ham's should help mold us into what amateur radio is all about. We must live by the Amateur's Code written by Paul M Segal, W9EEA, in 1928
CONSIDERATE...never knowingly operates in such a way as to lesson others.
LOYAL...offers loyalty, encouragement and support other amateurs, local clubs, and the American Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.
PROGRESSIVE... with knowledge abreast of science, a well-built and efficient station and operation above reproach.
FRIENDLY...slow and patent operating when requested; " friendly advice and counsel to the beginner , kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interest of others" . These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.
BALANCED...radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owned to family, job, school, or community.
PATRIOTIC... station and skill always ready for service to country and community.
On certain repeaters people always talk about what they did all day. Feeding the cows, taking meds, pumping a car tire, watching news, ect. I quickly moved on from them as that was not exciting to me. I want to know more about this hobby that I have gotten into. A lot of people were inviting and a lot of the older ham's were not. I have been made to feel stupid multiple of times.
I told a guy once on a repeater with a lot of activity that I would just hang out down there and they liked the idea. I told them the local repeater in my area was always quiet. A op came in and quickly let me know to NEVER say that again. He also said all I had to do was throw out my call and people would come back to me. I just let it be. I called for weeks multiple times a day/night and never got a response. Then I learned they were on different modes to get away from certain things. You cant hide for long...I will have a radio that will cover those modes too.
I took my test and passed. I did guess on several questions and may have gotten lucky with it but I have my license now and I want everyone that I can make a contact know that KM4IXU is officially a licensed Amateur Radio Operator.
They should start sharing their knowledge with us to help mold us into a good radio operator. Tell us the do's and don'ts. Help us understand to be a good operator. Just shed some pointer on the subject.
I have been told you will just have to learn on your own like I did after asking a simple question about a antenna. I also asked would it be ok to geta all mode 2 meter rig so I could talk ssb too. Only answer I ever got was no one around here does it. Does that mean if I get one and a good yagi will I not hear anyone on ssb? I don't think so. If I spin the yagi around enough and get the rotor hot enough I might be able to pick up a distant station where in that particular area they do talk 2 meter SSB.
I was told they don't talk simplex. They all use repeaters. After scanning frequency to frequency later did I find people who talked line of sight just for the fun of it and to test out their new equipment to see the improvements and such on 2 meters.
All I can say coming from a new inexperienced ham like me ( I'm only 2 month new into the hobby) is to get out there and talk. Do away with the haters and the grumpies and you will find a place to where you will fit in. Don't let any of their nonsense discourage you. We went through the effort to get to where we are now. Don't let this kinda stuff hold you back. Take your General Test!
The older ham's should help mold us into what amateur radio is all about. We must live by the Amateur's Code written by Paul M Segal, W9EEA, in 1928
CONSIDERATE...never knowingly operates in such a way as to lesson others.
LOYAL...offers loyalty, encouragement and support other amateurs, local clubs, and the American Relay League, through which Amateur Radio in the United States is represented nationally and internationally.
PROGRESSIVE... with knowledge abreast of science, a well-built and efficient station and operation above reproach.
FRIENDLY...slow and patent operating when requested; " friendly advice and counsel to the beginner , kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interest of others" . These are the hallmarks of the amateur spirit.
BALANCED...radio is an avocation, never interfering with duties owned to family, job, school, or community.
PATRIOTIC... station and skill always ready for service to country and community.
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KM4IXU, you have a good attitude!
Have you gone to any local clubs? I highly recommend doing so. If you like the atmosphere, then join up and become active. Field Day is coming up and chances are your local club is setting up a station, they can use your help and you'll get to operate HF (which by the way, you can do with a Tech license, but you are limited to very narrow swaths of frequencies to operate).
Also, if you have not joined the ARRL, I recommend doing that as well. Here is a link to ARRL affiliated clubs. Punch in your Zip code or address:
http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club
Here is a link explaining Field Day:
http://www.arrl.org/field-day
Welcome to the hobby!
73 de W4PKR, Jim
Have you gone to any local clubs? I highly recommend doing so. If you like the atmosphere, then join up and become active. Field Day is coming up and chances are your local club is setting up a station, they can use your help and you'll get to operate HF (which by the way, you can do with a Tech license, but you are limited to very narrow swaths of frequencies to operate).
Also, if you have not joined the ARRL, I recommend doing that as well. Here is a link to ARRL affiliated clubs. Punch in your Zip code or address:
http://www.arrl.org/find-a-club
Here is a link explaining Field Day:
http://www.arrl.org/field-day
Welcome to the hobby!
73 de W4PKR, Jim
milkman21218
Member
Don't give up Ham radio because of some idiots. You have just as much right to use and talk on the air as any other Ham! Yes the FCC dropped the code for Technician Class 24 years ago in 1991. And 8 years ago in 2007 for everyone else. Remember the ITU said that the code could be dropped. So many Nations around the World dropped the code. And the FCC was the last too drop it in 2007. So to me if they are such die hard CW people stay off FM with that talk!
BrettL
Member
I know this thread is about Vondutch and also pertains to me. I am currently a solo op. I have not joined any clubs but have gotten offers. I have signed up to ARRL. I do get some news letters in the mail from them. I will get a subscription in the future. I have not checked their site as much as I should. I need to stop by more often and give it a look. I have been really busy in reading a bunch of other material I am trying to understand.
I think I am overloading my brain and it's a train wreck in there....lol.
I think I am overloading my brain and it's a train wreck in there....lol.
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RadioPatriots
Member
So long as you are following protocol and proper procedure, why do you care? Rattle off a few EM engineering equations that they will never figure out in their natural lifetimes and then tell them to go blow. I despise people who try to make themselves feel good at other's expense. And new ham or not, I would damn straight tell them so.
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MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
I've been a ham since I was 9. I am about to turn 40. That's 2/3 of my life. In that time, I have met some of the coolest people who are REAL LIFETIME FRIENDS, you know, people who will open up their house for you, help you get into a career, and their family is your family. Learned quite a bit, ham radio led to my first real job as an installer then bench technician back in the late 1990s.
I've built repeaters, served as a club secretary, co-founded (and still run) an incorporated small non-profit who's mission is to demonstrate the value of amateur radio to the community. Worked countless public service events, got some professional level training in CPR, FEMA EMI, been at the table with some top government officials, had more fun with every kind of radio known to mankind! Had some "near misses" with high voltage, soldering irons, installs, and making neighbors worry.
That being said, it hasn't all been roses. I've encountered some of the rudest, most selfish people on earth, some downright dirtbags, had a repeater stolen from my organization, had someone try to "get me in trouble at work", had jammers show up now and then, even went to a meeting 14 years ago where someone got arrested because he put his hands on someone else.
Guess what:
That's life. You take the good with the bad. Rear ends are everywhere, and in every hobby. Ham radio is no exception. You will meet some GREAT people with BRILLIANT minds, average folks, all the way down the gamut to creeps, mouth breathers and low lifes. The latter are the minority. Just ignore them and they will stay in their lane.
You will figure out "who is who" in your locale. In time you will see that repeaters and clubs have different "personalities" if you will, and you will find ones that you fit into. If you don't, START YOUR OWN! We have so much spectrum, so many modes, analog, digital, data, TV, CW, you name it- we can do it. Internet linking, HF.
If you hear a moron/mouth breather, just spin the dial. Don't dwell on the downers, keep on movin' on.
In my opinion, the good well outweighs the bad. Most hams are decent people.
Take your time, don't get discouraged, and HAVE FUN, LOTS OF FUN.
AC2OY
Member
I hope not so far in three nights I have made three diffrent QSO's and everybody so far has been great. I met a guy my first QSO who is ninety years old who is willing to show me the HF ropes! The next night he breaks calls for me and let's me work my first DX ever!! I have Two QSO cards coming and I haven't even printed mine yet or received my postcard from logbook of the world to setup my log. So far I have been welcomed with open arms. I have to admit the DX chasing is very cool!! Last night I worked from the South of France.
Keep going! Very encouraging news.
Btw, it's "QSL" card, not QSO, just so you know.
73 de W4PK
Jim
RadioPatriots
Member
I agree with most of what you said, and it's true that life is often not a rose garden. I respect the Amateur Radio community and it's many accomplishments ... especially in the way of technical progress (TAPR, etc.). True it is mostly about FUN. And when someone blatantly show themselves to be an asss, I tell them that they're being an asss and then spin the dial. I won't waste time or dwell on folks who maliciously (not "in good fun") screw with those who are "lesser" than them and need an easy way to prop up their jelly-like egos, particularly from behind the relatively anonymous position of from behind a microphone, which is the quintessential sign of a coward ... and as we all know, they would never do this to someone's face.
The Amateur Radio bands are largely "self-policed," which is why it hasn't yet fully degraded to the cesspool-like standards of CB Radio. And you may or may not change them, but I fully believe that, without engaging them, overt and blatant j*rk-offs on the ham bands need to be told what they are ... yes, even by a "new guy."
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Part of the challenge is, to me, how someone became a ham. If they were elmered by an experienced and respectful operator, that goes a long way towards how the newbie behaves on the air (plus that newbie's own behavioral traits).
Having said that, I think the ham radio community, by and large, is respectful of each other, but we generally live in a more rude and disrespectful society, so it's no surprise that some of that attitude would show up on the airwaves, in spite of having to take a test to be licensed.
Having said that, I think the ham radio community, by and large, is respectful of each other, but we generally live in a more rude and disrespectful society, so it's no surprise that some of that attitude would show up on the airwaves, in spite of having to take a test to be licensed.
AC2OY
Member
LOL sorry Jim yes the contact is a QSO the card is a QSL...LOL Sometimes I type too fast.
Hi again all. I passed my General exam last week and I'm in the process of setting up an HF station. I have to say that the contacts I initially made that triggered this thread have been in the minority. Almost everyone I have talked with on the local repeaters have turned out to be very gracious and helpful. I'm glad that I didn't let a bad experience ruin this endeavor for me. I'd like to thank everyone that has chimed in and given all of us new Hams some very encouraging words. I hope that someday I can return the favor to someone who is starting out. To show that age is irrelevant, I was talking to a high school student (I am old enough to be his dad) earlier this week and he had some really good tips for me regarding the dipole I'm setting up. Pretty cool.
Cheers and 73!!!!
Vondutch
KE0EBN /ag
Cheers and 73!!!!
Vondutch
KE0EBN /ag
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