BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?

Subject: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: EBarnacle
Date: 12 Feb 18 - 12:13 AM

Just passed the test today for a General class license, the intermediate level. The course was the test but did not really teach me a lot. I joined so I could work events like the New York Marathon, which needs volunteers every year. KD20NY to those of you out there.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Feb 18 - 02:44 AM

Gee, that was something I always wanted to do when I was a kid, but I didn't have time to learn Morse Code (which is no longer required). I did tinker with radios a lot, and I kept a log of all the faraway radio stations I found. But my interests went in other places after that.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: Senoufou
Date: 12 Feb 18 - 02:58 AM

My father was a signaller in the RAF, and after the War he taught me Morse code. He rigged up a Morse key and buzzer, and I practised often.
When he retired, he got the authorisation to transmit, and erected an aerial on his bungalow, and became a ham. He was very fast with his Morse!
He was in contact with folk from far and wide, it was a lovely hobby for him.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: Rapparee
Date: 12 Feb 18 - 10:17 AM

It is a great hobby AND a community service. I have a Morse key close enough to reach right now, and I've always wanted to be a ham...well, besides those times I've "trodden the boards."

Subject: RE: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: Greg F.
Date: 12 Feb 18 - 11:25 AM

Good on ya, Eric - but you shoulda tried it back in the 13 WPM days.

Not as active as I once was, but always enjoy the community service angle. Problem is these days some of the RACES and ARES folks behave like they're the Department of Homeland Security.

73!

Subject: RE: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: Joe_F
Date: 12 Feb 18 - 06:16 PM

In ancient times, I was W1YZI. I also used the Caltech ham shack, K6FCS. (Listened to Sputnik 1 beep.)

Subject: RE: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Feb 18 - 03:43 AM

Damn. I guess I've been a Ham wannabe all my life...

I wanted to be an Eagle Scout, too. I almost made it, but almost doesn't count. I finished 19 of the required 21 merit badges. They say that a Life Scout is one who regrets for the rest of his life that he didn't make Eagle.

Same with Ham operators. If you didn't get the license, you ain't. Did you get your license, Greg?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: Greg F.
Date: 13 Feb 18 - 08:40 AM

Yes, Joe, been licensed, General Class, for close to 30 years. That Morse Code test was a real bugger, tho, but that's no longer an issue for new Hams.

I guess I've been a Ham wannabe all my life...

Ain't too late, Joe. Find a club near you -check

https://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Ham_Radio/Clubs/North_America/USA/California/

& contact them about license classes. They'll be happy to help you get on the air.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: Donuel
Date: 14 Feb 18 - 08:50 AM

My brother in PR has been a Ham for 50 years. He is off the air now with no power. He ran as many as 5 emergency broadcast stations that go by a different name.

Subject: RE: BS: How many Hams on the 'Cat?
From: EBarnacle
Date: 16 Feb 18 - 07:26 AM

Classes are readily available. If you check with the ARRL [in the US] you can find a local club and ask them when and where the next class is. The classes I took for Technician and General were each two day classes and taught the test. As a result, my level of real knowledge is marginal but I passed the tests. The classes I took were inexpensive [$15 each for a 10 year license] and taker friendly.

Several of the people in the local club were activated by the Red Cross and sent to Puerto Rico for 2 week stints.