Member N8TGQ
Member
Forum Replies Created
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16
I hear all words or even whole sentences. It’s like having a conversation with someone. The only thing I write down is the other person’s call sign.
But there’s different ways for different folks. Ask 10 hams how to lean morse code and you get 15 ways! Use what works for you and have fun!
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The greatest thing about ham radio is it’s the hobby with thousands of hobbies! You can never learn it all, so just pick and choose what interests you.
I actually use ham radio to escape from all the high tech stuff in real life. Mostly analog QRP CW for me. I do have 2 digital rigs , but one’s display is morse code. The other is an 8 segment LED! All the others have a dial and a pointer in the front face of the rig.
It gets harder and harder to find people just talking using CW without contests and numbers and websites, but we’re still out here having fun and waiting for you to join in!
73 de Rick N8TGQ
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Don’t over analyze learning the code. It’s nothing more than reading with your ears and writing with a key.
Did you learn to read by copying down random letter groups? No!
Once you have the basic characters memorized, get on the air and use them. Speed and head copy will come with use and exerience. It’s harder to find long conversations on the air these days, so another source is the ARRL’s W1AW broadcasts or download the MP3s from the ARRL website to your phone.
All you’re doing is reading and writing. Don’t add anything to that. And have fun!
73 de Rick N8TGQ
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Check the ARRL website to find a club in your area. Nothing beats in person demos and many clubs have in person licensing classes with the test at the end.
Welcome to the hobby!
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Another great place to check out is Yellow Springs, a few miles north of Xenia.
It’s a village that has fantastic little shops and restaurants. It’s a great place to get a start on your Christmas shopping. Your XYL will definitely enjoy the experience and vibes!
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Many ham groups, such as DX clubs, national nets and special interest groups have their own “sideshows” in and around the area during Hamvention.
I’m planning on attending the QRP ARCI’s Four Days in May get together at the Fairborn Holiday Inn. They’ll have talks and forums. Also vendors and club nights. Contests, prizes and dinners.
I’m taking a break from the “big show” this year, even tho I live in the same county. Wears me out too much! The air conditioned hotel with complimentary lunch is enough for me.
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I think of a right as something spelled out in the constitution-to bear arms, vote, equality, peaceably gather.
Everything else is a privilege. Even driving is a privilege, not a right.
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Oops, I sorta misunderstood the origial post.
There are so many facets to the hobby-
The AMers trying to get the perfect audio
The hams diing satellite and moon bounce
All the digital modes
The mesh networks people are setting up on 440 and 900 Mhz
My niche is QRP CW. Lately I’ve been trying QRPp-less than 1 watt output. I build little one and two transistor transmitters, go to the park and see how far I get using the Reverse Beacon Network. It’s amazing how far 100 or 200 milliwatts can take you! And the rig fits in a mint tin you can carry in your pocket.
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Sorry, but I disagree. As long as you know the conditions of a contract going in, it’s your choice to accept or reject that conract.
Ham radio is a privelge, not a right.
In most of the places I’ve lived since being licensed, antennas have been outlawed or very impractical. I have still figured out ways to stay on the air and within the rules.
There are many factors that go into choosing where to live. You just have to decide how important ham radio is in your list. For me, it’s pretty low.
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I know a lot of hams who are also musicians, professional and amateur.
A wierd thing I’ve noticed is the number of Jims that are hams-three in my local group alone, and I talk to a lot of them on the air. There are a lot of Marks also!
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Hello-new member here.
One of the main reasons I like ham radio is that it’s so many hobbies rolled into one.
I tried packet way back when and I’ve seen people doing the digital modes at field day, but they’re not for me.
My passion is still for good old CW ragchewing. I do like the modern technology that allows me to have a QRP station, the size of a deck of cards set up in the living room of my retirement apartment! No more going to the basement or back room.