Hi folks.

Please allow me to give a "newbies" view on the current state of amateur
radio, and also ask a few questions.

I recently took my Technicians License exam and passed with a perfect score.
(I bring up the score just to indicate that I studied hard, and took the
exam seriously). I am now studying to take the 5wpm mores code test. I have
not yet purchased a radio, or even been "on the air". More on this is a
moment.

I have also joined a local radio club, whose first meeting I attended last
night. This club owns and maintains the local 2m repeater, and even though
it is an open repeater, if nothing else, I feel as though by joining, I am
helping to support a service which I plan on eventually using.

But what disappoints me is the fact that I left this meeting knowing
absolutely no more than I did when I walked into the door. I had been led to
believe that one of the best ways for a new guy just becoming involved in
this hobby to get practical advice on things like your first purchase of
equipment, which bands are best for what, and the different applications of
amateur radio, was to join a club. Well, unfortunately, the majority of the
meeting I attended was, in my opinion, controlled by a group of 7 or 8 ham
"veterans" trying to impress one another with their technical knowledge.

So, I guess what I would like to do here is give my views on what I have
seen so far, and invite anyone who is more informed on these matters to
correct me.

1) The Amateur Radio Service is not an essential element in our society.
Even in times of emergency, there is nothing you can do with a ham radio
that you can't do with an internet connection, fax machine, land line
telephone, or cell phone in similar circumstances. Ham Radio is a hobby, and
like golf, gardening, bird watching, or any other hobby, it could cease to
exist tomorrow, and nothing would really change.

2) To me, the most appealing aspect to Ham Radio is the gaining of
knowledge. Learning the "in's and out's" of all that encompasses Ham Radio o
peration is the true fun, whether it is dx'ing, satellite, CW or whatever.
But, like building a boat in a bottle, or even doing a crossword puzzle, the
satisfaction comes in the steps taken to accomplish the task, not the end
result itself.

3) From all accounts that I have heard, the number of new Amateur licenses
issued has been declining for years. This would tell me that the best way to
save the hobby was to open new Hams with open arms, instead of clinging
white-knuckled to the past (packet radio, morse code etc.) look to the
future, and make it fun.

Thanks for letting me rant folks. Now for some questions.

1) Can anyone point me towards any resources to assist someone brand new to
the hobby? (Stuff like recommendations on the type of equipment to get for
the first time buyer)?

2) Also, any sources to purchase used equipment. I think I would rather buy
more functional used stuff, than new equipment that has less "bells and
whistles".

3) One more thing...I am looking for information on antennas that is geared
to the novice.

Thanks folks.

In article , scott5mi@cox-
internet.com says...

Hi folks.

Please allow me to give a "newbies" view on the current state of amateur
radio, and also ask a few questions.

snippety

I recently took my Technicians License exam and passed with a perfect score.
(I bring up the score just to indicate that I studied hard, and took the
exam seriously). I am now studying to take the 5wpm mores code test. I have
not yet purchased a radio, or even been "on the air". More on this is a
moment.

Congrats. Please keep up the good work. ;-)

But what disappoints me is the fact that I left this meeting knowing
absolutely no more than I did when I walked into the door. I had been led to
believe that one of the best ways for a new guy just becoming involved in
this hobby to get practical advice on things like your first purchase of
equipment, which bands are best for what, and the different applications of
amateur radio, was to join a club. Well, unfortunately, the majority of the
meeting I attended was, in my opinion, controlled by a group of 7 or 8 ham
"veterans" trying to impress one another with their technical knowledge.

Don't judge the entirety of amateur radio, or the entirety of
clubs, by the actions of a few jerks. What you describe is actually not
that uncommon. If the club president, or whoever is moderating the
meeting, is uncaring enough to just let such crap happen, then you may
want to think about finding another club.

The other thing you want to consider is that it's not so much what
you ask: It's how you ask it. Narrow your questions down as much as
possible before you ask them.

Also, I would give it a couple of meetings and see what happens
before you give up on your current club. I'm saying this because a local
club in my area (Puget Sound region) is just the opposite of what you
describe: Supportive, relaxed, friendly to newcomers.

1) The Amateur Radio Service is not an essential element in our society.

There are lots of police, fire, and public service agencies,
including the Red Cross and FEMA, that would argue that point with you
most vociferously. Even President Bush has directly recognized amateur
radio for its contributions to our society.

If amateur radio were not an 'essential' service, organizations
like RACES, ARES, and MARS would not exist.

Even in times of emergency, there is nothing you can do with a ham radio
that you can't do with an internet connection, fax machine, land line
telephone, or cell phone in similar circumstances.

I beg to disagree, and it is through direct experience. The Puget
Sound region suffered a strong earthquake in late February of 2000.
Within less than five minutes after the quake struck, cellphone
connections across the region were utterly jammed, landlines were iffy
at best, and no one was allowed into most of the buildings on the Boeing
campus to even GET to the Internet-connected computers.

What was it that stayed up and usable during the entire period of
the quake, and after the quake? You guessed it. Amateur radio repeaters.
Much of the traffic I heard during that time was most interesting
indeed.

like golf, gardening, bird watching, or any other hobby, it could cease to
exist tomorrow, and nothing would really change.

If that is truly your belief, why did you even bother to get your
license?

Amateur radio, like Life itself, is a mirror. It will give back to
you exactly what YOU put into it.

2) To me, the most appealing aspect to Ham Radio is the gaining of
knowledge. Learning the "in's and out's" of all that encompasses Ham Radio o
peration is the true fun, whether it is dx'ing, satellite, CW or whatever.
But, like building a boat in a bottle, or even doing a crossword puzzle, the
satisfaction comes in the steps taken to accomplish the task, not the end
result itself.

I disagree there as well. The end result is part of the appeal.
What you get into is a state where you do something one way, observe the
end result, and then try to improve on that result. That's what
tinkering and experimentation are all about.

3) From all accounts that I have heard, the number of new Amateur licenses
issued has been declining for years. This would tell me that the best way to
save the hobby was to open new Hams with open arms, instead of clinging
white-knuckled to the past (packet radio, morse code etc.) look to the
future, and make it fun.

You need to take another look at the definition of the Amateur
Radio SERVICE in Part 97, FCC regs.

Thanks for letting me rant folks. Now for some questions.

1) Can anyone point me towards any resources to assist someone brand new to
the hobby? (Stuff like recommendations on the type of equipment to get for
the first time buyer)?

The problem you're facing is that asking that question, in exactly
the way you ask it above, is like asking someone "Should I buy a car or
motorcycle, and what type should it be?"

Can you see how broad that is? You need to be more specific with
what, exactly, you want to do and what modes you're interested in
operating. Are you interested mainly in VHF/UHF? Perhaps in HF down the
road a bit? How much do you want to spend? What features are important
to you? Mobile, base, or portable?

2) Also, any sources to purchase used equipment. I think I would rather buy
more functional used stuff, than new equipment that has less "bells and
whistles".

gryn You and I are of a similar mind on at least one thing, I
see. That I can help with! The best possible place to pick up used
goodies is ham radio swap meets, often a part of hamfests. You can find
a listing of upcoming events at http://www.arrl.org

You should also ask around at your next club meeting, especially
among the 'tinkerers' in the club. They're likely to know a lot of
sources for getting hold of equipment and parts.

If you'd like some guidelines on scrounging, you can check my
site: http://www.bluefeathertech.com/technoid/swapadvice.html

3) One more thing...I am looking for information on antennas that is geared
to the novice.

Again, far too broad a question. Are you looking for something
that's just plain simple to put up and use, or do you want something
that's going to help you grab some decent DX? How much space do you have
available? How much can you spend?

Happy hunting.

73 de KC7GR

--
Dr. Anton Squeegee, Director, Dutch Surrealist Plumbing Institute
(Known to some as Bruce Lane, KC7GR)
kyrrin a/t bluefeathertech d-o=t c&o&m
Motorola Radio Programming & Service Available -
http://www.bluefeathertech.com/rf.html
"Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (Red Green)

"Scott" wrote in message
...
Hi folks.

Please allow me to give a "newbies" view on the current state of amateur
radio, and also ask a few questions.

I have also joined a local radio club, whose first meeting I attended last
night. This club owns and maintains the local 2m repeater, and even though
it is an open repeater, if nothing else, I feel as though by joining, I am
helping to support a service which I plan on eventually using.

Well, you're doing the right thing, but realize in the real world this will
be
more 'social' than technical.

But what disappoints me is the fact that I left this meeting knowing
absolutely no more than I did when I walked into the door. I had been led
to
believe that one of the best ways for a new guy just becoming involved in
this hobby to get practical advice on things like your first purchase of
equipment, which bands are best for what, and the different applications
of
amateur radio, was to join a club. Well, unfortunately, the majority of
the
meeting I attended was, in my opinion, controlled by a group of 7 or 8
ham
"veterans" trying to impress one another with their technical knowledge.

Yep, real world. And God help you if you ever point out one of these
guys mistakes! Even if you ask a question that may lead to showing
they made a mistake!!

But fortunately, these guys, while a very visible marker at the clubs, are
NOT 100% of the clubs. You'll still meet other friendly people, I'm
sure, just give it a chance. And you'll probably find that there are a
LOT of technical resource people who DON'T have to show off and
be 'brain proud' for the masses. People who can REALLY answer
questions, not blast their way through. But you'll have to learn to
be a bit more of an 'operator' at the club to find these people.

Just like operating. Don't be an alligator. Big mouth, little ears. Learn
to tread carefully around the alligators, and spot the real resource
people. Do lots of receiving, THEN transmit. In the club, do lots
of listening and observing, then find the people who you can ask.

Occasionally one of the mouths will have an answer, and by all means,
use the resource. But don't fall into the trap of thinking that because
he had one answer, he has them all. Or worse, the trap that because
he can answer a few questions, he can control all. I'm not saying
be disrespectful, but if you are cynical, keep it too yourself, and you'll
get along fine with 90% of the people there.

Mike

"Scott" wrote in message
...
Hi folks.

Please allow me to give a "newbies" view on the current state of amateur
radio, and also ask a few questions.

I recently took my Technicians License exam and passed with a perfect
score.
(I bring up the score just to indicate that I studied hard, and took the
exam seriously). I am now studying to take the 5wpm mores code test. I
have
not yet purchased a radio, or even been "on the air". More on this is a
moment.

I have also joined a local radio club, whose first meeting I attended last
night. This club owns and maintains the local 2m repeater, and even though
it is an open repeater, if nothing else, I feel as though by joining, I am
helping to support a service which I plan on eventually using.


Great that is what we should all do. Afterall the club is paying the
freight to keep it operational.

But what disappoints me is the fact that I left this meeting knowing
absolutely no more than I did when I walked into the door. I had been led
to
believe that one of the best ways for a new guy just becoming involved in
this hobby to get practical advice on things like your first purchase of
equipment, which bands are best for what, and the different applications
of
amateur radio, was to join a club. Well, unfortunately, the majority of
the
meeting I attended was, in my opinion, controlled by a group of 7 or 8
ham
"veterans" trying to impress one another with their technical knowledge.


It takes a while before you actually "merge" into a new group. They may or
may not have been trying to impress each other. It is actually more likely
that they were trying to come up with the answer to a problem by all
bringing up their own experience and knowledge. However to a newbie this
can sound like bragging.

You might try introducing yourself to someone who seems both knowledgeable
and approachable. Tell them you are new and ask if they know someone who
can advise you. i.e. Circulate before the meeting, during the break (if
there is one) and after the meeting if people stick around. Come early
enough to help with set up and/or stay late enough to help with tear down.
This way you'll get to know people more quickly.


So, I guess what I would like to do here is give my views on what I have
seen so far, and invite anyone who is more informed on these matters to
correct me.

1) The Amateur Radio Service is not an essential element in our society.
Even in times of emergency, there is nothing you can do with a ham radio
that you can't do with an internet connection, fax machine, land line
telephone, or cell phone in similar circumstances. Ham Radio is a hobby,
and
like golf, gardening, bird watching, or any other hobby, it could cease to
exist tomorrow, and nothing would really change.


Not so.

Ask the emergency personnel who worked the 9/11 disaster. Phone service was
spotty and unreliable. It sometimes took an hour for a cell phone or phone
call to get through. This affected fax, internet, land line and cell phone.

Ask the Red Cross and FEMA after any hurricane. There is often no
communications in or out of the disaster area except for HF and most of it
is done by hams.

2) To me, the most appealing aspect to Ham Radio is the gaining of
knowledge. Learning the "in's and out's" of all that encompasses Ham Radio
o
peration is the true fun, whether it is dx'ing, satellite, CW or whatever.
But, like building a boat in a bottle, or even doing a crossword puzzle,
the
satisfaction comes in the steps taken to accomplish the task, not the end
result itself.


This varies from person to person. For some it is the learning of the in's
and out's as you say. For others, their satisfaction comes from actual
operating, participating in public service and so on.

3) From all accounts that I have heard, the number of new Amateur licenses
issued has been declining for years. This would tell me that the best way
to
save the hobby was to open new Hams with open arms, instead of clinging
white-knuckled to the past (packet radio, morse code etc.) look to the
future, and make it fun.


Incorrect. The number of new licenses and total hams has been on a steady
increase. Just check the various databases such as that of the FCC and
other sites. The actual numbers show an increase.

Thanks for letting me rant folks. Now for some questions.


That's OK, one learns by putting forth opinions whether they are right or
wrong from the discussion that is generated.

1) Can anyone point me towards any resources to assist someone brand new
to
the hobby? (Stuff like recommendations on the type of equipment to get for
the first time buyer)?


As indicated earlier, keep reaching out to the club members. However, there
are a number of good reviews at the ARRL website and it is worth joining
them just to have access to these reviews.

For HF equipment, stick to something that is new enough to have the WARC
bands (i.e. 10m, 12m, 30m). This would mean something not too much older
than 30years. In general, Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, and Ten-tec are all good.

For VHF equipment, Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, and Alinco are all good.

2) Also, any sources to purchase used equipment. I think I would rather
buy
more functional used stuff, than new equipment that has less "bells and
whistles".


This is where it really helps to have other hams to talk to. Really try to
reach out at the club meetings.

Also the reviews on the ARRL website have a lot of older radios covered too.

3) One more thing...I am looking for information on antennas that is
geared
to the novice.


The ARRL has a variety of publications that are easily understood by the
beginner. Simply go to their website and check out what they offer.

Thanks folks.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE

A heart felt thank you to all that replied.

I guess my opinion that "Amateur Radio Service is not an essential element
in our society" was incorrect. I appreciate all that took the time to show
me where I was wrong. I stand corrected.

Re-reading my origanal post, I seem to have come off as a bit of an idiot. I
think maybe I should have taken things a little slower.

And once again, thanks for the gerat advice.

"Scott" wrote in message
...
A heart felt thank you to all that replied.

I guess my opinion that "Amateur Radio Service is not an essential element
in our society" was incorrect. I appreciate all that took the time to show
me where I was wrong. I stand corrected.

Re-reading my origanal post, I seem to have come off as a bit of an idiot.
I
think maybe I should have taken things a little slower.

And once again, thanks for the gerat advice.



That's OK. Never be afraid to make mistakes or "look like an idiot". You
have to take such risks to learn things in the real world. That's not
limited to ham radio either.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE

Well here is how Amateur Radio served an island -- from The Amateur Radio
News Line.

RESCUE RADIO: NIUE DEVASTATION REPORTED BY HAM RADIO

From the rescue radio file, word that radio amateurs became a lifeline when
tropical cyclone Heta ripped through the tiny island republic of Niue two
weeks
ago. The storm left the tropical paradise with no regular means of
communicating with the outside world and summoning much needed relief aid.
Enter ham radio.

According to news reports, a radio operator on the island put out a a call
for
help which was answered by Steve McCully, W7TZ/ZF2CQ, in the California
community of Oak Hills. In fact, it was McCully who phoned the New Zealand
Consul General in Los Angeles and provided that government with its first
notification that Niue had been ravaged by 186 mile per hour winds.

NOTE: "The storm left the tropical paradise with no regular means of
communicating with the outside world and summoning much needed relief aid.
Enter ham radio."