Don't Act Like an Amateur Band

pfffft... what do they know? 

I don't have to Act like an Amateur.

I Am one.

musicman100


I work the Amateur Bands  All the time

Amen brother. 6, 2 and 432 weather permitting. Pole pig across the street messes with my 10 meter setup.

Guitarhacker

musicman100


I work the Amateur Bands  All the time

I was working towards getting into that hobby at one time many years ago. I had the theory and math side well under control. My problem was that carnfounded morse code. I could send OK but incoming? not a chance.  
I took a class on AR, and after correcting the teacher (in a kindly manner) several times on his math and theory, he asked me if I wanted to teach the class. He did this after class and since he was serious, I did teach the theory/math part of the class for him. 


I later worked for a guy who is a friend to this day, who was into this hobby in a large way. He had dedicated a bedroom in his house to his Ham Shack. He estimated at the time (25+ years ago) to have around $30k invested in radio gear. Another guy I know works with Alltel cellular as their manager in the R&D lab locally, is also into Ham Radio..... he builds his own stuff and has quite the "home lab" in which to conduct his hobby. 


Me.... I stuck to music. 

The code has not been required in the US for a ham license for over 2 decades now. Originally it was for Technician Class only (which is 10 meter phone and everything from 6m and up to daylight) and in later years no code is required for any class of ham license in the US. Several countries have also all but dropped the code as a requirement as well. Interestingly the number of ops who use code has not dropped but risen. The code kept me out for a long time until 1991 when I first got licensed as a Tech - I love vhf and above work. And I'm as technically knowledgeable as anyone out there (EE) so like you the theory and math was a walk in the park.


Then I got fascinated with collecting code keys and started to really learn the code. Have close to 18 different keys - some bugs, some straight keys, etc. Even have a couple of the old Morse sounder the railroads used years back.


There are a bunch of hams working in the entertainment industry. I know ABC out of New York used to have a bunch of hams on staff.

Sometimes I just turn the rig on and listen to the code on the bands. Well-sent code sounds like music. Morse at 30 wpm (word per minute) and above is something to behold.