Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
Sorry: Nonsense. The ability to talk via ham radio overseas, Norway. etc., is indeed unique when you can consider that no hardware corporate, nor any other, infrastructure is necessary to achieve the task. Shut down the cell-phone infrastructure and/or the Internet and communications stops. Ham radio communications cannot be shut down without broad spectrum high power jamming. Ham radio communications would continue. And that, may I suggest, is what makes ham radio so special. I don't need anything other than the ether between my rig and the other guy/gal. Jozef WB2MIC Cathy James wrote: W2AGN wrote: The term Ham Radio has been used at least for 75 years, possibly more. Most of us old-timers are proud to be Hams. But then, we took real exams and even, back in the olden days, had to pass a Morse Code test. (After walking barefoot in the snow 5 miles to the FCC examiner, of course). Perhaps the term Ham Radio has become outmoded, with the new trends in Amateur Radio, no more code test, memorized exams, etc. So maybe we should repackage ourselves. I know! Why don't we call it Citizen's Band? (CB for short). John, I know you are using some irony here (barefoot in the snow...), and I don't offend easily, but I have to same that we new hams (first licensed 1991 in my case) get a little tired of the endless litany of you young whippersnippers ain't as good as us that is often heard from old-timers on the Net. (Interesting, I don't think I've ever heard it in person or on the air. I don't use 75 meters, and it doesn't seem to be common on other bands.) I mean, c'mon, I have an engineering degree (albeit not EE), an Extra, routinely ragchew at 16-18 wpm CW, my shack is full of kits I've built, I build complex antennas from scratch (two Moxons so far), and I'm studying RF theory as time permits in hope of eventually designing and building my own rigs. Yet there is a group of hams that will never consider me their equal because I didn't take the same exam they did in front of an FCC examiner and never passed a CW test higher than 5 wpm. Give it a rest! NZ0R wrote: In terms of its reputation and usefulness, ham radio seems stuck in the 50's to me. Technology-wise it's pretty up-to-date but for the most part it's a quaint throwback to simpler times. The name ham may be odd and embarrassing, but people do know what it means. Craig, I fully agree that in many ways ham radio is stuck in the 1950's. I'm not quite sure why or what to do about it. The world has changed, the culture has changed, and we have to change with it or we will disappear. Certainly the ability to talk to someone in Norway or New Zealand is no longer unique with the rise of the Internet, and cellphones have replaced some of the uses of HT's and other VHF operations. We need to focus on the things that can't be done in consumer-land, such as building and tinkering with hardware and software, experimenting at the edge of today's knowledge, and providing emergency services. N5IB wrote: Our Louisiana call letter plates have the legend Ham Operator. Very interesting! I've lived in many states and traveled through most, and the vast majority use Amateur Radio on their license plates. Cathy N5WVR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
Cathy James wrote: W2AGN wrote: The term Ham Radio has been used at least for 75 years, possibly more. Most of us old-timers are proud to be Hams. But then, we took real exams and even, back in the olden days, had to pass a Morse Code test. (After walking barefoot in the snow 5 miles to the FCC examiner, of course). Perhaps the term Ham Radio has become outmoded, with the new trends in Amateur Radio, no more code test, memorized exams, etc. So maybe we should repackage ourselves. I know! Why don't we call it Citizen's Band? (CB for short). John, I know you are using some irony here (barefoot in the snow...), and I don't offend easily, but I have to same that we new hams (first licensed 1991 in my case) get a little tired of the endless litany of you young whippersnippers ain't as good as us that is often heard from old-timers on the Net. (Interesting, I don't think I've ever heard it in person or on the air. I don't use 75 meters, and it doesn't seem to be common on other bands.) I always find it interesting that new Hams are so defensive. Whenever anything favorable is mentioned about the good old days they immediate spring to the counter-attack. I believe a good analyst would find symptoms of low self-esteem in this. As for your operating and building skills, congratulations. You obviously chose to go beyond the memorization of simple questions, and improved your knowledge and skills. I fear you are an exception. For every one truly motivated Ham such as yourself, there are another 10, of whom at least 5 never get beyond the Handi-talky on the belt stage, and 5 drop out altogether, after finding that they were woefully ill-equipped by the memorization of the exam questions. But, you say, we need MORE HAMS. As the ARRL preaches from the Holy City in Connecticut, bring in MORE HAMS! Well, this old-timer saith unto ye, we need BETTER HAMS, not MORE HAMS. BTW, the term is whippersnappers. --- _____ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ John L. Sielke ( W )( 2 )( A )( G )( N ) http://w2agn.net \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ http://www.blurty.com/users/w2agn check out: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QRPariahs/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
Jozef, For what it is worth, the lone term ham should be used carefully in my opinion. It is also used in theater and other efforts of endeavor, and in some cases, it is not always viewed in a positive light. I am always careful to use the words Ham Radio together except in cases where I am discussing withe another amateur or someone who is quite familiar with the hobby. 73, Don W3FPR Jozef Hand-Boniakowski wrote: I always remember wanting to be a Ham. I have now been a ham for 43 plus years having acquired WN2MIC in 1963. It is a respectful term as well as one of endearment, in my opinion. If the public at large is unfamiliar with or find the term ham as odd or unusual, then I suggest an opportunity has opened to educate them. Jozef WB2MIC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
On Sat, 23 Jun 2007 09:52:44 -0500, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: To that end, the magnetic signs we are making to put on vehicles when we are doing public service communications at events will read - (with BRARC Club and ARRL logos) Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club HAM RADIO COMMUNICATIONS - With all due respect, I would replace that last line with: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS TEAM My two electrons. -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 Member, Washington County, OR Emergency Communications Team for ARES/RACES and HEARTNET ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
On Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:26:20 -0700, Fred Jensen wrote: Then somewhere along the way, some fairly dim bulb threw away our brand name and renamed us the First Combat Communications Group. Go ahead ... make a cool nickname out of that one :-( The ComComms. Why not? g -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: So Ken hates the word Ham when used to describe us, well, hams. ME TOO! 1. As a adjective to RADIO, it adds no meaning except to other hams 2. To the uninitiated, is sounds rather silly (at best) 3. It does not convey the technical nor operating skill levels required/achieved 4. Zero offense to Elecraft, but I can only imagine what hands-on ham radio conveys to a non-ham. LOL For me, I'd rather be called a short wave radio operator, even though I operate on frequencies outside the short waves. At least short wave is a term many folks (but probably not kids) understand. Then again, I'm sure kids today would get a good laugh (and not much more) from the phrase ham radio. Maybe us hams need a campaign to repackage ourself in terms of the public. de Doug KR2Q The term Ham Radio has been used at least for 75 years, possibly more. Most of us old-timers are proud to be Hams. But then, we took real exams and even, back in the olden days, had to pass a Morse Code test. (After walking barefoot in the snow 5 miles to the FCC examiner, of course). Perhaps the term Ham Radio has become outmoded, with the new trends in Amateur Radio, no more code test, memorized exams, etc. So maybe we should repackage ourselves. I know! Why don't we call it Citizen's Band? (CB for short). --- _____ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ John L. Sielke ( W )( 2 )( A )( G )( N ) http://w2agn.net \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ \_/ http://www.blurty.com/users/w2agn check out: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QRPariahs/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
So Ken hates the word Ham when used to describe us, well, hams. ME TOO! It fits with the old-fashioned-ness of the hobby. The other embarrassing word we use is Elmer to refer to a mentor. In terms of its reputation and usefulness, ham radio seems stuck in the 50's to me. Technology-wise it's pretty up-to-date but for the most part it's a quaint throwback to simpler times. The name ham may be odd and embarrassing, but people do know what it means. Craig NZ0R ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
I'll offer a comment here... I beleive that the phrase ham radio operators carries more recognition with the public than amateur radio operators. At least here along the hurricane coast if you tell someone your hobby is amatuer radio you might get a quizzical look, but if you say you're a ham operator they tend to perk up and say somethig like Oh, like the guys who helped out after Katrina? The news media usually refers to reports via ham radio operators and similar words. Our Louisiana call letter plates have the legend Ham Operator. To that end, the magnetic signs we are making to put on vehicles when we are doing public service communications at events will read - (with BRARC Club and ARRL logos) Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club HAM RADIO COMMUNICATIONS - 73, Jim, N5IB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
On 6/23/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'll offer a comment here... I beleive that the phrase ham radio operators carries more recognition with the public than amateur radio operators. At least here along the hurricane coast if you tell someone your hobby is amatuer radio you might get a quizzical look, but if you say you're a ham operator they tend to perk up and say somethig like Oh, like the guys who helped out after Katrina? The news media usually refers to reports via ham radio operators and similar words. Our Louisiana call letter plates have the legend Ham Operator. I'm with you on this. When you have a recognizable brand name you don't throw it away, and ham radio means more to most people than any new name you might make up. Amateur tends to imply incompetence to most people. There is far more to the hobby than people operating radios and not being paid. -- Julian, G4ILO G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com K2 s/n: 392 K3 s/n: ??? www.Ham-Directory.com: the best ham resources on the net ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
I always remember wanting to be a Ham. I have now been a ham for 43 plus years having acquired WN2MIC in 1963. It is a respectful term as well as one of endearment, in my opinion. If the public at large is unfamiliar with or find the term ham as odd or unusual, then I suggest an opportunity has opened to educate them. Jozef WB2MIC [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'll offer a comment here... I beleive that the phrase ham radio operators carries more recognition with the public than amateur radio operators. At least here along the hurricane coast if you tell someone your hobby is amatuer radio you might get a quizzical look, but if you say you're a ham operator they tend to perk up and say somethig like Oh, like the guys who helped out after Katrina? The news media usually refers to reports via ham radio operators and similar words. Our Louisiana call letter plates have the legend Ham Operator. To that end, the magnetic signs we are making to put on vehicles when we are doing public service communications at events will read - (with BRARC Club and ARRL logos) Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club HAM RADIO COMMUNICATIONS - 73, Jim, N5IB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
I don't mind the term, Ham. What I really hate is Amateur Radio operator. Many Radio Amateurs are much more than mere operators - designers, builders, elmers, experimenters and so on. Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962 -- ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
Hard to say which name carries the most negative implications to the public ... ham or amateur - but I'd expect ham is the most negative. Yes -WE- think of ham fondly, but to someone who knows little or nothing about the hobby it means something less than good. Perhaps the best we can do is Ham radio operator, but NEVER Ham operator! 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
I agree Jim, Even as recently as 2003 when Walter Cronkite hosted the video Amateur Radio Today he refers to radio amateurs as HAMS. Just part of a long established lexicon. By the way, it's a pretty good video too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z9136_Nhh4mode=relatedsearch= 73, Frank - W6NEK - (A HAM since 1959) - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, June 23, 2007 7:52 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham I'll offer a comment here... I beleive that the phrase ham radio operators carries more recognition with the public than amateur radio operators. At least here along the hurricane coast if you tell someone your hobby is amatuer radio you might get a quizzical look, but if you say you're a ham operator they tend to perk up and say somethig like Oh, like the guys who helped out after Katrina? The news media usually refers to reports via ham radio operators and similar words. Our Louisiana call letter plates have the legend Ham Operator. To that end, the magnetic signs we are making to put on vehicles when we are doing public service communications at events will read - (with BRARC Club and ARRL logos) Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club HAM RADIO COMMUNICATIONS - 73, Jim, N5IB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Hate the word ham
Julian G4ILO wrote: I'm with you on this. When you have a recognizable brand name you don't throw it away, and ham radio means more to most people than any new name you might make up. During the US adventure in SE Asia, I served in the First Mobile Communications Group. We had communications teams all over Vietnam, Laos, and some in Thailand, and we were well known by all the services as The MOB and Mobsters. Probably the coolest nickname for a military unit I've ever heard. Much like Ham, it got people's attention, and since we were so good at providing combat communications, it helped endear us to those units we often had to rely on for shelter, food, water, fuel, mail, and sometimes ammunition.It was neat to be so well known and liked. Then somewhere along the way, some fairly dim bulb threw away our brand name and renamed us the First Combat Communications Group. Go ahead ... make a cool nickname out of that one :-( 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2007 CQP Oct 6-7 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
