Quote - "Then those aren't what we call "real hams". I don't think I know of an AM Radio Operator that would be caught *dead* running a store-bought dipole antenna. Them folks are no more than an appliance operator."
In today's world of amateur radio, what does the phrase "real hams" really mean? If, you're comparing hams of today with hams of 40 or 50 years ago, there are major differences in their outlook and perception of what ham radio is to them. It doesn't make them less of a "real ham" because they choose to use a modern appliance-type radio. They're interested in operating and using the mode and probably have less interest in what generates it. Up in the Northeast there are a number of hams who currently use modern (Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu) radios as their main source of AM operating. Some of these guys have been on AM as short 2 years, whereas others have been active for over 40 years. Many AM'ers are now choosing the ease, flexibility, and overall superiority of a modern rig versus the constant smell and diddling of a 50 year or older radio. Doesn't make them less of a "real ham". As far as store-bought antennas, AM amateurs with restricted space, yards with one tree 5 foot tall, apartments, condos, etc. sometimes have to resort to commercially made short or trap type antennas in order to get on the air at all. Appliance operator doesn't fit here either. Heck, I run AM most of the time either with a Icom 756 PRO II, Kenwood Twins, C.E. 100V, Apache, and, on rare occasions, several Johnson rigs. The smell and diddle has started to waned for me. It just doesn't drive my interest as much today. Pete, wa2cwa On Wed, 22 Dec 2004 06:44:29 -0600 "Geoff/W5OMR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > > > The reasons, as > > mentioned earlier, antenna is cut for 3885, have no VFO, have only > 1 > > crystal, SSB'ers will get mad at me, transmitter is only tuned for > 3885, > > etc., etc. always seem to be the answers. > > Then those aren't what we call "real hams". I don't think I know of > an > AM Radio Operator that would be caught *dead* running a > store-bought > dipole antenna. Them folks are no more than an appliance operator. > > I can't fathom anyone giving credence to an argument of "my dipole > is > only cut for 3.885", and no AM'er worth his salt, CARES whether or > not > the SSB'ers are mad at him! TRANSMITTER is only tuned for 3885? > > C'mon, Pete... yer making my teeth itch! ;-) > > > Anyway, this past Sunday, listening on 75 in the late afternoon, > at one > > point there were AM QSO's on 3810, 3825, 3837(AWA net meets around > here), > > 3852, 3860, 3875, and 3885. Most weekends, at least here in the > > Northeast, a number of AM'ers have at least found the VFO knob, > and have > > moved to other parts of the band. I'm willing to bet, at least > here in > > the Northeast/middle Atlantic area, there will more of this type > > spreading out throughout the holiday week. > > And, that's a GOOD thing! :-) > > Merry CHRISTmas! > > 73 = Best Regards, > -Geoff/W5OMR
