Talk about anything else: your pets, your car, movies, celebrities, or other things you like. As a reminder, political and religious discussions do not belong in here, nor any other topics that may incite a heated debate! As always keep it clean, please.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I don't post often, but I read a lot. Back years ago when I was active on ham radio, I was not a rag chewer, but I sure listened a great deal - and learned from it.
The notion of tolerance and free speech sparked me however. I think that the Internet has been a boon toward free speech, and now especially with the proliferation of blogs. With free speech, there needs to be more attention to the feelings of the readers, and tolerance toward the views of others. In other words, there is a responsibility that goes with the privilege.
This forum is a fine example of good balance, good sense, and general intelligence.
When the spur of the moment stabs me in the rght place, I'll be back.
Hugs to all,
Willy
Hi Willy
From your post you stated you were a Ham, Are you not anymore.
I am but not very active as of late, I am as you are not much on talk but listen a lot.
Yes, I was active on ham radio for many years, and DXed all over the world. Now that I live in a condo, I had to ditch my 60ft tower. Two-meters is too much like the old CB to suit my taste. So I let my license lapse. I still maintain some friendships from those days, but now via email.
88
Willy
"There comes a time ... when you must grasp the bull by the tail and face the situation."
Ham radio not only uses (sometimes) the old Morse code, but it has its own jargon. "CQ" means "Hi, Any one there?", i.e. "I seek you" = CQ. Get it? "de" is as in French or Spanish: from.
This is the universal ham radio general call for anyone to answer.
Hi Missy,
My Morse code was never good. Just managed to pass for a general ticket. Worked sideband mostly 15 & 20 meters.
73
Willy
"There comes a time ... when you must grasp the bull by the tail and face the situation."
Hey Y'all,
I'm a ham too! (In more ways than one )
Sad to say I haven't been active since the lightning strike, though.
Like Gelinda said, I was more a listener than a talker, but I still miss it. One of these days I'll replace my gear and get back on the air. More pressing matters at the moment, like a new dress for St. Patrick's day!
73's,
Kyra
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. - Leonardo DaVinci
My dad was a ham operator in the 60's, and I used to watch him sometimes. He managed to get a technician license, I believe. He operated at 2 and 6 meters, but one of those was always interfering with channel 2 on all our neighbor's TV sets, so he didn't use that band unless it was late at night.
He had been off the air for years, but at age 90, he suddenly went out and bought some new equipment! He said that it was so much simpler to use, and I believe he talked about it using a 'repeater' feature.
Anyway, I can see him saying, "CQ, CQ..." Nice memories--thanks for the thread, Gelinda.
Just remembered--I spotted a CD getting out of her car several years ago, and she was going into the same big box store that I was. She had some experience under her heels, and it was great to see her there. (I never approached her--being read by another CD is no fun) As she drove away, I saw that she had a personalized ham plate "WA6XXX."
So she was keeping a high profile!
Kyra: If you want I can send you a spare rig I have. Do you listen to the 20 meter band thru 80 meter. If you want the 2 mtr I have a spare for that also. I do have a 6 meter that I am not using.
I am currently saving up for another dual band for my truck I have one in the car.
actually, those real tall ones are beyond of my capability to bring down, but something 50 ft or less or one of those telescoping or tilt ones would be great, unfortunately these seem to go for big bucks used.
Hi Gee,
Thanks for the offer, but I'm going to wait until we move. We're relocating to Colorado in June. I don't really want to set up a new rig just to take it down in a couple of months. I will set one up after we're all settled though. My dad's a ham and we're already making plans
Thanks again, and I'll keep it in mind.
Hugs and 73s,
Kyra
For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. - Leonardo DaVinci
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