The rich history of ham radio culture

Post by howard941 » Sun, Jul 28, 2024, 10:09 PM UTC

9659 wrote: post #56

howard941 wrote: post #50

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The advanced class had the same 13wpm code requirement as the general but added a difficult technical element to the exam suite. When I took it back at an FCC office I found it to be the hardest test of all.

Do you still have an Advanced class license? I think that Advanced class is the only license that is currently around (and able to be renewed) that required a code test. The Novice test was something else. 20 questions. 5 WPM code. I was thrilled when it came in the mail. 40 Meter CW, look out.

Post by hilbert42 » Sun, Jul 28, 2024, 10:11 PM UTC

howard941 wrote: post #48

hilbert42 wrote: post #43

It's very true ham radio has a very rich almost unique culture. I obtained my license many years ago whilst I was still at school and I've developed many friendships with those within the Amateur community, and despite me not having been on air for many years, many of those friendships forged in the days when I frequented the airwaves have endured to this day. In fact many have turned out to be more rock-solid and st…

Something about the hobby lends itself to forging lasting friendships, perhaps the reasons you've enumerated? The friends I made in high school and as an undergrad I've lost track of, all except for the hams - they remain, 40+ years on. Just yesterday one from high school texted me out of the blue with a snapshot of an old shared Heathkit 303/401 HF pair.

Post by giraffe_lady » Sun, Jul 28, 2024, 10:17 PM UTC

dghlsakjg wrote: post #57

h00dinberry wrote: post #53

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Ham radio is not pirate radio. Ham radio refers to government licensed amateurs (amateur simply meaning not paid) communicating on frequencies they are explicitly allowed to use. Hams very much don’t tolerate pirate radio. Pirate radio is unlicensed use of radio frequencies, sometimes commercial, sometimes political, sometimes amateur.

Post by bitfilped » Sun, Jul 28, 2024, 10:26 PM UTC

tkuraku wrote: post #24

CalRobert wrote: post #12

As the internet gets more balkanized, censored, and controlled by a few giant companies, it makes me think that it's time for a different hobby. Something that can be used to subvert censorship (remember the whole "interprets it as damage and routes around it" conceit?) and is more hobbyists and less corporate sounds appealing. Is Ham that hobby? I am genuinely asking. A few days ago a thread here had lots of people…

Anyone can use ham radio. Encryption is illegal on those bands though.

Post by tonymet » Sun, Jul 28, 2024, 10:35 PM UTC

stolenmerch wrote: post #30

I got my Technicians license about a year ago but have struggled to find much to do with it. I check into my local nets every once and a while, but the repeaters are nearly silent otherwise. The CW privileges are ok but hard to use. Seems you need a General to do all the cool stuff. Any other technicians here who have found a great use for the license?