If you are thinking about becoming an amateur radio operator, or ham, and I really hope you do, then I would recommend that you find an Elmer. For some reason this name is used by hams to refer to a ham who is willing to devote his time and knowledge to a novice or beginner in the hobby. These “Elmers” are generally older hams, both in experience and probably in age, and have a wealth of useful skills and experiences they are more than happy to share. As you will discover, hams are a very friendly and receptive group of people and really do want you to join them and have fun.
My Elmer has been, and still is, invaluable to me every time I take another step in furthering my ham experience. He guides me in picking the proper equipment and even loans me some of his equipment for testing. He told me how to build a very inexpensive two meter antenna out of a short piece of copper pipe. I call him almost every day and he is always willing to help and listen.
Once again, I encourage you to find out about your nearest ham club and attend some of their meetings. The room will be full of Elmers and soon you may have more than one. Take full advantage of all they offer you. Then, when you finally get your license and get on the air, you will have someone to brag to, and he, also, will be proud.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
About Me
- Jack Stahl
- One of the wonderful aspects of using Morse code as a communications mode is that it is very indifferent as to the operator’s age. A good fist (one who sends well) can be ten years old or one hundred. I say this is wonderful because I am happily enjoying my sixty ninth year. I am new to the hobby of amateur radio, however, since I passed my technician test in September of 2006 and was awarded the license and call sign of KD8EJY by the FCC. I then passed my General exam in November and was granted my vanity call sign request of K8ASA by the FCC Although I am new to the amateur radio hobby, I am not new to Morse code. The ASA in my call sign refers to the Army Security Agency who sent me to a special school in 1956 to become efficient in Morse code. I was sent to Ethiopia for two years to give the army the benefit of my new skill. While back in those days my knowledge of Morse code was beneficial to our national security, 51 years later it now brings me pure pleasure. There has been a hiatus of fifty years between my army discharge and my becoming a ham and I do truly regret the fact that I missed out on all those years of enjoyment with the amateur radio hobby.
0 comments:
Post a Comment