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| -.-. --.- -.-. --.- (CQ CQ for the CW Illiterate) |
| Now that I have passed Element 4 and was awarded my Amateur Extra license, which arrived yesterday I have started to study Morse Code again. I already know the 26 letters, 10 numerals and 5 pro signs it becomes a matter learning to recognize them by ear rather than counting "dits" and "dahs" in order to make words. It is very interesting to read the different ways one can study Morse code in order to learn it. There is a wide variety of CW training programs available for free via the Internet. There are also some programs that require you to purchase their program in order to learn. I have run the gamut from the free, G4FON to Quick Code 2000 and a number of programs in between. Just take a look at the variety of code trainers listed on A6CV.com. As unfortunate as it sounds hams are divided into two groups the "know code" and the "no code." Both are Amateur Extra operators, but one group seems to be bitter when it comes to requiring code in order to achieve the Amateur Extra license. Thankfully, like any other digital mode, the decision to operate using CW falls upon the operator, not the FCC or anyone else. Morse code is no longer required in order to have access to all the ham bands. I made my decision years ago (1995 when licensed as a Technician) I wanted to learn CW. I bought the Gordon West tapes form Radio Shack and listened to them religiously, in order to learn code. It was not until I moved to NoCal, did I actually get involved more with ham radio and upgrade my license to a General in 2007 and Extra just last month. The code, well the code is still alive and kicking on many segments of the ham bands. There have been evenings I have not heard a voice on SSB or saw a signal on the waterfall using PSK31. But CW seems to as strong as ever as dedicated amateur, both new and old continue to use mode of communication. While the FCC does not require any further testing in order to be a "know code" Amateur Extra" the responsibility now lies on each operator and their decision to learn or pass on Morse code. I have chosen to learn and use the code. With any luck, I could be sending code from a keyer, bug or paddles by he middle of August. While the speed won't be there yet, I think I can master the old FCC requirement of 5-WPM in order to start. |
| Oswald on Friday 04 July 2008 - 20:29:46 | Read/Post Comment: 0 |
| Cleaner Signal |
| So my time on HF has been limited, but I have gained some good operating experience, as well as talked to some interesting hams. To date I have 67 QSOs (contacts for those not into amateur radio) and since we are still at the bottom of the solar cycle I have been trying to get the WAS on 20m and 40m. Recently I bought a CI-V cable from HRO and connected it to my Icom IC-718 in order for rig control. I had Ham Radio Deluxe already installed, but until now had issues configuring it. I loaded up the PSK31 program, checked over the settings and then made my first call on 14.070. To my amazement my signal looked like splatter [see image of splatter] taking up 200 khz and probably ruining a portion of the band for those near me. I know it frustrates me when I see others operating PSK31 and putting out a signal that is too loud and splatters the waterfall. I have tried to make a few contacts using Digipan again in order to get a visual report of my signal. So far, I have spoke to two operators who said the signal was clean. Hopefully I can get someone to screenshot my signal and e-mail it to me, as I am looking to clean it up more if need be. Then again, it could be Ham Radio Deluxe, I don't know. I have gone back over the instructions on setting up the RIGblaster Pro, making sure I am not overdriving the signal in to or out of the sound card. By my estimation everythings looks good on my end, which is why I am curious about how my signal really looks when on the waterfall. |
| Oswald on Wednesday 02 July 2008 - 21:48:37 | Read/Post Comment: 0 |
| Step Up Your Game |
| I remember a time about 7 months ago, when I would I hate coming to work. As I was told during training, "you just puke at the door and know you are going to get your ass kicked." And a majority of the time that was the case, so much so it caused added pressure and stress on an already strenuous on the job training program. Now, as we approach July, I have made great strides in my work ethic and performance. I am able to take on more responsibility, multi task as I once did at the airlines and be able to type and talk at the same time. But it has not been easy, as growing pains have taught valuable lessons, most of the time learning by my mistakes. Honestly, that has been the best way to learn, while causing the most problems, but it is all part of the job. Sunday was one of those days, where your 80 minute rotation came and went and you noticed you had worked the entire system nonstop the entire time. This has been some of the best training, on the job, without the added pressure and stress I had during training. No extra eyes watching and scrutinizing your every decision and Monday morning quarterbacking every task. As I was told, these are good days to work because you do have to "step your game" in order to keep up with the system or else it will eat you alive. While I was a step or two behind the system I was able to keep all my trains moving, but the amount of radio traffic was unbelievable. Trains in every part of the system making inquiries, requesting information or routes, reading back instructions. But I did a fine job and had the satisfaction of knowing I did a good job. Just four and a half more years and I think I will be settled in to the positions. LOL! |
| Oswald on Monday 30 June 2008 - 00:54:13 | Read/Post Comment: 0 |
| Pond scum? I think not! |
| In response to my post yesterday, Honesty. The Best Policy?, there surely is a double standard that exists in amateur radio. The YL operators are few and far between when compared to the testosterone laden male counterparts. Base on 2004 data the FCC database listed 847,809 hams, of which (13.60%) or 660,798 were female*. Like Echolink, ham radio forums are NOT amateur radio. So comments are taken with a grain of salt and not necessarily the best information. While I have not been around these ham radio forums long, I have many years of experience on forums and they all operate the same, with the same category of forum goers. For example, "People here are just pointing out the obvious, while at the same time poking a bit of fun at all the geeks who stumbled all over themselves trying to impress her. Talk about Smoooth!!! It wouldn't be so amusing if it wasn't for the fact that a good majority of the people being so helpful have a history of harshly berating new hams. Most wouldn't lift a finger to help a new ham who confessed to memorizing the question pool let alone drive anywhere to help them...I do recall a recent thread on this exact same subject and the consensus among the old farts seemed to be that people who memorized the question pool were nothing but pond scum." Well, I guess I am considered "pond scum" by fellow hams because I did memorize answers in order to pass the test. Nowhere is it written HOW to take the test and as long as you learn the answers, you can pass the exam. Of course since I can't copy Morse code at 20WPM, I am not a "know code" Extra but a "no code" Extra. Hmm, guess there is a difference. Since I have not gone through the same learn experiences as those OM operators I am some how a less ham radio operator. How that is, I just don't know. I jsut find it hilarious to see so many hams going out of their way to impress some new Extra, who happens to be female and is not berated for memorizing the answers, yet does not know how to transmit or connect a piece of wire to a PL-259. I honestly wish I had an elmer, 25 years ago if I had taken more of an interest in ham radio, I would have my father and a few of his friends who were always at my father's shack (QTH - Poway, CA). Yet, I can't look back and asking, "What if..." I must look forward and work to gain more knowledge and experience more in order to make myself a more complete Extra operator |
| Oswald on Sunday 22 June 2008 - 20:17:23 | Read/Post Comment: 0 |
| Honesty. The Best Policy? |
| I'll admit it. I don't pretend to know everything as it pertains to amateur radio. But when I upgraded to my General license I studied and took the time to LEARN what I was studying in preparation to gain access to the HF bands. I think this is what all General operators looked forward to. That was some years ago. When I have questions, I will do some legwork through books and periodicals, consult ham related web sites as well post questions on sites like eham.net and QRZ.com. Case in point was my Hustler 6BTV that was causing all sorts of SWR issues and for the life of me I could not figure out why. Regardless, after a lot of reading, talking to those more knowledgeable than I and tweaking the antenna now has excellent SWR on all bands. So just what I am I getting at? I'll leave the ugly details out, but questions like, "How do I transmit?" or comments like, "I understand it's odd that I've got an extra license but am pretty ignorant of quite basic things." If you have an Extra ticket and do not know the "basics" or "how to transmit" then I suggest you stop right there and learn. In defense of this individual, they are exerting an effort to learn, but these questions seem rather absurd. I know for a fact I did not get my General license, buy a rig, an antenna and then post on some ham forum asking, "Okay, what do I do next?" As they say, common sense is not so common. How about READ A MANUAL! It took me a few weeks to make a QSO. To date I have not made any SSB QSOs, they have all been using PSK31, regardless I knew some basics and was able to get my first station setup and running in order to enjoy this hobby. So what makes this individual different than myself asking these same questions? Well this "Extra" happens to be a YL (female, YL meaning young lady). I think a fellow ham sums it up best, "I too am amused at the "patience" being shown here. Many of these "helpful hams" would, under other circumstances, be ridiculing a new Extra who would dare ask such fundamental questions." I'll end my little rant with this, if you don't know the basics there is a good chance you can be injured (burned by RF), possibly severely by your radio equipment. You could potentially burn you your rig, which would required more in repair or replacement costs. So don't let that ignorance get the best of you just because you want to get on the air. Take your time, do it right and above all BE SAFE. |
| Oswald on Saturday 21 June 2008 - 21:18:51 | Read/Post Comment: 0 |
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