Getting closer!

[K9CCH]

4 sections left to study before Aug. 13th!

9995

[W4GPL]

Wait.. you're not a General yet?

I'm sorry, I thought we were speaking to a real ham. My mistake! :snooty:

;) Good luck dude!

[NA4BH]

No General? OMG !!!!

[K9CCH]

Heck no! I just passed my Tech exam on 06/08/2013, and my call was issued 06/19/2013. My vanity was just issued 07/09/2013.

[K7SGJ]

I told you we'd be beating you up on other issues.:stirpot:

[NA4BH]

I told you we'd be beating you up on other issues.:stirpot:

You did try to tell him

[NQ6U]

He's merely a [shudder] technician?? I can't believe I actually talked to the guy...

[K9CCH]

I told you we'd be beating you up on other issues.:stirpot:


Dude seriously. I'm the only gay man working around 20 something straight cops.... do you think there's ANYTHING I haven't heard yet??? LOL

[NA4BH]

Have you heard the sounds of a frozen turkey going through the blades of a 777 at full rev?

[VE7DCW]

A test to become general........ thought you had to make Colonel first! ( sawry...... please excuse a Canadian joke..... the pope's rebuttal will be along shortly i'm sure :rofl:)

[K9CCH]

Have you heard the sounds of a frozen turkey going through the blades of a 777 at full rev?


I'm scared to answer that, and when I'm scared to answer something, I usually just drop tones and they all take off running. I don't suppose tones will work for you will they?

[K7SGJ]

A test to become general........ thought you had to make Colonel first! ( sawry...... please excuse a Canadian joke..... the pope's rebuttal will be along shortly i'm sure :rofl:)

I think he's out back with his gourd. Working on the chipper, and having some bacon and syrup, eh?

[NA4BH]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2OS2pwrZTI

[NA4BH]

I think he's out back with his gourd. Working on the chipper, and having some bacon and syrup, eh?


I think he has a different name for it. Something like gomulufuck or something like that. I think it was Peruvian or something like that.

[NQ6U]

A test to become general........ thought you had to make Colonel first! ( sawry...... please excuse a Canadian joke..... the pope's rebuttal will be along shortly i'm sure :rofl:)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHzh0PvMWTI

[K9CCH]

Well then..... I can check that right off my list. LOL

[K9CCH]

Birds into a jet engine? Stealing canoli?

Did I miss a dose of 'medication' or something? Please have the nurse come back around.

[NA4BH]

Birds into a jet engine? Stealing canoli?

Did I miss a dose of 'medication' or something? Please have the nurse come back around.

Were you not at the window at 9pm?

[NQ6U]

We drink a lot around here.










(Actually, I'm stone cold sober but still weirder than most people when they're drunk)

[K9CCH]

Were you not at the window at 9pm?


No. I got stuck looking at WH2HAO's bubba.

[VE7DCW]

Birds into a jet engine? Stealing canoli?

Did I miss a dose of 'medication' or something? Please have the nurse come back around.

That's how things go here......it's an Island thing! :rofl:

[NA4BH]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj5k6toS7i8

[suddenseer]

A TECH??? we won't hold that against you. I was married to a Technician at one time, a 'no-coder' at that.

[K7SGJ]

That's how things go here......it's an Island thing! :rofl:

And usually after nightfall.

[K9CCH]

A TECH??? we won't hold that against you. I was married to a Technician at one time, a 'no-coder' at that.


After I pass my general, my next goal is to learn code.

[K7SGJ]

After I pass my general, my next goal is to learn code.

You'll also want to learn the super secret handsake, too. Da Pope can help you with that. Oh, if he accidently drops somethw, dont try to bend over to pick it up. Wait until both hands are free. You WILL need both hands to cover yourself.

[NQ6U]

After I pass my general, my next goal is to learn code.

—•—— ——— ••— / —— • •— —• / — •••• ——— ••• • / •— —• —• ——— —•—— •• •— ——• / —••• • • •——• •• —• ——• / ••• ——— ••— —• —•• ••• ••——••

[suddenseer]

After I pass my general, my next goal is to learn code.Code was a requirement at one tine. It certainly was not an effective nut job filter. After all, I passed the 20WPM.

[K9CCH]

—•—— ——— ••— / —— • •— —• / — •••• ——— ••• • / •— —• —• ——— —•—— •• •— ——• / —••• • • •——• •• —• ——• / ••• ——— ••— —• —•• ••• ••——••


um..... ahhh...... I'll go with "A"! Final answer.

[VE7DCW]

Code was a requirement at one tine. It certainly was not an effective nut job filter. After all, I passed the 20WPM.

Here in Canada when I got my Amateur Radio licence 27 years ago the code requirement was only 12 WPM.....it was then dropped to 5 WPM ......not much of a nut job filter......I got in ..... :mrgreen:

[NQ6U]

um..... ahhh...... I'll go with "A"! Final answer.

I'm so sorry, the grand prize was behind door number two. But we have a nice consolation prize for you:

http://img4-1.cookinglight.timeinc.net/i/2009/09/0909p172-cannoli-makeover-m.jpg?300:300

Never mind the gun.

[K9CCH]

I'ont know what the hell that is, but it looks damn good. Can I lose again???

[suddenseer]

Here in Canada when I got my Amateur Radio licence 27 years ago the code requirement was only 12 WPM.....it was then dropped to 5 WPM ......not much of a nut job filter......I got in ..... :mrgreen:Here south of the border, we had the 5wpm, 13wpm, 20wpm. Most hams did the 13wpm to have hf phone privileges. I never understood the getting faster at code to be able to talk. Backasswards to me.

[suddenseer]

I'ont know what the hell that is, but it looks damn good. Can I lose again???http://www.curiousinkling.com/~shirt/_model/take-the-cannoli.jpg

[WØTKX]

http://www.delish.com/cm/delish/images/KA/canoli-eating-contest-lg.jpg

[K9CCH]

I am having the WORST time trying to keep these straight...

-Add a RESISTOR in series to increase resistance.
-Add an INDUCTOR in series to increase inductance.
-Add a CAPACITOR in parallel to increase capacitance.
-20mh inductor in series with a 50mh inductor is 70mh's.
-20mf capacitor in series with 50mf capacitor is 14.3mf's.

There. Now that I've typed it, hopefully it will stick.

[WØTKX]

Wait'll ya get a load of reactance. :mrgreen:

[suddenseer]

ELI the ICE man

[K9CCH]

ELI the ICE man


essplain.

Use the big crayons.

[W7XF]

Birds into a jet engine? Stealing canoli?

Did I miss a dose of 'medication' or something? Please have the nurse come back around.
The Island nurse is on vacation this week... but the bartender will be by shortly.

[K9CCH]

ELI the ICE man


ah....

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/imgele/phas3.gif

[W7XF]

Chris.... if THREE gay boys right here on this fair Island can get their Extras.... YOU CAN TOO!!!!!!!

Gerry....step away from the back bacon, Cherry Blossom, and the butter tart....SLOWLY!

[KG4CGC]

Dude seriously. I'm the only gay man working around 20 something straight cops.... do you think there's ANYTHING I haven't heard yet??? LOL


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTCJ5hedcVA&list=RD04NOsGvs1FZDs

[K9CCH]

Oh I'll eventually get my Extra..... but that might have to wait until next year. I've got some learning to do first.

I need to find an elmer though.

[K9CCH]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTCJ5hedcVA&list=RD04NOsGvs1FZDs



I'd like to gouge my ears out with dull spoons now please....

[W7XF]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTCJ5hedcVA&list=RD04NOsGvs1FZDs

OMG I hear banjos...RUN!!!!!!

[N7YA]

I passed my first test with the FCC in 1983, took my 20 wpm at the nations first VE exam in Anchorage in 1984, aced it, passed my written years later (plus the 20 again) in 1997 in NV...but im not a real ham because i have a vanity call. Even though im the only one to ever have held it. :lol:

Nothing will ever make you valid in the eyes of old, angry white guys so dont even worry about it. Ham radio is weird, try to be weirder!

[K9CCH]

g'dammit!

I JUST typed this out too!!!

6: G5C11
What is the inductance of a 20 millihenry inductor in series with a 50 millihenry inductor?
http://aa9pw.com/wordpress/wp-content/images/blank.gifA. .07 millihenrys
http://aa9pw.com/wordpress/wp-content/images/ansbad.gifB. 14.3 millihenrys
http://aa9pw.com/wordpress/wp-content/images/answer_g.gif C. 70 millihenrys
http://aa9pw.com/wordpress/wp-content/images/blank.gifD. 1000 millihenrys

[suddenseer]

essplain.

Use the big crayons.That is about as big as they get. Basically, when the circuit swings inductive L the voltage E will lead the current I..(ELI)
When a circuit swings capacitive C The current I will lead the voltage E (ICE). Then you get those circuits that swing both ways.:mrgreen:

[suddenseer]

I passed my first test with the FCC in 1983, took my 20 wpm at the nations first VE exam in Anchorage in 1984, aced it, passed my written years later (plus the 20 again) in 1997 in NV...but im not a real ham because i have a vanity call. Even though im the only one to ever have held it. :lol:

Nothing will ever make you valid in the eyes of old, angry white guys so dont even worry about it. Ham radio is weird, try to be weirder!Some of them never got over the spark gap ban.:snicker:

[K9CCH]

I passed my first test with the FCC in 1983, took my 20 wpm at the nations first VE exam in Anchorage in 1984, aced it, passed my written years later (plus the 20 again) in 1997 in NV...but im not a real ham because i have a vanity call. Even though im the only one to ever have held it. :lol:

Nothing will ever make you valid in the eyes of old, angry white guys so dont even worry about it. Ham radio is weird, try to be weirder!



Well my call was issued right on down the line with the others and there was KF5WDR, KF5WDS (mine), AND KF5WDT. That was way to close to all the others, and in true Me fashion, I had to buck the system and step out of line.

[K9CCH]

Ok let me see if I'm understanding this correctly.

The question is:
Which of the following antenna types will be most effective for skip
communications on 40 meters during the day?

The answer is :
Horizontal dipoles placed between 1/8 and 1/4 wavelength above the ground.

And that got me to thinking, exactly how high is that... so I'm doing math at 3am in the morning. Bear with me.

If 40 meters is the length of the radio wave at 7.025 frequency, that equals about 1,574 inches or 131 feet.

I were to place an antenna 1/4 wavelength above the ground, it would be around 32.79 feet high. Right?

And if I wanted to put a 1/8 wave antenna on my roof, the antenna would need to be about 16' in length? Right?

Do I have this even remotely correct in its most basic form?

[Bubba]

Ok let me see if I'm understanding this correctly.

The question is:
Which of the following antenna types will be most effective for skip
communications on 40 meters during the day?

The answer is :
Horizontal dipoles placed between 1/8 and 1/4 wavelength above the ground.

And that got me to thinking, exactly how high is that... so I'm doing math at 3am in the morning. Bear with me.

If 40 meters is the length of the radio wave at 7.025 frequency, that equals about 1,574 inches or 131 feet.

I were to place an antenna 1/4 wavelength above the ground, it would be around 32.79 feet high. Right?

And if I wanted to put a 1/8 wave antenna on my roof, the antenna would need to be about 16' in length? Right?

Do I have this even remotely correct in its most basic form?

Just take 40 M X .25 = 10 M or about 32.8 ft. So you got it.

[N7YA]

Some of them never got over the spark gap ban.:snicker:



Ham radio is ruined!!!

[N7YA]

Well my call was issued right on down the line with the others and there was KF5WDR, KF5WDS (mine), AND KF5WDT. That was way to close to all the others, and in true Me fashion, I had to buck the system and step out of line.

REBEL! Traitor!! Take him away!


For what its worth, a lot easier on CW. When we move back home to 1-land in a few years, i will have to face the choice of either dumping this nifty, and very rare, 1x2 original call...or keeping it and signing "/1" all the time, which slows me down in a pileup. If i dump it, which i am not convinced i want to do, then i will come up with a VERY original, designer vanity call that proves i am not a real ham who got my ticket out of a cracker jack box....like WJ1JJJ/1/M/QRP...or something short like that.

[Bubba]

Do you want my honest advice ?

[NQ6U]

Wait'll ya get a load of reactance. :mrgreen:

Guaranteed headache.

[Bubba]

Oh I'll eventually get my Extra..... but that might have to wait until next year. I've got some learning to do first.

I need to find an elmer though.

I’ll be your elmer.

[K9CCH]

Do you want my honest advice ?



About what?

[WX7P]

REBEL! Traitor!! Take him away!


For what its worth, a lot easier on CW. When we move back home to 1-land in a few years, i will have to face the choice of either dumping this nifty, and very rare, 1x2 original call...or keeping it and signing "/1" all the time, which slows me down in a pileup. If i dump it, which i am not convinced i want to do, then i will come up with a VERY original, designer vanity call that proves i am not a real ham who got my ticket out of a cracker jack box....like WJ1JJJ/1/M/QRP...or something short like that.

Get rid of it when you move.

I dumped my 6 call when we knew we were moving here and if we would have settled in NV, I would have gotten a 7 call.

What you can do is monitor the vanityhq.com or ae7q.com sites and look for 1x2 first district calls when they become available and get one before you move if you want another 1x2 call. It may not happen the first shot (unlike Kevin with his W7XF hit) but if you keep trying you'll get one before you move back.

We're probably going to settle in the Reno area upon retirement, so I'm going to apply for my old 2x1 Seventh district call when the current holder dies (he's 80). I was the original holder (1989) of the call so I wouldn't have to wait the two year waiting period after he goes. No rush on him, we won't be moving back to the west for another 12-15 years anyway, I hope he lives a long and prosperous life.

[K7SGJ]

I passed my first test with the FCC in 1983, took my 20 wpm at the nations first VE exam in Anchorage in 1984, aced it, passed my written years later (plus the 20 again) in 1997 in NV...but im not a real ham because i have a vanity call. Even though im the only one to ever have held it. :lol:

Nothing will ever make you valid in the eyes of old, angry white guys so dont even worry about it. Ham radio is weird, try to be weirder!

The only reason you're not a real ham is that you live in LV.

[N7YA]

Get rid of it when you move.

I dumped my 6 call when we knew we were moving here and if we would have settled in NV, I would have gotten a 7 call.

What you can do is monitor the vanityhq.com or ae7q.com sites and look for 1x2 first district calls when they become available and get one before you move if you want another 1x2 call. It may not happen the first shot (unlike Kevin with his W7XF hit) but if you keep trying you'll get one before you move back.

We're probably going to settle in the Reno area upon retirement, so I'm going to apply for my old 2x1 Seventh district call when the current holder dies (he's 80). I was the original holder (1989) of the call so I wouldn't have to wait the two year waiting period after he goes. No rush on him, we won't be moving back to the west for another 12-15 years anyway, I hope he lives a long and prosperous life.


Yeah, ill probably dump it then. I can get a customized, weird 2x2 thats even faster on CW, but ill have to put some thought into the combo...pick something cool, fast with flow and nobody on earth would have thought of it before.


Wow! Wilse is 80...ive been a ham for 30 years, what a trip. The first DX i worked was from his old house in KL7 as a dumb kid...now im just a dumb adult.

[N7YA]

The only reason you're not a real ham is that you live in LV.


Thats for sure!

[K7SGJ]

Thats for sure!

You didn't let me finish (second time I've said that today).

However, just because you live in LV doesn't make you all bad. See, I have a heart. somewhere. Now I'm finished, with this, anyway.

[K9CCH]

You didn't let me finish (second time I've said that today).





OUTTA HAND!!! :hahano:

[K7SGJ]

OUTTA HAND!!! :hahano:

Well, yeah, I might have been alone when it happened, I'm just not confessing.

[K9CCH]

UN-UH!!! LOL LOL!!!

[NA4BH]

You didn't let me finish (second time I've said that today).

However, just because you live in LV doesn't make you all bad. See, I have a heart. somewhere. Now I'm finished, with this, anyway.

True confessions of a wanna-be-whinney bitch.

Admit it........................

[K7SGJ]

True confessions of a wanna-be-whinney bitch.

Admit it........................

Son of a bitch. Is my face red. I really wanted to be the whinny bitch, but HE nudged me out by a nose. The bastid.

[VE7DCW]

True confessions of a wanna-be-whinney bitch.

Admit it........................

"wanna-be-whinney bitch" ......... try and say that 3 times real fast ..... :mrgreen:

[NA4BH]

Son of a bitch. Is my face red. I really wanted to be the whinny bitch, but HE nudged me out by a nose. The bastid.


You should to strive harder, don't think of it as a job. Visualize exactly where your aspirations lead you. Look beyond the present. It's like puppies in a wicker basket.

[K9CCH]

You should to strive harder, don't think of it as a job. Visualize exactly where your aspirations lead you. Look beyond the present. It's like puppies in a wicker basket.


You said "harder."

[N7YA]

You said "harder."

....dont think of it as a job.

[NA4BH]

....dont think of it as a job.


Did you mean KNOB?

[N7YA]

You hit it right on the dial!

[K9CCH]

I’ll be your elmer.


If you were to be my Elmer, would that mean that I could visit Guam anytime I wanted for an electronics lesson?

Because I mean... I'm down with that if so.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3275/2498170855_bc12f9c094.jpg

[Bubba]

If you were to be my Elmer, would that mean that I could visit Guam anytime I wanted for an electronics lesson?

Because I mean... I'm down with that if so.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3275/2498170855_bc12f9c094.jpg

http://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif


I welcome anyone who is willing to come visit me in this sh*thole.

[K9CCH]

http://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif


I welcome anyone who is willing to come visit me in this sh*thole.


I posted that I was moving to Guam on my FB, and one of my friends said that they lived there on the base. She said that the median income is about $10K and the island is infested with brown snakes. Any of that true?

[Bubba]

I posted that I was moving to Guam on my FB, and one of my friends said that they lived there on the base. She said that the median income is about $10K and the island is infested with brown snakes. Any of that true?

All of it... Plus a whole lot more your friend left out. Don’t get me started...

[K9CCH]

Its been some years since they lived there.

Most everyone I know.... well everyone that I know that has lived there is military. My best friends dad was in the navy for 22 years and I know he spent a good amount of his last years there.

[N7YA]

My Filipino friends just came back from there and they had a blast, i guess its all about perspective. My friend is from there, he told me its a place of no birds and kind of a shithole...especially near the base.


But then again, ANY place near a military installation is going to be a shit hole.

[Bubba]

My Filipino friends just came back from there and they had a blast, i guess its all about perspective. My friend is from there, he told me its a place of no birds and kind of a shithole...especially near the base.


But then again, ANY place near a military installation is going to be a shit hole.

Its funny to see the different perspectives and some ironic observations. First of all, the island is 99 % Filipino and the official language is Tagalog. So true, I bet they had a blast. I’m exaggerating, and its the unofficial language, so no needs to post a correction. :lol: And contrary to maybe other military areas, the military bases here are the nicest part of the island undeniably. Best beaches, food, houses, schools etc. So much so, they restricted access to the locals who were going in and pillaging the commissary and stealing. People do anything to get on base, so without the military, the island would be a sh*thole to the log 10. There is no food, 70 % of the island is on food stamps. The military bases stock T Bones and all the outside local stores stock spam and pork rhines. Oh, oh, I’m getting started again, better stop before I get to the really good details. ..

[kb2vxa]

"Its funny to see the different perspectives and some ironic observations."
Yeah, ironic, but if you don't heat it up you'll never ironic the wrinkles out. Then there's a soldering ironic but I digress.......

I guess the Chamorros don't live there anymore after it became a Spanish colony in 1668 and Padre San Vitores, a Catholic missionary forced sexual repression and guilt feelings on the formerly free loving and happy indigenous people. Then in 1898 the US conquered Spain in the Spanish-American War and ceded the island as an unincorporated territory. Should have done the same with Spain, our Island vampire wouldn't have to jump through all those hoops. On December 8, 1941, just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor Japan kicked our other ass cheek and built a military base there, on July 21, 1944, a date commemorated every year as Liberation Day we took it back and ever since Guam's economy has been supported by its principal industry, tourism, which is composed primarily of visitors from Japan. Guam's second largest source of income is the United States military which obviously doesn't pay enough or the residents wouldn't be living on food stamps and trying to steal from the base commissary.

[Bubba]

"Its funny to see the different perspectives and some ironic observations."
Yeah, ironic, but if you don't heat it up you'll never ironic the wrinkles out. Then there's a soldering ironic but I digress.......

I guess the Chamorros don't live there anymore after it became a Spanish colony in 1668 and Padre San Vitores, a Catholic missionary forced sexual repression and guilt feelings on the formerly free loving and happy indigenous people. Then in 1898 the US conquered Spain in the Spanish-American War and ceded the island as an unincorporated territory. Should have done the same with Spain, our Island vampire wouldn't have to jump through all those hoops. On December 8, 1941, just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor Japan kicked our other ass cheek and built a military base there, on July 21, 1944, a date commemorated every year as Liberation Day we took it back and ever since Guam's economy has been supported by its principal industry, tourism, which is composed primarily of visitors from Japan. Guam's second largest source of income is the United States military which obviously doesn't pay enough or the residents wouldn't be living on food stamps and trying to steal from the base commissary.



Nice work. Now close the wikipedia page and come out and do some island living... :lol:

[suddenseer]

Yeah, ironic, but if you don't heat it up you'll never ironic the wrinkles out. Then there's a soldering ironic but I digress......

Damn Warren, sometimes I just think of you as that "Grumpy old basted" from 2 land. Then, you often pop out gems like this. I would like to use this someday. I don't know when, or where, but I will give credit to my source.

[K9CCH]

BAM! Three sections left.

10033

[Bubba]

BAM! Three sections left.

10033

Dude,

Why are you studying sections. Just memorize the questions and answers. Takes about an hour and your a General. Now taking the Extra needs studying.

http://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif

[K9CCH]

Dude,

Why are you studying sections. Just memorize the questions and answers. Takes about an hour and your a General. Now taking the Extra needs studying.

http://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif


That's essentially what I'm doing.

I've been reading THIS STUDY GUIDE (http://kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/2011-No-Nonsense-General-Class-License-Study-Guide.pdf) section by section. I take notes and make flash cards with each question.

Then I go to http://aa9pw.com (http://aa9pw.com/) and take practice exams with only the sections that I have studied, over and over until I am consistently passing each practice exam at 100%.

Then I'll read another section or two, take notes, make flash cards, and then take more practice exams. In between all of that I'll research different things that I read about to get better understandings of it.

I know its not the optimal thing to do, but I'll get my general and then continue to learn and understand.

[Bubba]

That's essentially what I'm doing.

I've been reading THIS STUDY GUIDE (http://kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/2011-No-Nonsense-General-Class-License-Study-Guide.pdf) section by section. I take notes and make flash cards with each question.

Then I go to http://aa9pw.com (http://aa9pw.com/) and take practice exams with only the sections that I have studied, over and over until I am consistently passing each practice exam at 100%.

Then I'll read another section or two, take notes, make flash cards, and then take more practice exams. In between all of that I'll research different things that I read about to get better understandings of it.

I know its not the optimal thing to do, but I'll get my general and then continue to learn and understand.

This is my honest opinion, and my opinion only. Is that the Tech license is really hard to get any good experience in ham radio. The restrictions are pretty tight, and you can’t get into some of the fun things on the fun bands. So I recommend going for the General asap after the Tech. Questions are pretty straight forward and reasonable to memorize. Then I firmly believe you should wait at least a year or so, really getting to use your radio and understanding, before going for the Extra. That is when you really learn and get experience. Then when studying for the extra, take your time and really get to understand the concepts, thats where I am. But without at least a good year or more of experience as General, taking the Extra doesn’t make too much sense to me.
The bandwidth gain for Extra is very little over General, its more of an educational achievement, but you can do everything with a General. It irks me to see a newbie go in and take the General and Extra at the same time and maybe pass the Extra, most of the time they don’t, and then walking out with an Extra license and not knowing the first thing about good radio practices.

[K9CCH]

It irks me to see a newbie go in and take the General and Extra at the same time and maybe pass the Extra, most of the time they don’t, and then walking out with an Extra license and not knowing the first thing about good radio practices.


I think the whole system is kinda ass backwards personally. I would personally prefer to take some classes, and maybe do some experiments and build some things so that I could actually understand what I'm memorizing, instead of just mindlessly memorizing the questions and answers. That's why I read each section and AT LEAST briefly research things that don't make sense. After I get my general, my main goal is to begin learning code, and then find a club or an elmer that can help me build and tinker with things.

[NQ6U]

Don't worry about what Bubba says, he's rambling way off track. You're doing it exactly the right way—memorize the answers, take the general test, then have some fun while you're learning. In a year or two you can decide whether or not it's worth it to you to study for the extra exam. It's much more difficult that the others and takes more than mere memorization to pass. You'll actually have to understand the concepts involved and the sections on reactance will give you a headache.

Let me know when you're K9CCH/AG and we'll do a QSO. There's usually a good path between TX and SoCal on 40m pretty much any time.

[K9CCH]

Let me know when you're K9CCH/AG and we'll do a QSO. There's usually a good path between TX and SoCal on 40m pretty much any time.


Do I HAVE to add the /AG to my call? I was hoping I could just keep K9CCH for all of my licenses.

[Bubba]

Don't worry about what Bubba says, he's rambling way off track. You're doing it exactly the right way—memorize the answers, take the general test, then have some fun while you're learning. In a year or two you can decide whether or not it's worth it to you to study for the extra exam. It's much more difficult that the others and takes more than mere memorization to pass. You'll actually have to understand the concepts involved and the sections on reactance will give you a headache.

Let me know when you're K9CCH/AG and we'll do a QSO. There's usually a good path between TX and SoCal on 40m pretty much any time.

Pope,

With all due respect, can you please tell me what that jab was all about. I was giving the same advice you just said. I said the same exact thing as you did. What am I missing. Now its Bubba the punching bag. I’ll go back in my doghouse.. No respect.

[K9CCH]

Pope,

With all due respect, can you please tell me what that jab was all about. I was giving the same advice you just said. I said the same exact thing as you did. What am I missing. Now its Bubba the punching bag. I’ll go back in my doghouse.. No respect.


I think he may have mistunderstood your post. I understood what you meant though.

-The Tech license is somewhat limiting to the amount of learning you can do.
-It's probably better to get the general, and continue to learn before taking your Extra because of the extra frequency allowances.
-Taking the Extra without fully understanding the material is a bit like trying to become a brain surgeon before going to medical school.

I understood what you mean.

[Bubba]

I think he may have mistunderstood your post. I understood what you meant though.

-The Tech license is somewhat limiting to the amount of learning you can do.
-It's probably better to get the general, and continue to learn before taking your Extra because of the extra frequency allowances.
-Taking the Extra without fully understanding the material is a bit like trying to become a brain surgeon before going to medical school.

I understood what you mean.

Thanks,

I guess the Pope has been drinking all the church wine or something. Or maybe he just likes to beat Bubba, not sure.

[W7XF]

Do I HAVE to add the /AG to my call? I was hoping I could just keep K9CCH for all of my licenses.

Chris, you will have to append "stroke AG" or "temporary AG" on General portions of the bands until your upgrade appears on the ULS. On bands you already have privileges on (10m 28.300-28.500, 6m, and up) you don't need to.

[K9CCH]

AH.... so that /ag thing is only a temporary thing if I decide to get on those frequencies then.

I probably wouldn't get on them without someone showing me how, mostly because I don't have the equipment to do so and would have to use theirs! LOL

[W7XF]

AH.... so that /ag thing is only a temporary thing if I decide to get on those frequencies then.

I probably wouldn't get on them without someone showing me how, mostly because I don't have the equipment to do so and would have to use theirs! LOL

Exactly. But you'll be amazed what all you will have privileges on. Just remember, 14.313 IS NOT representative of all that the hobby has to offer.

[K9CCH]

Yeah. At this point, from what I know of it, 14.313 is "Channel 19" and I pretty much don't have any use for that. I'll avoid it like the plague to begin with.

[W7XF]

Yeah. At this point, from what I know of it, 14.313 is "Channel 19" and I pretty much don't have any use for that. I'll avoid it like the plague to begin with.
14.313 makes 27.185 (channel 19) look like it has saints using it!

[W3WN]

Birds into a jet engine? Stealing canoli?

Did I miss a dose of 'medication' or something? Please have the nurse come back around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9MjWBInGZ0

[W3WN]

REBEL! Traitor!! Take him away!


For what its worth, a lot easier on CW. When we move back home to 1-land in a few years, i will have to face the choice of either dumping this nifty, and very rare, 1x2 original call...or keeping it and signing "/1" all the time, which slows me down in a pileup. If i dump it, which i am not convinced i want to do, then i will come up with a VERY original, designer vanity call that proves i am not a real ham who got my ticket out of a cracker jack box....like WJ1JJJ/1/M/QRP...or something short like that.Keep the call.

You are no longer legally required to sign /1. And most "out of district" hams don't anymore.

For example... a couple of weeks ago, when I was running a small pileup for K2M on 40 SSB, I started going by numbers. When I was done with the 5's, considering propagation, I called for 6's & 7's together, not expecting much. I got N7DC. Not N7DC/4, even though he's in VA. But that's OK -- I was going by the number in the call, and he WAS a 7!

And you can't leave Vegas until I figure out a way for you to work me on 160. (I'd loan you my TS-520, once I fix it, but it doesn't have 160)

[W3WN]

Do you want my honest advice ?
Only if you think we can handle the truth.
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSUKbsLnG37FaMse7W7FjOp3ny_uAVcG c-cod92Dajkpk6QerV05g
Can you handle the truth?

[W3WN]

All of it... Plus a whole lot more your friend left out. Don’t get me started...So that's why KH2D moved to FL.

[W3WN]

BAM! Three sections left.

10033You're starting to sound like Emeril. Stop it.

[W3WN]

Do I HAVE to add the /AG to my call? I was hoping I could just keep K9CCH for all of my licenses.Only between the time you pass your General (and have your CSCE in hand) and the FCC processes the upgrade. And only when you're operating under your General priviledges.

Once the upgrade is processed & the FCC shows you as a General in the ULS, you can drop the /AG and go back to being just plain K9CCH.

[K7SGJ]

Pope,

With all due respect, can you please tell me what that jab was all about. I was giving the same advice you just said. I said the same exact thing as you did. What am I missing. Now its Bubba the punching bag. I’ll go back in my doghouse.. No respect.


I think you missed the point. Carlo was saying that he is doing it just right, which I agree he is. Although just memorizing the answers may get you the ticket, understanding as much as possible is more desirable because you then know how what you are doing happens. It is easier to build on that knowledge to achieve a higher degree of understating the more advanced concept of radio. How often do we see "Extra Class" hams asking stupid questions that anyone with an 8th grade education should know. If you want a crackerjack box license, that is doable, but some people wish to take it farther and learn the nuts and bolts of radio, which is, in my opinion, what it's all about. If you understand the principles of the internal combustion engine, you will be more apt to make some of the repairs yourself, which is very satisfying, not to mention being able to operate the engine within the parameters of its design. Or, you can take it to the mechanic and pay him to fix it after you ran it passed the limits, and sent a rod through the block. That's all. No jabs. Some people like to understand what they are doing, and not just operate the appliance.

[suddenseer]

Exactly. But you'll be amazed what all you will have privileges on. Just remember, 14.313 IS NOT representative of all that the hobby has to offer.What he said. You will have privileges on all of the bands. Many hams are happy with that, and never upgrade from General class. Back when I first got into the hobby most hams started out as Novice class, and upgraded to General. There was also Advanced class which had the hardest written test, and 13wpm general class code. Back then, you had to have a General, or Advanced class for at least a year before you could apply to take the exam for Extra class.

[Bubba]

I think you missed the point. Carlo was saying that he is doing it just right, which I agree he is. Although just memorizing the answers may get you the ticket, understanding as much as possible is more desirable because you then know how what you are doing happens. It is easier to build on that knowledge to achieve a higher degree of understating the more advanced concept of radio. How often do we see "Extra Class" hams asking stupid questions that anyone with an 8th grade education should know. If you want a crackerjack box license, that is doable, but some people wish to take it farther and learn the nuts and bolts of radio, which is, in my opinion, what it's all about. If you understand the principles of the internal combustion engine, you will be more apt to make some of the repairs yourself, which is very satisfying, not to mention being able to operate the engine within the parameters of its design. Or, you can take it to the mechanic and pay him to fix it after you ran it passed the limits, and sent a rod through the block. That's all. No jabs. Some people like to understand what they are doing, and not just operate the appliance.

Are you the Pope?

And that is not what I said , please reread it. If I addressed the Pope, please allow the Pope to reply. Unless of course you are his alter boy or something. I was giving personal advice to Chris. There was no need for your agreement or not. If you have advice, then lend it, don’t spend a paragraph making a guess as to what the Pope was saying or not.

[KG4NEL]

A TECH??? we won't hold that against you. I was married to a Technician at one time, a 'no-coder' at that.

I'm an even-worse abomination, a no-code Extra. The sort of creature that kept people up at night after the 2003 WRC.

I kind of miss those "discussions" :scared::evil:


After I pass my general, my next goal is to learn code.

Good luck. I'm about 2/3rds of the way through the characters at 13WPM. Finally decided that after being a ham for 12 years, it was time to get off my ass about it.

[KG4NEL]

30 years ago, you might have been able to say the Extra was worth it for the extra open bandwidth, but outside of contest weekends there's all the open bandwidth you could want.

A lot of the good DX, however, is still there...

[K7SGJ]

Are you the Pope?

And that is not what I said , please reread it. If I addressed the Pope, please allow the Pope to reply. Unless of course you are his alter boy or something. I was giving personal advice to Chris. There was no need for your agreement or not. If you have advice, then lend it, don’t spend a paragraph making a guess as to what the Pope was saying or not.

Your smartassed bullshit confrontational attitude is getting very old.

[W3WN]

I'm an even-worse abomination, a no-code Extra.
< snip >You know, you really need to work on your self-esteem issues.

You're an Extra. Period.

You took the test available at the time, with the question pool (and code element if any, which in this case was none) and passed. Period.

What's there to be ashamed of? Quit putting yourself down. Just because someone else has an issue with the exam(s) you took or didn't take, that's THEIR problem, not yours.

Sheesh. Enough with the code/no-code bolshoi already. It dances around the real issues of the day.

Next, you guys will be whipping them out to determine who has the... oh, never mind.

(note to the humor impaired: post is partly in jest. so laugh already)

[W3WN]

Are you the Pope?

And that is not what I said , please reread it. If I addressed the Pope, please allow the Pope to reply. Unless of course you are his alter boy or something. I was giving personal advice to Chris. There was no need for your agreement or not. If you have advice, then lend it, don’t spend a paragraph making a guess as to what the Pope was saying or not.With all due respect, if you want an answer only from the Pope, you need to PM His Holeyness. If you post something out here in the clear for all to read, be not surprised that The Minnyons of His Holeyness respond in kind.

(I believe you'll find that in The Book of Armaments)

[W4GPL]

I'm an Extra, but I fully admit I don't understand a good portion of the electronics concepts that were on the test. I was able to pass the test because I have a good memory.

[KG4CGC]

Your smartassed bullshit confrontational attitude is getting very old.

The first few posts he claimed that he would be banned. Trying to make his prophesy self fulfilling.

[KG4NEL]

No lids, no kids, no space cadets, no bus/bicycle riders, A-1 Operators only...

:mrgreen:

[NQ6U]

Sorry, Bubba, I misinterpreted your post. Chalk it up to being late at night, I guess, because when I re-read it this morning, it made perfect sense.

[suddenseer]

I'm an Extra, but I fully admit I don't understand a good portion of the electronics concepts that were on the test. I was able to pass the test because I have a good memory.I am kind of the opposite. Electronics, and radio theory made sense to me. I had trouble memorizing the rules, and band plans, the arbitrary stuff.

[K9CCH]

Next, you guys will be whipping them out to determine who has the... oh, never mind.

(note to the humor impaired: post is partly in jest. so laugh already)


Pictures or it didn't happen... LOL!!!

[KJ3N]

No lids, no kids, no space cadets, no bus/bicycle riders, A-1 Operators only...

:mrgreen:

http://hamgallery.com/Tribute/W2OY/w2oy2.wav

[NQ6U]

Pictures or it didn't happen... LOL!!!

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz79/gyrogeerloose/amanamphisgourd.jpg

[KG4NEL]

Is it considered poor form to take out your guguzz in mixed company?

[NQ6U]

Not if it's a nice-a guguzz.

[W3WN]

No lids, no kids, no space cadets, no bus/bicycle riders, A-1 Operators only...

:mrgreen:And now we know who's channeling the spirit of W2OY(SK) this week.

[W3WN]

Pictures or it didn't happen... LOL!!!Even if I wanted to be around for that, which I don't, there is no WAY I would take pictures.

Besides, odds are fairly good that they'd be too, er, strong for even the Rumpus Room.

[Bubba]

Your smartassed bullshit confrontational attitude is getting very old.

Your old. And you are also an A hole. Constantly harassing me. Why don’t you STFU !! I didn’t ask for your BS, so bug off !!!
What’s confrontational about giving advice to Chris and coming along as you did, I think you have it backwards PAL !!

[ad4mg]

Gentlemen, no peeing contests in the General Chat section of the board, please.

Padlocks are standing by.

[Bubba]

Gentlemen, no peeing contests in the General Chat section of the board, please.

Padlocks are standing by.


Yes sir. Understood.

[N2NH]

Good luck on the upgrade to General. Hoping to get my HF rig soon. Maybe we can talk on 10 when I do.

[Bubba]

The first few posts he claimed that he would be banned. Trying to make his prophesy self fulfilling.

Thanks. You’re cool.

[WØTKX]

And, umm, errr... Never mind.

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/512873/scrat-o.gif

[kb2vxa]

That's just plain weird.

[WØTKX]

Considering the source, I'll take that as a compliment!

It's a comment on the decline of the posting of nuts.

:mrgreen:

[W7XF]

My nuts itch.

[suddenseer]

http://www.united-academics.org/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/itch.jpg

[kb2vxa]

Oh no, don't tell me. 1, 1, 1, uh oh... does that count as a strike?

[W3WN]

http://www.united-academics.org/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/itch.jpgGeez, that's an old picture.

I'm not sure who the player is... yes, that means that Who is on First... (unless that's Third Base... I Don't Know...) but that coach is definitely NOT Starling Marte!!

[K9CCH]

My nuts itch.



shave em.

[WØTKX]

http://www.starrymag.com/uploads/RoseanneBarr.jpg

[N2NH]

http://www.united-academics.org/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/itch.jpg

BALK!

[W7XF]

shave em.

You volunteering?? :-D

[K9CCH]

You volunteering?? :-D


I'm at a crossroads and dont know how to proceed. Do I say what I'm thinking, or preserve the sanity of the rest of the forum?? LOL

[WØTKX]

Well, you could say, but I'd take it to Rumpus. This could be hilarious.

[K7SGJ]

Well, you could say, but I'd take it to Rumpus. This could be hilarious.

Oh hell yes. Inquiring minds want to know, but no pix, please.

[suddenseer]

Well, you could say, but I'd take it to Rumpus. This could be hilarious.He has been saying that since I washed ashore.

[kb2vxa]

"Do I say what I'm thinking, or preserve the sanity of the rest of the forum??"

What makes you think there is any sanity on an Island of Misfits?

[WX7P]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18AzodTPG5U

[K9CCH]

BAM! One more section to learn, and then the exam is on August 13th!

10210

[Bubba]

BAM! One more section to learn, and then the exam is on August 13th!

10210

Nice.

http://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gifhttp://www.zoominto.com/zoomapi/ZoomButt.gif

[K9CCH]

Tomorrow is the big day! 6:30pm!!

[NQ6U]

Good luck, Chris!

[N2NH]

Good luck. The Extree should be a lead pipe cinch after the General.

[n2ize]

He's merely a [shudder] technician?? I can't believe I actually talked to the guy...

And just think. He's a NO CODE tech !! And he'll be a NO CODE General. I am a 13 wpm CODE General.. That makes me better than the rest of the no-coders. It gives me the right to get on the air and claim a frequency as my own and to bitch when anyone else comes near it and tell them to "GET OFF MY LAWN !!". And I get a free pass to act like a jerk on the air and put down no-coders and complain about them constantly.

[VE7MGF]

14.313 that way --->

[K7SGJ]

And just think. He's a NO CODE tech !! And he'll be a NO CODE General. I am a 13 wpm CODE General.. That makes me better than the rest of the no-coders. It gives me the right to get on the air and claim a frequency as my own and to bitch when anyone else comes near it and tell them to "GET OFF MY LAWN !!". And I get a free pass to act like a jerk on the air and put down no-coders and complain about them constantly.


And you have exercised all the above with great vigor. :stickpoke:

[K7SGJ]

Tomorrow is the big day! 6:30pm!!


Good luck Chris. Did you have the Pope hose you down? with holy water................. holy water

[K9CCH]

And just think. He's a NO CODE tech !! And he'll be a NO CODE General. I am a 13 wpm CODE General.. That makes me better than the rest of the no-coders. It gives me the right to get on the air and claim a frequency as my own and to bitch when anyone else comes near it and tell them to "GET OFF MY LAWN !!". And I get a free pass to act like a jerk on the air and put down no-coders and complain about them constantly.


I understand how you feel. My hole gets chapped when my panties bunch too! :stickpoke:

[NQ6U]

Did you have the Pope hose you down? with holy water................. holy water

Only way Da Pope swings: "Domini Domini Domini, y'all are a Catholic now." But, Chris is a Cajun so he most likely doesn't need my help on that front.

—Pope Carlo l

[K9CCH]

Only way Da Pope swings: "Domini Domini Domini, y'all are a Catholic now." But, Chris is a Cajun so he most likely doesn't need my help on that front.

—Pope Carlo l



Oh no. No help needed. We suthun' Catholics know how to drink and do the dishes!

[NQ6U]

I swing a mean aspergillium, Podna.

[K7SGJ]

Oh no. No help needed. We suthun' Catholics know how to drink and do the dishes!

We out here, do, too. Just throw the paper plates in the trash.

[K9CCH]

Well, I failed.

[Bubba]

Well, I failed.

Failed what ?

[N2NH]

Well, I failed.

Sometimes happens. Gives you an idea of what you need to work on. :yes:

[K7SGJ]

Well, I failed.

You can't fail. After all, we got your six.

[Bubba]

Who’s six you got Rat. You looking at my ass again.

[K7SGJ]

Who’s six you got Rat. You looking at my ass again.

Negatory there Bubba.

[K9CCH]

Well, Jeff said if I didn't pass with 100% that y'all wouldn't talk to me, and I missed two. So I guess I failed.

But otherwise...

[Bubba]

Negatory there Bubba.

Ok, thanks, I feel better now. Carry on.

[WX7P]

Well, Jeff said if I didn't pass with 100% that y'all wouldn't talk to me, and I missed two. So I guess I failed.

But otherwise...

There you go. Get an HF rig!

[Bubba]

Two is a lot to miss. So you fucked up basically.. Bastid. Congratulations !!

[W5BRM]

Gratz! I remember when i passed my Gen in '01. Was floating like ice cream in a glass of rootbeer for weeks.

Also I'm studying for my Extra. Hope to get it in the nxt few months.

[K7SGJ]

Way to go Chris, I told you we had your six, and 2, and 440, and now your 160, 80, 40...................well, you get the idea.

Congrats

[K9CCH]

It took me all of 10 mins... I felt bad though. The other guy taking his general didn't pass and the VEC didn't exactly tell him that in private so much as he did yell it across the room.

[suddenseer]

Congrats Chris. I remember the feeling. It is a good feeling. You are allowed to transmit on all of the amateur bands now. How does that make you feel?

[kb2vxa]

Good for you Chris! Now that you can trashmit on all the bands we're really in trouble. (;->)

[K9CCH]

Congrats Chris. I remember the feeling. It is a good feeling. You are allowed to transmit on all of the amateur bands now. How does that make you feel?


GREAT!

I wonder what it'll feel like when I actually TX on HF though... LOL!

[K9CCH]

Good for you Chris! Now that you can trashmit on all the bands we're really in trouble. (;->)

I'm still limited to VHF/UHF until probably way after Christmas. Y'all have time... LOL!

[K7SGJ]

I'm still limited to VHF/UHF until probably way after Christmas. Y'all have time... LOL!

Shirley there is an HRO lending radio store near you. It's kind of like a library, without the Dewey Decimal System card catalog.

[N2NH]

Well, Jeff said if I didn't pass with 100% that y'all wouldn't talk to me, and I missed two. So I guess I failed.

But otherwise...

Congratulations Chris. Welcome to HF operating (besides 10M).

[NQ6U]

Congrats, Chris! I knew you'd pass. Looking forward to talking to you on the airwaves.

[K9CCH]

Congrats, Chris! I knew you'd pass. Looking forward to talking to you on the airwaves.


I knew I'd pass too, but it still pisses me off that I missed two.

And then I'm only guessing, they wouldn't show me. I only guessed because I watched the VE's pen when he graded it. I assume it was the question about a trapped something or nother on the diagram, and the other was something about combining signals from the RF something and something else and sending it to something else. My choice was product discriminator, but it was balanced modulator I think.

[WX7P]

I knew I'd pass too, but it still pisses me off that I missed two.

And then I'm only guessing, they wouldn't show me. I only guessed because I watched the VE's pen when he graded it. I assume it was the question about a trapped something or nother on the diagram, and the other was something about combining signals from the RF something and something else and sending it to something else. My choice was product discriminator, but it was balanced modulator I think.

Why wouldn't they tell you? Good grief.

[K9CCH]

Why wouldn't they tell you? Good grief.


"Because my license is not dependent upon my score, all I need to know is that I passed."


I was really embarrassed to begin with. Me and the other guy were talking before the test started and the VE's were all sitting at the table in the front of the class room. I mentioned to the other guy taking his exam that I had attended a "ham cram" course. He asked what that was and I explained how they gave us 8 hours to review questions and answers and then gave us the exam. When I finished telling him, I actually heard one of the VE's state "I hate hearing that" or something to that matter. I could have sworn he rolled his eyes but I'm not sure. I was sure to tell the other guy that I had in fact studied since last November and made sure that the VE heard me so that I might regain some of my worthiness. I have no idea who the VE's were either because they didn't even bother to introduce themselves.

I made sure to shake their hands, tell them thank you for their time this evening, and introduce myself as I was walking out the door. Then I left.

[K7SGJ]

It's too bad you had to have a bit of a negative experience on what is a positive day. Don't worry about the VEs, if you haven't already, you will soon learn there are many hams that are fun to talk with and be around, and there are some royal pain in the asses, too. Don't sweat the small shit.

[W7XF]

Were you wearing your pink tu-tu??? :rofl:

Seriously..congrats Chris.... I took my general in front of ALL of the homophobic VE's...in fact, i heard one say, "the damn faggot passed". And I passed with 100%. Karma. It's a bitch!

[suddenseer]

Now, you're a real ham. You show em. A gay one too, not that that matters since you re in a relationship. That means you're in a ship with relatives, yuck.

[Bubba]

I don’t think anything Chris said has to do with being gay. I mean, come on, those VE’s sounded rude as hell, and I’ve seen my share of rude people. First of all, not telling your score is BS, and sounds like those VE’s had attitude. No introduction ? WTF were these guys doing, running a military camp. But, anyway, doesn’t matter because Chris took the high road, was polite and passed. So great work..

[K7SGJ]

Were you wearing your pink tu-tu??? :rofl:

Seriously..congrats Chris.... I took my general in front of ALL of the homophobic VE's...in fact, i heard one say, "the damn faggot passed". And I passed with 100%. Karma. It's a bitch!

Hello

That wasn't a pink tu-tu, it was a pink APU.

[Bubba]

Hello

You got my 6 Rat...

[K9CCH]

It's official!!

My license was modified today! Thanks W7XF for letting me know!

[NQ6U]

All right, you're now a U.S. government-certified weirdo! Congrats!

[K9CCH]

All right, you're now a U.S. government-certified weirdo! Congrats!


Awesome. Where do I get my orange vest?

[NQ6U]

Awesome. Where do I get my orange vest?

www.whackervests-я-us.com

[W3WN]

Why wouldn't they tell you? Good grief.Strictly by the rules... the VE's are NOT supposed to tell you which ones you missed. Although most do, if possible.

When is it not possible? When you have a room full of 10 people taking the tests at once, and more than twice as many waiting outside... yes, it does happen, I've helped at VE Sessions at the WACOM Hamfest on & off for years... and there simply isn't the time.

But you passed. Good for you! Congrats! (Want to buy a Kenwood TS-520? It only needs a little TLC...)

And, I'm one of the LAST people to give you any serious grief about missing 2 questions. (Serious grief... all in fun ribbing, well that's another story. Loser.) I passed both my Extra CW & Theory by the skin of my teeth... I had the exact right number of answers for each. The FCC examiner called me up, shook his head, told me just that: "Man, you passed by the skin of your teeth! Buy a lottery ticket on your way home tonight!"

[W3WN]

Awesome. Where do I get my orange vest?
Home Depot or Lowes.

Just make sure it's the whacker flourescent orange, not the whaker flourescent yellow.

[K9CCH]

I really want to try to do the Extra... but it's an overwhelming memorization task.

[K7SGJ]

I really want to try to do the Extra... but it's an overwhelming memorization task.

Take some time and enjoy your new operating privileges. As you become more entrenched in the hobby, you will be surprised how much you learn by practical application, and not just rote memory. Congrats again on earning the General. Hope you can swing getting a rig and getting on HF. You should work with Ron on the 520 as it is a great starter rig, and just having that and reading all the stuff on the web about it, will go a long way to better understand the principles of radio. And trust me, there is a metric shit ton of info, mods, and common problem repairs on that rig all over the web. And the nice part is, you can do it. No special smt or other stuff like that is involved. All you need are some basic hand tools, a soldering iron, and a sledge hammer. Just kidding about the hammer.

[K9CCH]

But you passed. Good for you! Congrats! (Want to buy a Kenwood TS-520? It only needs a little TLC...)




I think Janet has been recommending that one too me...

ETA: Nevermind. That was a TS-430S she suggested.

[WX7P]

I think Janet has been recommending that one too me...



The one I was recommending was the Kenwood TS-430S,

10450

The Kenwood TS-520 is cool too, they are a TAD old, say 1973 vintage, but also inexpensive. Don't need a power supply for this one.

10451

[K9CCH]

The one I was recommending was the Kenwood TS-430S,



The Kenwood TS-520 is cool too, they are a TAD old, say 1973 vintage, but also inexpensive. Don't need a power supply for this one.

10451




I'm down with vintage!!

I plan on setting up a 'vintage' station in the coming years. I want my own lollipop mic with my call sign on top, and then I'll grease my hair back, but on my leisure suit, and fill up my shack with cigar smoke!

[WX7P]

Strictly by the rules... the VE's are NOT supposed to tell you which ones you missed. Although most do, if possible.

When is it not possible? When you have a room full of 10 people taking the tests at once, and more than twice as many waiting outside... yes, it does happen, I've helped at VE Sessions at the WACOM Hamfest on & off for years... and there simply isn't the time.

But you passed. Good for you! Congrats! (Want to buy a Kenwood TS-520? It only needs a little TLC...)

And, I'm one of the LAST people to give you any serious grief about missing 2 questions. (Serious grief... all in fun ribbing, well that's another story. Loser.) I passed both my Extra CW & Theory by the skin of my teeth... I had the exact right number of answers for each. The FCC examiner called me up, shook his head, told me just that: "Man, you passed by the skin of your teeth! Buy a lottery ticket on your way home tonight!"

Thanks for the clarification, on the VE sessions, Ron.

[WX7P]

I'm down with vintage!!

I plan on setting up a 'vintage' station in the coming years. I want my own lollipop mic with my call sign on top, and then I'll grease my hair back, but on my leisure suit, and fill up my shack with cigar smoke!

Those things are everywhere and not much money. Ebay prices don't count.

[kb2vxa]

Historically call flags were never put on D-104s, they were put on broadcast mics. Bob Heil offers a replica of the famous RCA BK44 only smaller and of course one of his friends Joe has one. Personally I prefer the real thing, it was a ribbon mic and with an EQ it can do far more than the Heil tailored for communications audio. Unfortunately a flag would ruin the lines of my Shure.

Just for giggles here's a historic mic and that's not an Amateur callsign. Experimental callsigns look like Amateur except they have X as the first letter of the suffix, no Amateur calls do. Maybe some of you ex spurts out there can tell the rest of us about it... hmmmMMM?

[W3WN]

I think Janet has been recommending that one too me...

ETA: Nevermind. That was a TS-430S she suggested.Well, see my reply PM about the 520. Not that it's any big secret.

I used to have a 430. Nice rig, I really liked it (Mine had problems, but that had to do with the rig itself & what it had been through... I'll tell you that story another time). Unfortunately for me, it's finals got nuked during a contest (another story), and the person who nuked 'em ended up buying the remains for salvage (I don't think he ever got it working again, though).

The TS-140S is another nice older rig. I used one of those for years. My only regret on that rig was not getting the add-in board to give it a computer interface. The Kenwood board has been Unobtanium for decades, but there are a couple of guys selling equivalents for a few bucks. I probably should have held onto that rig, but after I won a TS-480SAT at a hamfest, it collected dust. (The 480 is long gone, traded it even up for my Omni VI+. I KNOW I got the better end of that deal, but the other person wanted a true mobile HF rig with a detachable head, so...)

Be wary of a TS-440S. There's a known issue with the CPU's on those rigs. It used to be a $100 fix from Kenwood, but I don't know if they still do that.

[KC2UGV]

Why wouldn't they tell you? Good grief.

It's some testing regulation, I think. My VEC couldn't show me what questions I missed on my general element either.

[KC2UGV]

I really want to try to do the Extra... but it's an overwhelming memorization task.

The extra only gives you a few khz of extra bandwidth over the general. Don't sweat it, get used to HF, and take the extra when you're ready :) And, welcome to the rest of the HF bands :)


The one I was recommending was the Kenwood TS-430S,

10450

The Kenwood TS-520 is cool too, they are a TAD old, say 1973 vintage, but also inexpensive. Don't need a power supply for this one.

10451

Both of these are fantastic rigs, and worth their weight in gold (In my book).

[W3WN]

Historically call flags were never put on D-104s, they were put on broadcast mics. Bob Heil offers a replica of the famous RCA BK44 only smaller and of course one of his friends Joe has one. Personally I prefer the real thing, it was a ribbon mic and with an EQ it can do far more than the Heil tailored for communications audio. Unfortunately a flag would ruin the lines of my Shure.

Just for giggles here's a historic mic and that's not an Amateur callsign. Experimental callsigns look like Amateur except they have X as the first letter of the suffix, no Amateur calls do. Maybe some of you ex spurts out there can tell the rest of us about it... hmmmMMM?Umm, that's no longer strictly true.

When the Department of Commerce began issuing calls to Amateur stations in 1912, all calls were a number (the radio district, which did not neccesarily align with state lines) and two letters. Once all the 2 letter combinations were assigned, they went to three letters.

X, Y & Z suffixes were reserved for specific uses:
X for Experimental Stations
Y for Technical & Training Stations
Z for Special Stations

What's a special station? Damned if I know for certain, but I suspect the equivalent of Special Events Stations in today's vernacular.

But that's why KDKA's original call was 8XK. OK, actually, that was the experimental station of Dr. Frank Conrad, a Westinghouse engineer, whose station became the Westinghouse experimental station.

That's also why a lot of college amateur stations have calls like W3YI.

(The W prefix didn't come into play until 1928, but that's another story)

Anyway... fast forward a bit. Throughout the 1920's, 30's, and 40's, 1x3 calls with the 'X' suffix were assigned by the Federal Radio Commmsion, and then the FCC which replaced it, to stations in the Experimental Service. "Experimental" was a bit broad, that included the SW transmitters of many broadcast stations (KDKA's SW transmitter's call? W8XK. Figures!) until they were assigned commercial broadcast calls in the late 1930's.

Today, and this went into effect 28 March 1978 when the current Sequential Call Assignment System was put into place, certain 2x3 calls are not assigned for potential use by the Amateur Service, the so-called Group X calls. Complete list can be found at http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?id=amateur&job=call_signs_3&page=1 amongst other places.

From that list:
4. Any 2-by-3 format call sign having the letter X as the first letter of the suffix

These are the calls of stations in the Experimental Service today.

That is also, indirectly, one of the two reasons that the "call sign" for Tim Allen's character on Last Man Standing is KAØXTT. Clearly the X indicates that this isn't & never will be a real call, so there's no conflict (current or future) with a real assignment down the road. (The other? The full meaning of the suffix is Ex Tim Taylor, refering to his character on Home Improvement.)

But on 2 letter prefix calls with an X suffix are Experimental calls. 1x2, 2x1 & 2x2 calls are Amateur Calls.

[WX7P]

Be wary of a TS-440S. There's a known issue with the CPU's on those rigs. It used to be a $100 fix from Kenwood, but I don't know if they still do that.

Ding!

The CPU issue is exactly why I didn't recommend the 440s. I had a 440S in the late 80's that did exactly what Ron described, and it cost approx $125 to fix then. I wasn't the only person who had that problem.

[K7SGJ]

Ding!

The CPU issue is exactly why I didn't recommend the 440s. I had a 440S in the late 80's that did exactly what Ron described, and it cost approx $125 to fix then. I wasn't the only person who had that problem.


A good reason why the 520, or something along those lines, would be a good fit. The 520 is like having a '52 Chevy vs a modern vehicle. Easy to work on and a great learning platform.

[K9CCH]

Well, I guess when I finally make a decision on what I'm going to do, and have the money to do it, I'll put up some WTB ad's.

[WX7P]

Well, I guess when I finally make a decision on what I'm going to do, and have the money to do it, I'll put up some WTB ad's.

I would just look around, go to ham radio flea markets or craigslist. There's enough of this stuff around, it can be found pretty easily for not a lot of money.

If you belong to a club, that's another good source.

You can also save some money if you aren't particular about a radio that's been smoked around. Some people won't touch a radio that's been used by a smoker. It's a chore, but they can be cleaned and for the money saved it's worth it.

[K9CCH]

As a former smoker, I don't know that I could handle a radio from a smoking shack. Just depends on the radio I guess.

I think what I am going to do is use this FTM-350 for a few months while I save up a few more bucks. I can't really buy anything right now anyway as we've just begun the home buying process. Around November I'll reassess the situation and hopefully we'll be in a new place by then. At that point I'll either keep the 350 and hopefully have enough saved to buy an HF rig, or I'll sell the 350 and use the proceeds plus any savings to buy an HF rig and a cheap used VHF unit for the Jeep.

[kb2vxa]

"As a former smoker, I don't know that I could handle a radio from a smoking shack. Just depends on the radio I guess."

Really? I would think it depends more on what was smoked. Is it Heaven or is it Hell? You can tell by the smell.

There she stood in the doorway;
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself,
"This could be Heaven or this could be Hell"
Then she lit up a doober and she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor,
I thought I heard them say...

There's a crazy little shack beyond the tracks
And all the YLs call it the smokin' shack
Well, it's just VXA's room and it's made out of wood
Down in the basement Sweet Leaf tastes mighty good
That's the reason why I've got to get back
To that smokin' shack, whoa baby
To that smokin' shack.

[KC2UGV]

As a former smoker, I don't know that I could handle a radio from a smoking shack. Just depends on the radio I guess.

I think what I am going to do is use this FTM-350 for a few months while I save up a few more bucks. I can't really buy anything right now anyway as we've just begun the home buying process. Around November I'll reassess the situation and hopefully we'll be in a new place by then. At that point I'll either keep the 350 and hopefully have enough saved to buy an HF rig, or I'll sell the 350 and use the proceeds plus any savings to buy an HF rig and a cheap used VHF unit for the Jeep.

Good news on the home buying :)

[K9CCH]

Good news on the home buying :)


Yeah. We are scheduled to view our first major contender on Thursday at 6:30pm.

[W3WN]

Irony.

After MLB announced that the 2006 All Star Game would be at PNC Park, all the Boss thought about was going to it. That was a constant talking point for about 2 years.

So come 2006, what happens? We have a choice... spend the $$ on the ticket package -- and you have to buy the package, you can't pick & choose -- or leave the $$ in the bank for the closing.

Which happened? Well, I'm sitting in that house. And we watched the ASG from the couch.

My son did get 2 tickets to some of the Sunday Night events (Futures Game, Celebrity Softball Game), so the Boss & LMFD went to that. (And on the way home, LMFD left her autographed baseball glove at the LRT station. Oh well). And the Boss volunteered to work at FanFest, so she got some tsotchkes from that.

Was it worth it? Of course. One of these days, though, we WILL get to see an ASG in person though. Somehow.

[W7XF]

As a former smoker, I don't know that I could handle a radio from a smoking shack. Just depends on the radio I guess.

I think what I am going to do is use this FTM-350 for a few months while I save up a few more bucks. I can't really buy anything right now anyway as we've just begun the home buying process. Around November I'll reassess the situation and hopefully we'll be in a new place by then. At that point I'll either keep the 350 and hopefully have enough saved to buy an HF rig, or I'll sell the 350 and use the proceeds plus any savings to buy an HF rig and a cheap used VHF unit for the Jeep.
Good call. Get the new house first....of course look at the yard and look for ways to put up long wires/dipoles...feel free to snap pics of the final candidate nd I'm sure we will chip our two cents worth in :)

[N7YA]

Ive got a busted ass old 520 in my basement just sitting there. It needs work. Then again, i also have an old Ten Tec C21, an old National rcvr with speaker and my old FT-757 that i used for 15 years. I am looking to dump this stuff to a project minded person and get a small hf rig. I am currently off the air and dont care to try and fix this stuff.

[W3WN]

Ive got a busted ass old 520 in my basement just sitting there. It needs work. Then again, i also have an old Ten Tec C21, an old National rcvr with speaker and my old FT-757 that i used for 15 years. I am looking to dump this stuff to a project minded person and get a small hf rig. I am currently off the air and dont care to try and fix this stuff.Keep me in mind for the C21.

[K9CCH]

Ive got a busted ass old 520 in my basement just sitting there. It needs work. Then again, i also have an old Ten Tec C21, an old National rcvr with speaker and my old FT-757 that i used for 15 years. I am looking to dump this stuff to a project minded person and get a small hf rig. I am currently off the air and dont care to try and fix this stuff.


If by "work" you mean I need to clean the spilled coke out of the grooves on the knob with a cotton swab, count me in! Anything more than that and I'm out. I can't even properly solder two wires together yet....

[N7YA]

Keep me in mind for the C21.

It powers up, but it needs some TLC that i dont have the patience, tools or time to give it. Same story with all this stuff.

[N7YA]

If by "work" you mean I need to clean the spilled coke out of the grooves on the knob with a cotton swab, count me in! Anything more than that and I'm out. I can't even properly solder two wires together yet....

:lol: Hell, ILL do that! It sucks not being able to work DX. I even brought the antenna down.

[kb2vxa]

Aw heck, if you can wash a computer you can wash a radio! Seriously folks, I used to power wash juke box amps with ammonium hydroxide (that stuff will eat your skin off) and rinse with water. Well, it's easier keeping water out of power transformers than IF cans. <giggle>