Posts: 287 From: Kerry Ireland Registered: Dec 2001
posted 09-20-2010 12:57 PM
I was wondering if there are any 'Ham Radio' operators among us? I have often thought of studying for the license and now I hear that they have dropped the Morse code module I will.
stsmithva Member
Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
Posts: 1031 From: Leeds, Yorkshire, UK Registered: Oct 2000
posted 09-20-2010 03:05 PM
How did my ECG readings get up there!!!!
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 09-20-2010 05:55 PM
KA7VIK here. Been licensed since 1986.
CW is great, I used that about 95% of the time when using the HF bands.
Haven't done much with the hobby in years, but just have to build an antenna and I'm back up.
73 de KA7VIK
ejectr Member
Posts: 1751 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
posted 09-20-2010 06:45 PM
Is it true the W's look down on the K's?
MarylandSpace Member
Posts: 1336 From: Registered: Aug 2002
posted 09-20-2010 08:56 PM
Dr. Owen Garriott (W5LFL) is probably the most recognized ham radio operator among the astronauts. Many astronauts study for and receive their Technican Level Ham License and operate on the International Space Station as do many of the International Astronauts.
Our good friend Robert Pearlman has been licensed as a ham radio operator.
I was fortunate to study, pass the test, and upgrade to General Class ham privileges.
73 to you and the missus,
Garry W3GTL
JPSastro Member
Posts: 170 From: Tucson, Arizona Registered: Jan 2009
posted 09-20-2010 09:15 PM
Licensed since 1972.
Got my original call back through the vanity program.
Was involved early on with AMSAT.
John - WB9JVM Tucson, AZ
lunarrv15 Member
Posts: 1355 From: Cincinnati, Ohio, Hamilton Registered: Mar 2001
posted 09-21-2010 12:10 PM
I thought of becoming a ham during the 80's. Operated on Single Side Band on the Citizen Band level, then above the CB channels for the DXing. Shoe boxes full of QSL cards - that's what I did all day back then.
Steve Procter Member
Posts: 1031 From: Leeds, Yorkshire, UK Registered: Oct 2000
posted 09-21-2010 02:21 PM
In a past life I used to be a keen Short Wave Listener (DX-er) on both the amateur and broadcast bands with about 150 countries verfied for BC stations and who knows how many for the hams.
Used to edit the 'QSL News' section for the British DX Club magazine 'Communication' for over 10 years.
Often thought of getting a licence and mentioned this to one of the teachers at Hannah's school who is a local amateur and runs the school radio club (Silcoates School in Wakefield call MX0SSW)who took me on a tour of the shack and was quite keen on me getting my ticket.
This post has made me start to think again...
music_space Member
Posts: 1179 From: Canada Registered: Jul 2001
posted 09-21-2010 09:20 PM
VE2 EWR here. Haven't "modulated" in years (decades!) now. I substituted the pleasure I was getting from it with computer science and the Internet.
I don't have any gear left, but one of these days I'll go to a VE2 still active and talk to the Station.
73 to all.
saturn1b Member
Posts: 159 From: Westcliffe, CO Registered: Jun 2006
posted 09-22-2010 01:26 PM
Studying for the test right now, hope to incorporate it into the learning center of the museum when we open and talk with the Space Station. Anything to get the public, especially the kids, interested in space.
MarylandSpace Member
Posts: 1336 From: Registered: Aug 2002
posted 09-22-2010 06:37 PM
I found the Gordon West Book and CD most helpful in passing the Technician Class and General Class Exams. Truly helpful.
Another great resource is the QRZ.com website which will provide free practice tests.
Obtaining a license is very doable now.
Tim Collins Member
Posts: 45 From: Harrisburg, PA Registered: Mar 2007
posted 09-22-2010 09:47 PM
Got my first ticket (novice) in 1965 at age of 12. In 8th grade used my ham skills to win the Jr. High Science Fair with my "Satellite Tracking Station" - the early satellites on 136 MHz. Great hobby, though unfortunately interest has waned among young folks - hard to compete with the Internet and cell phones! WA3KYD
Mr Meek Member
Posts: 353 From: Chattanooga, TN Registered: Dec 2007
posted 10-12-2010 09:40 PM
I've been slacking in my cS reading lately.
I'm a licensed ham operator as well, KF4UGI. Growing up in Huntsville, with all the engineers, Field Day was always a blast. I'm a lowly Tech, but working all the HF bands on Field Day was always a lot of fun. Never sat for my code test, though.
Robert, I had no idea you had your ticket, too.
irish guy Member
Posts: 287 From: Kerry Ireland Registered: Dec 2001
posted 10-26-2010 02:58 PM
Wonderful to hear from all of you and thanks it great to hear from all of you.
I hope it wont be to long before we hook up. Stsmithva and anyone here, you have a place to stay when ever you decide to visit this part of the world again. All the best.
irish guy Member
Posts: 287 From: Kerry Ireland Registered: Dec 2001
posted 11-26-2010 12:00 PM
Compliments of Col Wheelock onboard the ISS:
posted 09-20-2010 12:57 PM
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