[CW] Fw: [knowcodians] Our new no-code columnist

[George, W5YR]

Speaks for itself . . .

73, George W5YR
w5yr@att.net


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Fred Adsit" <ny2v@earthlink.net>
To: <cw@mailman.qth.net>
Cc: <fists@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 9:09 AM
Subject: [CW] Fw: [knowcodians] Our new no-code columnist


We have a new Sunday columnist replacing the old one, who was not a code fan
either. This one - you be the judge.


Ham license a treasure for new columnist

February 08, 2004
By R. Mark Erickson
Contributing writer
CQ, CQ, this is AB2RQ, . . . CQ, CQ. Speaking these words (CQ means "calling
any station") into a microphone, hoping for a distant reply, was a long time
coming for me as ham radio operator.
I first got involved in amateur radio as an eighth-grader in New Hampshire
by asking a friend why his dad was listening to a beeping and hissing radio.
He was talking to someone in Europe using Morse code.
That was the stuff of legend; I became instantly fascinated.
The big science fair was coming up, his dad offered to help, and we decided
to make a radio. We tore old radios apart with gusto. We found all the right
parts and in no time Morse code sizzled from the speaker. The only thing
between me and a license was the test.
I needed Morse code to pass, and I just couldn't get it. My hopes were
dashed.
Fast forward nearly 20 years, and I found myself staring at a truck that
would make a porcupine proud. It bristled with antennas, and I was full of
questions. It was then I discovered from the proud owner of that radio
equipment that I no longer needed code to get a license.
I had my ticket within the week.
I now advise the active Jamesville-DeWitt Amateur Radio Club, an ARRL Big
Project Group. There is so much to do in amateur radio, we can hardly find
the time.
Just like my students, I'm learning every day. And I'm going to share what I
know with you as the new amateur radio writer for Stars magazine. Feel free
to contact me. Send news or questions about amateur radio to R. Mark
Erickson, AB2RQ, by e-mail at features@syracuse.com.

� 2004 The Post-Standard. Used with permission.
Syracuse, NY


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