[CW] Life Time Novice

Tue Nov 19 02:37:57 EST 2024

I also got my extra class license so I wouldn't have to learn the
sub-bands.  I didn't  like incentive licensing.
[image: am_extra_certif.jpg]
Oh and also to get this cool certificate the FCC issued on request.
73
DR

On Wed, Sep 18, 2024 at 10:01 PM sbjohnston--- via CW <cw at mailman.qth.net>
wrote:

> I became an Extra so I wouldn't have to worry about the various band
segments.  I also wanted to pass the 20 WPM test before it went away.  I
think of myself as just a "ham" not an "Extra".
>
>
> Steve WD8DAS

>
>
>
>
>  On Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Charles C. Royall WB5T wrote:
>
> I do not know if I can write a LITTLE article about being
> a novice. I will try.
>
> Thank you for asking and researching the article about
> “The Lifetime Novice, April 1980 QST and then tracking me
> down.
>
> I drove 120 miles round trip to Liberal KN. twice a week
> for ham classes. I lived in the Texas Panhandle on the
> OK/TX State line.
>
> After taking the Novice Test on 9-1-1976 I received my
> license 6 months later on 3-18-1977 as WD5CJI. None of
> that instant licensing stuff back then. While waiting for
> my ticket I bought a used Swan rig in Denver CO. so that I
> could go on the air the same day I got my ticket,  that is
> IF I got it.
>
> I did not WANT to use CW. I wanted to key up the big radio
> on SSB with 1500 watts!! In fact I told my gripey neighbor
> that I was “going to suck up all of his electricity from
> his light bulbs.”
>
> I did use CW as there was no other choice. Guess what?  I
> found out that I liked it!!
>
>   The same year that I was licensed the FCC changed the
> rules about mandatory upgrades after 1 year as a Novice
> and you could remain a Novice forever.
>
>   It was my intention to do just that, remain a Novice
> forever.  I was doing what I wanted to do and that was CW
> only. There was no need to upgrade, ever.
>
>   I was a Novice from 3-18-1977 to 1-30- 1997 (19 years 9
> months.)
>
>   Went to Advanced Class: 1-30-1997
> 9 months later
> Went to Extra with code: 10-06-1997
>
> The ONLY reason I upgraded to Extra was:
>
> While engaged in a conversation with 3 Extra Class VE’s
> from my club one of  them remarked,” what do you know
> about it Charlie, you are just a Novice!”
>
> That remark made me really angry. “I will show them, I
> thought to myself.”
>
> After passing my Extra from these same 3 VE’s I ask them
> if they would like to continue that conversation now that
> I “KNEW SOMETHING” !!!
>
> Never, never, never judge a persons intelligence by the
> class of license they hold!
>
> I have not enjoyed being an Extra Class Operator nearly as
> much as I did being “JUST A NOVICE”. I am not on the air
> as much as an Extra as I was when I was Just a Novice. The
> thrill is gone. Sure wish I was still “JUST A NOVICE.” I
> really miss it.
>
> Guess perhaps I upgraded for the wrong reasons.
>
> All of the awards that I have achieved I did so as a
> Novice on CW only. I now own a CW straight key made in
> Germany that I paid $800.00 US Dollars for when purchased
> new so I must really like CW.
>
> I am an ARRL Life Member. Also a member of QCWA, INDEXA,
> 10-10, NAQCC and many other organizations. Former ARRL
> West Texas Section Manager with the vanity call of WB5T. I
> resigned as Section Manager after 2 and 1/2 terms due to
> poor health. I am now 71 years old.
>
> Charles C. Royall WB5T
> San Angelo, TX.
>
>
>
>
>
>
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