Thanks-Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??

[Brian Lloyd]

On May 26, 2008, at 8:34 PM, Kevin Rock wrote:

> Hi Jeremy,
>   During an amateur radio presentation to a group a cub scouts I was  
> the CW person.  There were packet stations, SSB stations, FM  
> stations, but the kids came over to my set up to listen and watch me  
> work a couple CW ops.  I then had them sit down with a chart of CW  
> (I know, bad precedent) and work out their names.  I put the K2 into  
> TEST mode and let them bang away on my straight key.  They had a ball.

I can support that observation. Now that we have pico keyers and  
"clipper keys", I am always hearing CW in the classroom. I have so  
many little QSOs rattling around the class that I finally have to tell  
them to knock it off!

> The other radio amateurs were a bit miffed at me for stealing the  
> show.  The kids loved CW while they just politely looked at the  
> other setups.  I think 10 is the perfect age to introduce your son  
> to CW.

Spot on. I introduced the 4th graders to the code in science last  
week. (Most have just turned 10.) They are off and running now. One  
4th grader has dragged his father kicking and screaming toward getting  
HIS ticket. ;-)

> You may want him to gather a few of his friends because they could  
> then work as a group.

Yes, the social aspect of it is critical. That is why I am trying to  
get so many of the kids licensed AND on-the-air. I received enough  
parts donations to build a 440 repeater! I have applied to the  
coordinating group for a 440 pair. Seems like commercial 450 mobile  
rigs are a dime a dozen. A 1/4 wave whip is just a piece of hook-up  
wire soldered to a banana plug and shoved into the center pin of the  
SO-239. Works great.

So the goal is to get them active and using their licenses. Many are  
getting handi-talkies and I want them using them daily. Once it  
becomes habit they will remain hams.

> They would have their own 'secret' code to use with each other.   
> Adds a bit of spice to it.  Then, once they have learned CW, they'll  
> not forget.  One day they will think back on those good times and  
> get on the air.  Since they already know code it won't be tough to  
> get back on the bicycle years later and just ride away.

Nope. Great ideas.

I hope to have three new General Class licensees after our last VE  
session of the year tomorrow. So far I have licensed 10 and hope to  
get 5 more tomorrow with three upgrades. Wish us luck. The ones going  
for their general have started shopping for HF rigs. I have  
recommended the K2.

>
>   GL and 73,
>      Kevin.  KD5ONS
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Jeremy <jeremymblock at yahoo.com>
>> Sent: May 26, 2008 10:48 PM
>> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: Thanks-Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??
>>
>> Thanks everyone who offered advice to regarding getting started @  
>> HF and whether or not a K1 would be a good first radio for a  
>> beginner.  As much as I desperately want to build an K1, I think  
>> I'm going to hold off and find something used (and QRO) to start  
>> with - I'm really wanting to avoid getting discouraged and should  
>> probably get my feet wet first before going QRP.
>>
>> One of the things that I didn't mention before, but is pretty  
>> important to me as well is that both I and my 10 year old son took  
>> our tests together - and both were licensed together (he's a  
>> Technician - KC2TIW).  My thought was that if I had something that  
>> was SSB capable (something that I could afford - can't afford a K2  
>> right now!) - we'd be able to enjoy it together - and maybe he'd  
>> become interested in learning more about radio and maybe even  
>> getting his General license and learning morse.  I guess I'm  
>> thinking that as CW is - 10 year olds these days are probably not  
>> very impressed with morse code in and of itself.....
>>
>> Thanks again for everyone's advice & stories - it's appreciated.
>>
>> -jeremy
>> KC2TIX
>>
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--

73 de Brian, WB6RQN
Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT com