[Milsurplus] Electric Radio - February 2006

[David Stinson]

> Maybe you're listening to a different 2 meters than I am? 

There are, of course, cases and exceptions.
And I have already admitted to being too cynical about it.
There are several good nets and lots of good people.
Skywarn is an inestimable good and justifies the whole band, 
IMHO, as is the local RACES organization
but the things I noted are indeed common here.
Go to those traffic nets you note and listen for anyone beyond the
one or two regulars who offers to be a liaison to MARS, or 
any other HF net.  I've listened for years and, beyond the same
one or two stations, I can count the replies on one hand.
I'm at work during the net times, so don't start...
And yes, I've occasionally checked in to handle traffic myself.
Introduce yourself on .88 some evening; that will 
leave a bad taste in your mouth.  Go on another popular
repeater in Plano and ask if anyone would like to discuss
the possibilities of 2 AM or their favorite boatanchor,
or anything beyond the weather, traffic or the price of
hamburger at Albertsons-  watch the flock scatter.
Debate a technical issue and see how quick someone 
goes from "I disagree" to "you're an idiot, aren't you?"
And then there are the "ego repeaters;" dozens and dozens
of machines with no users, taking up valuable spectrum.
2-meters has it's good side and it's bad.
Sometimes I get tired and point out the bad.
So shoot me.

D.S.