That's the nicest thing about our hobby, Steve.
There are many aspects to it and you can pretty much do what you want to do.
I enjoy both modes but make at least 80% of my contacts on CW.
CW is better and I can prove it to everyone!
Why is CW better?
Very simple: if you ever get a little RF in the shack, CW will bit your on
the finger; SSB will bite you on the lips!
I think just about everyone would rather be bitten on the finger than on the
lips.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
BTW, the best way to find out what part of Field Day you enjoy most is to do
what you suggested.
Find a buddy and make a mini FD together.
That way you will quickly meet all the aspects of FD.
Then you can go back with your club and join in on the parts that are the
most fun for you.
73
Rick, DJ0IP
-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Stephen Roberts
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2012 2:08 AM
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Field Day Drill
Thanks Rick...all very good points. I think I was being a bit too harsh
seeing that everybody obviously worked very hard to make FD a success. I
guess I'll have to pick up my microphone some day and figure out what all
this SSB stuff is ;-)
Best 73
Steve
-----------------------------------------------
Steve Roberts-W1SFR
Sudbury, VT
On Jun 27, 2012, at 6:51 PM, Rick - DJ0IP / NJ0IP wrote:
> Steve,
>
> First, I want to apologize to the originator of this thread for
> hijacking it, but Steve and his first field day experience is an
interesting topic.
>
> Steve, like Jim, you have my highest respect for being a new ham and
> 100% CW.
> Well done sir!
>
> Field Day is my favorite ham radio event because it offers several things:
> - the opportunity test one's ability to plan and quickly set up a
> complete station (or stations) including antennas
> - a means of testing the efficiency of the station (the contest)
> - a tool for perfecting one's own skills (the contest)
> - a social aspect (bar-b-que with friends and family)
> - a real time forum for discussing what worked and what didn't
>
> Perhaps you missed out on part of the fun by not being present for the
> planning (assumption) and installation of the antennas and station. I
> think I enjoy this part just as much as the event itself. Of course
> if they set up on Friday, than may not be possible. In any case, it
> might still be interesting to join in on the planning.
>
> Contest: clearly that is not everyone's bag. In fact most hams are
> not contesters. However there is no better chance to test the
> capability of your station than in a contest because there are hams on
> the air virtually everywhere, the entire time. You are able to see
> what works and what doesn't. You can compare antennas, etc.
>
> Teaching the new hams: Now that apparently did not happen in your case.
> Normally most clubs have a GOTA (Get On The Air) station and they have
> one or more experienced operators assigned to train the new person
> (sometimes not yet a ham) on operating procedures. However this is
> almost always only done in SSB.
>
> THE PROBLEM: We CW guys are kind of unique. As long as I can
> remember (and that's going back 50 years) there were 20 to 50 people
> hanging around the AM (later SSB) station(s) and 2 or 3 of us in the
> CW station area. We CW guys were considered strange animals, but I
> can't help but think they admired us for our ability to do what we do.
> YOU jumped in with both feet and apparently managed the job, though you
were a bit unhappy with the event.
> Perhaps you should have spoken with the CW team before the event, let
> them know your expectations and asked them to help you get started.
> Most likely they didn't understand the need.
> You see, if you can work CW at that speed, everyone just assumes you
> already know what you are doing... THAT'S the problem!
>
> Anyway I would certainly give it a second shot.
> Believe me, we old farts that have been doing it for many years are
> really grateful when a new ham joins our ranks. The more hams we can
> get on the key, the more time we (ourselves) will have to go socialize
with the others.
> Hey, just because we enjoy CW, that doesn't mean we don't like to
> minger with the others and join in on the Bar-b-que!
>
> Speak with your CW team and I'm sure they will be glad to give you
> whatever help or support you need next year.
>
> Again, WELL DONE!
>
> 73
> Rick, DJ0IP
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: tentec-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:tentec-bounces@contesting.com]
> On Behalf Of Stephen Roberts
> Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 2:46 PM
> To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] Field Day Drill
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I've been following this thread and thought I'd chime in. As a new ham
> (4 months now) and a 100% CW op, I didn't really know what to expect
> when I went to my first field day this year. The old salts of our club
> had spent the day before setting up stations and had everything ready
> to go when I arrived at the site. It was all very organized and pretty
> impressive. The 3 CW ops (myself included) were set up in a member's
> RV which proved to be a really excellent place to spend field day.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> TenTec@contesting.com
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