Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??

[Jeremy-88]

Hi all-

I've been looking around for a few weeks now for my first HF radio (just recently newly licensed as a General) - and am looking at either something like a Yaesu FT-101, or a Kenwood TS-820S.... or an Elecraft K1 (probably just the 2-band 20m/40m version).  I'm wondering if anyone built a K1 (or K2 I guess) as their very first HF radio - and if so, whether or not they were happy with the decision. I don't really have any doubts really about the radio itself - probably just more about the fact that it's QRP and CW only).  My price range is up to about $300 right now.

Is building a K1 and not being able to use SSB a disadvantage for a new ham - thoughts?  Is only having 5 watts going to be overly frustrating (for being able to make contacts)?  I do know that a good antenna is pretty important - I was going to do an end-fed or center-fed dipole.

I am quite comfortable with building a kit (I'm and ex-Electronic Technician, and now am an Electrical Engineer so I know that I can and like building/soldering and even the troubleshooting parts.)  I'm still in the process of learning morse code (slowly but surely) and using CW, especially QRP, was one of my original reasons for getting my license in the first place.  I also really like the fact that modifying a K1, and being able to build QRP accessories is practical for a 5W radio -  not so much with a 100W one though!

If anyone has any thoughts at all or advice I'd really appreciate it. I hope I'm not too off topic here as this isn't really an Elecraft technical question - but I figured that if I posted this at eham.net or QRZ.com forums I'd get hit with a lot of "Life's too short for QRP" responses - and not as much good advice.

thanks,
Jeremy
KC2TIX
 
       
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[Dave Van Wallaghen]

Hey Jeremy,

I got licensed a couple of years ago and built a K2 as my first rig. I too, have a similar technical background and found the building process very rewarding and gave me a great sense of how the K2 works as well as the ability to troubleshoot it if needed. It was a great educational experience for someone who wanted to get back into ham radio and electronics in general. I am sure that someone with your background will have no problem with the K1 - and if you do, you have a great community resource right here to help guide you along in the event you have problems.

If you are new to ham radio in general, QRP can be somewhat daunting in getting started and making contacts. I would do a lot of listening first to get a handle on things and hear what a CW contact sounds like.  There are numerous references out there that list how a CW contact should go and all of the nomenclature that goes with one. With that said, after a couple dozen or so learning QRO contacts, I started operating QRP  all summer long in my front yard with my K2 and had a riot. It certainly takes more practice and patients  to operate QRP but I was totally amazed at the number and distances I covered running just 5 watts (and this at the low spot in the solar cycle).

You will find this reflector a great resource for technical assistance and really, anything to do with ham radio in general. I know I have probably learned more about ham radio from this list than any other single resource (beside the great many books I've read).

When you get that K1 on the air, don't hesitate to contact me for some practice QSO's. I live near Detroit, so I'm sure we can hook up QRP. I'm still trying to get my code speed up myself and I like to hang out in the old novice parts of 40 and 20 meters.

Good luck in your decision and I hope this helps.

Take care & 73,
Dave W8FGU

[Richard Davis-5]

Jeremy,

I think that the K1 is an excellent first HF rig for individuals just
entering the amateur radio pass time.

It is a kit that is within the range of skills found in may mechanically
skilled people.  Assembly only requires a slow careful approach to be
successful.

As a CW only rig, is naturally brings the newcomer into focus on the
core skills of communications protocols that every ham should master.

Just for its novelty, CW is enjoyable on its own merit.  Into the
bargain, the physics of CW radio make for successfully talking to
another ham under severe conditions that would defeat an SSB mode contact.

Be sure to include the automatic antenna cable matching option, and
enjoy a complete rig that takes up less space than a PC keyboard on your
desk.

And when you tire of the K1, call me.  I know plenty of new hams coming
on line in the future that will give it a new home.

Best of luck,

Richard,

K5BWV

P. S.

I built a K1 earlier this year for my brother, KN5T, who is currently
inactive in a CC&R community in central Florida.  He is ecstatic with
it.  I totally enjoyed the build.  I was amazed that the receiver out
performed my Yaesu FT-857D which is my base radio at the moment.  I do
have a K3 just coming on line this week end though.

R.  D.

=================================================================


Jeremy wrote:
 > Hi all-
 >
 > I've been looking around for a few weeks now for my first HF radio
(just recently newly licensed as a General) - and am looking at either
something like a Yaesu FT-101, or a Kenwood TS-820S.... or an Elecraft
K1 (probably just the 2-band 20m/40m version).  I'm wondering if anyone
built a K1 (or K2 I guess) as their very first HF radio - and if so,
whether or not they were happy with the decision. I don't really have
any doubts really about the radio itself - probably just more about the
fact that it's QRP and CW only).  My price range is up to about $300
right now.

...
....
.....
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[Craig Smith]

Welcome to the Elecraft reflector, Jeremy, and congratulations on the new
license!!

I have a K1 and love it.  From you description, I would say you have the
background to build one and would enjoy the process.  It is a fun kit and
the receiver is really sweet sounding with very adequate selectivity.

Yes, operating QRP will be more of a challenge than with a 100W rig.  You
are on the right track with your antenna thoughts - a full-size dipole at a
reasonable height will be a big help in terms of reducing the frustration.
You have also made good choices with 20 and 40 meters.  There should be
regular opportunities for contacts daily on both these bands.  If you do
decide to go with a 4 band board, 30 meters is also fun.  Not as
competitive, no high power stations, and interesting propagation.

You can maximize your contacts and minimize the initial stress by starting
your search for contacts in the 7030-7060 and 14040-14080 ranges.  This is
where the slower CW is usually found.  With 5W, answering the strongest CQs
at first should give you the most success.  I recommend the 80 KHz tuning
range option when you build the kit in order to make the tuning nice and
smooth.

Whatever you decide, I hope to work you soon!

           73
                     ... Craig   AC0DS



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[Paul Huff-3]

Hi Jeremy,

First let me say welcome to the world of HF and to this fine list.  I'm sure
that you will enjoy both.

The K1 was not my first HF rig, nor was it my first kit, but I do use it as
my main station rig.  Elecraft's construction manual is outstanding and with
your technical background I think that you will do just fine.  The people on
this list (or the qrp list) are an excellent source for help if you do run
into any difficulties.

There are some people who do not recommend QRP for first-timers.  They
suggest that it can be a frustrating experience with long gaps between
successful QSOs.  I understand that concern, but I have to question the
amount of QRP experience that these folks have.  In my opinion, working QRP
DX might require a significant amount of patience and skill, but solid
regional contacts are almost always easily available - especially on 40
meters.  (I don't even have a very good antenna - an inefficient multi-band
trap vertical!)

As far as your CW vs. SSB question, all I can say is that I am totally a CW
operator and absolutely love that mode.  I have a microphone around here
someplace but I don't know where it is and it wouldn't work on my K1 anyway!
I'm sure that there a hams who are just as dedicated to SSB, and that's
great.  It's really a matter of doing what you personally enjoy.  (This is a
hobby!)  If you do decide to give CW a try, don't worry about speed.
Accuracy is far more important, and speed will naturally increase with use.
Just about everybody on the CW bands is more than willing to slow down and
help out a beginner (unless there is a contest going on).  I personally
consider it an honor to be on the other end of somebody's first CW QSO.

By the way, my K1 works on 40, 30, 20, and 15.  My favorite bands are 40,
30, and 20, in that order.

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me directly or
post them to the list.

73
Paul - N8XMS
Livonia, MI


--- Original Message ---

Message: 48
Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 14:33:25 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jeremy <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??
To: [hidden email]
Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Hi all-

I've been looking around for a few weeks now for my first HF radio (just
recently newly licensed as a General) - and am looking at either something
like a Yaesu FT-101, or a Kenwood TS-820S.... or an Elecraft K1 (probably
just the 2-band 20m/40m version).  I'm wondering if anyone built a K1 (or K2
I guess) as their very first HF radio - and if so, whether or not they were
happy with the decision. I don't really have any doubts really about the
radio itself - probably just more about the fact that it's QRP and CW only).
My price range is up to about $300 right now.

Is building a K1 and not being able to use SSB a disadvantage for a new
ham - thoughts?  Is only having 5 watts going to be overly frustrating (for
being able to make contacts)?  I do know that a good antenna is pretty
important - I was going to do an end-fed or center-fed dipole.

I am quite comfortable with building a kit (I'm and ex-Electronic
Technician, and now am an Electrical Engineer so I know that I can and like
building/soldering and even the troubleshooting parts.)  I'm still in the
process of learning morse code (slowly but surely) and using CW, especially
QRP, was one of my original reasons for getting my license in the first
place.  I also really like the fact that modifying a K1, and being able to
build QRP accessories is practical for a 5W radio -  not so much with a 100W
one though!

If anyone has any thoughts at all or advice I'd really appreciate it. I hope
I'm not too off topic here as this isn't really an Elecraft technical
question - but I figured that if I posted this at eham.net or QRZ.com forums
I'd get hit with a lot of "Life's too short for QRP" responses - and not as
much good advice.

thanks,
Jeremy
KC2TIX


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[Detrick Merz]

> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 14:33:25 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Jeremy <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??
> To: [hidden email]
>
> Hi all-

Hi!

<snip>
> Is building a K1 and not being able to use SSB a disadvantage for a new ham - thoughts?  Is only having 5 watts going to be overly frustrating (for being able to make contacts)?  I do know that a good antenna is pretty important - I was going to do an end-fed or center-fed dipole.

I got a K1 as my first ever rig about a year and a half ago.  Maybe
it's because I'm ignorant about what I'm "missing," but I feel
completely fulfilled by it.  Being new to CW *and* HAM radio, I found
QRP somewhat comforting too.  Feeling that my signal "couldn't make it
very far," I had a little tiny bit less apprehension about making
those first contacts.  If I messed up, at least *everyone* couldn't
hear me.  Turns out at the end of the day, the thing puts out enough
signal that rag chews with ops 1000 miles away are common.  It's quite
satisfying to get those 599 or 589 reports back, then then "OMG you've
got a K1, that thing sounds FANTASTIC I can't believe how strong you
sound for only 5W!"  Suddenly you know that the RST was in earnest.
I'm not a contester, only the occasional chatter, but it satisfies my
desires very well.

CW signal is a lot easier to pick out of the mud than SSB (so I hear),
and CW ops tend to be willing to dig their ears deeper into the mud
(so I hear), so I can't imagine 5W CW to be nearly as much of a
"disadvantage" as 5W SSB.  CW ops tend to be very friendly (or perhaps
you can't tell quite as well as you miss some of the inflection that
voice gets you), and plenty willing to slow down/repeat while you're
learning code.

Oh, and you can pack it in your suitcase with a spool of wire and some
AA's when you go on vacation too.

Oh, and you can run it off an old "bad" motorcycle or car battery for
AGES between charges (or charge it with a solar panel, or hand crank
generator, or bicycle generator, or...).

Oh, and it's relatively cheap, given the cost of so many rigs these days.

If you get it, consider a CW club/group to join.  Some are even free.
They've all got CW elmer programs, and you should be able to get
someone on a schedule with you to practice your code, if you'd like.

-detrick
KI4STU

<snip>
>
> thanks,
> Jeremy
> KC2TIX
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[Peter Wollan]

Jeremy,

I built a K1 as my first HF rig, and thoroughly enjoyed it.  It's  
limited, but within its limitations it's very good indeed.  Since  
your budget is $300, I'd recommend the two-band board on 20m and 40m,  
and the 150K tuning range.  There's CW activity well beyond 80, and  
you can also listen to some LSB on 40m and digital on every band,  
even if you can't reply to those.  The autotuner gives a lot of  
freedom, and lets you operate with a much wider range of antennas.

Still, the K1 will be absorbing all of your budget.  Another rig to  
consider is a $120 40m-only kit by Hendricks kits <www.qrpkits.com>,  
the MMR-40, which does both CW and SSB.  I don't know much about it,  
and it's certainly less polished than the K1, but as a starter it  
might let you do more, particularly if you add a T1 tuner to it.  40m  
has enough going on to keep you active -- and learning -- for a long  
time.

I finally got a K2 a year ago, and it opens up new worlds.  And VHF  
is yet another new world.  Unfortunately, I think there's no cheap  
way to "do" radio.  It's an expensive sport, but less expensive than  
golf, or scuba, or flying airplanes.

        Peter N8MHD
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[Mike Morrow-3]

Jeremy wrote:

>I've been looking around for a few weeks now for my first HF radio
>(just recently newly licensed as a General) - and am looking at either
>something like a Yaesu FT-101, or a Kenwood TS-820S.... or an Elecraft
>K1 (probably just the 2-band 20m/40m version).

1.  A person with reasonably developed technical skills will find that
construction of the K1 presents no problems at all.  One may be thankful
that no surface mount components are used.

2.  There is *no* reason other than cost to ever choose the two-band filter
board over the four-band board, as long as the two bands in which you are
interested are available on a four-band board.  The K1 is limited at
best, so it is unwise to choose a filter board that makes K1 coverage
any more limiting than necessary.  The two-band board is also inferior in
RF performance, because the filters on the four-band board are very much
sharper. I found that going to the four-band board more than doubled the
usability of my K1.  The best coverage option for the K1 is a four-band
board for 40/30/20/15 meters, with a VFO span option of 150 kHz which will
allow you to receive 10 MHz WWV on 30 meters.  I also have a two-band board
for 80/17 meters, though I seldom use it.

3.  The KAT1 automatic antenna tuner should be the next item considered
for addition to the K1.  It is an excellent unit, within its limitations.
The KNB1 noise blanker I have found to be ineffective on most noise sources
I've encountered in seven years of K1 usage.  The KBT1 internal battery I
found to be troublesome (not easy to recharge, or remove, and it forces use
of a very small speaker) in comparison using an external battery pack, so
I discarded mine after 18 months.  Thus, I'd put low priority on getting
the KNB1 or KBT1.

The K1 is my personal favorite QRP rig of all time.  I own eight other
commercial QRP rigs, but nothing I've seen that was before or after the
appearance of the K1 meets my requirements so well, even after almost
eight years of use.  I especially like being able to easily set up at a
campsite or park.

All that having been said about the K1, in all honesty it would never be
my first choice if I were trying to select an economical, general-use HF
rig.  I would want something that provided:

1.  A maximum power output of about 100 watts,
2.  Usability on Morse and SSB (and maybe AM and 10 meter FM),
3.  General coverage receive capabilty (100 kHz to 30 MHz).

Rigs with these capabilities began appearing in large number more than 25
years ago, though some were problematic.  More recent rigs like the
Kenwood TS-50S and Alinco DX-70 do very reasonable job providing all these
capabilities in small packages (about seven pounds) and are low-cost on
the used market.  But a heavy 12 vdc power supply and antenna tuner will
also be required.

If I forget about general coverage receive, then the older last-generation
vacuum tube PA rigs like the Kenwood TS-530, -530, 820, and 830, or Yaesu
FT-101 series provide a lot of radio for the price, assuming the used set
is working properly.  The nice thing about them is that the AC power supply
and a limited range antenna tuning (Pi) network is standard on these sets,
most of which use some version of a pair of 6146 tubes in the PA.  With a
reasonably matched dipole system, then the radio is the only box that
needs to be at the operating desk.  I treasure my old TS-830S!

Any of these "old-rig" options will provide greater performance and
versatility than the K1 can provide.

73,
Mike / KK5F
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[Robert Brown-11]

Jeremy:

I agree just about 100% with the advice provided by
Mike Morrow.  The K1 is a fine transceiver - but
fairly limited in its capabilities.  So, in any
scenario, if it's to be a K1, go with the four band
board.  Beyond that, for not too much more money you
could buy (and build) a basic K2 - which will provide
you with many more upgrade possibilities as your
finances allow (internal antenna tuner especially
comes to mind here).  Finally on the Elecraft front, a
very basically equipped K3 would provide you with many
more upgrade possibilities.  At just about $1,400 in
price, however, it's a big leap up in price.  Apart
from the basic cost to features ratio, there is an
incalculable value associated with operating a radio
you've built with your own hands.

One last thing:  if the "thrill of the build" is not a
primary or an important consideration, for a limited
budget, maximum possibilities rig, you should probably
look at the Icom 718.  At about $549 after rebate
(about $100 more than the cost of a 100 watt amp for
the K3 - plus the 718 usually ships for free), you get
a pretty much full capability radio, 160-10 meters,
all modes (minus FM), general coverage receive, 100
watt, 100 duty cycle transceiver - which is new.  The
specs may not be world class, but they are probably
comparable to what you'd see with a K1.  To that price
you'd probably have to add a cheap antenna tuner and a
CW filter.  I've probably just blasphemed, but IMHO
there's probably no better bargain out there for a
beginning ham these days.

Whatever you do, however, get started.

Bob Brown, N1CVX




     
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[w7aqk]

FWIW, my first transmitter was strictly CW, and I think I am the better for
it.  It did run about 50 watts, but it was strictly for 80 meters, so a
little more power there isn't a bad thing.  It was totally homebrew too.
Since then I've used pure QRP a great deal, and it works very well,
particularly on CW.  You will soon get the urge for SSB, and for more power.
But I credit that first transmitter, and those initial days on CW, for
making me a 95% CW op.  The K1 is a great starter rig, and you can even
goose it with a small amp later.  The SSB urge may eventually lead you to
another rig, but don't get rid of the K1!  My guess is you will find plenty
of opportunities to drag it out and have some fun.  Do get the 4 band
version!

Dave W7AQK


----- Original Message -----
From: "Detrick Merz" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2008 6:04 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??

>> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 14:33:25 -0700 (PDT)
>> From: Jeremy <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??
>> To: [hidden email]
>>
>> Hi all-
>
> Hi!
>
> <snip>
>> Is building a K1 and not being able to use SSB a disadvantage for a new
>> ham - thoughts?  Is only having 5 watts going to be overly frustrating
>> (for being able to make contacts)?  I do know that a good antenna is
>> pretty important - I was going to do an end-fed or center-fed dipole.
>
> I got a K1 as my first ever rig about a year and a half ago.  Maybe
> it's because I'm ignorant about what I'm "missing," but I feel
> completely fulfilled by it.  Being new to CW *and* HAM radio, I found
> QRP somewhat comforting too.  Feeling that my signal "couldn't make it
> very far," I had a little tiny bit less apprehension about making
> those first contacts.  If I messed up, at least *everyone* couldn't
> hear me.  Turns out at the end of the day, the thing puts out enough
> signal that rag chews with ops 1000 miles away are common.  It's quite
> satisfying to get those 599 or 589 reports back, then then "OMG you've
> got a K1, that thing sounds FANTASTIC I can't believe how strong you
> sound for only 5W!"  Suddenly you know that the RST was in earnest.
> I'm not a contester, only the occasional chatter, but it satisfies my
> desires very well.
>
> CW signal is a lot easier to pick out of the mud than SSB (so I hear),
> and CW ops tend to be willing to dig their ears deeper into the mud
> (so I hear), so I can't imagine 5W CW to be nearly as much of a
> "disadvantage" as 5W SSB.  CW ops tend to be very friendly (or perhaps
> you can't tell quite as well as you miss some of the inflection that
> voice gets you), and plenty willing to slow down/repeat while you're
> learning code.
>
> Oh, and you can pack it in your suitcase with a spool of wire and some
> AA's when you go on vacation too.
>
> Oh, and you can run it off an old "bad" motorcycle or car battery for
> AGES between charges (or charge it with a solar panel, or hand crank
> generator, or bicycle generator, or...).
>
> Oh, and it's relatively cheap, given the cost of so many rigs these days.
>
> If you get it, consider a CW club/group to join.  Some are even free.
> They've all got CW elmer programs, and you should be able to get
> someone on a schedule with you to practice your code, if you'd like.
>
> -detrick
> KI4STU
>
> <snip>
>>
>> thanks,
>> Jeremy
>> KC2TIX
> _______________________________________________
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>
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>

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[w7aqk]

Jeremy,

I didn't address your budget very effectively.  The 4 band K1 may be a bit
outside your limit, but I still think it's a great first rig.

I haven't used one, but the new PFR3 rig from QRP kits (www.qrpkits.com) may
be a good option.  It's 3 bands, 5 watts, has a built in keyer, and comes
with a tuner--all for about $200.  The designer, KD1JV, is reknowned for
coming up with good radio designs.  I don't think it's a particularly hard
build either.  I saw the rig at Ozarkcon and at Dayton.  It comes in a goofy
(to me) color-yellow!  But hey, it's what's inside that counts.  You can
download the manual on that website and take a look at how it goes together
and operates.  See what you think.

Dave W7AQK


----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Wollan" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, May 24, 2008 6:31 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Elecraft K1 as my first HF rig??

> Jeremy,
>
> I built a K1 as my first HF rig, and thoroughly enjoyed it.  It's
> limited, but within its limitations it's very good indeed.  Since  your
> budget is $300, I'd recommend the two-band board on 20m and 40m,  and the
> 150K tuning range.  There's CW activity well beyond 80, and  you can also
> listen to some LSB on 40m and digital on every band,  even if you can't
> reply to those.  The autotuner gives a lot of  freedom, and lets you
> operate with a much wider range of antennas.
>
> Still, the K1 will be absorbing all of your budget.  Another rig to
> consider is a $120 40m-only kit by Hendricks kits <www.qrpkits.com>,  the
> MMR-40, which does both CW and SSB.  I don't know much about it,  and it's
> certainly less polished than the K1, but as a starter it  might let you do
> more, particularly if you add a T1 tuner to it.  40m  has enough going on
> to keep you active -- and learning -- for a long  time.
>
> I finally got a K2 a year ago, and it opens up new worlds.  And VHF  is
> yet another new world.  Unfortunately, I think there's no cheap  way to
> "do" radio.  It's an expensive sport, but less expensive than  golf, or
> scuba, or flying airplanes.
>
> Peter N8MHD
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[Ralph Tyrrell]

 Jeremy wrote:
 
I've been looking around for a few weeks now for my
 first HF radio
(just recently newly licensed as a General) - and
 am looking at either
something like a Yaesu FT-101, or a Kenwood
 TS-820S.... or an Elecraft
K1 (probably just the 2-band 20m/40m version).
----------------
Jeremy:
I was not active for may years. To get back on HF I
bought the K1  4 band version with ATU, in 2003. I
also bought the noise blanker.

I first set up the VFO for 75 KHz  Later I changed to
to 150 KHz to get more coverage on 40 M. I enjoyed the
greater coverage but the VFO tuned too fast. I changed
it back to 75 KHz.

The Noise blanker is not very good, I seldom use it.

The ATU works very well.

On the 4 band K1 you have a choice of setting up for
17M or 15M.  I put in the 17M parts and had several
QSOs on that band.  Lately I changed to 15 M. Have not
had a QSO on that band yet.

Get up a good antenna.  I had an 88' dipole up about
35'. I was amazed at the ease of making QSOs on 40,
30, 20 meters with that antenna.  I also have the
BL-2. I fed the antenna with ladder line.

It took me about 20 hours to build the K1. Just follow
the instructions and do the build over a few days.

I just got a K3. I still plan to use the K1 to
completed WAS.

Some info on my K1 at   http://tyrrell.us/amateur/
Good luck.

73, Ty, W1TF
K1 # 1423,  K3 #696
 



     
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[Dave, G4AON]

Jeremy

While replies on an Elecraft mailing list are bound to be biased towards
the K1, I feel you will probably not find it as useful as a higher power
CW/SSB transceiver that covers all or most of the HF bands. If you buy
clean and decent second user transceiver, you can probably re-sell it
later for a similar amount to what you paid for it. Look for something
local so you can inspect the rig and check it works correctly. Avoid
rusty and abused kit and also those from hams who smoke in the shack,
they are hard to resell. A clean vintage transceiver should hold it's
value well, especially older ones that can be repaired with common
parts, i.e. without hard to source ICs and displays. The K1 is great as
a portable transceiver to use from a tent or holiday/hotel
accommodation, but less useful as your only HF transceiver at home.

Later, as funds allow, you can look towards a high performance
transceiver and for that the K3 is currently one of the best around.

73 Dave, G4AON
K1 #1154, K2 #1892, K3/100 #80
 
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[N4LQ-2]

Jeremy
When you figure out how to interest a 10 yr. old boy in ham radio, let us
know. When my son turned 15 and started asking to take his driver's permit
test, I simply informed him of another test he had to pass first. Back then
you had to copy 5 wpm to get your Tech. He was reluctant at first but
realized it was his only option. He studied hard and got his Tech. ticket
then his permit. He went on to get his driver's license and soon wrecked my
car. He went to college 600 miles from here so I packed a 2m HT, TNC and the
8086 PC for him and we kept in touch using packet radio. As a result of all
this technology he became the computer guru at college and ended up with a
degree in computer science and is doing quite well in the business world
now. No...He never did become a cw hound like his OM but at least ham radio
played a major role in his career and that was my real goal. 73

Steve Ellington
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