For me, It’s called ‘Amateur’ Radio for a Reason

I wanted to get my Amateur Radio lisence, so I studied my butt off for a couple months. I took the exam, and I only missed ONE question!


Let me tell you, I was walking around proudly like the fox that got the hen. Let me tell you, I knew it all… until.


…until I met some of the other amateurs in my area. When listening to the discussions they have speaking of this capacitor and that audio circuit, and the amplifier’s rectified power, I realize that (Compared to them) I am most certainly an Amateur.


Eventually, I got my upgrade to general. I began working most of the HF bands and came to see the value of amplifiers. I realized that on noisy nights, the amplified signals were just about the only ones I could hear; and they couldn’t hear me.


So I started looking at what they cost. I checked ebay and found one I wanted badly. It was, I found out from a friend, an amplifier meant for CB radios.


Then I looked at an ALS-600. It is a fine looking amp, but another friend told me the transistors in them are very expensive, and when one goes bad you have to change them all… about $600. I thought, “Phew! I don’t want one of those”.


The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. I am truly an Amateur, and I find true friendship and value in longtime veterans of the hobby.


This is a call for all you young Amateurs, don’t overlook the older hobbiests because no matter who you are, or what you know, there is always something you can learn from them.