While I’m in my mid-sixties, I’m a newer HAM. I earned my Technician class license in December of 2016. Like everyone earning their tickets these days, mine came by way of the Volunteer Examiner process. You study your butt off for a few weeks, pass a test, get a license, repeat twice more (if you want your Extra class license). The test questions are written by HAMs. The exams are administered by HAM’s. AND, there’s lots of help, in Prep classes, study guides and via Social Media. You don’t need to be a career Electrical Engineer or RF Engineer to get your license anymore.
Once licensed, I began to make the rounds and meet folks who have been HAMs since the beginning of time. I sensed a bit of resentment from some that we have it so easy today when it comes to getting a license. My response has always been “Dude, I didn’t make the rules.” Over time, I felt less than satisfied with using that response. So, I made a list of things that I should do that would validate my holding an Extra-class license, and somewhat honor those that came before me.
Now don’t get me wrong. Each of us participates in this hobby with the time and effort that we’re both comfortable with and that time and money afford. We do not require validation from anyone to hold our licenses OR exercise our well earned privileges. This having been said, I embarked on my personal quest with the following list:
- Learning to make my own power cables; Being able to assemble and maintain one’s station is a fundamental attribute of an Extra-class HAM.
- Learning to make my own wire antennas; Same as above.
- Building a radio from a kit, and having it actually work; Today’s kits are a little different than the old Heathkits. Our kits are a little bit like painting by numbers, but the soldering can be quite intricate, so I think this counts.
- Learning CW and getting my copy speed up to 25wpm. I’m told that the old timers had to demonstrate the ability to copy at this speed to earn their Extra-class tickets, back in the day. (This goal is a work in progress.)
There was one old-timer, Jay Nichols (KB8TR – SK) whom I deeply respected and whose respect I intended to earn. I spent a lot of time on Zoom calls with Jay during the pandemic. A couple of times a week, I would ask questions that must have seemed to him were coming from a second-grader. The look on his face and the shaking of his head spoke volumes. Jay was going to be a tough nut to crack.
Over time, I began to show Jay some of my work. While he could be a bit microscopic in his observations, especially when it came to soldering, I could tell he respected the effort. Sadly, Jay left us in 2023 before I could complete my tasks. The last time we spoke however, I felt that maybe just a little, I had begun to meet some of his expectations.
As I write this, I’m still working at improving my HAM skills. Not only on the list above, but also at becoming a teacher and mentor to eager students and newer HAMs. I still believe that I owe it to all of the old HAMs that came before me.