Ethan J. A. SchoonoverAug 22, 2023
My son and I made a quick run to the Puget Sound seaside to take advantage of the 20 meter band this morning. Sitting here in Seattle we made a contact in the Czech Republic using less power than you'd use to light a lightbulb. #hamradio #amateurradio #ft8
Show threadEthan J. A. SchoonoverAug 22, 2023

One of the great things about doing ham radio in a park like this is the endless stream of kids that come up to ask you what you are doing.

"ARE YOU MAKING A TIKTOK?"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO INTERNET"

"HOW IS THIS TALKING TO JAPAN"

Invariably the parents are as interested, but it's always the kids that are uninhibited enough to ask.

#hamradio #amateurradio #ft8

Show threadCavyherdAug 23, 2023

@ethanschoonover

Is one still required to learn Morse to get a ham license?

Show threadEthan J. A. SchoonoverAug 23, 2023
@cavyherd No longer. That’s actually what convinced me to get my license. When I was younger the CW (Morse) requirement was a showstopper, just due to time. I’d like to become proficient in it but it’s now just a “nice to have” rather than a mandatory requirement.
Show threadCavyherd

@ethanschoonover

Which I guess makes a certain amount of sense: better to have a robust Ham network than be fussy about comparatively arcane skills.

But it offends my boyscout nature. (Not that I've cleaved to that principle myself personally, of course 😂)

Aug 23, 2023 at 7:40pmWeb