David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
5/12/14 5:57 p.m.

My cousin's son received his FCC Technician license today. He's like in fourth grade. I need to get him playing with cars soon, too.

NGTD
NGTD SuperDork
5/12/14 6:46 p.m.

I know adults that couldn't pass the test.

Get him spinning wrenches.

VA3 COT

Dr. Hess
Dr. Hess MegaDork
5/12/14 6:55 p.m.

That's cool. Now teach him Morse Code.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
5/12/14 6:59 p.m.

I'm guessing he's the one who'd be teaching me Morse Code. He's sharp.

N Sperlo
N Sperlo MegaDork
5/12/14 7:13 p.m.

I've been learning Morse Code. Good stuff. It has been my "code" lately for working late at work. I am about half way through the alphabet.

NGTD, I BARELY passed the test. I leave the radio in the big truck that I don't drive much.

Funny you brought it up, David, because on Facbook I just posted that I snagged this dinosaur of a radio at the surplus shop. It wouldn't sell for more than $5 there, so I'm going to play.

It's very cool the kid got the license and I hope he keeps up with it. If he is interested in Morse Code, I suggest Morse Code Teacher on Android devices. If I can learn it, anyone can.

Now off to find a DOS emulator to program this thing.

Dr. Hess
Dr. Hess MegaDork
5/12/14 8:03 p.m.

Y'all want me to teach you Morse Code?

N Sperlo
N Sperlo MegaDork
5/12/14 8:23 p.m.

-. ---

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
5/12/14 8:25 p.m.
Dr. Hess wrote: Y'all want me to teach you Morse Code?

I have the app. :)

Dr. Hess
Dr. Hess MegaDork
5/12/14 8:58 p.m.
N Sperlo wrote: -. ---

See, N, that's why you will have problems. That is not how you learn Morse Code. That is how you get frustrated and give up.

N Sperlo
N Sperlo MegaDork
5/12/14 9:57 p.m.

In reply to Dr. Hess:

Honestly. How would you suggest learning? I'm doing well so far, but I've been trying to test myself different ways while I use this app. The app has you type in the letter it sends you, so to make sure I wasn't learning patterns, I decided to start writing it. I want to challenge myself along the way.

EastCoastMojo
EastCoastMojo Mod Squad
5/12/14 10:36 p.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens:

That's awesome news! What sparked his interest in ham at such an early age?

73

Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
5/13/14 12:34 a.m.

He did it for the plates.

xd
xd Reader
5/13/14 6:27 a.m.

My 2 meter rig has a cw trainer.

1988RedT2
1988RedT2 PowerDork
5/13/14 8:24 a.m.

My 5th grader has passed online practice exams. Been after him for a while to review and take the test. Not sure he's got enough in the interest department right now.

NGTD
NGTD SuperDork
5/13/14 12:07 p.m.

In Canada morse code is no longer a test requirement.

N Sperlo
N Sperlo MegaDork
5/13/14 12:26 p.m.

In reply to NGTD:

I believe QSL was eliminated from the US tests in 2004. That doesn't prevent me from wanting to learn it. I COULD spend my time reviewing for the general exam, but nahh... No need.

NGTD
NGTD SuperDork
5/13/14 1:05 p.m.

In reply to N Sperlo:

Good to know. I didn't know if it was still a requirement in the US.

I use my 2m rigs to help out at rallies, so I am not that deep into the HAM world.

N Sperlo
N Sperlo MegaDork
5/15/14 1:41 p.m.

I just play on them time-to-time. I've got a good rig in the F150, but want a cheap rig in the Ranger. Maybe I'll build a good port for it.

Longest 2m contact, 700 miles. 350 to the repeater, 350 to the contact. All mobile. BOOM!

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