Cliff, boy did you hit that nail on the head. I Got my tech in August 21 and my General in Sept. My decision to run CW only has provided me with plenty of Angst in learning the code.. It's only when I watch a video such as this one you've made that I realize that I'm not alone with CW learning issues. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Ed W4EML
Very good point. "Who Cares"? Just get in there and enjoy the hobby. It's unfortunate that there are some Hams that forget what an "Elmer" is and how they should conduct themselves to advance HAM radio. Cliff, you have a gift for teaching and your videos are very much appreciated. Thanks for setting a good example for both new and long-time HAMS!
Thank you for this video. My first HF contact was with someone who told me he had no time for any ham with such a weak signal. Then he called CQ again. I took me a long time before I had the courage to try again. In the mean time I have found that most hams are very nice people who are always willing to help you out.
+Gerrard Aissing " he had no time for any ham with such a weak signal" Sounds like he only wanted to talk to stations that sound like an AM radio station! Ridiculous. I've heard many stations who weren't all that strong who reported that they were running an amplifier. If conditions aren't good, even an amplifier won't get you that highly coveted 20db over S9 signal report. So, my guess is that he spends quite a bit of time in misery - on and off the air... :-) Cliff
I suffer from an anxiety disorder and I can completely relate. What helped me get over the hump was to focus on how there is no obligation to any other person. You can just turn the radio off and that's it. Your life doesn't depend on it. Other than that, I had to force myself out there. I want other new hams to know that what this gentleman says is dead accurate. Take heed and know that once you make the leap, it becomes that much more fun. 73 AF5WT
Appreciate the video. I have operated CW for 60 years on air. A while ago I realized that although never totally off the air I had lost my "not possible to lose" CW skills. I am on the air much more and practicing a lot now. I registered as a new student with CW Academy for training, camaraderie and support in Sept. I imagine that I am not actually a new ham, but I am feeling like one at times and managing my nervous anxiety. But I do have some. I understand that I am a perfectionist now. . . I didn't get that when I was younger. I never used to put pressure on myself,. or when I didn't I didn't notice. People should know that CW operators are typically nice guys and gals. Nothing to worry about then right!! But that is logic and anxiety is emotional. So what will help. . . thanks
I started out with a great club that welcomed me with open arms. About the closest we had to a GOM was one of our seasoned WWII vets that in the hindsight of 20-20 vision wasn't bad at all. Man was in his 80's at the time, still did his own tower work and could hold a conversation with you while operating morse code... They don't make them like that anymore. No one treated me any different despite the wide age gap (I was 14 when I first got my ticket and the average age was 60's). After I joined the military I unfortunately saw plenty of GOM at local clubs where I was stationed and actually ended up taking a 5-6 year hiatus from the hobby between that and being busy with my military service. When I reentered the hobby I met up with the local club in that area and was instantly treated with disrespect due to my age (snarky comments, questioning my knowledge/intelligence etc). Even when I went to take my general and extra exams the VE's for that club kept arguing that they didn't believe I was already licensed though I provided my license along with two photo ID's. Sad part was I had several friends that were interested in the hobby and seeing their attitudes turned them away from the hobby. Ironically, I scored 100% on the general and 98% on extra... Imagine the reaction of the VE's haha That said, I still know plenty of great folks in the hobby so I don't let the actions of a few sour my view. -KC9FJE
Hi Eric, you'll reach your CW goals. Just try to practice as often as possible. I'm starting to learn CW myself after being licensed almost 2 decades now. So you'll get there. 🙂 Stay safe everyone and best 73's.
Beautiful speech. I got my tech license back in February of this year, already made a few local contacts and still sometimes hesitant on pushing that PTT button when I hear a CQ. This is very inspiring. Thank you. 4G1FBL
I can't thank you enough! Did me some good to hear another ham admit to an anxiety disorder. However given your description mine may be a bit worse as it does create problems in my life, but still I'm glad to know I'm not alone! In reference to CW I stand right with all your comments in the video as well as pretty much everyone who has posted a responding comment. I do want to compliment you for your abilities to teach and do these videos. I've watched all of your videos some more than once, you speak with proper volume emphasis and cadence (I think that's the proper words to describe what I'm thinking). but your well paced style, clean well laid out presentation area all makes for excellent teaching environment. I could see you going far with this! I would maybe even suggest you submit a "trailer" video describing your channel and its goals to the HamNation guys. Contact Bob Heil, As great and awesome as HamNation is I think they are under represented in the QRP field!
+W8FG Hello, Seth. Thanks for your encouragement! I'm not really sure where I'm going with this QRPSchool.com blog and the videos I'm making for it. I like helping/teaching so I'm just trying to do some good and give something back to the community. I've never been one to be comfortable in the spotlight so I'm happy to fly under the radar for now... but, maybe when I have more content I'll put some energy into spreading the word. Thanks again for your support. - Cliff
@@QRPSchool Cliff my friend, I recently saw a few of your videos, so maybe you're reaching more people than you planned on when this anxiety video was posted. 😁 But that's ok. The newbies and as well as those returning to being active (like myself) appreciate your patience and friendly demeanor. Yes the GOM are out there, but it's the comrades like yourself that make our hobby enjoyable and worth the efforts to strive for proficiency. And it takes less effort to tune away from the GOM than it does to continue to be on the receiving end of their frustrations. Thank you for the good videos keep them coming...😁 Stay safe everyone and best 73'3
In some countries they have the death penalty for bad yodelling! 😎😂73 de VK2AOE…. I want more people to play with on CW….I always encourage new players. This video is a ham community service announcement.
Great video Cliff. I was a Novice back in 1972 when I was in high school. I always wanted to get back in the hobby but life got in the way. I retired in 2011 and last summer I got back in the hobby. I passed my Technician and General test in August. In September I passed my Extra and got a ICOM 7300. Last January (2019) I started on another item on my bucket list, CW. I started the process of relearning the code. I joined SKCC and got on the air. I was nervous and scared but did it. I recently got the Centurion award for 100 contacts! Love CW and have lots of fun 73 Steve
Thanks for sharing, Cliff. The anxiety for me was feeling like the new kid in class. Everybody knew everybody because my first contact was on a 2 meter net. I should put a sign on my wall with "So what!"
One of my favorite things about listening to real live fists on the air is that you'll hear them make mistakes AT EVERY speed. Hearing others miss-send a character or two helps me get over the fact that I SHALL TOO make mistakes on the air-right in front of ...hams who make mistakes, on the air.
Hey but some of us yet are very crafty and do make things (radio and otherwise). AND don't have any reason to be GOM/NN about it. Yes, spin the dial or change the band or mode. Everyone is out there and most of them like to communicate with other friendly folks.
Hello - new subscriber here - just ran across your channel. Been a ham for over 55 years and loved this rant! I have felt this way for years. For me, CW was easy but it took me a long time to get over ‘mic fright’ which is what we called it in the old days. One of the worst things we can do as hams is to discourage newcomers. I always welcome new hams to the hobby. 73, Bill, KC5SB,
Thanks, Bill. There are a lot of wonderful hams out there whose self-esteem doesn't rely on putting down other hams. BUT, there are a few who aren't very forgiving of mistakes and I hope new hams who run into these people will just Turn The Big Knob! Have a great weekend... -Cliff
Thank You Cliff! :-) I let my license lapse over twenty years ago, and I'm thinking about getting back in and learning code this time. Back in those days, I was very much a loner and I preferred designing circuits to operations, but now I'm older, with a little wisdom, and healed enough to want to be with people... ...So I wanted to take a moment to tell you your encouragement is appreciated, and your videos are helping me get back into the hobby. Blessings & Joy from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina!! Renée PS) I'm a "recovering perfectionist" too!! Hehehe!!
Jump back in with both feet, Renee! Becoming proficient with morse code takes a while but it's worth it... especially if you aspire to use a very small radio kit in the field. - Cliff
As long as you have proof of your previous license, you only have to take the Element 2 exam to get it back (Technician exam), and the Element 1 exam (CW) was removed back in 2007, so learn CW for fun, not to pass a test. Here's more info: www.arrl.org/exam-element-credit Hope to hear you on the air! 73 :)
Thanks Cliff, Knew Ham on the block and know exactly what you explained so well. Made my first two contacts today and kinds goofed up a little, but .... so what. Thanks again, I enjoy your videos
Thank You. That was very comforting to hear. I know next to zero about Ham Radio but I'm learning and figuring out what I need to get started. My biggest challenge is deciding what my first radio will be and which bands should be included.
Hey, Walter. With the current solar conditions, you'll find people to talk to at night on 80 meters while 40 meters is generally reliable day and evening. During the day, 20 meters is open sometimes and may be the place you'll work DX, if conditions permit. If you decide to learn Morse Code, the 30 meter band can be an interesting band to play with. Even though propagation isn't great these days, there are still people to talk to. Welcome aboard! - Cliff
That was a great talk. As a long time veteran of the internet forums and chat groups, I could really give a you-know-what about what anybody thinks of me but your discourse will be of great help to anyone who might be feeling the strain. Thanks for taking the time to make this heart-felt video. It was a pleasure to watch.
Thanks for this video, I passed my foundation licence here in the UK less than a month ago. I have been really nervous about keying up the mic and talking to a complete stranger. I have had a couple of contacts, the first was a complete surprise the second a complete disaster. It knocked my confidence big time not that i had much to start with. It's good to know I am not the only one!
Congrats on getting your license! One way to take a "baby-step" is to simply ask for an audio check. Find a conversation and wait until it ends before calling... "Is anyone on frequency who could provide a quick audio check? This is [Call Sign]" Repeat that a few times and chances are good that someone will answer. Tell them that you haven't used this radio/antenna/microphone/whatever for a while and just wanted to make sure that it was working satisfactorily. After they give you the report, say something like, "Okay. I won't hold you. Thank you for the report and I hope to talk again sometime. This is [Call Sign]." Make sure to spend some time listening to how others start and end their contacts and the phrases they use so that you'll feel more confident. However, plain-spoken conversation without jargon is perfectly acceptable (even preferred!). It can help to join a radio club and talk on-the-air to people you've met at club meetings. On a local repeater you could say something like, "This is [Call Sign] monitoring." If someone comes back to you, you could say something like, "Hello. My name is [Name]. I've only got a few minutes to talk but wanted to make a contact today. How are things in your world today?" After a minute or two of small talk, telling them that you're new to the hobby and maybe asking about their equipment or ham-related interests (it's a big hobby with many facets), you can wrap it up by saying something like, "Well [Person's Name], I should probably be getting back to work here. Thanks for the contact today and I hope to talk again sometime. Have a great rest of the week. 73 from [Call Sign]" It gets easier the more you do it, I promise! - Cliff
im a new ham and i am nervous but i got a elmer pushing me to put myself out there. ive listened for years but when i was able to start talking thats when i got nervous. like you said so what and people do make mistakes. i guess im little harder on myself but like few other hams have done supported me and helped. its just amazing how people dont know you and help you out. this guy i was talking after i passed my tech, he gave me a book. ya its from 1992 but wow i didnt think id get so much support from people i dont even know nor talked to.. ive seen both sides more great than bad. alot of hams that ive met so far been really nice and helpful.
You know, I've watched many of your videos, and they are all excellent, but this must be the very best. Thanks for reminding all of us to have fun in this most amazing hobby! Kudos and merci!
Especially in contests, when I as a low power station , wire antenna, 1 year experience, come across the operators that will take the time to help the struggling operator get the contact, or explain the exchange (before I clued in to knowing what contests were running), or give some piece of helpful advice, even though it slows them down, I really respect those guys. That is class. It would be easy to dismiss the inexperienced ham, but thankfully it's very rare. And thanks for making such a great channel, respect!
I'm last to comment on this, and this is me 2 years later. I'm still working at getting active. It is priority #1 right now actually. I do have "key anxiety". It's the fear not being able to copy/understand the other end due to speed, QSB, or someone who uses a bug or straight key and always runs their characters together. I needed to rewatch this video today because I got all set up, but all I did was tune around because I was anxious.
That is such good advice. Cliff you are so right about good people being involved in our hobby. And your advice is also good for voice as well as CW. Even joining a QSO in progress on a local repeater for the first time can spark anxiety. However, once we do it that first time, it'll be easier from then on. Thank you for offering such calming advice especially for the newbies. Even we who are inactive but trying to make a comeback will and do appreciate the friendly reminder. Stay safe everyone and best 73's.
Cliff, thank you for this great video. I was licensed May this year and I'm exactly going through the process of breaking my anxiety when going on air. Whenever it's replying to someone's CQ or me calling on frequency. I heard many GOMs (they are everywhere in every country) but fortunately have not come across one when on air yet.
This is about the 4th video I've watched on hamm radios. I know nothing about it. I'm interested in prepping and I figured it was something I'd need. After watching videos i felt very stupid!! I thought wow maybe this is much more complicated than I realized and people seem awfully tense about the subject. This video just changed my attitude around. Thank you. This was the encouragement I needed. God bless.
Great Great Philosophy, most people out there are okay, I have my Foundation (Technician over there) exam on 23rd Feb and the help that other amateurs have given me is second to none, people like you on youtube are a great asset too, the SO WHAT philosophy is where it's at and I can so relate to that. If you're on DMR I hope to chat with you in the coming weeks. Terry
Thanks, Terrence. Good luck with your exam on the 23rd and I suspect you'll make a lot of new friends shortly thereafter! I'm not doing DMR yet but I'll give it a try in 2017, no doubt. Best regards - Cliff
I really appreciate your approach with that simple « So what ? ». I could not agree more. I am a ham for 26 years, but I made my first HF contact only a few weeks ago. I was nervous as hell ! Moreover, I am not a native english speaker (I am french) and this first QSO was in english with a UK station. I told him that it was my very first HF contact (on 40m, some few hundreds kilometers from me, not a big deal, nor a "DX"). He acted completely normally and the contact went well. After the QSO ended I had so many thing to reproach to myself, because of my misprononciations, my weird accent sometimes, the things I wish I had talked about and I forgot, etc... but I think my correspondant did not care at all. And I know I could only improve. The next QSO will be better, and the next one even more, even if I will still certainly have many reproaches to do to myself... nobody will really care, because we all went through that...
Congratulations on your first HF QSO!!! It is always an honor to be the first QSO for someone so I suspect the UK ham was glad to meet you. Yes, you will become smoother and more seasoned with time, but you are good enough right now to talk to anyone. By the way, you write very well in English! Keep on making QSO's and you will quickly feel comfortable. 72, Cliff
This has been the best help video I’ve seen .. I got licensed at 14 yo and it fizzled out after a year or so but now at 40 yo I am having trouble just keying the mic .. just got my tech license and have only Made 1 contact in a week .. I think I’m going to jump on tomorrow after hearing this !!
Hello Cliff, I can relate to this video. even though I have been licensed for many years and still at times hesitate with that PTT button. But once you make that contact it so much fun. By the way, your videos are always informative. Keep up the great service to the ham community. Dave -KE6EX
I just want to thank you for this video! My wife and I just got our license the beginning of summer. We have participated on various local nets, and this year's Field Day and simply loved it. We are in the process of studying for our General License now and are getting ready to implement the program to the students of our school district. My wife is a biology teacher and I am the technology coordinator of the school district. This video is definitely bookmarked to play to our students as we help them get their technician license. My wife and I both experienced anxiety when we first keyed up the mic, so we both know 100% what you are talking about. Again, thank you for this video and this subject matter. All we were told was, "Oh, you just have to get on and do it, " well, sometimes easier said then done.
Congrats on getting your license, Shawn. It's great that your wife is also licensed. That makes it so much easier to buy fun new ham radio toys! :-) Yes, for some people it IS easier said than done. I hope your students will break through their anxiety and give it a try. It gets easier the more you do it, I promise. There are so many nice hams out there to talk with. - Cliff
Thanks a lot Cliff !! I just granted my Technician License and Im yes I , feel this anxiety before my first contact on the repeater....but now,after saw your video I said: So What ?? LOL !!!
I’m studying for my amateur license and can relate. I also suffer from anxiety and like you, have continued a relatively normal life having learned how to cope with it. I’ve many times thought how will I be able to even just talk on the radio. Your video is totally inspirational. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this. I've been a ham since 2003... Active off and on. I consider myself a QRP, CW only, operator when I do get on the air. I am in the process of making this hobby more of a priority, and getting back on the air with regularity. This video was very encouraging, even for this not new ham. ☺️
I got my Extra ticket around 8 years ago (my first license). Was on the air sporadically for a month or two, then just walked away from everything. The attitudes towards new hams (including from the VEC who I tested with, and later VE'd with...once) was what drove me away. I've recently gotten back into radio, and have been learning CW (which I really like now). I've made a few phone contacts on 144/440, and my only CW contacts so far were on CWCOM since I don't have an HF rig yet...just two straight keys (the best one being Gerry, G3MW - he's super helpful and has a GREAT website about CWCOM...and he's got 16 straight keys hooked up to his computer!!!). There are friendly people out there, but you just have to keep looking for them. Just be sure to ignore those who 'look down' on you, for whatever egotistical/insecure reason they have. Just keep moving forward, and I hope to hear you on the air! 73 :) If you're interested in internet CW, here's the links: Article by Gerry, G3MW www.kb6nu.com/with-cwcom-you-can-operate-cw-over-the-internet/ (has his website link in it) CWCOM: archive.org/details/cwcom Gerry, G3MW is on CWCOM from 0800-2200 ZULU, daily.
Excellent video. GOMs need to accept that this hobby is changing so the new hams of course. I really appreciate what you are doing with these kind of videos. 73
Thank you for this.. and for your honesty. I am a top level manager in broadcasting and am coming up on my 37th anniversary at one company... yet I have some mental challenges. I can get past them, but have to work at it. Hard. Thank you for being willing to share your pathway. And thank you for all your videos.
Hello, Bryan. I believe we are all struggling with something on some level. Congrats on being able to see yourself openly and honestly. Give me flawed friends who are aware of their flaws. They are the best! - Cliff
Thanks for your encouragement. I have been struggling with cw QSOs and choke everytime I try. Starting to go through CWops program and they sent me to this video. Very much right on the nose for what I have experienced.
Cliff, you have no idea how much this video has just helped me. Although I’ve had my license a few years, I really have been hesitant to get on the air because some hams seem less than inviting but like you say, “so what!” Why let some GOM’s ruin it my experience. Like you say, plenty of nice Hams out there and I’ve been blessed to talk to a few. 73’s!
Cliff, your channel is just a fantastic resource for a new ham like myself just getting into QRP. Thank you so much for your work, I hope you continue to make fantastic videos for a long time to come!
Cliff, This video is awesome. I am going for my Technician License on the 25th of this month. Though I feel pretty confident, this video you made has just made that confidence that much stronger. Thanks so much. I can't wait to be a part of this amazing community.
Welcome to radio nerd-ville, James! Glad to have you aboard. Yes, feel confident that you are going to meet some really nice folks. If you do run into a GOM, just "Turn The Big Knob" and have a great rest of your day while they sit around being grumpy for no good reason! :-) Cliff
Thank you Sir, very much indeed, for making us "newbies" aware of simpler times. In today's times, maybe we aren't professional yodelers, but we used to collect snoglobes, DISNEY ones. Thank you Sir, for your "downright" honesty.
Thanks very much for addressing this topic, which not a lot of people talk about. It's helped me a great deal. Love your videos, keep up the great work! I'm about to upgrade to my General license and am looking forward to getting my first QRP transceiver.
Thank You. It is a great video. I used to be a vocational teacher. Technology keeps improving. I am trying to improve my experience. So I am using the TH-cam to learn. English is my third language. 4 years ago I started to learn English. Sometimes I am making mistake when I am texting or speaking. That makes me very uncomfortable. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your work and life experience.
Thank you for taking on a subject that some might think is unnecessary or silly. It isn't. When I saw the title of this blog my first thought was wow I'm not the only one. For someone who loves amateur radio as much as I do, I still feel apprehensive on HF and especially with CW which I am currently learning. With me, failure is always a concern. Your words were very encouraging, and I thank you for taking the time to share. K8RVR
+Michael Gilmore Glad to have helped, Michael! You are most certainly NOT the only one. It will get easier the more you put yourself out there, I promise. - Cliff
Excellent inspirational video. I found it very comforting and helpful as I have a similar anxiety to go.on the air with cw and "humiliate" myself. Thank you for putting things in perspective.
Hi Cliff, I'm watching this again because of the link on the CWOps webpage. Yes, I'm learning code and am looking forward to making my first contacts in CW mode. You'll be amused by this: I'm an appliance operator, but I'm also an engineer and I know how to make a valve and a pump and a turbine. :o I could be useful if time travel were possible. :) Thanks for all you do. I really enjoy your lessons and look forward to more. I've learned a ton from you already and appreciate you sharing your knowledge. 73 de AG7TX
My brother is going thru this right now. He joined a club he tested with that's local to him and most of the members ignore the new guys altogether. He went to their field day and helped one of the senior members put up an antenna for two hours in the heat, and the guy never said a word to him and just walked off when they were done like he wasn't there. For some reason it seems some of the older generation resent the technological shift that's taking place. Actual quote: "maybe im the a******..how dare I not walk into their meeting with a multitool, 9v battery, and toaster and make a 20m 50w right on the table, while i filled out my membership app" Luckily he lives in an area covered with clubs to choose from and he has found a much more friendly group to join. He has been called an appliance operator. I would tell somebody who said crap like that, if they can build a better radio than Yaesu I'll buy one from them..
+Jarrod P Ugh. That's unfortunate. I'm glad he didn't give up on the hobby after that rude introduction. I belong to a wonderful ARES group here near Nashville, TN. But, the first time I attended a meeting, only 1 person (out of about 50) said Hello to me. It seemed like I was going to be an outsider... and I was for a while. Fortunately, one of the hams started introducing me to other people and, after a while, I became more comfortable. Then I started volunteering for things and that raised my profile. I learned that the people in the group were actually very friendly - they just did a poor job of welcoming new members. It's something we need to remember to do better at every meeting or field event. Even though I went through that, I don't think I have done a very good job at going out of my way to welcome a newcomer. Hmmm... The "appliance operator" thing gets under my skin! My armchair psychological evaluation is that these people have a significant portion of their self-esteem based on their perceived competence in this hobby.- Cliff
I think the hobby attracts a lot of engineering and technical types, and as such there can be a certain proportion of people at Ham clubs who are more comfortable talking tech than being social. A friend of mine in Spain joined a ham club and reported that everyone he talked to pretty much seemed uncomfortable with him. However, once he started asking questions they would talk for hours and everyone would chip in with ideas and comments. I am autistic (aspergers) and my local group is very sociable and has tried to make me feel included from day one. However, I have been involved in many technical hobbies and found that often these can often be difficult places to make friends unless you simply ignore the fact that nobody has told you their name, asked you about yourself or given you some other social indication of a willingness to interact. Many folks are more comfortable with a technical question - and will find this an easier way to make introductions than trying to first engage them in polite small talk. For example ... If I and my two best friends were starting a club, welcoming newcomers would be one thing we'd not be particularly good at : ) But we'd all be sitting there thinking "I wish he'd come across and join in with the conversation" - and would probably start to feel awkward that he hasn't. Worse ... He simply says "Hello" and expects us to know what should come after that : O I think this is something that needs to be kept in mind. Sometimes deeply technical types may sincerely wish to greet you and make you welcome, but may seem standoffish. It isn't necessarily that they are shunning you - it CAN just be a little social awkwardness, which can be easily bypassed by simply asking them questions. People that suck as social interactions LOVE technical questions as it allows them to engage you without the whole complex social dance - the rules are simple and they know what comes next. I'm not saying all hams are awkward - far from it. But it's just a possible fresh perspective on 'unfriendly' Ham clubs with a high percentage of technical members who tend to form isolated groups. I would expect that at most clubs you will find a wide variety of personality types from social introverts to the downright lively and gregarious. And, if by chance they ARE by chance just a little pompous, well... no better way to engage them by asking them for their valued opinion on their given subject : ) So, I say if the "warm greeting" you expected isn't forthcoming - open pre-emptively by introducing yourself very briefly in a one-way fashion and move straight into asking a question or soliciting an opinion. You may find that they are just waiting for you to involve yourself. Once you take away the burden of opening smalltalk you may find that even the they seem to relax, open up and even start seeking you out for conversation. Congratulations, you have become "safe" to engage with. Just a thought : )
To add to the above (because it's really not long enough already ) ... Any group of this type NEEDS at least one facilitator. It's like a high school dance with the lights up... someone needs to start putting folk together. Now, if they had such a person in the group - this would have happened and you wouldn't be standing in the corner feeling awkward. So, it may be that you will be the much needed member who will fulfil that need for the next new member who walks through the door. With a little understanding of the difficulties - YOU could actually be the social lubricant the club needs. The gregarious one who greets a new face and makes the existing members feel more relaxed that someone has done the heavy lifting of introductions and such. Not only a member, but a much needed and valued member : ) Again, just a thought, DISCLAIMER : This post contains social advice from an Aspie... feel free to disregard XD
Great video Cliff! I got my CW exam back in 1987 and stopped using CW after a few weeks of trying. They were all too fast and I had not operating practice. I dumped my key in the far corner of the house and told myself never to use CW again. In 2010 I gave it another try, and have been enjoying it greatly. Those bad thoughts from 87 still get into my nerves now and then, but I've overcome most of it.. You're spot on: it's a hobby! 73, Alex PA1FOX
Great video... you brought up the point of, what if we went back in time suddenly and all we could do is describe what we know. We could give some basic principles, and describe things and create some shortcuts, but it literally took 10s of 1000s of years of geniuses standing on the shoulders of the ones that came before them. Most people couldn't give enough information to be useful. Like if it were 100 years ago and one was trying to describe a computer. How does it store info, how are bits and bytes physically written to a cd or drive and how do they get transferred to a screen to be useful. By the way, doesn't matter what hobby you do, there are always jerks in other hobbys as well.
+Tommy N That's right. So, if we're ever visited by aliens, we have to cut them some slack if they can't help us build anything cool. :-) You're also right about the jerks in other hobbies. I see your cyclist photo. I can't tell you the number of times I've waved to high-end "serious cyclists" only to have them totally ignore me - with my clydesdale physique and my steel-framed touring bike! :-)
Great advice. I've been licensed since '82 and I STILL get a little intimidated when I jump into a CW pileup. But you're absolutlely right. Who Cares? Spin the VFO. ...oh, and I really liked the video about "the case for Morse Code" Thanks for posting. 73 de VA3IF
Howdy Cliff, I want to Thank you for this Video. It is what Every New Ham Operator needs to See and Hear. You are correct when you speak of GOM or NN people, but in Reality, they are everywhere in our daily lives. And the same rule applies, we should just ignore them and not allow them to affect our lives in any way. All the Ham Operators I have met at this point have been just like yourself, Friendly, Helpful and Respectful. I feel honored to Associate with them as they all seem to want to Help People, People they have never even met. That says Alot about Ham Operators. I find them Very Special whether or not others realize it or not, they stand in the Background Ready to Serve in an Emergency, or an Event and Voluntarily. They get very little Acknowledgement from the Public since the Public is Unaware of How Ham Radio Operators assist them in times of Emergency or Public Events. I believe there needs to be more Awareness and Recognition of these Great People who also Serve the Public Free of Charge. Thank You Again Cliff for this Video, You have Inspired me and I am sure many Others also. I am Committed to Serve as You and other Hams do and make new friends along the way. This is a great Hobby.
Reminds me when I started out as a Novice in 1973. QSL cards would come to me with all sorts of errors and mistakes. The post office noticed my sign on the front door "Ham Radio Operation on the air...come back later", and correctly recognized that the several dozen cards that they were amassing in the dead letter office were all intended for me! Don't know if the error was in my sending, or in the copy on the other end, but it varied from house number to street name, to city name to zip code.
Excellent topic Cliff! I suffer from the same malaise and I think a lot of people do also. I have been a ham on/off the past 20 years and I still get flustered and never quite reach the key when I should. Working traffic nets has helped since they have formatted login and response system. Your video has helped put the my mind freeze in perspective. Good job and keep it up. Mike K1SLT
+Mike Golini Thank you, Mike. Based on the public and private responses I've received so far, I think this video resonates with many hams. Your traffic net work is a great way to build up confidence. I'd also advice anyone who isn't a CW speed-demon to join the Straight Key Century Club. The SKCC is a good group of hams who use straight keys... and they're happy to have slow-ish conversations. Much less intimidating and a good way to have fun without as much pressure. -Cliff (SKCC #12370)
Hi bud ! u make me remember the day i recive my license !!! lol... orrific day !! 1987... crowd 10 mt band... the post man just drop my license... i can't forget this day !! my english i too much poor to explain all my feeling.. btw im sure u can understood me hi hi.. i subscribe ur channel !! good job man !! best 73 de IK1LBL
Thank you for sharing your experience and your videos. I have some anxiety with speaking on the radio, as I feel that I don't have a lot to talk about and/or relate to (especially since all the other hams I know are not in my generation (20's)). But I have been pleasantly surprised to find most everyone I've come into contact with very welcoming. I'm pretty excited to eventually have a HF rig and especially a CW rig though. I think I will really enjoy CW. All the best and 73. KK4VYS
+nickfish03 When a young ham comes on one of our local repeaters, it's common for people to jump in just to say hello and welcome the new person. We aren't getting enough young people in the hobby and, frankly, many new hams just stop after getting an HT. Getting new hams to look into HF is a priority for some of us. Local communications is great but being able to communicate with people in other countries keeps things fresh and interesting. I'm glad you're having a good experience and hope to talk to you on the air someday! - Cliff
+QRP School I definitely understand where he's coming from. I joined my club at 14 and at 26 I'm still be far the youngest member haha It took me until I was about 22-23 before I made the jump into HF and now I rarely if ever get on VHF/UHF (more so because my equipment for those bands is still in storage from when I joined the military haha). It's been interesting though.. Actually, my first CW contact was with a fellow Air Force Security guy who was a ham stationed in Minot, ND so that helped with finding common ground and took away the nervousness of finding a topic.
Cliff, that is one of the most usefull, ham related videos I ever saw. I would go further and say, that it is also usefull for every aspect of life. So true words and so well said. Thanks for that. I am glad I had subscribed to your channel. Otherwise I could have missed it. 73 de OE4HDS
Thanks for this Cliff, really needing this right now-i'm new old ham just wanting to learn cw for pleasure now, not just to pass the test as i had to do in the past. Working thru CW Academy and just having trouble pulling the trigger for a QSO-this is just what i needed to hear. hope to run into you a WCARES-Ronnie N4PHL
Ronnie, when you ARE ready to jump on the air, you could get your feet wet by calling CQ at a much slower speed than your current maximum WPM. The station returning your call should match your slow speed and your anxiety will be greatly reduced during that QSO. Also, consider that there are hams who are slow and calling CQ more slowly may provide them a service by giving them a chance to have a comfortable QSO. Good luck... you'll be fine! Unless I'm traveling, I'm at all of the WCARES meetings and events. I'll see you there! - Cliff
Cliff, I really enjoy your QRP channel and this video is great for folks wanting to get on the air with CW. I will recommend two things that may help. Check out "CW Academy" and take your microphone for your HF rig and put it in a box and that box in another room. CW Academy is a great resource to learn morse and they have free classes from beginner to advanced.. The second suggestion is remove the microphone. This way it wont be "well Ill just make a phone contact now and do CW tomorrow". Both of these have helped me. 73s Rich KG5IF
Exactly what I intend to do! I used to say "so what" to my domineering sister all the time. She hated it when I said that, so I said it as often as possible! Hi hi!
Actually my fear was none of what you mentioned. From playing with a CB before getting my ham license, I recalled the arguing and bickering over petty things. I dislike bickering and arguing more than anything. I listened to hams on the scanner and noticed the fighting that reminded me so much of that nasty CB stuff. I decided to go for it anyhow and get my ticket. After I was legal to get on the radio, my anxiety kicked in and I feared a first contact as nothing but getting that one in one hundred person that wanted to fight about everything. I eventually got the nerve to join in on a net. It went well and after the net, a couple of people called my call sign and welcomed me. One invited me to their nightly roundtable QSO on one of the repeaters. Yes in the years I have been a ham, there have been a few who wanted to argue but someone would step in and set them straight. I still have that anxiety and avoid a contact where the person is a possible instigator.
GREAT video! As per your other comments, this was one of the most useful and reassuring videos I've watched on YT! Thanks! My biggest issue of getting over my being "on air" anxiety is living in a stucco covered Faraday cage (AKA Condo). 73's David KG7GTF
+dimitdamnit "...is living in a stucco covered Faraday cage" That's funny, David. You know, I really enjoy working portable. This time of year there are fewer opportunities because of the weather but it's still possible from time to time. I've also heard of some hams in your situation who mounted an antenna on their car - a "hamstick" or a Little Tarheel, for example, and then ran coax to the car's antenna. Hey, whatever it takes, right? C'mon Spring! - Cliff
+QRP School - I agree, it's only 50 odd feet out to my parking spot. Had my Buddipole out in parking lot for my first 2m QSO. Just have to hit the HRO for a longer cable to make it totally feasible. Living in Scottsdale, AZ we have great weather....so I have no excuse for not getting out and working portable. - David KG7GTF
Thanks buddy,good words,I also have an anxiety disorder and find it difficult to talk to others face to face at times.I looked to ham radio to help me through that. Unfortunately to avoid cw/voice contacts I wanted to be perfect before I could converse with other hams.Well that did not work,but it got me all the way to my extra ticket and to start designing and building a receiver.23 yrs later I'm still hesitant to work that key.but its getting better I'm determined and worth it to keep pushing myself.to make cw contacts. JT-65 was too easy/it leveled the playing field but for me was not so much fun. Anyway thanks again good to know I'm not the only one struggling a bit. Tom AB3YK
You are most certainly not alone, Tom. "...pushing myself to make cw contacts." That's the spirit! - Cliff To others who may be reading this: There are so many facets to this hobby. To me personally, it's worth being uncomfortable and pushing through that anxiety in order to communicate with CW. I guess the perceived reward of CW is greater than the pain it took for me to get there. But, it IS a hobby and it's supposed to be fun. If the anxiety of any particular aspect of the hobby is just too much, there's no shame in coming at the hobby from a different angle. I know a couple of hams who only got into the hobby for the electronics and don't care much for talking on the air. That's as good a reason as any to get a ticket... to experiment with RF-related electronics. So, don't give up if you feel the payoff is worth the anxiety... but don't feel like a failure if some things are beyond your current limitations.
Well said just came home from work and I'm just getting in the hobby. Going for my general and wetting my feet in CW. I feel like that at times I'm 65 about to retire go figure . Anyway well said glad I subscribed.
GOM - very appropriate anagram, broadly applies outside amateur radio. In English these guys might be called something less polite. Moving on is certainly good advice.
Hi, as an autistic person I too have huge anxiety issues, so I do appreciate this frank talk on a subject that affects so many new hams. I think PTT-Anxiety is a major issue for almost everyone at first, moreso if you're a bit of a perfectionist or have general anxiety issues. And, since most new OPs start out with entry level equipment I do think it has a place in a QRP oriented channel. Most of all I liked your tip on viewing the tuning knob as a GOM filter... and GOM's as though they were just QRM (Which, in a way, I suppose they are for new hams). I know it seems like common sense to tune away - but it's important to realise you're not failing somehow, or running away. The hobby is all about dealing with unwanted noise and getting the signals you actually desire. So thanks for that perspective. Personally, I'm going to stick to my local club nets at first. Those guys know me and have some appreciation for the difficulties I have. It's a good place to build confidence and I'd encourage any new ham to join their local club and make some friends they can come back to when the rest of the band might seems a little cold or they've had a bad experience. BTW. Tonight I'm sitting my UK foundation license exam. Paradoxically, it's such a simple exam that it's caused me days of anxiety : ) Again, thank you for raising this important topic, 73's
Hi, I forgot about this post. I did take my foundation licence later that evening and passed (of course I did, why was I so nervous). Your channel was a big part of me finally taking the plunge - so I thank you for that. Now I'm studying for my 2E0 (UK Intermediate Licence) call. Thanks you SO much for doing what you do. Maybe one day I'll catch you on the bands ; ) M6UDS Lancashire, UK
Cliff, I have never commented on a TH-cam video before (anxiety I guess) but wanted to thank you for the one you made. I too suffer from anxiety especially on CW. Also for the GOMs, I left SSB for CW for just that reason, GOM;s, know it alls, plain rude profane OPs, don't get me wrong, I met many good folks on SSB, but the chance of running into a GOM was 1 in 10 .. On CW, so far ZERO!! Having just relearned CW and I still make my share of mistakes, I get the jitters at first each time I operate, but once I get going, I find it to be rewarding and relaxing and just plain FUN. So to help with the jitters and anxiety at the start of each session, I'm going to adopt the mantra " SO WHAT" ... I know CW OPs are a forgiving bunch and I need to accept and embrace that. I'm at about 7-10 WPM now, but at the start of each session I always look OPs going slower to pay it forward for the many who did the same for me.. I hope to work you some day on CW .. VRY 73 DE KQ4MM -- Brian SKCC 17450
Hey, Brian. CW OPs are definitely a good bunch of people... probably because we're so thrilled when other hams care enough to put in the time to learn morse code. And we all started from the same place... knowing nothing. So anyone who is sending at 40wpm can still remember when they were a struggling young pup. By the way, if you ever hear me sending morse code at 40wpm, please call the FCC because someone has stolen my call sign! :-)
This is a great video, I can relate to anxiety issues personally. I like the "So What" line. The first time that I attempted CW was with a friend and I was surprised at how nervous I was, I thought my arms and legs were going to fall off, not to mention I was totally useless at copying any CW. Was an eye opener, I have calmed down somewhat but still am reluctant to join in, lots of listening (when life permits). I have viewed your video a couple of times and expect to view it even more. Thanks again for sharing . Bill M. VE3WMZ
+Bill Moss Hey, Bill. I totally understand. It helps to call CQ at a slower speed than necessary so you are in control of your situation. You could also use a morse code decoder app on your phone/tablet/computer to help you if start to become overwhelmed. Work slow loud stations until you become more comfortable. If you need someone to slow down for you, don't hesitate to send "PSE QRS 12 12 WPM" or whatever. Think about that... would YOU have any negative feelings or hesitation to slow down for a fellow ham? I think most of us would be perfectly happy to do that, right? If you've got someone who can't tolerate a slow-ish QSO, they can always just send the basic info and move on. So, set a goal of making one QSO a day and you'll see that it becomes easier over time, I promise! -Cliff
+QRP School Thanks for the advice, I will try. On top of everything time is at a premium these days. Thanks again ! And if and when the mistakes happen, "So What". Love that saying! Bill VE3WMZ
I definitely love your videos! I am still learning the morse code. I assembled a Frog Sounds QRP rig so yeah I am a little anxious getting on air via CW.
Morse code is fun but it does take quite a bit of time to learn it. There's no short-cuts... it's just a matter of putting in the required time. Just remember, you don't have to be fast in order to find people to talk with. You can find plenty of people who will be willing to talk to you at 10 WPM. So, don't wait until you can do 15 WPM before getting on the air! Jump in when you can. You WILL be nervous! That's perfectly normal, Ivelin. I hope to talk to you on the air someday! - Cliff
My dad told me once, the day you don't make a mistake is the day you didn't do anything and that is a mistake!
Cliff, boy did you hit that nail on the head. I Got my tech in August 21 and my General in Sept. My decision to run CW only has provided me with plenty of Angst in learning the code.. It's only when I watch a video such as this one you've made that I realize that I'm not alone with CW learning issues. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Ed W4EML
Thank you, Ed. -Cliff
Probably the best video for new amateur radio appliance operators like myself. Thank-you for making mistakes and lack of knowledge acceptable
Very good point. "Who Cares"? Just get in there and enjoy the hobby. It's unfortunate that there are some Hams that forget what an "Elmer" is and how they should conduct themselves to advance HAM radio. Cliff, you have a gift for teaching and your videos are very much appreciated. Thanks for setting a good example for both new and long-time HAMS!
Thank you! After a 20+ year hiatus from CW, I am making my way back. The first dit is the hardest. I'll get there.
Thank you for this video. My first HF contact was with someone who told me he had no time for any ham with such a weak signal. Then he called CQ again. I took me a long time before I had the courage to try again. In the mean time I have found that most hams are very nice people who are always willing to help you out.
+Gerrard Aissing " he had no time for any ham with such a weak signal" Sounds like he only wanted to talk to stations that sound like an AM radio station! Ridiculous. I've heard many stations who weren't all that strong who reported that they were running an amplifier. If conditions aren't good, even an amplifier won't get you that highly coveted 20db over S9 signal report. So, my guess is that he spends quite a bit of time in misery - on and off the air... :-) Cliff
I suffer from an anxiety disorder and I can completely relate. What helped me get over the hump was to focus on how there is no obligation to any other person. You can just turn the radio off and that's it. Your life doesn't depend on it.
Other than that, I had to force myself out there. I want other new hams to know that what this gentleman says is dead accurate. Take heed and know that once you make the leap, it becomes that much more fun.
73 AF5WT
Appreciate the video. I have operated CW for 60 years on air. A while ago I realized that although never totally off the air I had lost my "not possible to lose" CW skills. I am on the air much more and practicing a lot now. I registered as a new student with CW Academy for training, camaraderie and support in Sept. I imagine that I am not actually a new ham, but I am feeling like one at times and managing my nervous anxiety. But I do have some. I understand that I am a perfectionist now. . . I didn't get that when I was younger. I never used to put pressure on myself,. or when I didn't I didn't notice. People should know that CW operators are typically nice guys and gals. Nothing to worry about then right!! But that is logic and anxiety is emotional. So what will help. . . thanks
Awesome video. Thank you for addressing those of us who fight the silent battles.
I started out with a great club that welcomed me with open arms. About the closest we had to a GOM was one of our seasoned WWII vets that in the hindsight of 20-20 vision wasn't bad at all. Man was in his 80's at the time, still did his own tower work and could hold a conversation with you while operating morse code... They don't make them like that anymore. No one treated me any different despite the wide age gap (I was 14 when I first got my ticket and the average age was 60's).
After I joined the military I unfortunately saw plenty of GOM at local clubs where I was stationed and actually ended up taking a 5-6 year hiatus from the hobby between that and being busy with my military service. When I reentered the hobby I met up with the local club in that area and was instantly treated with disrespect due to my age (snarky comments, questioning my knowledge/intelligence etc). Even when I went to take my general and extra exams the VE's for that club kept arguing that they didn't believe I was already licensed though I provided my license along with two photo ID's. Sad part was I had several friends that were interested in the hobby and seeing their attitudes turned them away from the hobby. Ironically, I scored 100% on the general and 98% on extra... Imagine the reaction of the VE's haha
That said, I still know plenty of great folks in the hobby so I don't let the actions of a few sour my view.
-KC9FJE
I've been a Ham radio operator for 7 years, and I'm still learning CW. I'm having trouble breaking thru 5 WPM. Your words really hit home.
Hi Eric, you'll reach your CW goals. Just try to practice as often as possible. I'm starting to learn CW myself after being licensed almost 2 decades now. So you'll get there. 🙂
Stay safe everyone and best 73's.
Beautiful speech. I got my tech license back in February of this year, already made a few local contacts and still sometimes hesitant on pushing that PTT button when I hear a CQ. This is very inspiring. Thank you.
4G1FBL
I can't thank you enough! Did me some good to hear another ham admit to an anxiety disorder. However given your description mine may be a bit worse as it does create problems in my life, but still I'm glad to know I'm not alone! In reference to CW I stand right with all your comments in the video as well as pretty much everyone who has posted a responding comment. I do want to compliment you for your abilities to teach and do these videos. I've watched all of your videos some more than once, you speak with proper volume emphasis and cadence (I think that's the proper words to describe what I'm thinking). but your well paced style, clean well laid out presentation area all makes for excellent teaching environment. I could see you going far with this! I would maybe even suggest you submit a "trailer" video describing your channel and its goals to the HamNation guys. Contact Bob Heil, As great and awesome as HamNation is I think they are under represented in the QRP field!
+W8FG Hello, Seth. Thanks for your encouragement! I'm not really sure where I'm going with this QRPSchool.com blog and the videos I'm making for it. I like helping/teaching so I'm just trying to do some good and give something back to the community. I've never been one to be comfortable in the spotlight so I'm happy to fly under the radar for now... but, maybe when I have more content I'll put some energy into spreading the word. Thanks again for your support. - Cliff
@@QRPSchool Cliff my friend, I recently saw a few of your videos, so maybe you're reaching more people than you planned on when this anxiety video was posted. 😁
But that's ok. The newbies and as well as those returning to being active (like myself) appreciate your patience and friendly demeanor. Yes the GOM are out there, but it's the comrades like yourself that make our hobby enjoyable and worth the efforts to strive for proficiency. And it takes less effort to tune away from the GOM than it does to continue to be on the receiving end of their frustrations.
Thank you for the good videos keep them coming...😁
Stay safe everyone and best 73'3
In some countries they have the death penalty for bad yodelling! 😎😂73 de VK2AOE…. I want more people to play with on CW….I always encourage new players. This video is a ham community service announcement.
So let me get this straight …. I turn the big knob?… To get rid of the big….😂😂😂
Great video Cliff. I was a Novice back in 1972 when I was in high school. I always wanted to get back in the hobby but life got in the way. I retired in 2011 and last summer I got back in the hobby. I passed my Technician and General test in August. In September I passed my Extra and got a ICOM 7300. Last January (2019) I started on another item on my bucket list, CW. I started the process of relearning the code. I joined SKCC and got on the air. I was nervous and scared but did it. I recently got the Centurion award for 100 contacts! Love CW and have lots of fun
73
Steve
Way to go, Steve! -Cliff
Thanks for sharing, Cliff. The anxiety for me was feeling like the new kid in class. Everybody knew everybody because my first contact was on a 2 meter net. I should put a sign on my wall with "So what!"
One of my favorite things about listening to real live fists on the air is that you'll hear them make mistakes
AT EVERY speed.
Hearing others miss-send a character or two helps me get over the fact that I SHALL TOO make mistakes on the air-right in front of ...hams who make mistakes, on the air.
Hey but some of us yet are very crafty and do make things (radio and otherwise). AND don't have any reason to be GOM/NN about it.
Yes, spin the dial or change the band or mode. Everyone is out there and most of them like to communicate with other friendly folks.
Hello - new subscriber here - just ran across your channel. Been a ham for over 55 years and loved this rant! I have felt this way for years. For me, CW was easy but it took me a long time to get over ‘mic fright’ which is what we called it in the old days. One of the worst things we can do as hams is to discourage newcomers. I always welcome new hams to the hobby. 73, Bill, KC5SB,
Thanks, Bill. There are a lot of wonderful hams out there whose self-esteem doesn't rely on putting down other hams. BUT, there are a few who aren't very forgiving of mistakes and I hope new hams who run into these people will just Turn The Big Knob! Have a great weekend... -Cliff
Thank You Cliff! :-)
I let my license lapse over twenty years ago, and I'm thinking about getting back in and learning code this time. Back in those days, I was very much a loner and I preferred designing circuits to operations, but now I'm older, with a little wisdom, and healed enough to want to be with people...
...So I wanted to take a moment to tell you your encouragement is appreciated, and your videos are helping me get back into the hobby.
Blessings & Joy from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina!!
Renée
PS) I'm a "recovering perfectionist" too!! Hehehe!!
Jump back in with both feet, Renee! Becoming proficient with morse code takes a while but it's worth it... especially if you aspire to use a very small radio kit in the field. - Cliff
As long as you have proof of your previous license, you only have to take the Element 2 exam to get it back (Technician exam), and the Element 1 exam (CW) was removed back in 2007, so learn CW for fun, not to pass a test. Here's more info: www.arrl.org/exam-element-credit
Hope to hear you on the air! 73 :)
Thanks Cliff,
Knew Ham on the block and know exactly what you explained so well. Made my first two contacts today and kinds goofed up a little, but .... so what.
Thanks again, I enjoy your videos
Thanks Cliff, passed exam two weeks ago, radio coming, my first contact is out there somewhere, looking forwards to jumping in.
Way to go, Ivan! - Cliff
Thank You. That was very comforting to hear. I know next to zero about Ham Radio but I'm learning and figuring out what I need to get started. My biggest challenge is deciding what my first radio will be and which bands should be included.
Hey, Walter. With the current solar conditions, you'll find people to talk to at night on 80 meters while 40 meters is generally reliable day and evening. During the day, 20 meters is open sometimes and may be the place you'll work DX, if conditions permit. If you decide to learn Morse Code, the 30 meter band can be an interesting band to play with. Even though propagation isn't great these days, there are still people to talk to. Welcome aboard! - Cliff
That was a great talk. As a long time veteran of the internet forums and chat groups, I could really give a you-know-what about what anybody thinks of me but your discourse will be of great help to anyone who might be feeling the strain. Thanks for taking the time to make this heart-felt video. It was a pleasure to watch.
Captain Black - Thank you for the kind words. - Cliff
Thanks for this video, I passed my foundation licence here in the UK less than a month ago. I have been really nervous about keying up the mic and talking to a complete stranger. I have had a couple of contacts, the first was a complete surprise the second a complete disaster. It knocked my confidence big time not that i had much to start with.
It's good to know I am not the only one!
Congrats on getting your license! One way to take a "baby-step" is to simply ask for an audio check. Find a conversation and wait until it ends before calling... "Is anyone on frequency who could provide a quick audio check? This is [Call Sign]" Repeat that a few times and chances are good that someone will answer. Tell them that you haven't used this radio/antenna/microphone/whatever for a while and just wanted to make sure that it was working satisfactorily. After they give you the report, say something like, "Okay. I won't hold you. Thank you for the report and I hope to talk again sometime. This is [Call Sign]."
Make sure to spend some time listening to how others start and end their contacts and the phrases they use so that you'll feel more confident. However, plain-spoken conversation without jargon is perfectly acceptable (even preferred!).
It can help to join a radio club and talk on-the-air to people you've met at club meetings. On a local repeater you could say something like, "This is [Call Sign] monitoring." If someone comes back to you, you could say something like, "Hello. My name is [Name]. I've only got a few minutes to talk but wanted to make a contact today. How are things in your world today?" After a minute or two of small talk, telling them that you're new to the hobby and maybe asking about their equipment or ham-related interests (it's a big hobby with many facets), you can wrap it up by saying something like, "Well [Person's Name], I should probably be getting back to work here. Thanks for the contact today and I hope to talk again sometime. Have a great rest of the week. 73 from [Call Sign]"
It gets easier the more you do it, I promise! - Cliff
I've watched this video about a dozen times and have forwarded it on to half as many new hams. Still resonates with me.
Thank you, Dave. -Cliff
im a new ham and i am nervous but i got a elmer pushing me to put myself out there. ive listened for years but when i was able to start talking thats when i got nervous. like you said so what and people do make mistakes. i guess im little harder on myself but like few other hams have done supported me and helped. its just amazing how people dont know you and help you out. this guy i was talking after i passed my tech, he gave me a book. ya its from 1992 but wow i didnt think id get so much support from people i dont even know nor talked to.. ive seen both sides more great than bad. alot of hams that ive met so far been really nice and helpful.
You know, I've watched many of your videos, and they are all excellent, but this must be the very best. Thanks for reminding all of us to have fun in this most amazing hobby! Kudos and merci!
Especially in contests, when I as a low power station , wire antenna, 1 year experience, come across the operators that will take the time to help the struggling operator get the contact, or explain the exchange (before I clued in to knowing what contests were running), or give some piece of helpful advice, even though it slows them down, I really respect those guys. That is class. It would be easy to dismiss the inexperienced ham, but thankfully it's very rare. And thanks for making such a great channel, respect!
I'm last to comment on this, and this is me 2 years later. I'm still working at getting active. It is priority #1 right now actually. I do have "key anxiety". It's the fear not being able to copy/understand the other end due to speed, QSB, or someone who uses a bug or straight key and always runs their characters together. I needed to rewatch this video today because I got all set up, but all I did was tune around because I was anxious.
That is such good advice. Cliff you are so right about good people being involved in our hobby. And your advice is also good for voice as well as CW. Even joining a QSO in progress on a local repeater for the first time can spark anxiety. However, once we do it that first time, it'll be easier from then on.
Thank you for offering such calming advice especially for the newbies. Even we who are inactive but trying to make a comeback will and do appreciate the friendly reminder.
Stay safe everyone and best 73's.
"Inner tubes and catcher's mitts...." Love it!
Enjoy your videos and especially this one. Well said. Keep making videos and I'll keep watching and learning. 73!
Cliff, thank you for this great video. I was licensed May this year and I'm exactly going through the process of breaking my anxiety when going on air. Whenever it's replying to someone's CQ or me calling on frequency. I heard many GOMs (they are everywhere in every country) but fortunately have not come across one when on air yet.
+Bartek Papierski Hello, Bartek. Congrats on getting your license! What is uncomfortable now will become easier in time, I promise. -Cliff
This is about the 4th video I've watched on hamm radios. I know nothing about it. I'm interested in prepping and I figured it was something I'd need. After watching videos i felt very stupid!! I thought wow maybe this is much more complicated than I realized and people seem awfully tense about the subject. This video just changed my attitude around. Thank you. This was the encouragement I needed. God bless.
Glad to have helped! It's an interesting hobby and I hope you will go forward with it. - Cliff
Great Great Philosophy, most people out there are okay, I have my Foundation (Technician over there) exam on 23rd Feb and the help that other amateurs have given me is second to none, people like you on youtube are a great asset too, the SO WHAT philosophy is where it's at and I can so relate to that. If you're on DMR I hope to chat with you in the coming weeks. Terry
Thanks, Terrence. Good luck with your exam on the 23rd and I suspect you'll make a lot of new friends shortly thereafter! I'm not doing DMR yet but I'll give it a try in 2017, no doubt. Best regards - Cliff
thanks for your honesty and for your words. i felt inspired by what you wrote.
I really appreciate your approach with that simple « So what ? ». I could not agree more. I am a ham for 26 years, but I made my first HF contact only a few weeks ago. I was nervous as hell ! Moreover, I am not a native english speaker (I am french) and this first QSO was in english with a UK station. I told him that it was my very first HF contact (on 40m, some few hundreds kilometers from me, not a big deal, nor a "DX"). He acted completely normally and the contact went well.
After the QSO ended I had so many thing to reproach to myself, because of my misprononciations, my weird accent sometimes, the things I wish I had talked about and I forgot, etc... but I think my correspondant did not care at all.
And I know I could only improve. The next QSO will be better, and the next one even more, even if I will still certainly have many reproaches to do to myself... nobody will really care, because we all went through that...
Congratulations on your first HF QSO!!! It is always an honor to be the first QSO for someone so I suspect the UK ham was glad to meet you. Yes, you will become smoother and more seasoned with time, but you are good enough right now to talk to anyone. By the way, you write very well in English! Keep on making QSO's and you will quickly feel comfortable. 72, Cliff
This has been the best help video I’ve seen .. I got licensed at 14 yo and it fizzled out after a year or so but now at 40 yo I am having trouble just keying the mic .. just got my tech license and have only Made 1 contact in a week .. I think I’m going to jump on tomorrow after hearing this !!
Go ahead, Josh. It gets easier with each contact. - Cliff
Awesome message - thank you! Turn that knob 😎👊
Hello Cliff,
I can relate to this video. even though I have been licensed for many years and still at times hesitate with that PTT button. But once you make that contact it so much fun. By the way, your videos are always informative. Keep up the great service to the ham community.
Dave -KE6EX
I just want to thank you for this video! My wife and I just got our license the beginning of summer. We have participated on various local nets, and this year's Field Day and simply loved it. We are in the process of studying for our General License now and are getting ready to implement the program to the students of our school district. My wife is a biology teacher and I am the technology coordinator of the school district. This video is definitely bookmarked to play to our students as we help them get their technician license. My wife and I both experienced anxiety when we first keyed up the mic, so we both know 100% what you are talking about. Again, thank you for this video and this subject matter. All we were told was, "Oh, you just have to get on and do it, " well, sometimes easier said then done.
Congrats on getting your license, Shawn. It's great that your wife is also licensed. That makes it so much easier to buy fun new ham radio toys! :-)
Yes, for some people it IS easier said than done. I hope your students will break through their anxiety and give it a try. It gets easier the more you do it, I promise. There are so many nice hams out there to talk with. - Cliff
Thanks a lot Cliff !! I just granted my Technician License and Im yes I , feel this anxiety before my first contact on the repeater....but now,after saw your video I said: So What ?? LOL !!!
I’m studying for my amateur license and can relate. I also suffer from anxiety and like you, have continued a relatively normal life having learned how to cope with it. I’ve many times thought how will I be able to even just talk on the radio. Your video is totally inspirational. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this. I've been a ham since 2003... Active off and on. I consider myself a QRP, CW only, operator when I do get on the air. I am in the process of making this hobby more of a priority, and getting back on the air with regularity. This video was very encouraging, even for this not new ham. ☺️
I got my Extra ticket around 8 years ago (my first license). Was on the air sporadically for a month or two, then just walked away from everything. The attitudes towards new hams (including from the VEC who I tested with, and later VE'd with...once) was what drove me away. I've recently gotten back into radio, and have been learning CW (which I really like now). I've made a few phone contacts on 144/440, and my only CW contacts so far were on CWCOM since I don't have an HF rig yet...just two straight keys (the best one being Gerry, G3MW - he's super helpful and has a GREAT website about CWCOM...and he's got 16 straight keys hooked up to his computer!!!). There are friendly people out there, but you just have to keep looking for them. Just be sure to ignore those who 'look down' on you, for whatever egotistical/insecure reason they have. Just keep moving forward, and I hope to hear you on the air! 73 :)
If you're interested in internet CW, here's the links:
Article by Gerry, G3MW www.kb6nu.com/with-cwcom-you-can-operate-cw-over-the-internet/ (has his website link in it)
CWCOM: archive.org/details/cwcom
Gerry, G3MW is on CWCOM from 0800-2200 ZULU, daily.
Dear Cliff!!! All I can say is thank you! :) 73!!!
Excellent video. GOMs need to accept that this hobby is changing so the new hams of course. I really appreciate what you are doing with these kind of videos. 73
thanks for all advises...cheers
This is one of the most forthcoming, encouraging and helpful videos on TH-cam. Thank you for sharing the wisdom.
Thank you for being honest, I can understand that...Regards Brian UK.
Thank you for this.. and for your honesty. I am a top level manager in broadcasting and am coming up on my 37th anniversary at one company... yet I have some mental challenges. I can get past them, but have to work at it. Hard. Thank you for being willing to share your pathway. And thank you for all your videos.
Hello, Bryan. I believe we are all struggling with something on some level. Congrats on being able to see yourself openly and honestly. Give me flawed friends who are aware of their flaws. They are the best! - Cliff
Your a good man, nice to see in this world someone like you helping others..
Well done. Great advice for life, not just radio.
Thanks for your encouragement. I have been struggling with cw QSOs and choke everytime I try. Starting to go through CWops program and they sent me to this video. Very much right on the nose for what I have experienced.
Cliff, you have no idea how much this video has just helped me. Although I’ve had my license a few years, I really have been hesitant to get on the air because some hams seem less than inviting but like you say, “so what!” Why let some GOM’s ruin it my experience. Like you say, plenty of nice Hams out there and I’ve been blessed to talk to a few. 73’s!
That's right, Steve. If you encounter a GOM, just turn the big knob! :-)
Cliff, your channel is just a fantastic resource for a new ham like myself just getting into QRP.
Thank you so much for your work, I hope you continue to make fantastic videos for a long time to come!
+MrEttercap Thanks for the encouragement! I've got several videos in-the-works right now so stay tuned, my friend. - Cliff
Cliff, This video is awesome. I am going for my Technician License on the 25th of this month. Though I feel pretty confident, this video you made has just made that confidence that much stronger. Thanks so much. I can't wait to be a part of this amazing community.
Welcome to radio nerd-ville, James! Glad to have you aboard. Yes, feel confident that you are going to meet some really nice folks. If you do run into a GOM, just "Turn The Big Knob" and have a great rest of your day while they sit around being grumpy for no good reason! :-) Cliff
Thank you Sir, very much indeed, for making us "newbies" aware of simpler times. In today's times, maybe we aren't professional yodelers, but we used to collect snoglobes, DISNEY ones.
Thank you Sir, for your "downright" honesty.
Thanks very much for addressing this topic, which not a lot of people talk about. It's helped me a great deal. Love your videos, keep up the great work! I'm about to upgrade to my General license and am looking forward to getting my first QRP transceiver.
Thanks for the kind words and congrats on your upgrade to General! You'll be able to do so much with your new license class. Have fun! - Cliff
Thank You. It is a great video. I used to be a vocational teacher. Technology keeps improving. I am trying to improve my experience. So I am using the TH-cam to learn. English is my third language. 4 years ago I started to learn English. Sometimes I am making mistake when I am texting or speaking. That makes me very uncomfortable. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your work and life experience.
Yuksel - I understand. You are doing great in English! I hope to talk with you on the air someday. Best regards - Cliff
Thank you for taking on a subject that some might think is unnecessary or silly. It isn't.
When I saw the title of this blog my first thought was wow I'm not the only one. For someone who loves amateur radio as much as I do, I still feel apprehensive on HF and especially with CW which I am currently learning. With me, failure is always a concern.
Your words were very encouraging, and I thank you for taking the time to share.
K8RVR
+Michael Gilmore Glad to have helped, Michael! You are most certainly NOT the only one. It will get easier the more you put yourself out there, I promise. - Cliff
Excellent inspirational video. I found it very comforting and helpful as I have a similar anxiety to go.on the air with cw and "humiliate" myself. Thank you for putting things in perspective.
Hi Cliff, I'm watching this again because of the link on the CWOps webpage. Yes, I'm learning code and am looking forward to making my first contacts in CW mode.
You'll be amused by this: I'm an appliance operator, but I'm also an engineer and I know how to make a valve and a pump and a turbine. :o I could be useful if time travel were possible. :)
Thanks for all you do. I really enjoy your lessons and look forward to more. I've learned a ton from you already and appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
73 de AG7TX
David, I appreciate the kind words and I also appreciate that you could teach ancient people how to build a turbine! - Cliff
I got a kick out of this video. Great job hitting some key anxiety points and being open about your own anxiety.
My brother is going thru this right now. He joined a club he tested with that's local to him and most of the members ignore the new guys altogether. He went to their field day and helped one of the senior members put up an antenna for two hours in the heat, and the guy never said a word to him and just walked off when they were done like he wasn't there. For some reason it seems some of the older generation resent the technological shift that's taking place. Actual quote: "maybe im the a******..how dare I not walk into their meeting with a multitool, 9v battery, and toaster and make a 20m 50w right on the table, while i filled out my membership app"
Luckily he lives in an area covered with clubs to choose from and he has found a much more friendly group to join. He has been called an appliance operator. I would tell somebody who said crap like that, if they can build a better radio than Yaesu I'll buy one from them..
+Jarrod P Ugh. That's unfortunate. I'm glad he didn't give up on the hobby after that rude introduction.
I belong to a wonderful ARES group here near Nashville, TN. But, the first time I attended a meeting, only 1 person (out of about 50) said Hello to me. It seemed like I was going to be an outsider... and I was for a while. Fortunately, one of the hams started introducing me to other people and, after a while, I became more comfortable. Then I started volunteering for things and that raised my profile. I learned that the people in the group were actually very friendly - they just did a poor job of welcoming new members. It's something we need to remember to do better at every meeting or field event. Even though I went through that, I don't think I have done a very good job at going out of my way to welcome a newcomer. Hmmm...
The "appliance operator" thing gets under my skin! My armchair psychological evaluation is that these people have a significant portion of their self-esteem based on their perceived competence in this hobby.- Cliff
I think the hobby attracts a lot of engineering and technical types, and as such there can be a certain proportion of people at Ham clubs who are more comfortable talking tech than being social. A friend of mine in Spain joined a ham club and reported that everyone he talked to pretty much seemed uncomfortable with him. However, once he started asking questions they would talk for hours and everyone would chip in with ideas and comments.
I am autistic (aspergers) and my local group is very sociable and has tried to make me feel included from day one. However, I have been involved in many technical hobbies and found that often these can often be difficult places to make friends unless you simply ignore the fact that nobody has told you their name, asked you about yourself or given you some other social indication of a willingness to interact. Many folks are more comfortable with a technical question - and will find this an easier way to make introductions than trying to first engage them in polite small talk.
For example ... If I and my two best friends were starting a club, welcoming newcomers would be one thing we'd not be particularly good at : ) But we'd all be sitting there thinking "I wish he'd come across and join in with the conversation" - and would probably start to feel awkward that he hasn't. Worse ... He simply says "Hello" and expects us to know what should come after that : O
I think this is something that needs to be kept in mind. Sometimes deeply technical types may sincerely wish to greet you and make you welcome, but may seem standoffish. It isn't necessarily that they are shunning you - it CAN just be a little social awkwardness, which can be easily bypassed by simply asking them questions. People that suck as social interactions LOVE technical questions as it allows them to engage you without the whole complex social dance - the rules are simple and they know what comes next.
I'm not saying all hams are awkward - far from it. But it's just a possible fresh perspective on 'unfriendly' Ham clubs with a high percentage of technical members who tend to form isolated groups. I would expect that at most clubs you will find a wide variety of personality types from social introverts to the downright lively and gregarious.
And, if by chance they ARE by chance just a little pompous, well... no better way to engage them by asking them for their valued opinion on their given subject : )
So, I say if the "warm greeting" you expected isn't forthcoming - open pre-emptively by introducing yourself very briefly in a one-way fashion and move straight into asking a question or soliciting an opinion. You may find that they are just waiting for you to involve yourself. Once you take away the burden of opening smalltalk you may find that even the they seem to relax, open up and even start seeking you out for conversation. Congratulations, you have become "safe" to engage with.
Just a thought : )
To add to the above (because it's really not long enough already ) ...
Any group of this type NEEDS at least one facilitator. It's like a high school dance with the lights up... someone needs to start putting folk together. Now, if they had such a person in the group - this would have happened and you wouldn't be standing in the corner feeling awkward. So, it may be that you will be the much needed member who will fulfil that need for the next new member who walks through the door.
With a little understanding of the difficulties - YOU could actually be the social lubricant the club needs. The gregarious one who greets a new face and makes the existing members feel more relaxed that someone has done the heavy lifting of introductions and such.
Not only a member, but a much needed and valued member : ) Again, just a thought,
DISCLAIMER : This post contains social advice from an Aspie... feel free to disregard XD
Good spirit for all, thank Cliff
Great video Cliff!
I got my CW exam back in 1987 and stopped using CW after a few weeks of trying. They were all too fast and I had not operating practice. I dumped my key in the far corner of the house and told myself never to use CW again.
In 2010 I gave it another try, and have been enjoying it greatly. Those bad thoughts from 87 still get into my nerves now and then, but I've overcome most of it.. You're spot on: it's a hobby!
73,
Alex PA1FOX
Thank you, Alex. I'm glad you gave CW another try. The nerves become calmer the more you do it, as you've discovered. Thanks for writing! - Cliff
Great video... you brought up the point of, what if we went back in time suddenly and all we could do is describe what we know. We could give some basic principles, and describe things and create some shortcuts, but it literally took 10s of 1000s of years of geniuses standing on the shoulders of the ones that came before them. Most people couldn't give enough information to be useful. Like if it were 100 years ago and one was trying to describe a computer. How does it store info, how are bits and bytes physically written to a cd or drive and how do they get transferred to a screen to be useful.
By the way, doesn't matter what hobby you do, there are always jerks in other hobbys as well.
+Tommy N That's right. So, if we're ever visited by aliens, we have to cut them some slack if they can't help us build anything cool. :-)
You're also right about the jerks in other hobbies. I see your cyclist photo. I can't tell you the number of times I've waved to high-end "serious cyclists" only to have them totally ignore me - with my clydesdale physique and my steel-framed touring bike! :-)
Great advice. I've been licensed since '82 and I STILL get a little intimidated when I jump into a CW pileup. But you're absolutlely right. Who Cares? Spin the VFO.
...oh, and I really liked the video about "the case for Morse Code" Thanks for posting.
73 de VA3IF
+PintDrinker60 Thank you! - Cliff
Thank you.. really.. i needed to hear this.. now I’ll start 💪🏻.
Howdy Cliff,
I want to Thank you for this Video. It is what Every New Ham Operator needs to See and Hear. You are correct when you speak of GOM or NN people, but in Reality, they are everywhere in our daily lives. And the same rule applies, we should just ignore them and not allow them to affect our lives in any way. All the Ham Operators I have met at this point have been just like yourself, Friendly, Helpful and Respectful. I feel honored to Associate with them as they all seem to want to Help People, People they have never even met. That says Alot about Ham Operators. I find them Very Special whether or not others realize it or not, they stand in the Background Ready to Serve in an Emergency, or an Event and Voluntarily. They get very little Acknowledgement from the Public since the Public is Unaware of How Ham Radio Operators assist them in times of Emergency or Public Events. I believe there needs to be more Awareness and Recognition of these Great People who also Serve the Public Free of Charge. Thank You Again Cliff for this Video, You have Inspired me and I am sure many Others also. I am Committed to Serve as You and other Hams do and make new friends along the way. This is a great Hobby.
Thanks for this great message. It feels like Friday all of a sudden! :-) -Cliff
Reminds me when I started out as a Novice in 1973. QSL cards would come to me with all sorts of errors and mistakes. The post office noticed my sign on the front door "Ham Radio Operation on the air...come back later", and correctly recognized that the several dozen cards that they were amassing in the dead letter office were all intended for me! Don't know if the error was in my sending, or in the copy on the other end, but it varied from house number to street name, to city name to zip code.
Excellent topic Cliff! I suffer from the same malaise and I think a lot of people do also. I have been a ham on/off the past 20 years and I still get flustered and never quite reach the key when I should. Working traffic nets has helped since they have formatted login and response system.
Your video has helped put the my mind freeze in perspective.
Good job and keep it up.
Mike K1SLT
+Mike Golini Thank you, Mike. Based on the public and private responses I've received so far, I think this video resonates with many hams. Your traffic net work is a great way to build up confidence. I'd also advice anyone who isn't a CW speed-demon to join the Straight Key Century Club. The SKCC is a good group of hams who use straight keys... and they're happy to have slow-ish conversations. Much less intimidating and a good way to have fun without as much pressure. -Cliff (SKCC #12370)
+QRP School
Cliff, Lol, I am a SKCC (#11932), just haven't been on the air with them yet.
On the list of to do's
Very lovely man, he made me so at ease, hope you like all.
A very comforting video! Thanks for your efforts.
Hi bud ! u make me remember the day i recive my license !!! lol... orrific day !!
1987... crowd 10 mt band... the post man just drop my license... i can't forget this day !! my english i too much poor to explain all my feeling.. btw im sure u can understood me hi hi..
i subscribe ur channel !! good job man !!
best 73 de IK1LBL
Thank you for sharing your experience and your videos. I have some anxiety with speaking on the radio, as I feel that I don't have a lot to talk about and/or relate to (especially since all the other hams I know are not in my generation (20's)). But I have been pleasantly surprised to find most everyone I've come into contact with very welcoming. I'm pretty excited to eventually have a HF rig and especially a CW rig though. I think I will really enjoy CW. All the best and 73. KK4VYS
+nickfish03 When a young ham comes on one of our local repeaters, it's common for people to jump in just to say hello and welcome the new person. We aren't getting enough young people in the hobby and, frankly, many new hams just stop after getting an HT. Getting new hams to look into HF is a priority for some of us. Local communications is great but being able to communicate with people in other countries keeps things fresh and interesting. I'm glad you're having a good experience and hope to talk to you on the air someday! - Cliff
+QRP School I definitely understand where he's coming from. I joined my club at 14 and at 26 I'm still be far the youngest member haha
It took me until I was about 22-23 before I made the jump into HF and now I rarely if ever get on VHF/UHF (more so because my equipment for those bands is still in storage from when I joined the military haha). It's been interesting though.. Actually, my first CW contact was with a fellow Air Force Security guy who was a ham stationed in Minot, ND so that helped with finding common ground and took away the nervousness of finding a topic.
just great Cliff 73s, from,William,N.Ireland.
Thank you Cliff!
Hey Cliff, Thanks for the insight. You may have made this awhile ago but it is still good info.. I am a new 70 + Ham thanks, Bob
Congrats on getting your license, Robert. This is a nice retirement hobby. I hope to find you on the air someday. - Cliff
Cliff, that is one of the most usefull, ham related videos I ever saw. I would go further and say, that it is also usefull for every aspect of life. So true words and so well said. Thanks for that. I am glad I had subscribed to your channel. Otherwise I could have missed it.
73 de OE4HDS
+ThereIsProbablyNoGod Thank you for the kind words, Helmut! -Cliff
Thanks for this Cliff, really needing this right now-i'm new old ham just wanting to learn cw for pleasure now, not just to pass the test as i had to do in the past. Working thru CW Academy and just having trouble pulling the trigger for a QSO-this is just what i needed to hear. hope to run into you a WCARES-Ronnie N4PHL
Ronnie, when you ARE ready to jump on the air, you could get your feet wet by calling CQ at a much slower speed than your current maximum WPM. The station returning your call should match your slow speed and your anxiety will be greatly reduced during that QSO. Also, consider that there are hams who are slow and calling CQ more slowly may provide them a service by giving them a chance to have a comfortable QSO. Good luck... you'll be fine! Unless I'm traveling, I'm at all of the WCARES meetings and events. I'll see you there! - Cliff
Cliff, I really enjoy your QRP channel and this video is great for folks wanting to get on the air with CW. I will recommend two things that may help. Check out "CW Academy" and take your microphone for your HF rig and put it in a box and that box in another room. CW Academy is a great resource to learn morse and they have free classes from beginner to advanced.. The second suggestion is remove the microphone. This way it wont be "well Ill just make a phone contact now and do CW tomorrow". Both of these have helped me. 73s Rich KG5IF
I think im going to get a wooden plaque with "So what ?" for in the shack ! Thanks for the video its good to know there are more of us around.
Exactly what I intend to do! I used to say "so what" to my domineering sister all the time. She hated it when I said that, so I said it as often as possible! Hi hi!
Actually my fear was none of what you mentioned. From playing with a CB before getting my ham license, I recalled the arguing and bickering over petty things. I dislike bickering and arguing more than anything. I listened to hams on the scanner and noticed the fighting that reminded me so much of that nasty CB stuff. I decided to go for it anyhow and get my ticket. After I was legal to get on the radio, my anxiety kicked in and I feared a first contact as nothing but getting that one in one hundred person that wanted to fight about everything. I eventually got the nerve to join in on a net. It went well and after the net, a couple of people called my call sign and welcomed me. One invited me to their nightly roundtable QSO on one of the repeaters. Yes in the years I have been a ham, there have been a few who wanted to argue but someone would step in and set them straight. I still have that anxiety and avoid a contact where the person is a possible instigator.
I liked this so much, i watched it twice. Thanks man
Hi Cliff, it would help me a lot to learn how mistakes are / can be corrected. Most material only provides the "happy flow".
THANK YOU YOUR MESSAGE WAS HELPFUL FOR ME
Inner tubes and catcher's mitts.... Funny stuff.
GREAT video! As per your other comments, this was one of the most useful and reassuring videos I've watched on YT! Thanks! My biggest issue of getting over my being "on air" anxiety is living in a stucco covered Faraday cage (AKA Condo). 73's David KG7GTF
+dimitdamnit "...is living in a stucco covered Faraday cage" That's funny, David. You know, I really enjoy working portable. This time of year there are fewer opportunities because of the weather but it's still possible from time to time. I've also heard of some hams in your situation who mounted an antenna on their car - a "hamstick" or a Little Tarheel, for example, and then ran coax to the car's antenna. Hey, whatever it takes, right? C'mon Spring! - Cliff
+QRP School - I agree, it's only 50 odd feet out to my parking spot. Had my Buddipole out in parking lot for my first 2m QSO. Just have to hit the HRO for a longer cable to make it totally feasible. Living in Scottsdale, AZ we have great weather....so I have no excuse for not getting out and working portable. - David KG7GTF
Thanks buddy,good words,I also have an anxiety disorder and find it difficult to talk to others face to face at times.I looked to ham radio to help me through that. Unfortunately to avoid cw/voice contacts I wanted to be perfect before I could converse with other hams.Well that did not work,but it got me all the way to my extra ticket and to start designing and building a receiver.23 yrs later I'm still hesitant to work that key.but its getting better I'm determined and worth it to keep pushing myself.to make cw contacts. JT-65 was too easy/it leveled the playing field but for me was not so much fun.
Anyway thanks again good to know I'm not the only one struggling a bit. Tom AB3YK
You are most certainly not alone, Tom. "...pushing myself to make cw contacts." That's the spirit! - Cliff
To others who may be reading this: There are so many facets to this hobby. To me personally, it's worth being uncomfortable and pushing through that anxiety in order to communicate with CW. I guess the perceived reward of CW is greater than the pain it took for me to get there. But, it IS a hobby and it's supposed to be fun. If the anxiety of any particular aspect of the hobby is just too much, there's no shame in coming at the hobby from a different angle. I know a couple of hams who only got into the hobby for the electronics and don't care much for talking on the air. That's as good a reason as any to get a ticket... to experiment with RF-related electronics. So, don't give up if you feel the payoff is worth the anxiety... but don't feel like a failure if some things are beyond your current limitations.
Well said just came home from work and I'm just getting in the hobby. Going for my general and wetting my feet in CW. I feel like that at times I'm 65 about to retire go figure . Anyway well said glad I subscribed.
GOM - very appropriate anagram, broadly applies outside amateur radio. In English these guys might be called something less polite. Moving on is certainly good advice.
Great video. Thank you.
good advice cliff G
Hi, as an autistic person I too have huge anxiety issues, so I do appreciate this frank talk on a subject that affects so many new hams. I think PTT-Anxiety is a major issue for almost everyone at first, moreso if you're a bit of a perfectionist or have general anxiety issues. And, since most new OPs start out with entry level equipment I do think it has a place in a QRP oriented channel.
Most of all I liked your tip on viewing the tuning knob as a GOM filter... and GOM's as though they were just QRM (Which, in a way, I suppose they are for new hams). I know it seems like common sense to tune away - but it's important to realise you're not failing somehow, or running away. The hobby is all about dealing with unwanted noise and getting the signals you actually desire. So thanks for that perspective.
Personally, I'm going to stick to my local club nets at first. Those guys know me and have some appreciation for the difficulties I have. It's a good place to build confidence and I'd encourage any new ham to join their local club and make some friends they can come back to when the rest of the band might seems a little cold or they've had a bad experience.
BTW. Tonight I'm sitting my UK foundation license exam. Paradoxically, it's such a simple exam that it's caused me days of anxiety : )
Again, thank you for raising this important topic,
73's
Thank you for your comments, Gary. "PTT-Anxiety" - I like that phrase! Well done. - Cliff
Hi,
I forgot about this post. I did take my foundation licence later that evening and passed (of course I did, why was I so nervous). Your channel was a big part of me finally taking the plunge - so I thank you for that.
Now I'm studying for my 2E0 (UK Intermediate Licence) call.
Thanks you SO much for doing what you do. Maybe one day I'll catch you on the bands ; )
M6UDS
Lancashire, UK
Way to go, Gary! Hopefully, we'll run into each other on the airwaves soon. - Cliff
Cliff,
I have never commented on a TH-cam video before (anxiety I guess) but wanted to thank you for the one you made. I too suffer from anxiety especially on CW. Also for the GOMs, I left SSB for CW for just that reason, GOM;s, know it alls, plain rude profane OPs, don't get me wrong, I met many good folks on SSB, but the chance of running into a GOM was 1 in 10 .. On CW, so far ZERO!! Having just relearned CW and I still make my share of mistakes, I get the jitters at first each time I operate, but once I get going, I find it to be rewarding and relaxing and just plain FUN. So to help with the jitters and anxiety at the start of each session, I'm going to adopt the mantra " SO WHAT" ... I know CW OPs are a forgiving bunch and I need to accept and embrace that. I'm at about 7-10 WPM now, but at the start of each session I always look OPs going slower to pay it forward for the many who did the same for me.. I hope to work you some day on CW .. VRY 73 DE KQ4MM -- Brian SKCC 17450
Hey, Brian. CW OPs are definitely a good bunch of people... probably because we're so thrilled when other hams care enough to put in the time to learn morse code. And we all started from the same place... knowing nothing. So anyone who is sending at 40wpm can still remember when they were a struggling young pup. By the way, if you ever hear me sending morse code at 40wpm, please call the FCC because someone has stolen my call sign! :-)
Brilliant!
This is a great video, I can relate to anxiety issues personally. I like the "So What" line. The first time that I attempted CW was with a friend and I was surprised at how nervous I was, I thought my arms and legs were going to fall off, not to mention I was totally useless at copying any CW. Was an eye opener, I have calmed down somewhat but still am reluctant to join in, lots of listening (when life permits). I have viewed your video a couple of times and expect to view it even more. Thanks again for sharing .
Bill M.
VE3WMZ
+Bill Moss Hey, Bill. I totally understand. It helps to call CQ at a slower speed than necessary so you are in control of your situation. You could also use a morse code decoder app on your phone/tablet/computer to help you if start to become overwhelmed. Work slow loud stations until you become more comfortable. If you need someone to slow down for you, don't hesitate to send "PSE QRS 12 12 WPM" or whatever. Think about that... would YOU have any negative feelings or hesitation to slow down for a fellow ham? I think most of us would be perfectly happy to do that, right? If you've got someone who can't tolerate a slow-ish QSO, they can always just send the basic info and move on. So, set a goal of making one QSO a day and you'll see that it becomes easier over time, I promise! -Cliff
+QRP School Thanks for the advice, I will try. On top of everything time is at a premium these days.
Thanks again !
And if and when the mistakes happen, "So What". Love that saying!
Bill
VE3WMZ
Hello Cliff... Here in Costa Rica, many aspirants are waiting from long time for our ham license, but not exams ...
I definitely love your videos! I am still learning the morse code. I assembled a Frog Sounds QRP rig so yeah I am a little anxious getting on air via CW.
Morse code is fun but it does take quite a bit of time to learn it. There's no short-cuts... it's just a matter of putting in the required time. Just remember, you don't have to be fast in order to find people to talk with. You can find plenty of people who will be willing to talk to you at 10 WPM. So, don't wait until you can do 15 WPM before getting on the air! Jump in when you can. You WILL be nervous! That's perfectly normal, Ivelin. I hope to talk to you on the air someday! - Cliff
Thank you, Cliff! 73 de M0IKO (LZ2IVS my home callsign)