Truth revealed about ham radio

K1OIK speaks the truth about ham radio. Contesters, "a proud and meaningless association of human beings"
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See my newest video • K1OIK comments on the ...

[@rustyshackleford1808]

In a recent incident a ham operator, W7AU, broke his leg while backpacking in the Cascades. He used his QRP CW transceiver to send a signal to another ham 400 miles away in Montana who notified the police. The injured operator was then rescued on horseback because the location and weather conditions did not permit a vehicle or heli rescue. So, morse and horses.. both are still pretty useful, apparently.

[@Janewski11]

I am a ham operator...I have been since I was 12 years old, back in 1965. Back then, ham radio was totally different than it is now. Back then, I'd stay up all night and work whatever stations I could on CW, and it was fun. I only had a 25 watt homebrew transmitter and an old Hammerlund Super-Pro receiver, but to me, this equipment was like gold. Ham radio matured me a lot quicker than anything else I could have imagined because ham radio taught me responsibility and etiquette for others on the radio. I love to rag chew and I also hate contests since they take over the bands and don't allow ragchewers to make contacts.(why do they need to have so many contests anyway?) I have never run more that 100 watts of power on the HF bands, and the best antenna I have ever had was a three element, tri-band beam antenna on a home made 35 foot tower. When that got knocked down in a heavy storm, I put up a parallel dipole and that's what I use now. I am also involved with HEARS (Hospital Emergency Amateur Radio Service) so that in an emergency, I can help with communications between numerous hospitals. Yes, I am fat, but I wasn't when I got into ham radio. I got fat because I got old....just like most people put on weight as they age. It has nothing to do with ham radio, it has to do with aging. I exercise every day by pedaling my stationary exercise bike for 60 minutes since that is the only exercise I am able to do...not to mention cutting the grass every week in the summer (over 1 acre), and shoveling snow in the winter.( my 140 foot driveway). Ham radio is still fun for me, so I will continue making contacts and enjoying the hobby as long as I am alive. 73's to everyone and I hope that you all are also having fun with the hobby.

[@wb6wsn]

It's surprising to see an ex-teacher wear his prejudices so proudly; I suppose this is just his way of letting off steam after a life of forced political correctness. Technical points aside, the one major truth to this video is that all hams are not nice people; they have their curmudgeons and trolls and malicious provocateurs in just about the same dosage as the general population. Burt, K1OIK, seems to have a strange addiction to climbing rocks, which has absolutely no redeeming social value nor any practical use. However, that is no reason to condemn him nor to even suggest that his life is pathetically pointless. No, I really think Burt's just bored and enjoys stirring up anthills. Or, maybe Burt's found a way to make money off his page hit count.

[@K1OIK]

What did I say that was not based on fact? Most hams are nice people, just self involved and terminally boring.

[@wb6wsn]

Yep, you do have a comprehension problem. But, since you ask for factual errors, we could talk about your stereotypical negativity about weight. Hams are not typically fat. Certainly some are, probably a bit higher percentage than the general population, but more due to the fact that hams are generally an older segment, and we tend to be less active and put on pounds as we age. Now, about those who are "terminally boring." I took a quick look at your profile, and found you declaring, circa 2007, that you were getting out of ham radio. Yet, here we are, perhaps nearly seven years later, and you are still ratchet-jawing about the same topic. Haven't you been able to make up your mind yet? Seven years on the same subject sounds pretty boring to me. Lastly, about that "self-involved" comment. I submit that anyone who creates and posts their own opinion videos is a prime example of "self-involved." Show me something new and unprejudiced, as I'm getting bored.

[@K1OIK]

Ed Price Hams exceed even the older population is obesity. I play SENIOR volleyball, Senior softball, they are not fat. Go to a ham fest and observe. Where did I ever say I was getting out of ham radio? Source your claim. If I am so boring why do I have over 1,000,000 views? If I am sel involved why is it when I am on the air I ask others life questions but they never ask me a question about my life? You are a atypical ham because you are at least interesting and show class in your observations.

[@K1OIK]

Jeffrey Haun The word is, "too."

[@wb6wsn]

Jeffrey Haun Shsss! Don't mention that word, lest Burt fasten on the medical term "morbid obesity" for fat hams.

[@JohnvKampen]

Hahahaha.... A lot of provocative relativism in here! A lot of humour and exagerration. Or do we hear a lot of frustration or both? Who cares what somebody thinks about VoIP HAM radio at a cosy fireplace, or chosing to sit on the roof in a storm to adjust an antenna? It's a hobby and it is what YOU make of it...

[@Denny692k7]

I laughed at the 'CQ DX' comment...I have fallen foul to the operator calling 'CQ DX'. A few years ago, as an M3 (foundation licence here in UK) I heard a Portugal (CT) calling 'CQ DX' after several attempts at a contact with him his reply was 'To the M3 station, you obvioulsy have no idea what is meant by DX' bear in mind he wasnt calling for DX outside Europe, my reply was to the point 'To the CT station, last I looked Portugal wasn't exactly next door to the UK' as I unkeyed the most eloquent of English accents came on 'Oh Bravo Sir...!'

[@Isochest]

He should have had more respect for you as you are QRP by default with a 10 watt power limit. O comportamento dele estava vergonhoso (His behaviour was disgraceful). Sorry I had to put it im Portuguese as it's a language I know well

[@timmotel5804]

How about: "hello, hello. anyone near or far. hello hello!! Fear Not "Change"...

[@Bearshq1985]

I don't even know where to begin. I guess firstly let me just break the stereotype of the sort of unfortunate picture you paint of ham radio hobbyists in general. I'm a 29 year old male, I run a 6 minute flat mile, and my biceps are probably larger in diameter than your neck. I'm also married to an attractive woman. I'm not under any delusion that my ham activities are a public service. In fact, I don't personally know too many hams who aren't into the hobby for the same reasons I am. It's just something to nerd out on. There's a thrill to be had from utilizing your own self contained radio for long range communication purposes. If you don't feel that way, you might want to reflect on why you're involved in the hobby. Some people don't get it, and in fact I get why they don't get it (the whole internet/phone argument). Despite that though, people who are into the hobby understand why there's a difference. I frankly don't care if people understand or agree with my interest in it. I'm not even sure if I fully understand it myself. All I know for sure is the first "toy" I ever wanted as a child was a pair of walkie-talkies and it just never ended. Your video is just oozing with resentment. I can see the equipment on your desk, and the pictures of you and your daughter show that your participation in the hobby goes back quite a while. I'm not sure what happened that caused you to do a 180 and start throwing daggers at other people who are interested in ham radio.. Why do people like anything? There are people who enjoy the technical element of computers and like to tinker with them. Same with cars. People take hobbies to extremes in all types of genres. You also have fat disgusting people who mess with cars, computers, and whatever else. I'll concede that you'll probably find a more than proportionate amount of social and physical "eccentrics" on ham radio, due to both the social and sedimentary nature of the hobby. Some people's motivation for being active on the 2m repeaters (from what I've been able to gather) is to be social. Imagine giving the lonely old guy (who likes to talk) in your area a ham radio.. What do you expect to happen? Also, for the "physical unfortunates" ham radio suits them as well for obvious reasons. Some of us however have a more pure and genuine interest in radio itself. I'm licensed, but I spend more time monitoring HF for various unusual and difficult things. I'm not terribly interested in "making ham radio friends", because I'm not lonely. I have the handful of people who I know and have brief exchanges with, but usually only long enough to get a report back and see how my stuff is working. That's the only point to me. The people who are saying CQ DX are not doing so to be spiteful of people in the US, they just want to make contacts that are further away, and that's kind of the point. I'll tell you what, I began this message with some steam but I'm not really sure if there's a point in going any further. It seems like you have a laundry list of lame grievances that you've bundled together in an attempt to kind of slam the hobby as a whole, but even after hearing the aforementioned CQ DX gripe again in my own head and how bone-headed that sounds, I don't see the point of entertaining it any further.. Oh also, I don't believe your story about the rain coat. And even if that were true, what are you like, tough? I mean to even share that is just so incredibly lame. Was that your big tough guy moment in life? Yeah you really showed everyone in your rain coat that day! How about this for a theory.. You were a crazy bastard in a rain coat on a sunny day! And then suppose someone did tap the crazy rain coat guy on the shoulder, what were you going to do, get into a fist fight at a ham fest? Who's really the loser? Confront that truth..

[@K1OIK]

Bears HQ - Chicago Bears Message Board Writing comments of that length you must have a lot of time on your hands. The raincoat story is true, whatever I am, I don't lie. What did I say that was not based on fact? You Tube initially blocked your comments figuring it must be spam due to length.

[@bmatic2069]

Bearshq1985 -100% correct!!!

[@Dreadlk]

@@K1OIK Yeah this guy is a duffus looking for attention. If you believe the Yellow rain coat story I have some land you might be interested in buying.

[@combatjm89]

I'm taking my test this weekend (Tech/Gen), wish me luck. This was an interesting video. I was a commo chief in the Army for 12 years, learned code, worked crypto, RTTY, FM, SSB, MSE, Tacsat, and TA-1 field telephones... I just hope my no-nonsense habits from running Army commo doesn't get in the way of enjoying ham and really being ready to assist others. I have two personal goals - one is to talk to the ISS, and two is to reach Mount Athos with a QRP rig on a mountain top here in NC.

[@combatjm89]

Well I passed my tests, on to setting up an HF station...

[@timmotel5804]

@@combatjm89 Congratulations, 10 years later. Best Regards to You

[@flash001USA]

"I was hated by many HAMS and you can understand why" Dude I'm in tears laughing over here! I've worked in the electronics field for around 35 years so I've worked on a LOT of radio repair and in the shops everybody held their ticket with the exception of me but they were inactive by choice and when I asked why they chose to be inactive and it is pretty much for the reasons you are discussing here. When I started monitoring the HAM bands I was kind of disappointment because everybody was too damn interested in calling out their call signs then they were with just talking so to me that was a no no. You do here a few clusters of locals that do actually have a real conversation late at night on 10 Meters in my area but rarely. I do enjoy my SSB on the regular ole 11 meter bands and you see the same good and the bad and the ugly there too so It's a shame that holding a ticket doesn't exclude jerks. I still work in RF but it's for the cable industry now and the only radio stuff I will service is my own gear. Anyhow enough of me gabbing here. I have hurt myself laughing at this video. Good day sir.

[@davidbrock2397]

L

[@PhB95]

OK what you say is mostly true, but then again, what's the use of this rant ? If you don't like the hobby anymore, why not just leave it ? Do something which pleases you more, practice whatever fits your current idea of having fun. I'm not a native english speaker, in my language this state of mind is called "désabusé" and it's something i find rather sad.

[@paultroiani9558]

Burt, thanks for speaking the truth. 20 years into the hobby and I am still using code, still building my own rigs, and AMAZED at the things that go on. Not everyone is like that, of course, but a majority. Thanks for posting.

[@C-man553]

Keeping the romance alive. Amen.

[@darrenroberts632]

hi bert can you advise please just bought a 101e for short wave listening what would be antenna for good overall coverage and of low cost would help thanks darren

[@K1OIK]

Just buy some wire and hang it in the trees, cheap and almost as good as anything else for SWLing

[@darrenroberts632]

thanks for reply just watching all your vids really good thanks

[@falloutforever88]

You've pissed off a lot of people with this video. Please make more just like it. I can't stand self important ham dweebs.

[@competetodefeat4610]

The simple act of making and posting this video signals a high degree of self importance...

[@kc9aop]

He is entitled to his opinion. I don't understand the personal attacks on the "type" of people that are radio operators. Calling everyone interested in amsteur radio fat is just flaming and obviously trolling for angered responses. If an operator calls CQ for DX it is not a vendetta against domestic operators. If he has the DXCC award then he must have called CQ DX at some point. Everything else in the video was just a rant that was mostly unfounded. If we are trying to generate interest in the hobby this is defeating that purpose. He thinks that he is the measure that we should weigh ourselves against? This was just a lot of whining without purpose. If you have no tolerance or understanding that the random group of people involved in amateur radio will vary widely in many ways, you can choose to stop participating in it or simply avoid what you don't like.

[@AlpineWarren]

When you look for the worst in people or hobbies - You'll find it. When you seek the best - You'll find it. I work CW mostly so a lot of misfits are weeded out - But for the most part the folks I talk to are respectful interesting and enjoyable - It's probably best if you move on to another hobby and work hard to ruin that one as well...

[@K1OIK]

So what would be the best in Adolph Hitler? The worst in Mother Theresa? What did I say that was not based on fact?

[@AlpineWarren]

burt2481 Hitler: Held 2 successful Olympics in 1936 Rebuilt the German economy which lay in ruins after WW1 Stopped the spread of Communism into the heart of Europe Instituted restrictions on tobacco use Instituted increased autopsy rates to help cancer research and made huge strides against the disease Implemented Youth Protection Law to bar child labor abuse Outlawed use of alcohol while working to lower accident rates Under a new public Health department German bakeries were required to also provide whole-grain bread as well as the standards for a healthy choice - and he started the NSDAP's Office of Public Health to begin inspections of meats and poultry. Mother Teresa: Caught many time performing phony miracles Was charged quite often with spending more time using the poor and sick like tools than actually helping them Ask a Muslim what he/she thinks of Mother Teresa It is sad she those that needed help to acknowledge Catholicism I find nothing you said based on fact because in 20 years of operating I have not witnessed what you have - Other than all the large men... ;)

[@kc9aop]

burt2481 Too much anger. If you really don't like how people operate, either constructively work to make operators "better", deal with what is out there, or simply drop this hobby. You are dealing with the general public and your personal sensibilities won't be subscribed to by everyone. By responses here you can see a divided population of people who really agree with you and people who just don't. If I understand your position, all contesters are a waste of space, are morally bankrupt, are fat, lazy, prejudiced and have IQs below 90. Of course you are entitled to have that opinion, but if it makes you so frustrated to hear a contest running then I'm confused as to why you would listen. I honestly don't care about you either way. It's just a shame that people who are not involved in the hobby will draw conclusions about the hobby from your toxic rant. It's just a hobby. You have choices. I'm not suggesting you "take any course of action" but suggesting that you to reflect on what you enjoy and engage in it.

[@Mottmcfly]

Can't believe I even watched 2 minutes of that. You must be a real hoot at the parties.

[@joemahoney1221]

There’s a kernel of truth in a lot of what he says, but geez, it’s a hobby, OM. Others spend their time making stupid you tube videos, but don’t begrudge them that.

[@L1V2P9]

Is there an echo in here?@@joemahoney1221

[@michaelnash6851]

I just sent this video to a ham friend who just told me on the local repeater "Well I'm gonna let you go ..." LOL.

[@RMoribayashi]

After 25 years as a SW listener I finally took the ham exams in 1989. With an Extra ticket I volunteered at The Franklin Institute Science Museum station and was a VE. Most of the hams I knew personally were either retired or engineers at radio and TV stations. On the air was a different matter. 2 Meters was flooded with ex-CBers. HF wasn't much better. I don't blame anyone for calling CQ DX. I sold my gear in 1991. I have no love for them, but Hams are a class act compared to the internet.

[@brazenbull636]

Hands down my favorite thing about ham radio is how butthurt hams on the internet get. Many of whom appear to be overly sensitive, and absolutely foam at mouth for the opportunity to finger wave on others for merely discussing radio mods and hypothetical "having to tx out of band during an emergency". These same guys also can't wait to show off how well they've memorized fcc regulations. Its easy to tell who has a life/goes outside fairly quickly. I mean just look at the amount of dislikes this video has, and he hasn't said a single thing that isn't true! 🤣

[@Eric-zi1oz]

Its fun as hell to get on QRZ and stir them up. I do it from time to time.. I love the butt hurt they get..

[@gilgriffith]

VK3CQ here. I competed in three national field days here and won three years in a row, CW, All Bands, Single op, 24hrs. Just to see if it could be done. Also wrote a Morse column in our national magazine for 5 years (Pounding Brass). I loved it and it was a good way to escape from the kids into my shack. Now I still have the shack and rig, but no antennas up for a few years. But most of what you say is very true.

[@K1OIK]

How do you explain this and similar comments? "I really appreciated your video. It makes a lot of sense. I'm guessing from the other comments most ham radio operators don't have a sense of humor. "

[@Stevesmith-yw7cr]

Here is one QSO I heard just yesterday. "Hello. This is x#xxx and thanks for coming back. Your signal is 20 over S9." the other ham said "Hello. This is w#yyy your signal is 5 and 4." The other ham then said...."5 and 4? Is that all? Well then your signal is NOW 3 and 3 and I can barely hear you." I could hear the previous 20 over ham and he was still 20 over S9. Signal envy and pride is rampant on ham radio.

[@cdorcey1735]

Congratulations! You've inspired me to make sure I'll never be "part of the disaster", instead of "part of the response". As for contests, I don't do them myself, but are they any less meaningful than a football game? Collecting QSL cards is kind of like filling photo albums with your vacation pictures; you might like to have them, but don't expect anyone else to appreciate them the way you do.

[@ericz8318]

The "Hi Hi" and "fine business" thing is one thing that i deplore...

[@1fanger]

I am a recently licensced amateur radio operator and a lot of what you say is true, I have found. I talk on 2 meters right now because I have limited funds and I want to stay local and regional and I do want to be useful in an emergency. Pride is largely what drives hams to contest. Field days are good for recruiting new hams and for practice for emergencies (at least for operators like me.) Now, for myself, I am working towards building my own transmitter and working QRP. In my mind, being able to work some schlep like me on a tropical island like Easter Island, using a homemade rig using 1/4 of a watt with a homemade key and a long wire antenna from northeastern U.S.A. is just awesome. That`s pure ambassadorship.

[@nz0z134]

This came out around the time I was getting back into radio after a 20 year hiatus. I laughed my ass off at the time. Just came across it again and still funny. Love picturing someone picking fights on the air and wearing a raincoat to have a duel at high noon.

[@ubeBrettu]

He gives hams a bad name. Not every ham is like he is describing. Contests are what keeps ham radio going . I do not do contests but I won't knock other people that do.

[@nz0z134]

@@ubeBrettu He's not giving anyone a bad name. He's stating an opinion in America. That's a good thing.

[@ubeBrettu]

Being a teacher made him this way. That's why I rarely get on anymore, too many doos and donts...I just sit back and listen and observe , George Carlin once said, and see how screwed up this world 🌎 is.

[@nz0z134]

@@ubeBrettu wow, you have a really fucked up attitude

[@ubeBrettu]

I know he's speaking the truth, but who gives a #$%^&, Like I said ide rather listen than talk. Experiment , with things , I never was much of a rag chew guy. What do I care what u had for lunch. My wife announces that bull on face book.

[@mutexnet]

Reading the comments....interesting how many haters post - you apparently are striking many nerves here Bert. I watched this vid twice and laughed out loud both times. Was at a local hamfest just this weekend and was telling a non-ham friend about the staggering number HUGE people. And with most of those personal hygiene is not a top priority. Using canes and sporting backpacks they blindly try and push you aside to get a better view of a flea market table - all while not making eye contact. Not one or two mind you - most of them. Zero social skills or even common manners. If this were anywhere but a hamfest I would take offense. But you look around and normal professional, average sized people are in the distinct minority. While I love ham radio, all but a few of my fellow hams are people I would ever associate with. You should do a vid on why that is. Why do so many odd people gravitate to amateur radio? 73 and gud DX. :-)

[@neilgroves8993]

Personal hygiene is not important to most people who never go out physically into the world, instead preferring to spend their entire existence hiding away where nobody can see or smell them, this answers the question of WHY most hams are oversized smelly individuals, they never have to socialize with other humans and they simply don't care.

[@User846]

What does the names mean? Like K1OIK etc, does it have a meaning or?

[@burtfisher7059]

+User846 Callsign

[@mikak1]

I love this video. I still watch it once or twice a year for a good laugh. Well done, sir.

[@shemp1957]

Burt, you hit the nail on the head. discontinuing the code requirement was the death blow to our hobby. it was the only thing that kept the rif raf out. we have a bunch of new new hams but they're all CB'ers...80% of the guys are appliance operators..plug and play...makes me want to puke

[@MrArlington900]

Years ago Hams actually had skills. That is exactly correct that now Hams are simply “appliance operators.” Hams couldn’t afford a ready built station, so they built them. Code also made a ham unique. There was a feeling of accomplishment. Where is that same sense now? I see that it does prevail amongst those that use cw and qrp. Even in qrp there are those who just have to push the extra power. Bravo to those that still rely on skills. Otherwise- what’s the point?

[@C-man553]

I worked long and hard to copy 25 wpm years ago to be able to comfortably do 20 for my Extra class license. Of course I'm scarcely alone on that. The magic CW -- Indeed. My reaction to the death of CW was one of heartbreak, but no surprise at all. Consistent with the radical shift of the Overton Window. I'm glad and sad that I've lived most of my life during better times. Farewell America.

[@kb0oxd]

Burt - You make a lot of valid points BUT you also miss the boat on some others..... FIRST - TRAFFIC NETS - Lest you forget there's a reason WHY these nets exist. It's called EMERGENCY SITUATIONS where normal communications infrastructure either doesn't work OR is completely non-existent. Disasters & the maritimes are exmples are examples of both SECOND - CONTESTING - These people have neither the time nor desire to engage in ragchewing as long as they're in this mode of operation (This is ESPECIALLY true with Field Day style contest stations). Their intent is to make c ontact with you, exchange info & MOVE ON !!! Now do I like the idea of ENTIRE BANDS being clogged with contesters ?? Not really. But that's the nature of contesting..... I could on but I think you kinda get the idea (And I think I'm running out of characters) so I'll just post this. 73 :) P.S. Note I didn't say 73's above ?? 73's really is SEVENTY THREE'S (Sometimes pronounced with a Z at the end) whereas 73 is just SEVENTY THREE, which is THE PROPER way to say it (Some hams INCLUDING MYSELF at one point, make THIS mistake ALL TOO OFTEN)

[@K1OIK]

Are you going to rely on a ham in an emergency, really?

[@kb0oxd]

If NO other means of communications is either around or not working - YES !!! Why ?? Because there's almost ALWAYS a Ham around SOMEWHERE on the bands. Can you say the same about a GMRS operator ?? A CBer ?? Be honest..... I know I wouldn't.....

[@SWRadioConcepts]

Pat Cook, KB0OXD How about the proper communications equipment - Marine Radio?

[@jasontimmur]

burt2481 What are you going to rely on, if ham is your only remaining option? Smoke signals?

[@K1OIK]

Jason Timmermans You going to rely on liars (contesters)?

[@Penn1969]

"Hear hear" about contesting, I've never understood why people like it. I didn't get into amateur radio so I could exchange my callsign with somebody who gives me 59 when actually I am probably only 45, it's pointless, a waste of time and most of all completely wrecks the weekend for those of us who don't contest. Contesting is for people who really can't be bothered to enter into a conversation and learn something about the person they are talking to. It would be a great day when contesting was completely scrapped forever.

[@K1OIK]

You hit the nail on the head.

[@livelongandprosper70]

burt2481 im not into contesting myself.. im also not into posting whiney little bitch vids complaining about it.. your a sad little man.. get a life HI HI..

[@deltafour1212]

Getting into CW. What is the most Cw friendly band for the beginner CWing? I'm talking for people who can only do 5wpm -10 wpm until they get enough experience under their belt?

[@K1OIK]

40 meters, 7.125

[@woodstockpotter]

I'm surprised to see this clip still around. Yes; ham radio has annoying idioms and yes a lot of trivia gets handed around but guess what; those folks are enjoying what they're doing not unlike what this "gentleman" is doing with his rant on youtube. I've been involved with the hobby and for the most part that is what it is, since the late sixties/early seventies, was first licensed in '72. I have never handled "emergency traffic" but have been on hand when genuine emergency traffic was being handled. I have built radio gear, repaired gear, often wasted a few hours wind bagging on the air, and actually enjoying myself. Sometimes I don't sleep well so I listen to hams beating their gums endlessly. It's akin to hours wasted watching TV or the Sports channel. Recently we were left without power for a couple days. Since phone and cellphone service is all dependent on the great electric titty, they were out too. What was not out was my vhf gear powered by a trusty backup gels battery rescued from a communication utility. I found it very useful getting local messages out. All I can say to poor burt2481 is please get a life. What we have is short. Try to find a hobby which is not trying to demean and put down others.

[@rrrandommman]

I've never needed the airbags in my car either, but I'm sure as hell glad they're ready for me in an emergency. According to this guy, I should rip them out because I never use them. 73

[@leroyskalstad2795]

Burt, I thought about how excited you must have looked as a young kid with a fresh ticket and thought how sad this video is in contrast, Damned shame

[@MoTown44240]

I agree with about half what you said. I used to skinny, even at retirement I was thin. I had a back disability for about 15 years then after having a stroke the pain that I suffered post retirement seemed to have vanished. Over that 15 year period I gained weight and went from a waist size of 36 to 50. I have been 6'04" most of my life. At age 12 I stopped growing vertically. After retirement though my spine shrunk, the doctor's terminology so I would understand, and at 72y I stand just over 6'-02". I lost 1.25 inches. My injuries from athletics and other ventures are beginning to pop out as I age. Those injuries healed to a point but not completely and now as my body ages I realize I can do as much nor stand as much pain as I did when I was younger. I used to be able to carry 50 lbs or more, yet now I find it takes great effort to lift and carry 25 lbs (the weight of each bag of dog food I buy every other month). Buying 2 bags is better. It requires more effort but I usually can make from car in driveway to food pantry in kitchen and only set the bags once in the 50 distance. I would be one of those FAT hams you see at hamfest, not literally because I live in a different State. When contesting I agree about the RS for phone and RST for CW. That should be omitted from the exchange. I hate receiving a 599 when the station asks me for my information more than twice because my signal is weak, there is fading, or any other non-perfect copy. Some other phrases I hear on phone, mostly above 30 MHz are "let me take a standby". Why ask for my permission? Why not just tell me that you to go for a while. Why phone operators say "QSL?" instead of "Roger"? The fallout... guy says you've p****d off a lot of people with this video. I disagree. Even referring to a group of hams at hamfests as being overweight, a category that I now belong, is not an inaccuracy. But what does that have to do with price of tea in China? There is no weight requirement to become a ham. I see problems with the different modes worked. Less with CW than phone, and even less with digital, but all the modes have problem areas. Most has to do with discourtesy. People treating the frequencies as if no else can use them without another's permission, so QRM is intentionally introduced. Many childish traits are displayed. Sad. This has been my two cents rebuttal. de KB8AMZ

[@K1OIK]

The video was made 11 years ago. If remade today I would not make the comments about weight.

[@MoTown44240]

@@K1OIK A fair statement. I am enjoying your videos. I hope you didn't take my former comments the wrong way.

[@K1OIK]

@@MoTown44240Your comments were great.

[@bvkirk]

What is your equipment line up? Are you active on HF or VHF/UHF? 73

[@gmctech]

First of all let me start by saying I'm not a ham operator. I do own some radio communication equipment and tinker with it but that's about it. I listen to the hams in my parts and you nailed it with your observations of what the majority/average ham has in common. I always could understand the allure of wireless communication systems but I always fell short on wrapping my mind around this so called ham community. I usually find any ham I talk to very arrogant and holy crap watch out when they find out I dabble with radios and I didn't waste my time memorizing the multiple question database to pass a trivial test. I've never transmitted in the ham band so off into the sunset of fresh fuck offs I send them forth. It's refreshing to see a ham like yourself call the reality of this past time. You seem like the type of guy I'd like to buy a coffee. Keep up the great video posting and take care.

[@jimbeck3230]

I am surprised this video has not gone viral. It is soooo true! I especially liked the yellow raincoat.

[@competetodefeat4610]

He wishes it did... so he could have actually made some of the big bucks he keeps implying in comments,

[@dw8840]

Burt is all talk no action.

[@rustyrails1886]

I bet its great to talk to this guy on the radio. A real joy for sure.

[@fredbissnette3104]

my favorite is when it a contester asks for my call 5 times and then finally gets it and says 59! like what it took me five times yelling into the mic theres no way I'm 59 lol

[@chistinelane]

YOU EARNED A SUBSCRIBER

[@langhilau]

when you asked "Who would want to send a message in this day and age" paraphrasing what you said almost make me choke. How about a family that is sailing around the world and happen to be in the middle of the Indian Ocean, unless you know a secret there is no phone service there so a couple of days after a large typhoon blows through that area a message home to loved ones is a very likely thing to happen. When you say that hams basically talk to much, does that make you a bit a hypocritical since you are wasting words on ham radio talking about wasted words.

[@burtfisher7059]

You found the one in a thousand uses for ham radio messages, assuming it even got through and some ham didn't toss it in the trash.

[@SWRadioConcepts]

Burt Fisher I have read a few depictions in which HAM radio nets were involved in emergency communications. What I have gathered though, is that the proper government emergency services were already involved in rescue operations, and HAMS basically injected themselves into the situation, than later claim their Net was "instrumental" in emergency services.

[@K1OIK]

remingtonh They are good at eating the free doughnuts though

[@SWRadioConcepts]

burt2481 you got that right. keep fighting to good fight.

[@Ira06002]

Glad to have met a fellow ham at the corner of "Amateur Radio and Common Sense". Well done! BTW: Its 3AM - I'm laughing in bed and my YL is asking me "What's so funny"

[@Dazzwidd]

Hi berty, I have been considering getting my ticket for some many years here in VK land but have always been sidetracked. I have experimented with radio and electronics since I was eight years old, I am now 31. On watching this video, I have been swayed, I don't think I will bother. Tell me Berty, what is your opinion of mobile and portable QRM stations as well as pirates? Must be no greater evil, let's make hay while the Sun shineth.

[@K1OIK]

Get a license, not all hams are dull and have no life. My daughter got her license when she was eight, now 32. But, she, unlike you, did and not talk. You are looking for excuse, I WILL NOT PROVIDE YOU WITH ONE. Get off your butt and get a license.

[@moonlitphantasm]

Wow! You people need to stop taking yourselves so seriously. One man shares his opinion and you act like he has issued a fatwas against the entire ham operator community. Every hobby has its share of participants who poke fun at themselves and the hobby that they and others partake in. It has gone so far that there are people suggesting that he should commit suicide. You're giving validity to his opinion and you don't even know it.

[@billyboi57]

+moonlitphantasm In a hobby such as Amateur Radio, one should help support and build it up, not tear it down.

[@moonlitphantasm]

+billyboi57 Suggesting that someone commit suicide is building up the hobby of ham radio? If that's the case I am interested to know what you think would bring it down.

[@K1OIK]

+billyboi57 Why?

[@apetercharlesstudio]

..and exactly what is the point of this diatribe?

[@DennisMilesEVprofessor]

Hello K1oik, I agree with you, I am KF4eyo and I have been involved in real electronics since 1962, I was a member of the "Ham Radio Club" in high school. and years later after many years of employment in Electronics. in 1995 I became a "Technician" class "Ham" I was on the air for about a week before I figured out that most hams were not in any way knowledgeable about electronics. I passed and was issued my First Class FCC license in 1977. But I do not use HAM radio any more...

[@carolrivermoon8456]

In my area the Hams tend to be retired engineers from a local defense/avionics firm. Some are big guys, while some are athletic-looking. Most are pretty friendly. A lot of us are active in SKYWARN as storm spotters (Iowa.)

[@steeljan]

You said in this video many, many things I've thought (but never said, lol) over the years. In addition, another beef of mine is volunteering to work some community event where local hams help, like marathons, long distance bike runs, etc. The hams act like they are military, some big belly with a crew cut starts bossing around all the other ham volunteers. Just ridiculous. I still have my ticket, but have been off air for quite a while now. Thank you.

[@ericz8318]

Yeah they do that here... I just tell them to shove it... I don't belong to any ham club or any organization....

[@daveleonard8710]

Don't listen to this guys message of hate. He has nothing to say positive. Yes, there are draw backs to ham radio but there are so many good things that they over come the bad. I found that being on the air but not in a club is best for me.

[@K1OIK]

Dave Leonard Then why are 95% of my ham videos positive?

[@djzman]

Dave Leonard no its not hate. He did not call out anyones name. He told it like it is. You sound like you fall into what he says so to discredt him you call it Hate. nice try but no go. I think they should bring back CODE and make all the NO CODE people have to take code when there LIC expires. (wonder how many of them would still be hams)

[@ericzerkle8486]

Just Me LOL oh yeah like that will make things better... The code requirement is gone, gone, gone, and will never come back..

[@ieaststq]

I would love to hang out with you.. You are awesome even my girlfriend says ur right on the money lol.You are my Elmer.........

[@powertube5671]

I hear you on many of those points, Burt. I got into ham radio as an extension of my love for electronics. I was never interested in contesting. But I see the hobby as one that should be for all different types of people even if we don't all share the same reasons for being on the air. - 73, Jim - WA2WHV

[@K1OIK]

Well said

[@doughav]

Thank you for all your help to this point Burt. It is very appreciated, and I am almost at my wits end with all my testing meters tube testers and such. Oh just a quick note I do Fly drones, I build them and fly them in races, it’s a blast. I also fly a real plane the family has hangered in Venice. God Bless and thank you so much DOUG

[@K1OIK]

Tube testers cannot test final amplifier tubes. Substitution is the only way. I would like to fly a drone but too nervous about losing it. I wanted to become a pilot but my daughter said I would kill myself. I watch a lot of plane accident videos.

[@WootTootZoot]

I can tune up and down the bands and find any number of butt hole operators, 10 meters and that dufus from near Atlanta is perfect proof, or how about the jammers that frequent 40 and 80 meters. However, do we as Hams really need to worry about splitting hairs on how we talk and the lingo we use, seriously ? Come on friend, get on the air and make some QSO's. Fine business eh ? 73's

[@daveleonard8710]

You are right!

[@aabo1811]

Lmao this video is hilarious. I'm definitely going to get a ham license now.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

I don't recall any announcements that Burt was appointed to speak in our behalf.

[@K1OIK]

You said, "our", I don't recall any announcements that Phillip was appointed to speak in our behalf. I don't recall that I said I was speaking for anyone else. What did I say that was not based on fact?

[@heathg2681]

This guy speaks the truth on many points. I have been to some ham fests and seen what this person is talking about. I personally do not like contesting because if i am going to burn like 1K on a radio, i want to use it to max potential, not just send RF to another country and get a reply and move on to next person. What fun is there in contesting? I want to have conversations with people, not some check in.

[@geegeetwo1]

If it bothers that lid so much, turn the damn radio off and take up stamp collecting.

[@K1OIK]

What did I say that was not true?

[@SWRadioConcepts]

What is your definition of LID? Someone who has opinions you disagree with? I thought it was a poor amateur radio operator.

[@K1OIK]

Jason Timmermans Mature vulgarity shows who you are.

[@jasontimmur]

You should watch the movie. Funny stuff.

[@K1OIK]

Jason Timmermans You should wash your mouth out with soap.

[@mexhiatus6613]

I love when opinions are presented as "truths", and the endless generalizations against hams - too funny. Every group has its outliers but, for example, to accuse every contester of gladly forgoing a loved one's graduation for a contest is just silly. Although there's certainly a hint of truth in many of the statements, to anyone who really knows amateur radio, the overarching accusations say more about Bert than ham radio. As far as the argument regarding Amateur Radio being "service", that's mostly a red herring. The FCC calls just about everything a "Service". It's defined as a service because it is "a system supplying a public need". In between responding to "public needs" hams are supposed to have fun with it, tinker, etc. The FCC itself refers to hams as "persons of any age who are interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim... these services present an opportunity for self-training, intercommunication, and technical investigations". Contesters, the target of much of the malice, extend the state of the art by their experimentation with antennas, computers, and networking. The international camaraderie aspect of contesters is second to none. But recognizing anything that "good" is too positive for someone with an agenda. This is rant and a troll for the most part. I'd say Bert was trying to be funny, but that would be insulting to funny people!

[@WarrenPostma]

How about being prepared for communications during disruptions of internet, cell, and conventional communications? Amateurs who go on field day are practicing for something useful. Here's hoping they stay useless. But what if they're really useful some day? It sure beats playing Candy Crush on your iSlab, as hobbies go.

[@daveleonard8710]

Right Warren! This guy really needs to take a break from the hobby, maybe go into politics. Would love to hear him groan over that.

[@K1OIK]

Dave Leonard I said something that was not true?

[@WarrenPostma]

burt2481 Well is it TRUE that someone might enjoy something you don't? Contesting is pointless to YOU, and pointless to ME, but I don't think it's very kind to trash what someone else enjoys in this hobby. So while I don't exactly enjoy contesters on the bands, and I don't do it myself, I don't laugh at them. I just keep my trap shut. Because, guess what, it's a HOBBY. Some of us are having fun. IF this is your kind of fun, then it's merely not very friendly to insult and make fun of people. Is truth your only arbiter or do manners enter into your thinking?

[@K1OIK]

Warren Postma You better tell the FCC ham radio is a hobby, they and the ARRL think it is a service.

[@WarrenPostma]

I laugh at Burt's assertion that the FCC gets to define people.

[@joblessalex]

>says more money >holds chinese wage

[@mckessa17]

This dude is right on, I have listened to Ham radio, these people are the most boring on the planet. Time to get a life.

[@Citizen_Se7en]

I'd agree that they are boring in general but, then again, so are most telephone conversations, don't you think? It's a hobby, so get over it. Most hobbies ARE boring, like communicating on FaceBook.

[@peterkirsop7483]

Excellent. This should be compulsory viewing prior to being allowed a ham licence.

[@rogbogulog2]

New Ham here. Thank you for saying what a lot of people will not admit. I know I will make transmission mistakes, but I think my views are more in line with yours than many Hams currently operating.

[@paulhause9040]

You mentioned Field Day.....WHAT A JOKE ! Field Day used to be about emergency preparedness, and how to operate under emergency conditions. It has turned into a weekend-long outdoor DX contest merely to see how many points one can score. Another peeve of mine is hearing "How am I making it into the repeater ?" Well, schmuck, if I can hear you, then you're "makin' it" into the damn repeater ! I absolutely agree on the "for ID" remark....what the hell else is reciting one's call sign for ????? I've heard a few say "for FCC repellent", which is completely nuts.

[@BrekMartin]

Amateur radio: The hobby of not knowing how radios work, and selling broken radios to each other.

[@chistinelane]

+Brek Martin yep

[@SWRadioConcepts]

so true..

[@la7dfa]

10 wasted minutes.

[@K1OIK]

Go back to calling CQ Contest

[@stockwot]

I total agree. If code and schematics were put back in the exams we would have more intelligent hams and not these no brainers.

[@neiltan1939]

Hilarious! I hope there's a "Truth revealed about ham radio 2"

[@K1OIK]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2Slg3mthNSqidE

[@Stevesmith-yw7cr]

Ham radio does serve the public good by keeping all the psychopaths and sociopaths that normally would be out in the world doing evil cooped up in their basements yelling and screaming at each other instead. Just listen to 14.313 and you can see this at work.

[@K1OIK]

Well said

[@wb6wsn]

KZbin comments also provide a similar safety valve. I mean, that's why you and I are here, right? Certainly I have been saved from inflicting vast evil upon the world, having long ago given up my career as an enforcer for an opium tong.

[@Stevesmith-yw7cr]

Ed Price Why be normal? Yes Ed you are right. I am a threat to the environment because I emit large amounts of methane. Probably far more than a whole herd of cattle. Better to keep it indoors where I can share it with anyone foolish enough to enter the shack and save the environment at the same time.

[@wb6wsn]

Steve smith That which you don't capture and use for heating and lighting serves to give you a free high. OTOH, although the methane isn't too dangerous, the hydrogen sulfide is bad for electrical contacts.

[@falloutforever88]

Agreed.

[@tonyvei7830]

listen and look at you, with all your gear, go find another hobby, no one's making you stay, you look like your going through your mid life crises, I've had a lot of great conversations with people from all walks of life you get what you put out, my Dad plus myself and wife, we all have tickets, it was a great way to stay in contact with him three thousand miles away and have something in common, it really was a bridge builder to share and those memory I cherish, I still have tapes of the killer signals we had buddies from many country's, and local, all color, in fact the man who got me involved was a black man, an x marine who worked up at the VA hospital as a cook, W6PW home station! after seven years conversing with these people, they all came to San Francisco, it was great to put an eyeball on all the guys and gal's, we had a great time, during that period 89's earth quake, Hawaii storm on Kauai, those days we did a lot of good service and and if something big happens, the only ones who might be able to get out are the hams. i don't recall all these big fat people you putting down, I'm still 155lbs, a little cognitive dissonance would help you, maybe help you move on? or look at it different! I like short wave radio as well, and either we keep and use the frequency allocations, or we lost them to big corporations, too bad for you! your missing out on the big picture, try stepping away, that might help, I'm 58 i beat Lyme disease, I beat brain cancer, I ride bicycles up to fifty miles a few days a week. don't be so hard on everything, perspective change, which I'm sure you understand, put your indifference on the side, be the bigger man, be the change!. Tony P.S. I have to many good memories, Phone patching the uss enterprise crew till everyone got to say hello for Christmas, Sailboats in distress in the middle of storm, you could hear the fourth foot swells stay with them till i got the coast guard up on frequency, give peace a chance!

[@russellledbetter3121]

Wow, I really don't know what to say. I've been studying to take the test for my licence and this opinion piece took the wind out of my sail. After loosing my wife to cancer a year ago, I thought this would be a good way to stay in touch with others. To enjoy the camaraderie and build technical experience. An outlet if you will. I honestly looked forward to this...not now. This seems as corrupt as Facebook....speed of light.

[@K1OIK]

Don't use my comments as an excuse not to study. There are a few good hams.

[@danhunt2669]

Russell, please don't let Burt video deter you from the hobby. We all knew those kids that took their ball and went home when everyone didnt play the way they wanted them to. Get your license and play any game you want, DX-ing, rag chewing, Satellites, digital modes computer to computer or talk around the world using the internet. Its your hobby to do as you like, and I hope I get a chance to put you in my log, be it in a Contest, FT-8, IRLP, digital voice, or just a good old rag chew AM mode, and if you want to give me a 5&9 or a bead full quieting, I'll be glad i made contact and would look forward to the next. Im not hating on you Burt just saying I love the hobby and would love to put you in my log just the same, the more people in the hobby then there will be more people who like to play the game the way you like to play it.

[@K1OIK]

@@danhunt2669 Please correct me, did I say anything in the video that was not based on fact?

[@choppergirl]

One of the problem with HAMS, is they hoarde equipment, which drives up price, and keeps others out of the hobby. Pick out your favorite transmitter and favorite receiver, keep a second of each as backup as your second favorite, and give away or sell the rest. Give away some of your junkier equipment to kids. That's why there are nothing but old Elmers left in the hobby. Kids would love to set up pirate radio stations. There's that whole space between 7mghz and 20 that is a desert wasteland!

[@scott762mm]

Why are hams so fat and out of shape? I've yet to find one one that is normal like yourself.

[@bluewolf4060]

Cause they rather talk on a radio to other guy operators an look at porn on the internet.... lol...

[@SWRadioConcepts]

Most hams were svelte before they passed their first test. They don't call them "hams" for nothing :)

[@Eric-zi1oz]

Most remind me of a chomo.

[@knpstrr]

To be fair 75% of the US population is overweight/obese.

[@stevenaustin2860]

are you for real

[@TradieTrev]

This is a good insight, I quite like your opinion. Being a technical hobby I can see how it attracts some of these individuals.

[@daveleonard8710]

You swallow this guys message of hate! He has nothing positive to say. For everything negative he says there are many more positive things to say about the hobby.

[@K1OIK]

Dave Leonard Name ONE HATE comment, ONE.

[@Stevesmith-yw7cr]

Dave Leonard Truth is hate for those who hate the truth.

[@ARCHER684]

Sorry for the mistake about the Antenna it's a Serio 827

[@lewisdowney5641]

This is hilarious and I agree with a lot of what K1OIK says. It is in large part why I let my general class lapse in the 1970's after having run phone patches at an Army MARS station in Vietnam. After having done something useful with HF radio I listened to some inane gum bumping on the bands when I got home and lost interest. After 30 years I will be getting back into it because am interested in building my gear and will pick and choose with whom I will associate. About the traffic nets it is good to hear the skills are being maintained even though there is no real on going demand. Local emergency communications groups (ARES, etc ...) are a different matter and do provide a real service when weather or other disasters take down the telephone system. As with any group of humans there are going to be those who get under our skin.

[@nashme11]

Follow up: I've been listening to several 2m nets over the last couple of weeks, checked in with several, and although they ask for traffic, they never have any. The one tonight had a net operator and two check-ins. All they talked about was the wx. The guy sounded kinda bummed-out. All the while I was thinking "What traffic are they expecting?" I did find a group of guys on in the morning that are far more fun than the "nets".

[@ParrotSailor]

Just remember that sarcasm is the highest form of humor.

[@K1OIK]

If you call CQ DX in the US and a US station answers they caller will be pissed.

[@helipilot727]

LOL it's all so true. I was testing a compromise antenna, I KNEW my signal was weak. I answered a CQ and the op got my call wrong SIX TIMES. After finally getting it, he gives me a report of 59 and issues me my 73. Problem is I actually WANTED a signal report! No way in hell was I 59. 45 at best!

[@va3cpm]

I think this video should be the opener for a ham radio etiquette course. Well done.

[@timjones2750]

This would be great to show at a hamfest.

[@The5thGen]

I have a modest interest in acquiring one of these rigs so that I may stay informed of current events once the shit hits the fan. No interest in wasting my time with people who exist to simply run their mouths. Thanks for the video!

[@K1OIK]

So why do I see Floridan8ative when I look at your page? Also why are you not found on QRZ? Astronaut High School

[@dbower58]

From his house you can't see any neighbors. Does this surprise anyone?

[@ninobrown252]

The first thing im gonna do with my license is all the wrong stuff just to bring out the people who really want to help and really wanna be a good person to me, im gonna cq on repeaters, express that i dont know code... and so on, ill check back on how far i get, spot on, and by the way im far from fat, and im gonna go on air and talk about physical fitness exercises and being in shape and wanting to stay in shape, this will surely piss some off...

[@HeavilyArmed]

I'm not a Ham yet, but hopefully will be very soon. I've been studying for a little over 3 months. Came across this video while doing some research and I want to get into Ham radio because I want a new hobby/skill and because I am trained in disaster response. Sure there are a lot of neat things that you can do once you get your license but the whole competitive thing is looking like a major turn off. A lot of the equipment is expensive as heck too. My main worry is that I'll get my license and dump a few thousand bucks into a Shack and then end up using it 5 times a year. I guess the best thing you can do is do your research before getting into Ham Radio.

[@K1OIK]

Ham radio is NOT expensive. My daughter bought her first rig for $75 used. New decent rigs around $500. You are using an excuse to not get off your butt and study. My daughter was 8 when she got licensed. You might save a little money if you did not eat so much.

[@DustinThomas]

burt2481 I'm confused - I thought HAMS today didn't need to study because the test was so easy? Kind of sounds like you don't know what you are talking about. One thing you are VERY good at is discouraging new HAMS, even calling them fat without any frame of reference.

[@HeavilyArmed]

Burt, first of all, you're an idiot who likes to make many assumptions. I indeed did study for the exam and I passed it two weeks after commenting here, only getting 2 questions wrong. The test was extremely easy especially because I went to a tech high school. Money is not an issue for me but it is extremely funny how you only mention the cost of a good "rig" and leave out the cost of antennas, mounts, quality coax, an SWR meter, antenna analyzer and other accessories that you are likely to purchase or will have to purchase. Realistically, you're looking at around $750 for a complete and quality mobile set up, around $1,450 for a base station, and around $120 for a hand held.

[@K1OIK]

Pajama Prepper My daughter, passed her Tech Plus when she was eight, bought her first rig for $75, not $750. You must be so smart to call me an idiot. No one NEEDS an SWR meter, antenna analyzer. You studied for 3 months, she studied for ONE month and that included code. AND SHE WAS EIGHT, not a braggart claiming training is disaster response.

[@HeavilyArmed]

How long ago did she pass it and what rig did she buy? There are very few transceivers that are that cheap new or used unless you buy a handheld. It's not a matter of being smart, I've done my research and anyone can verify it. $750 is much a more realistic cost for a rig than $75 but since you obviously can't read where I said costs for an entire mobile dual band set up, let me elaborate for you. A Kenwood V71A goes for around $380 new, a Yaezu FT-8900 retails at around $500. A decent NMO antenna will run you $30, mount and coax will cost about the same. This doesn't even include the cost of accessories and optional items like programming software and cables or special mounts. Also, it's interesting that you call me a braggart when you are the one who is shoving your daughters accomplishment in our faces. So while we are showing off things that really have nothing to do with anything here, I'm certified in CERT, EMT-B, TCCC, Watercraft Search and Rescue and have taken numerous NIMS courses.

[@unclelester7887]

Priceless! Lotsa truth to this. I’ve always thought the passing of traffic was absurd.

[@johnmay7909]

When I was a RM in the Navy, we used to joke about Hamsters.

[@DustinThomas]

What's an RM? Is that like a cook?

[@PlutoniumDioxide]

Dustin Thomas I think it's a janitor.

[@johnmay7909]

No, its a real RadioMan. haha. You guys are funny little hamsters.

[@DustinThomas]

***** Much respect to those who serve and operate radios. In fact I know several who are also hams who served in the Navy as well, including my grandfather.

[@johnmay7909]

Dustin, Im sure your grandad was a great Sailor. We always had problems with the whammies like W7KMS. BT AR. figure that one out w7

[@StealthGTI]

Contesters? This video predates POTA. What about POTA activators? Are they of lower or higher status than contesters? HAHA! I enjoy POTA in spurts and am currently wading into VHF contesting as a Rover. Regarding the statement that hams no longer have to go outside for Field Day, it appears that the 1D class's ability to work other 1D stations during COVID is now permanent. BTW, hams are pretty "tough" in the comments sections in YT, too. Perhaps no one knows this better than Randy at "NotaRubicon Productions." ;-) Fun to watch this again. I now remember watching this quite some time ago. I hope you're well!

[@K1OIK]

POTA ites are better than contesters but they give site numbers rather than clearly understood locations and good luck trying to look up the numbers they give you.

[@K1OIK]

The era of the Cold War was the "golden age" of Communists in Finland. Between 1944 and 1979 support of the Finnish People's Democratic League was in the range of 17%-24%. Communists participated in several cabinets, but Finland never had a communist Prime Minister or President. In the mid 1960s the U.S. State Department estimated the party membership to be approximately 40 000 The SKP received substantial financial support from the Soviet Union during the Cold War

[@Andre-PY4DR]

The funny thing is... it's exactly the same in Brazil... exactly 100% the same... and I totally agree with what u say and that's why i left local VHF for now... it's a precious time i can spend with university stuff for now...

[@liquidgee13]

Burt, what about the ones that tell licensed amateurs that aren't really hams if they aren't into the aspect of radio THEY are ( CW or non-electronically inclined). I got into amateur radio because I like to talk to people on the radio ... but I've been told I'm not a "real" ham because I don't want to use code or am not able to repair or build my own equipment. Sheesh, you're right about them being like the Wizard of Oz.

[@geekverve]

This is what getting old and bitter looks like, folks. I revisit this video every now and then for a chuckle. I promise to stay off your lawn, Burt. Don't ever change.

[@K1OIK]

What does the Vietnam war have to do with this? I was stationed at Otis AFB on July 7 1964. Search k1oik Vietnam and you will see I was there last year

[@MIKROWAVE1]

And food truck in the cornhole! This is why we use those hambeviations!

[@Benkhanobi]

I agree -100%, -- Now I know why I feel out of place - 20 years ago packet was great- the internet replaced it with something called email- and now we have texting for even more instant communication . My fear is one day we hams will wish we had kept that packet network on standby and tested it every year on Field Day. Keep those code skills guys!

[@w2gdj1]

I enjoyed this. He is saying what some hams won't say to be courteous to others. I have seem all of what he talks about in the nearly 50 years I have been a ham. It still is a great hobby despite the issues. We all have to get along at the end of the day.

[@n2rj]

What’s weird about this video is as it’s aged, the dislikes and likes are equal. First time ever I’ve seen this in a ham radio video. Burt has fans and detractors.