[TenTec] New generation ham's

[Ron Zond]

Marinus, Rick and others

I agree with both sides of the coin. It depends on what the generations
regard as valuable
skills. If the younger folks think that learning code is of value, they will
do it. A friend's ten year
old granddaughter wants to learn the code. I have no doubt that she will do
it. I also have no doubt
that she has some skill with a computer. By learning code she will add to
the skills she has. From what
I have observed, the younger generation is not  lazy; they aren't allowed to
find out that
they have ability. The fault lies with the curriculum designers\developers,
not the teachers.
A real test of how quickly young people can adapt, is to shut down the
Internet, and tell them to read
assigned material from books. You might be surprised how quickly they adapt.
73

Ron
K3MIY

-----Original Message-----
From: tentec-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:tentec-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Marinus Loewensteijn
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 3:28 PM
To: tentec at contesting.com
Subject: [TenTec] New generation ham's



Geoff

thanks for the response. Me thinks (without intending to offend anyone) that
technology is rapidly changing this world and if mankind does not watch out
it will be extinct in a short timeframe. There is far too much reliance on
technology and then it becomes "oops". We need to look only at what happened
during nature's havoc in New Orleans when Katrina hit.

It is my opinion that with the younger generation there is just not that
amount of self reliance / self discipline to get them to stick with
anything. (except wanting to be entertained and having something for free)

Same applies to ham radio. How many are able to do head copy? How many are
able to listen to a straight key? There are already a number of CW stations
(not operators) that if the code is not computer generated and exactly on
frequency then they cannot copy.

Recently there was a local ham lamenting how there are these "old fogies"
who "still hang on to their archaic gear" and cannot "work nicely on
frequency" because they have an analogue (and not digital) readout and their
equipment "drifts all over the place" .

If I was not plagued by arthritis I would use a straight key, as it is I am
using a paddle. Refuse to go to keyboard generated code, am already doing
enough typing. Might as well use the internet, for me using a keyboard is
taking the fun away. It is much like playing an instrument - how many young
people get involved in playing music on simple instruments? They all want
synthesizers etc. and in the end it all sounds the same.

Peace to all, 73, Marinus.

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