My Journey to become a HAM - by Tony Maisel (KE5AYB)

It was a Christmas day back in 1982 when my parents got me a short-wave radio.  I was 14 years old.  Although it was a small and relatively inexpensive radio, I realized what an incredible device this thing was.  I could listen to radio stations 100's of miles away.  Later I became amazed I could listen to radio stations 1000's of miles away.  WOW!  Learning about different cultures, societies, and world events via this little radio was very exciting to me.

One day I was dial surfing and heard some guys just talking on the radio to each other.  It wasn't the usual programming I might hear on the BBC or Radio Netherlands, this was just two guys talking about life.  I figured out they had their own equipment and were just talking as they like.  It was even more amazing when I heard they were in different countries.  This is REALLY cool!  I wanted to do that too. 

I soon learned that one of my neighbors was a amateur radio enthusiast so I talked to him about it.  After talking to him, I was terribly discouraged.  I had to learn about electronics, antennas, and an assortment of topics related to radio, not to mention learning Morse code before getting a license.  Although I was interested in all of this, I felt the challenge was too big for me.  I couldn't possibly be good enough to learn enough to pass a test.  I decided to shelve this dream.

Life went on for me and I got more advanced short-wave radios.  I got into scanners and CB radio as well.  A CB opened up the realm of talking to others and it was easy to do as there was no license required.  But I was still missing something.  Anyone who has ever owned a CB radio knows there is a BIG difference in the general content and quality of the conversation (No offense meant).  I wanted to talk to people all over the US and other countries.  I also wanted that sense of community that my neighbor seemed to share with his HAM buddies.

I was older now and in my mid 20's.  I looked into the license again and realized that there was a "no code" license that could get me on the air.  I got really fired up to do this so I went out and got a book called "Now You're Talking".  I started to read it and got so discouraged.  I didn't understand everything, I didn't know how I was going to every remember all of this stuff to take a test.  I felt stupid.  I gave up again.

Life really changed for me in my 30's.  I got married and now have an AMAZING wife, one awesome child,  and one on the way.  I have been listening to scanners and short-wave over the years as they still hold my interests.  While searching a web site for some scanner information, I came across the Plano Amateur Radio Klub's (PARK) web site and took a look at it.  They had a forum there and I decided I would ask about training classes to become a HAM.  I figured the recreation center might have one and I would definitely do better in a classroom environment.  I posted my question.  The response that I got was that the only training class the person knew of was one that the McKinney Amateur Radio Club (MARC) was holding.  I e-mailed them and presto - They had a class coming up in just 2 weeks.

I decided to go.  The HAM's that were there to present the material said from day one that as a HAM, "… they were always learning.  You can't know it all and you learn much more after getting your license than before you pass your test."   I went for 3 Sunday's and took my Technician license test on the 4th.  I PASSED!!!  How did this happen?  This wasn't hard.  I wasn't intimidated.  I am so glad I went to that class and I am so thankful to Pete, Mike, and Loney.  Their encouragement and inspiration made a difference.

I realized that I was my worst enemy.  I never tried.  I let the fear of failure get the better of me and keep me from a dream that I had for 20 years.  I won't let that happen again.  One month later I took the General license test and passed.  Now I just have to learn Morse Code. Bring it on.  I can do it.  I am finally realizing my dream.

One day soon, I will be able to call out CQ on an HF band and be excited to hear a response from some stranger who doesn't know how he or she has helped me fulfill my dream.

73

Tony Maisel
KE5AYB