On Mon, 8 Oct 2007 15:04:36 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:33:01 +0000, Larry wrote:

Makes test taking real easy. You can learn about ham radio and
electronics later, after you get on the air with your new
license. The object is to get the LICENSE, not become an
electronic technician or professional radio operator. Once you
adjust to this thinking, getting any ham license is real easy,
now that the "Code Test Punishment" is over.

Exactly why it's all glorified CB now.

What a bunch of (as my Grandfather used to say in polite company)
bullfeathers.

Learn electronics later - jeezum pete.

Oh, and do be sure to join the ARRL so they can keep their pensions
intact.

What was the name of the book series that always pushed the ARRL? Scifi,
where the guy ended up on an alien planet.

Well, there was the Radio Boys mysteries of the early 30/40s. Juvenile
adventures. And of course the Hardy Boys did one involving radio.

There was a series from the early 60's but for some reason I can't
find the name of the series.

And recently Cynthia Wall, KA7ITT wrote a series of youth books about
amateur radio.

There was a Star Trek:TNG episode about amateur radio - Episode 41:
Pen Pals.

Intersting bit of trivia: Several of the Star Trek: TOS and TNG
writers and producers were hams and incorporated Morse code into a lot
of the episodes as "easter eggs" for hams to decipher.

Probably the most famous was the flashing lights on TNG that broadcast
"Shatner is bald". :) Can't remember which episode that was.