Just this past week, I read the following exchange on one of the many ham radio email lists I subscribe to:
Greetings Group,
I have a rat shack universal DC adapter for my charger. It is rated at 12 volt 500 mA. On the bottom of the [radio brand] charger it specifies 450 mA. My question here, is will it be ok to use the RS adapter without causing damage to the [radio brand] charger cradle?
One person replied with this:
500 ma is the maximum the dc adapter will put out. 450 is the minimum that the charger wants to have available. 450<500. with 10% to spare.
Not to pick on you, [name], but is there any requirement these days to have a basic knowledge of electricity and/or radios to get a ham license?
The good news is that the second ham provided a helpful answer. The bad news is that he felt it necessary to slam the questioner due to his limited knowledge. (Actually, I didn’t think the question was that naive.) Fortunately, a large number of subscribers jumped in and assisted the questioner and chastised the grumpus.
The truth is that it doesn’t take that much effort and knowledge to get a ham radio Technician license. I think of it as a beginner’s permit. The license exam attempts to enforce a basic set of knowledge required to get on the air. After that, it is up to us to Elmer these newbies as they learn more. When someone asks a question, no matter how basic, that is a good thing — an opportunity for learning.
After all, I really like new ham radio operators —- I used to be one!
73, Bob K0NR
I agree with you 100% Bob and the last thing a new ham needs is discouragement or ridicule! People need to put brain in gear before putting mouth in action! We need to as you say “elmer” these new operators and teach them and sit them on the straight & narrow path to becoming a good operator. I don’t blame the operator for not being that knowledgeable. I blame the licensing system that allows one to go out & buy the actual question pool and memorize the answers without learning the theory!
Very 73,
Cliff KU4GW