[amsat-bb] Rant about Mentoring new Satellite Operators

[Jeff Moore]

We already have "certifications" - they're called licenses - we don't need
any more!   Education is great and needed - lose the certifications, they
are unneeded and unwanted!!!  This is a hobby first and foremost!  It
ceases being a hobby when you have to get certified to do anything in
addition to getting licensed!

Jeff Moore  --  KE7ACY



On Mon, Jun 8, 2020 at 4:19 PM Greg D via AMSAT-BB <amsat-bb at amsat.org>
wrote:

> Hi Mike,
>
> Good points.  Let me offer an expanded view on the situation, and a
> thought on perhaps a way forward.
>
> I think part of the issue is that the hobby we call "amateur radio" has
> continued to expand in multiple directions (which is an incredibly good
> thing), yet the structure of the formal education and support (think
> license preparation and testing) has either not changed or has shrunk
> (elimination of Morse code).  We have a 1-dimensional solution to a
> 2-dimensional problem.  We fortunately have a pretty strong tradition of
> Elmering, and with the technology of the Internet, many ways to deliver
> it beyond the traditional radio club, but that's perhaps a bit too
> unstructured for many.  As a result, they either give up, sit there
> paralyzed and bewildered, or just stay within a narrow comfort zone.
>
> To be fair, that narrow comfort zone might be all some ever want to do
> with the hobby, and that's fine.  But my expectation is that there are
> many more who would pursue various areas if there was a little more
> support (structure) in getting there.  Even the awareness that such
> disciplines and modes exist is pretty random.
>
> My thought...  Many of the lanes of interest have industry or a
> significant nexus of organizational backing (Satellite communications,
> emergency services, QRP operating, Digital Voice, even Morse Code).
> Would it work if these organizations created study guides and a formal
> certification process by which licensed operators could get additional
> recognition, which they could attach to their signature / call sign /
> etc.  Think "CCNP" for network engineering , "PMP" for project
> management, or the "Salad Bar" that honors a military uniform.
>
> While it could get to be a little "snobbish" if taken too far, the
> visibility and formality of such a series of certifications might create
> the second dimension in advancement that our licensing structure
> currently lacks.  In doing so, it could provide the framework to build
> on the tradition of Elmering that is at the core of our hobby, and
> answer your challenge of how to mentor new satellite operators.
>
> Just a thought.
>
> Greg  KO6TH
>
>
>
> Michael Walker via AMSAT-BB wrote:
> > Let me chime in on this as this strikes a nerve with me, a d if I offend
> > you, my apologies but I think it needs to be said as a new user.
> >
> > I work in the retail industry for Ham Radio (most  know what I do).
> >
> > I talk to customers all day long and they come from all walks of life and
> > all education levels.   Most new hams do not have the technical
> background
> > they some of us have and they need some very basic information and
> > mentoring to get over the hump.  This is a confusing hobby for new hams.
> > AMSAT has not been good at helping out very new users.  They want to have
> > fun and actually communicate as well they do want to understand.
> >
> > Some learn well from reading.  Some from Videos and some from 1 on 1
> > coaching on the phone so they can ask questions.
> >
> > I will be the first to admit that getting started with SATpc32 for a new
> > operator is difficult.  I spent a few weeks at it and nothing phases me
> in
> > technology and integration.    This is why I did the intro video on
> YouTube
> > on how to navigate the GUI that I have received LOTS of emails on and how
> > it get them out of 1st gear.  Oh, and I searched YouTube before I did the
> > video and everything I saw assumed you knew how to drive SATpc32.   So, I
> > do the video and all I get is slammed by AMSAT members for assuming I did
> > not having a licensed copy.  What a friendly bunch.
> >
> > I was about a day from selling a new IC-9700, rotators, ERC controller
> and
> > antennas.  Why would I want to be part of a group that didn't really want
> > to help.  No wonder the hobby is dying.
> >
> > Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing piece of software and it does what
> it
> > does amazingly.  My rant is not about 955 ROUNDSTONE DR
> > GALT, CA 95632the software it is about those that
> > don't like the simple questions.
> >
> > Yes, it is a technical hobby but hams new to this part of the hobby do
> not
> > understand the terms and how it affects the operation of trying to make a
> > QSO.
> >
> > Updating for a new satellite is not easily understood and despite all the
> > instructions that people tossed at me, none worked to get RS44 functional
> > when it came out.  And, yes, I read the manual.  A LOT.  The manual
> expects
> > you to be a seasoned and educated Satellite operator.
> >
> > For those that spend some one on one time, I think you in advance for all
> > your mentoring as I am sure many have benefitted from your contributions.
> >
> > For those that say "RTFM" consider where you started and who helped you
> to
> > get out of 1st gear.  RTFM doesn't work for everyone.    In fact, it has
> > the opposite effect by scaring new members/operators away.
> >
> > *** Remember, there is no stupid question. ***
> >
> > Mike va3mw
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
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> _______________________________________________
> Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. AMSAT-NA makes this open forum available
> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership. Opinions
> expressed
> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views of
> AMSAT-NA.
> Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program!
> Subscription settings: https://www.amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
>