"SSB is an obsolete mode that some still Use"

Have you ever thought how nice it would be to be able to speak a different language? Well then let me explain something to you. Most Amateur Radio operators can do just that, yes speak another language. When I first started into Amateur Radio in 1987 all I wanted to be able to do was work DX on the Phone band. My back ground was from my days in the military. Sure was nice to be able to go to the MARS station and know you could probably get a phone patch home to the states. After spending hours of watching and listening I said, "someday I am going to do this as a hobby". Well it took me a few years what with work, the wife and the kids growing up to be able to do it. I purchased my first rig before I had a ticket at all. It was a Yaesu FT-101E, I thought that was the most beautiful thing I had seen. After getting my Novice ticket and new call of KB7CUD, I went directely for the Tech and passed it becoming N7KBN. Ten meters was wide open and away I went to work my DX on SSB. Well it wasn't long till I found out how hard it was to understand Amateurs from other parts of the world on phone. They had learned to speak english and I suppose I expected them to sound like myself. That just was not the case and I found I felt bad not knowing names and call signs due to my lack of translating their english. Well that lead me to start studying for the code. Yes, I fought with the code with tapes and it was a struggle. After missing my 13 wpm test by one question I found a helping hand. His name was Ray Sumner, NW7R. He took me aside and told me to learn the code I must put my Mic away and work for WAS on 40 meters, this would do the trick. I was having so much fun on 40 meters and other bands with CW that time just flew by for me while learning the code. I went back to the VEC and passed the 13 wpm and the 20 wpm test. I took the Advanced written test and recieved the call KF7JF. On December 9th 1989 I took the Extra written test and passed with ease. When the vanity calls came out in 1996 I applied and recieved my call of N7RD. Ever since then I have owned a mic but it's never been hooked up to my radios. I guess what I am trying to say is, I know morse code is not required for Amateurs but the jest of it all is that I learned a new language and met many wonderful people all over this great world of ours because I did learn it. Today I still meet and make new friends and from time to time talk with old friends from the past. Learning a new language can be exciting and fun at the same time.

I will listen, and listen, and then listen again before calling.

I will only call if I can copy the DX station properly.

I will not trust the DX Cluster and will be sure of the DX station's call sign before calling.

I will not interfere with the DX station nor anyone calling and will never tune up on the DX frequency or in the QSX slot.

I will wait for the DX station to end a contact before I call.

I will call and then listen for a reasonable interval. I will not call continuously.

I will not transmit when the DX operator calls another call sign, not mine.

I will not transmit when the DX station requests geographic areas other than mine.

When the DX operator calls me, I will not repeat my call sign unless I think he has copied it incorrectly.

I will be thankful if and when I do make the contact.

I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect.

(Please use and abide by these rules, it makes it much nicer for us all)