> > How many "geeks" these days know what a SWR is let alone what to do about
> > it? So many who are called "technicians" these days seem to be the modern
> > equivalent of "Valve jockeys" (or probably "Tube jockeys" to most of you
> > in Nth. America), who know little except to replace modules until things
> > start to work again.
> >
> > Are the fundamentals of electronics and communications systems being
> > taught any more, or is it just CCNA/MSIE qualifications being churned
> > out to those who learn how to pass the exams?
> >
>
> Ham radio in the USA is still mostly an "old gray haired guys" realm.
> If you find younger people in the hobby they have usually been nudged
> into it by ham family members. Sometimes you can spark a flame of
> interest with a group of Boy Scouts.
>
> The electronics aspects for fun went out for most people once
> components got so small they require special handling, tweezers, lots
> of magnification, special solder stations, etc.
>
> A lot of guys leave that level to the pros but love to tweak and play
> with antenna design and aspects that can be seen and handled with > normal hands.
>
>
> Steve
> N2UBP
I don't know. There's still a lot of interest in electronics in general. But most of it is building upon microprocessor elements. I've done SMD soldering, not that difficult with a fine tipped iron. And the trick is to pre-tin the contact points.
A magnifier, solder paste and a cheapy electric skillet work fine for re-flow work.