"Martin Hazel" <
mar...@nospam-m0zif.co.uk> wrote in message
news:hbp81j$qkf$1...@adenine.netfront.net...
I wouldn't expect to much from a newsgroup, usually you meet complete
nutters.
Similar to meeting local BBS operators and people at radio clubs!
HF is quite safe from idiots, but you will have to beware of the type that
just
want to go on and on about their shack, house, car, job etc. All very
boring and
you never get a word in. I know the Lancaster area quite well. There are
some
local radio clubs but I would watch which one you go for.
You would probably get more sense from the packet network.
Just hook up a soundcard and you could try a radio with built in packet
modes.
All I ever got on HF was "the contest crew" who say everything is 5&9 and
the
boring old buggers who go on and on for years and onley stop when they can't
breathe.
I got my class B in 1991 and A in 1994, never used morse, can't stand it.