SWL NUMBER 65162

I don't exactly remember when I became a full pledge ham, either 1975 or 1978. My log book was destroyed by the white ants. I need to check with 9M2FK's logbook. Before I registered as a SWL with MARTS I was already listening on 40 meter band using two normal radios beating each other to resolve the SSB. Eshee, Idris, Rajamani, Ari, Chong, Chow, Malcom, Avatar, Leong, Datuk Tan and many others would be on the air everyday. Through Eshee's advice I applied to be a SWL. My SWL number was 65162 and I was proud to parade the membership.

There was no PC nor internet. The only way to learn about Ham Radio and the content package was through SWLing. The dream was to talk to those people I heard. I wrote to telecom inquiring about how to be a ham, With the syllabus and the guidelines I started to read on radio and electronics, making short notes and summary. Before applying for RAE I learned Morse code on my own, recording the sounds of characters and numbers, and listened to it at the free time.

SWL-65162 already carried a pride. The day I received the confirmation of the membership, I felt like on the top of the world. I told myself I would be a full pledge ham one day. To keep phase with ham radio I made a point to visit Eshee and Malcom whenever I went to Penang. Shamelessly I spoke to those people using my SWL number from either Mal's or Eshee's house. Their kindness will never be forgotten.

I don't remember venturing to DX band. Local stations were interesting enough. At 5 pm sharp, 9M2GL would start calling CQ. Eshee or Rajamani would be the first to come back. When the crowd became bigger they split to several frequencies. Ari would come a little late with the shout 'breaker....breaker...' with a distinct audio followed by a short laugh. Eshee, Idris,  and Tengku could go for hours and hours.  Chow, Chong, Leong and Eustace were also active and they would be there every day. Sunday would be the CW day. It came after the SSB communication.

I sat for RAE in Penang. There were approximately 15 candidates sitting including Chen Kok Hoon. They were all essay type. To us it was normal because we understood that it was an international hobby. The daily chat were all in English. The CW test was also in Penang at the same center. I supposed I passed Morse with flying colors.

When I became a full pledge ham people began to come and made enquiries about ham radio. Today they are either 9Ms or still remain 9Ws. I encouraged them to be a MART's member and get a SWL number too.

With my fading memory I still remember my SWL-ID though I forget names of people whom I always talk to.

The total process of making a ham of myself is a pride that will lie in my soul. I picked up every bit and pieces, arranging and cementing them to build a success. So were the others. We used to have magistrate and other learned professionals, the King and Royalty, Congressmen and Hollywood actors. Ethics was high. They guarded their image and the image of the hobby.

The SWL number may not be very significant but it was the first piece picked. It was a flag though it may be small.

05/04/2013

04/04/2013