During my 26 years as a University science lecturer, I met a number of students who repeatedly put far more effort into trying - and failing - to cheat than would have been required to achieve a good degree by honest study.
Lots of wonderful photos, but that's an especially nice SP-600 at 12:12! I first became acquainted with Mr. Shepherd when I subscribed to "Car and Driver" when I was in high school in the 1960's. After many years and much experience -- including doing a couple of radio and television shows, as well as a couple of ham radio licenses -- I still think that he was a genius. R.I.P., Shep. Thanks for posting.
Great stories from the man I really enjoyed listening to on WOR in 1959. This one I've never heard until now May, 2019. I was W2HQN myself in NY then, and still retain that General Class callsign. FCC sadly cannot be strong anymore since the US Federal Government doesn't seem to see the importance of how abuse of the airwaves is any kind of a priority. My fellow ham ops at the NYC HS also listened to him, and knew he was a "one of a kind" type of guy. R.I.P. Jean...you've still got lots of followers. Dave - W2HQN
Thanks for posting this! When I was a kid I'd listen to Shep every night, sneaking my little transistor radio into bed with me. Nothing like curling up with a double-superheterodyne-the smell of energized transistors, a pile of snacks, and the words of the Master! :-)
This is hilarious! Back in the day (February 1961), I got my Novice ticket - WV6KJK - but before that I bought a Heathkit DX-40 transmitter and a Hallicrafters S-38E and was aching to get on the air. In those days, you had to wait two months after taking the test. So, unable to resist, I fired up on 80 meters CW as KN6TNT. I must have worked ten guys all over the country. Could have used some of those for WAS (Worked All States). Later, after high school, college (UCLA), and the USAF, I got a second Novice ticket (WN6EPZ) and was working a guy who I thought was bootlegging my call. We were working each other and, after three or four exchanges, I discovered his call was WN6EPG. In CW (Morse code), "G" is dah-dah-dit snd and "Z" is dah-dah-dit-dit! So he was no bootlegger as far as I knew. To be sure, I have been legal for the past 43 years! First as KB6HK and now as K6WHP! dit dit
"Pirate" broadcasters have been known to operate on ships just outside of national waters. This reminded me of them. Also, some guys would boost their CB radios to broadcast farther than they were legally allowed to.
This reminded me of the early days of computers, and primitive modems for electronic bulletin board systems. I belonged to a Commodore computer user group where pirated software was exchanged, in addition to the legal public domain software.
Most of his stories shed light on aspects of human nature. This is a perfect example. There are personalities that just can't stand obeying authorities and laws, and will circumvent them even if it serves no practical purpose.
There are still pirate radio stations that people operate out of their houses to this very day. In my previous house to my current one, a radio station suddenly began to completely overwhelm my favorite station, at all hours of the day. They never announced call letters or their number on the dial or the name of the DJs. It was completely impossible to listen to my station any more, I just had to switch stations after that.
Shep was one of a kind. I relate more to his second story here (Cincinnati broadcast thefts). Experienced similar thievery, but limited to smaller, more portable items like mics, cable and LP records. Anyone who yanks out a transmitter must be very technically competent …. or foolish.
Yeah well, that was back when the FCC actually went after people but now a days they don't have the budget to chase pirates unless it's an extreem case.
@@jetstream6389 I've been a ham for 55 years and your memory is severely skewed. Hams were every bit as discourteous back then as they are now, and there are probably hundreds of 75 meter recordings out there to prove it. DXer's cheated at least as often back then ... probably more ... and at least as many contesters were every bit as rude. Every generation laments the "good old days", and it's all ridiculous sentiment that is only intended to make the older generation think they are better than the current one.
Is it just me, or are all the pictures in this video terribly blurred? Great story, though. Being a ham myself since the age of 12 (licensed in1967), I can relate to all of this. Fortunately, my Dad was a ham as well and directed me the right way. BUT, he and his best friend had bootlegged all the way back in the 30's, until he ran into someone on the air who knew the guy who's call Dad was using. He "pulled the big switch" at that point and started studying for his legitimate license! We are now 4 generations of ham radio operators with the licensing of my son and his daughter, my 11-year old granddaughter.
You can't get away with this now. Almost all logging software queries the call sign database, and silent keys (dead hams) would show up as dead. Even if you don't use software, almost everyone uses a site like QRZ to look up the call signs of people they contact.
Rockin' Robots ...... Ham Radio Bootleggers! Radio and Booze! Gotta love it! What? "I was astounded"? "I couldn't believe it"! He was a BOOTLEGGER! Headed up a club too! Banged the secretary! Sheesh! BOOTLEGGERS! I was amazed! Please mamma ..... touch me! Holy baby jesus! EXOTIC OUTLAW AMATEURS! the dude FINKED on them and now......... no more right leg!
Im 33, 5 Years Im Messing With Radio And Im Soo Sucked In. I LOVE IT !!
During my 26 years as a University science lecturer, I met a number of students who repeatedly put far more effort into trying - and failing - to cheat than would have been required to achieve a good degree by honest study.
Those are the types who tend to do the best at thinking outside the box.
They tend to be the most creative and good problem solvers.
great story with a good storyteller.
Lots of wonderful photos, but that's an especially nice SP-600 at 12:12! I first became acquainted with Mr. Shepherd when I subscribed to "Car and Driver" when I was in high school in the 1960's. After many years and much experience -- including doing a couple of radio and television shows, as well as a couple of ham radio licenses -- I still think that he was a genius.
R.I.P., Shep.
Thanks for posting.
Great stories from the man I really enjoyed listening to on WOR in 1959. This one I've never heard until now May, 2019. I was W2HQN myself in NY then, and still retain that General Class callsign.
FCC sadly cannot be strong anymore since the US Federal Government doesn't seem to see the importance of how abuse of the airwaves is any kind of a priority.
My fellow ham ops at the NYC HS also listened to him, and knew he was a "one of a kind" type of guy.
R.I.P. Jean...you've still got lots of followers.
Dave - W2HQN
I ran a pirate FM station in the seventies which got me interested in getting my ham ticket
Did you ever confirm any listenership?
Thanks for posting this! When I was a kid I'd listen to Shep every night, sneaking my little transistor radio into bed with me. Nothing like curling up with a double-superheterodyne-the smell of energized transistors, a pile of snacks, and the words of the Master! :-)
Shep was the greatest! I listened to him almost every night.
This is hilarious! Back in the day (February 1961), I got my Novice ticket - WV6KJK - but before that I bought a Heathkit DX-40 transmitter and a Hallicrafters S-38E and was aching to get on the air. In those days, you had to wait two months after taking the test. So, unable to resist, I fired up on 80 meters CW as KN6TNT. I must have worked ten guys all over the country. Could have used some of those for WAS (Worked All States).
Later, after high school, college (UCLA), and the USAF, I got a second Novice ticket (WN6EPZ) and was working a guy who I thought was bootlegging my call. We were working each other and, after three or four exchanges, I discovered his call was WN6EPG. In CW (Morse code), "G" is dah-dah-dit snd and "Z" is dah-dah-dit-dit! So he was no bootlegger as far as I knew.
To be sure, I have been legal for the past 43 years! First as KB6HK and now as K6WHP!
dit dit
"Pirate" broadcasters have been known to operate on ships just outside of national waters. This reminded me of them. Also, some guys would boost their CB radios to broadcast farther than they were legally allowed to.
This reminded me of the early days of computers, and primitive modems for electronic bulletin board systems. I belonged to a Commodore computer user group where pirated software was exchanged, in addition to the legal public domain software.
WHAT A COOL STORY ! WOW
Great story - & great images of the old rigs.
Most of his stories shed light on aspects of human nature. This is a perfect example. There are personalities that just can't stand obeying authorities and laws, and will circumvent them even if it serves no practical purpose.
Enjoyed this. Neat story and cool pics. Thanks for sharing.
There are still pirate radio stations that people operate out of their houses to this very day. In my previous house to my current one, a radio station suddenly began to completely overwhelm my favorite station, at all hours of the day. They never announced call letters or their number on the dial or the name of the DJs. It was completely impossible to listen to my station any more, I just had to switch stations after that.
wow great stories you never know who your friends are or your fellow hams
Shep was one of a kind. I relate more to his second story here (Cincinnati broadcast thefts).
Experienced similar thievery, but limited to smaller, more portable items like mics, cable and LP records.
Anyone who yanks out a transmitter must be very technically competent …. or foolish.
Great upload
Yeah well, that was back when the FCC actually went after people but now a days they don't have the budget to chase pirates unless it's an extreem case.
@@jetstream6389 I've been a ham for 55 years and your memory is severely skewed. Hams were every bit as discourteous back then as they are now, and there are probably hundreds of 75 meter recordings out there to prove it. DXer's cheated at least as often back then ... probably more ... and at least as many contesters were every bit as rude. Every generation laments the "good old days", and it's all ridiculous sentiment that is only intended to make the older generation think they are better than the current one.
this was hilarious!
Great stoty i wish i could have been there to hear it libe. I wljld have liled to have shared a story with Shep.
Still happens today, a lot on 2meters mostly.
SQAAAAAAAUUUUUUUSSSSHHHHHHH
nice
Is it just me, or are all the pictures in this video terribly blurred? Great story, though. Being a ham myself since the age of 12 (licensed in1967), I can relate to all of this. Fortunately, my Dad was a ham as well and directed me the right way. BUT, he and his best friend had bootlegged all the way back in the 30's, until he ran into someone on the air who knew the guy who's call Dad was using. He "pulled the big switch" at that point and started studying for his legitimate license! We are now 4 generations of ham radio operators with the licensing of my son and his daughter, my 11-year old granddaughter.
It's a RADIO SHOW! THE PICTURES ARE IRRELEVANT. JUST LISTEN.
Why we love broadcast @26:30
You can't get away with this now. Almost all logging software queries the call sign database, and silent keys (dead hams) would show up as dead. Even if you don't use software, almost everyone uses a site like QRZ to look up the call signs of people they contact.
That's what you think!
Rockin' Robots ...... Ham Radio Bootleggers! Radio and Booze! Gotta love it!
What? "I was astounded"? "I couldn't believe it"! He was a BOOTLEGGER! Headed up a club too! Banged the secretary! Sheesh! BOOTLEGGERS! I was amazed! Please mamma ..... touch me! Holy baby jesus! EXOTIC OUTLAW AMATEURS! the dude FINKED on them and now......... no more right leg!
Interesting but I do not believe this to be a true story. Jean is a story teller.