Alan wrote regarding 'Re: [OT]:  What does the HAM in Ham Radio stand for ?' on Wed, Mar 22 at 10:41:
> >I just got to wondering what HAM stands for.....
> >Maybe Russell can find a website on it......
> 
> I think you will find it is used as a general term for "amateur" as in "Ham
> Actor" and similar terms.

Ask Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology_of_ham_radio

"Possibly the most popular theory, and one endorsed by the ARRL, is
that "ham" began as a pejorative term meaning a poor telegraphic
operator."

References 8, 9, and 10 on the Amateur radio page agree.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio#_note-ham_orig1

--Danny
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist