Before I got my ham license I had a shoestring budget. I pondered getting a used rig like an Icom IC-706mk2g. They were still 300+ USD used. I decided I’d take a chance and buy a kit radio! Up to this point I’d only assembled a simple fm radio and other simple kits and drone repair. I figured the worst that’d happen would be a smoke show. When I finally got it fired up the first time I had a large towel with me to smother in case a 🔥 started. 🤣 ...
I love BBS systems and old POTS stuff. I’ve always wanted to try and setup a BBS node. I really enjoy doing APRS while mobile on my motorcycle. I found lots of good info from The Modern Ham ultimate guide his YouTube channel link I have ran a APRS digipeter/i-gate from my QTH on a raspberrypi4 for testing. I’ve had a few chat with repeater owner about putting a node up on our site on the hill. ...
Wow it was so awesome to make a mobile cw contact. I worked my old instructor from CW Academy Dallas K1DW! I know he works remote he was in TX. Our QSO was on 15 meters. The lowest I’ve been able to go and get a workable safe SDR is 10 meters. I need to put some radials on it. Also the plate that my mout uses is not grounded well. ...
Wow. The first one is the hardest? I don’t really care because it was absolutely thrilling. I’ve called CQ many times mostly late at night and early morning. Just putting my foot in the water when it’s a little quieter and less pressure. I was about to call it a night. I thought just one more time it might happen. It sure happened, Victor WB5HOW came right back. Instantly my brain turned to potato, excited potato I’d add. I put a note to email me on QRZ.com if needed. foreseeable errors ahead FEA. Victor got the hint and shot me an email. I was thinking his call was WD5HOW. I should have sent it 3x to confirm now come to think of it. I asked him to send his x3. Lesson learned I guess. ...
Wow, I still have a bit of a rush. When my brain hit’s that sweet spot and I start head copying. I was just talking with Den KE4I on 10M. We are going to try and do a POTA tomorrow. I think we are going to K-3729. I’d like to try and different one soon. We always do the same one. I think there is an award “repeat offender” for that 🤣. ...