I’m just an old guy trying to get into Ham Radio. My Dad (AB5IW), now a “silent key” was into radio for years and years and tried many time to get me interested. But I was interested in other things. Now that I’m mostly “retired” I have the time.
Dad’s old FT-7 radio had been sitting in my garage for 10 years before I pulled it out, hooked it up to a wire and some power, and started listening in. Found I kind of liked it. But you can’t talk unless you get your “ticket.” So I got my Technician Class license and am now working on my General. We’ll see how that goes.
Sold off some property we owned but weren’t using so I was able to buy a Yaesu FT-857d radio. Built a j-pole for 2-meters and a dipole for 10-meters. Then I strung a long wire for 10-meters and, along with my antenna tuner, it works pretty good. Still thinking of saving up and buying a 6-BTV antenna though. Got a SignaLink and a CAT cable so I can do things like PSK31/Easypal and can control my radio from my laptop.
Joined the North Mason Amateur Radio Emergency Services Club (NMARES), which meets local on the 4th Thursday of most months at the local library. Then joined the Mason County Amateur Radio Club (MC-ARC) which meets in Shelton, WA the 2nd Saturday of each month (WAY too early in the morning!). Somehow I wound up being the “Web Guy” for both. I don’t mind though. It’s pretty easy to post when the next meeting is.
