It appears I was successful in "getting in" tonight using my cell phone and WiFi. I think I spent around three or four days reading up on digital voice, hotspots, DMR radios, and then registering for an ID, registering on B.M., and TGIF.
I've probably spent two weeks prior, on the internet, bouncing around aimlessly, reading enough "stuff" enough times to only begin to comprehend what's involved. Can't say how many times I almost pulled the trigger on gear I placed in the many virtual carts, but somehow, I was able to resist and bail out of it at the last minute.
Last night, I finally bounced an echo off the YSR Parrot, and succeeded tonight on making contact with an ARFer in the real talkgroup.
Thanks for answering upI felt a kinship to Gyprat, feeling lost in the maze most of the time, but enjoyed the challenge of it. I think I am going to stick around for the Thursday net, and then give it a few weeks before I decide on a hotspot & radio. I really wanted to squeeze a Palstar tuner into the next ham related purchase, but what's the motto here? "Buy both!"
For those reading, feeling confused, frustrated, and intimidated, stick with it. Persist and success will follow.
Regardless of whether or not I fall into this rabbit hole, I am satisfied that I worked hard on understanding something new to me, looking for answers to problems, and making my first QSO with a gentleman here, who lives in the adjoining county
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