Posted: 7/9/2011 6:34:10 AM EDT
...the tech and general this morning. For grins, I took the extra too, but not surprisingly, I bombed with a 26/50. It was like reading latin. Guess I just wanted to end the testing session on a low note! 
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Let me be the first to congratulate you and welcome you to ham radio.
Also, I'm happy you let us coerce you into studying for more than just the Tech. The General ticket really opens up the world to you via HF. Listen a lot. Take your time, and if you are a courteous operator, even if you flub up at times, you will be offered a helping hand up. Keep a copy of the band plan posted by your station. Don't "open up" your radio to operate out of band. Those beeps when I crossed band edges, and the radio not operating kept me out of trouble more than once. Stay at least 3 khz from the lower General phone band limit in Lower Side Band (80 and 40 meters) and 3 khz away from the upper edge of the bands from 20 meter band on up, and you will not have a problem of spilling over out of band. In fact, I wish the radio could be programmed that way. Always listen first, ask "Is this frequency in use?" Wait 15 seconds or so, ask again. If no reply, then you may transmit on that frequency. Then if someone says, Hey, we're workin' here!" just apologize, give your call sign, and move to another frequency. Most of all, get some wire in the air and jump in! 73, AFM |
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Thanks everyone! Now that the tests are passed (well, until I take the extra again, that is), I am going to take a hard look at my yard, and see just what I might be able to put in the air. Looking forward to getting that call sign and some wire aloft! I'm still chuckling over piccolo's blog post about putting up a tower.
As a "reward" for passing, I got to hang gutters on the house all day, but enjoying some good beer now. I'm wiped. @ AFM - appreciate the operating tips. @ RippleSoul - I'm in ATL, but would welcome a cheat sheet on the N. GA area if you can send? Good for mobile use I love getting in the mountains during the summer months. |