My Ham Radio Story (How I Got Back Into Amateur Radio After 20 Years)
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- čas přidán 16. 02. 2024
- This is the story of my journey through ham radio and how I got back on the air after 20 years being away. Please tell your ham radio story in the comments below.
I was always interested in ham/shortwave radio and about twenty years ago bought a couple of books about it. I read them but did not pursue a license at that time. About a year ago I started checking out YT videos. I then got an email from my town that a testing class was scheduled at the municipal building. I bought a new study guide and signed up for the test. I bought an HF radio and some other equipment in my home office and started to listen in. I passed the Technician test and then bought a 2 Meter radio and started on a local 2 Meter net. I subsequently moved into a tiny condo and have my HF radio in storage at the present time. Plans change. Not sure how I'm going to rig an antenna from my condo.
Great story. I remember my Uncle George's radio setup upstairs at my grandparents house. He was an Air Force radio operator, engineer not sure what his specific skill set was but he was genius in what ever it was. He was stationed in Greenland to help set up communications there years ago. When he retired he worked at a radio station as their engineer. He was so proud that when they changed over to a new location, the down time for the station was less than a minute. And it was spot on the first time the button was hit. So needless to say, he knew his stuff. As a little girl I use to sit as his feet mesmerized with his radio jargon. He was Net control for a military Net that met regularly. He had wire strung all over the place on the farm. Even had it strung up around the windmill next to the house.
Later in life, those happy memories spurred me on to try and pass the Technician test. I passed the first time I tried in 2010. I got involved with a local HAM club back then. Their main mission was doing severe weather spotting and working with NWS and local TV station's weather forecasters. After I moved South several years ago, I tried to start a local club by hosting a meet up at a local cafe. When the big C hit in 2020, of course it ended. I actually did study and almost aced the General test back then too. Since then I haven't gotten back into it. I have an antenna on the roof and a radio right here. Not a bad set up, but haven't been on the air in years. I need an elmer but have no idea how to reach out and get help. Haven't found AARL very beneficial either. I've since lost a lot of what I learned. So, if there's a way to get help getting reconnected, let me know. I don't know anyone in my area who is active. My license is active. (BTW I'm in TN now).
Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for your story.. Where in Tennessee are you ?