JoCoBrian

I was always told to first spend the most money you can on the best antenna you can get or build and focus on the transceiver second.

I hold an "H" license, my wife doesn't, I do not know everything. She thinks I am a nerd, but I am a good cook and provider so she keeps me. Got my GMRS license this week. I got it because on "H" bands I am a CW operator. I don't even own a VHF or UHF radio at this time. We are going to buy, eventually, 2 decent GMRS HTs and I would like to eventually establish a GMRS base station in our location. I thought I might want to build a repeater, but that urge has passed. I am in the foot print of INDY 600 so we don't really need an open repeater here. Good, saves me money for other toys. I have been monitoring GMRS freqs for about a year, I feel like I know some of you already, and for the most part everyone seems to get along and are very friendly. So I have requested access to a couple repeater systems, and await the reply patiently. I look forward to being on the system, and being able to communicate with my wife when she is not within cell phone reach. I am perfectly happy to be mentored on the proper protocols of GMRS use. I have a child living in Mooresville and one in Decatur Township (Indianapolis) and I plan on getting them to jump on the GMRS bandwagon if this works out well for my wife and I. ?

The ARRL is the only lobbying voice for the amateur radio service. I disagree with the ARRL frequently, but I do support them. For the last 5 years I just send them a $50 donation tot he legal defense fund instead of a membership. BUT As a member, you do get access to every issue of QST every printed, online. I have used that feature in the past for digging up articles, projects, parts lists, etc. That was very handy to have. You also get an email address in the arrl.net domain, which can come in very handy. To use the Logbook of the World you do not have to be a member, but if you want the ARRL Worked All State or ARRL DXCC awards, you must be a current paid member, PLUS pay the fee for the printing of your award and the postage. I recommend membership to new hams. LOADS of stuff on the website that is good info to the newer licensee, and QST has usually one or two articles every month that are of interest to most.