kidphc

Gave a good chuckle

This image comes to mind.

Been told by multiple hams QRP is not for the new guy. They warned it can get frustrating and discouraging fast because of the lower power levels and you are still playing the game of physics. Although as a newer ham I see the appeal. The radios are often sub 500 new. Where even a good used HF rig can wack you for 800. So going to take practice. The guys that are good at it make it look easy. It looks like they throw wire and the ground and wala, 50 contacts half way across the country. You ever notice they don't pull out charts for band plans and such (I know I do), They seemingly pop on a channel and start calling CQ. With all the videos I have watched only one bother to even check to see if the frequency was clear before calling CQ. Miracle of editing I hope. A lot of this hobby, you are kinda expected to know some basic things. But like many things practice,and practice more.

Sigh... wasn't letting me add the JPG. https://i.imgur.com/mVih2uV.jpg

Just a photo they did why I was at work. This photo means the wife supports Pretty sure if they didn't support me it would be a picture of them with hammers over the radio.

That is indeed awesome. Wish we had that in my neck of the woods. Even with FRS or GMRS my kids are lucky to get out more then a couple of blocks due to house density, terrain and all the trees. Well except on one side where they can be heard up and down 270 for 1/2 mile.

Definetly do get the tech and general. Pretty much on a lot of hf bands there is a huge amount of digital. Band conditions you know. I am not going to lie. Uhf/vhf is like tripping down the stairs. A lot of it comes quickly and easily. Hf for a noob like me is more akin to falling down an elevator shaft both in knowledge and money. Just when you think you understand something you realize the shaft still has a lot further to go. Find the spark... what appeals to you...and let that fire burn baby. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

My psedu elmer ( he isn't really, just takes the time to answer occasional questions) has a similar setup. He moves every 2-3 years so alot of it always temporary. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

That what I keep saying about the gutter antenna. How bad could it be its 45 feet up next to siding and 45 feet down one leg. Whats the worst that could happen? Everyone gets rf burn and I have a 25:1 swr? Sorry didn't mean to derail the thread. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

You are correct it is just a fan dipole. Lowest band being 20m. In my case, 20/10/6.. i am short by 4 feet for 40m. Just scared of the hv at the tip sot snake it a bit at the ends. They still would be close to aluminum siding. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Still choosing gear. But yes the attic looks like it will be a nest of pokey metal and wire. The odd shape doesn't allow for a 40m fan dipole, does fit a 20m with easy. I have enough space to get an x300 in there with height to spare, but due to the radials and trying to get a dipole in also I am leaning heavily towards the x50a, the dipole won't come as close to touching. Even then for gmrs I would probably put up a x30a on the other end. Currently, the thought is the fan dipole, x50a for hf and uhf. A switch with a set of halos for 2m ssb. But as usual your information gives me info that I couldn't find anywhere else. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Wonder if the x50a can do the same with GMRS.... would lead to a lot less crowding in the attic if I didn't have to put another vertical up there.

Multiple post hit the nail on the head. I am working on the general ticket now. Boy just researching the antennas is giving me a headache. As an early birthday gift I got to choose a radio. So as I type this I am listening to the FT991a. Why that radio? 2 fold, 1 all band so I can utilize my tech fully. SSB, data, SSTV yada yada. 2. all band (HF)... so I can grow a bit without having to blow tons of money on another radio immediately. There just so many aspects to amateur radio then just calling CQ randomly. There are a million things to learn and do. Gmrs is great...2m is much more fun. From personal experience. The one thing that doesn't have to really do with the radio directly that amateur radio has over GMRS (for the most part) is the community. It is small but omg... never met a better bunch of people. Most will share advice, experience and even gear to get you on the air.

Happy camper now. Got my vanity approval at 2:49 A.M. via e-mail. Odd time in my opinion but end result makes me happy!

I agree with your points. I know to help avoid cheating, some of the initial testing of the test sessions they took steps to stop cheating. One of them involved a video camera to verify there wasn't anything off camera to cheat. Then facing the camera towards the one being tested to verify things like a cell phone not popping up on the desk.

If you can hear it then you probably are going to be able to connect to it. Although, there is no guarantee till you try. Maybe get a friend/local to come over and hit the repeater. As far as the 5w, that really isn't going to get you further out. It doesn't increase distance, but rather the punch the radio has to get through noise. Plenty of hams making some crazy contacts with .5 watts. Its more about elevation, line of sight and antennas more then anything else.

New mobile antenna spotted in public. With built in social distancing features.

I like this one iteration a bit better. Thanks all for the input thus far.

lol. I have lived here almost all my life and had to do a double take when I first saw the image. So you aren't the only one. Hmm.. Something now looks really off. I do have space to add my person picture now. Its more then the spacing under the pic.

I am using QSO maker, which is limited. I like the idea of the QSO info on the back. I will probably add a photo of the family, including myself from Great Falls later. The ugliness that is now.

Thanks for the input. The state is actually shaped that way. The right edge the 90 degree in fact isn't part of a text box, it is where Delaware is. The flag, was causing me problems to begin with. It has been worrying me a bit, from what I get a lot of people don't know where MD even is.

Sorry for the long winded post ahead of time. Currently, applied for a vanity call sign. The previous owner was my social studies teacher from 8th grade and Ham Club Sponsor and operator, many moons ago. I recently went looking for him to tell him I finally got my license. Nearly 40 years after I walked out of his club doors. I could tell in a later conversation with he was disappointing that I stop attending. Sadly, I found he had died on 9/11 at the Pentagon. We lost a great man. At that moment I looked up his call sign at it had laid expired and dormant since 2007. At that moment I chose to apply for his call sign. I want to get his call sign back on the air, and from someone that knew him. So no I am waiting, studying for my General as well as CW. I have started working on a QSO card to remember him by. My dilemma is I am not sure if I am even close to proud on the work. Any suggestion or input is appreciated. Thanks ahead of time.

Welcome. Many hams have the GMRS license as well. Try making some calls on simplex, you may get lucky and get the guy sitting there listening and thinking no one is on GMRS in his area.

Ah. Makes sense. Finally, looked up your call neighbor [emoji14] Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Tell your wife, "I say you don't have enough equipment"...Curious why you are running outside of the house? Do you have a long wire running to the trees?