Amateur (Ham) Radio BS and Callsign Thread!

Congrats!

 

I searched the database this morning and found my call sign! KI5CXP

 

Congrats!!
Most of the new ones have detachable faceplates. My Yaesu (see post) does; it is an older rig but great for what I do.

 

I’m running an icom 2730a. It’s able to crossband repeat which was a big selling point to me. My only complaint is I wish it wasn’t so bright even on the dimmest setting.

Used the dmm and ram system to mount it. If you end up going with it let me know and I’ll send you the screws and a short piece of alum bar to make your own mounting bracket for a few bucks instead of paying $50 for the icom one.

 

Thank you. I might take you up on that. I'm installing the DMM here shortly and it's exactly where I was planning on mounting the faceplate. The brightness does concern me though. I'm pretty sensitive to interior light at night. Stupid astigmatism...

 

Exactly the same with the astigmatism. It’s not unbearable but eventually I plan on putting a piece of window tint over it.

The screws are m2.6x8 ordering 50 of them from McMaster Carr and buying some aluminum stock was still cheaper than buying the factory mounting bracket so if those screws work for any of the faceplates you get just let me know.

 

Anyone looking to upgrade to general (COUGH COUGH @m603holden) should watch this. Some good insight on what old guys think old gear is worth. Or a reason to save your pennies and get kick ass new gear.

https://youtu.be/dPox0gr4tEc

 

That's too funny. I just watched this video yesterday. It brings up a very valid point to consider.

 

Totally agree on New used rigs, My first HF was new Kenwood ts480hx. Since then have been used Elecraft rigs. V/Uhf rigs have all been new.

 

Just got my license, so now the real work begins to figure out what i'm doing...starting with the RF grounding from a few pages back. WH6FZZ

 

Congrats!

 

This morning passed my Technician test. I tried the General test but failed miserably.

 

Congrats!

 

20m seemed pretty good today. I tried working a station on Belguim but there was a huge back up. Couldn't get through. I easily made Oklahoma.

 

Congrats!

 

Tried unsuccessfully to make my first contact today. I tried two local repeaters, got a tone when I keyed up to one of them, and no feedback from the other. I’m not sure if I don’t have my radio set up right or if there was just no one monitoring. I guess I’ll try again tomorrow.

 

What area? If you're near an echolink repeater, I'm happy to sked.

 

McAlester, OK. What is echolink?

 

Echolink is a system that permits you to use a repeater from the internet. There is an Android / iPhone app, that allows licensed persons to PTT the repeater.

Unfortunately, there are no echolink repeaters in Pittsburgh County. Are you able to reach any of the repeaters on this list?

 

Doubt I would be able to hit any of those. Coalgate is the closest one, and Repeater Book shows me to be 35 miles from it. I do greatly appreciate the offer, very kind of you.