Woot! Just passed my tech and general exams!

[KliersLC]

Studied off and on for a month or so for the tech, found out last week I could take the general at the same time and started studying on Monday. Helps to have a background in fiddling with electronics, but overall not hard on either test. Looking forward to getting my call sign in a few days!

Took the extra test for giggles and scored an 18\50. Need to do some work there but I am happy with the general.

 

[Kofoed]

Congrats. Not that hard, yes. Nice to learn something new every once in a while, eh? What sort of gear do you have in mind?

 

[Helipilot]

Congratulations my friend. Now comes the fun, or drama if you will, on getting your radios, antennas, etc. Good Luck!

 

[KliersLC]

I currently have two 8w baofeng HTs and a TYT th-9800 courtesy of @Izzyandsue

Working on an antenna solution and trying to keep my 80 from looking like a pin cushion!

 

[KliersLC]

I have been running CB since 1990 or so but can't stand the garbage that is on there most of the time. Will keep a CB capability for the foreseeable future but primary will be ARS.

 

[george_tlc]

Well done!

APRS and some of the newer BT APRS units that can use your phone's GPS are pretty neat to log your location in real time when you are away from civilisation. With the APRS repeater network here in the US there's lots of areas that you wouldn't think you can get your location packets out, but can. All you need is a VHF rig, decent antenna and the APRS unit. Some radios have built in APRS hardware, but I still like the standalone BT 'dongle' scheme.

Google Maps APRS is a portal to APRS packets and location information (world wide).

Neat to have your loved ones be able to see where you are - and that you are moving every so often

You can also send short email's (kind of like SMS) via the APRS network.

Anyhow, you'll have lots of fun tinkering with the various capabilities available to you.

cheers,
george.

 

[WB8LBZ]

Congrats on the license. Catch you on the air.

73, Larry WB8LBZ
El Paso

 

[izzyandsue]

Ham radios are addictive, I am finding out, you can't just have one once you figure out more "cool things" you can do with them.

 

[Brentbba]

Congrats on the licenses.

Yodateq makes a great antenna mount for the 80 series. Because of a new JB RTT I had to replace my old Diamond 400c mounts on my hatch with his mounts. They are fantastic.

 

[1911]

Congratulations on your ticket!

 

[KliersLC]

Finally got my call sign. KN4FEH

 

[WB8LBZ]

I just looked it up on QRZ.COM and it said look ups 1.

73, Larry in El Paso