Congrats on the ham license! Thinking about taking the general?

73

Probably not any time soon... I'm just learning the basics for now. I don't even have a mobile rig or an antenna, only an HT that can BARELY hit the Waltham repeater.

My first transceiver was an Icom IC-T8A that had been spectrum-unlocked. My instructor said that if I could pass all four (tech, code, general, extra) tests in a single sitting, he would give it to me. I did, so he did.

If you really want to get into the hobby, I'd recommend a desktop or car rig. HTs are good for foxhunting, but the range tends to be terrible. Most car-mounted transceivers will do 50W or so and pretty much any desktop will do at least 100. There aren't that many hams around, and more power increases your reach dramatically.

Speaking of foxhunting, if you have some local hams, see if they run any. If they do, you absolutely must try at least one. My first was spectacularly fun. Built a yagi out of some PVC tubing and coat hangers. Worked well enough that I was second to find it. It's kind of like geocaching, but with less of an idea of where you're going.

Hey Matthew, really enjoyed your Podcamp session, both the impromptu one on Saturday morning and the Sunday one. Definitely one of the best ones I attended, well organized, educational, candid, revealing and very entertaining!
"I think I smell Two Feet!"
"Contact me after the session. Pul-eeeze"

I'm looking to start a podcast as a promotional and educational tool for my web and mobile products. And doing one as a hobby one day, also has it's appeal. Best wishes with your music and your site! You're a real groundbreaker and doing a great service to share it with the rest of us.

Glad I could help, in whatever way I could. Hopefully you'll be up and running soon!

Baked ham?? Ham and noodles? Ham and eggs? Ham radio!!