[Elecraft] Guidance

[Kenneth E. Harker]

On Tue, Jun 19, 2007 at 03:43:31PM -0400, Frank J. MacDonell wrote:
> I got my Technician license in February and I am learning CW. I have 
> built a dipole and ordered a K3. What advice do you guys have for 
> initial band use and getting feet wet in the Ham Universe? Thanks!

Frank,

     Welcome to ham radio!  You did not mention which band your antenna is 
cut for - if it is 20 meters or 40 meters, those are probably good places to
start on HF at this point in the solar cycle.  In general, 20 meters will be 
best during the daylight and 40 meters will be in the best shape during 
darkness.  Conditions are overall better in the winter than the summer.

     I would resist the temptation to go QRP at first.  Use all 100 watts and
enjoy making QSOs.  If, later on, you feel confident and want to give QRP a
try, then go for it.

     I would also suggest trying out six meters with your K3 this summer.  As 
a technician, you already have the operating privileges, and a dipole or other 
antenna for six meters is pretty small and easy to put up.  The operating
is similar to what you find on HF - people call CQ, exchange signal reports,
etc.  Summer is Eskip season.  On average two days out of three in June
(for example) will have Eskip propagation to someplace from your QTH,
more likely in the evening than other times of day.  When the band opens
up and you suddenly hear dozens or hundreds of stations from 1200 miles away
in your headphones, it can be a lot of fun!

     Definitely find a place to operate Field Day this weekend.

-- 
Kenneth E. Harker WM5R
kenharker at kenharker.com
http://www.kenharker.com/