[RVRC] 21 things to do with a new ham license...

[Bryan D. Boyle]

On 5/27/2012 8:52 PM, Marvin Bronstein wrote:
>  
> a.. From Dan, KB6NU, 21 things to do after you obtain your ham license........
>........OR just getting back into activities...

After a 20-year hiatus...

> a.. 
> a.. 
> a.. 
> a.. Join a club 
Yup

> a.. Join the ARRL 
Life member from way back...when it was affordable.

> a.. Find an Elmer
Or be one: that's what hams do for each other.

> a.. Buy a radio 
Can't stop.  Taking over the shack (and the desk, and the mechanical
room of the house, and the yard shed, and the cars...)...LOL

> a.. Get on the air 
Every day, somehow, some band.  Just do it.

> a.. Set up a shack 

BTDT.  A couple times since '09.  It's not a destination, it's a journey.

> a.. Buy some tools 

Ha!

> a.. Buy a digital multimeter (DMM)

Ha!

> a.. Build an antenna 

A few.  7 so far...thinking a 40M loop might be a nice thing to try...

> a.. Build a kit 

Audio compressor, rebuilt SB200, 220 preamp...

> a.. Go to a hamfest 

Or work at one.

> a.. Learn the lingo 

You mean 10-codes don't count, good buddy?

> a.. Subscribe to mailing lists, blogs, and podcasts 

And learn to 'trim' when you reply to a digest...

> a.. Upgrade to General 

Blew past that when I came back...(that old 1st Phone must have stuck in
the recesses...)

> a.. Go to Field Day 

Learn to sweat, string wire quickly, eat greasy food, and have the time
of your life.

> a.. Learn Morse Code 

Getting the fist back.  up to about 10 on a straight key...it's a process.

> a.. Get to know your (ham) neighbors 

Yeah.  Just put up some skyhooks...they'll find you...;)

> a.. Buy QSL cards 

Have those...first thing after getting the call sign...and send the darn
things out, even if you only get a 10% response.  LOTW just isn't the same.

> a.. Join SkyWarn, ARES, or RACES 

Local Bucks County Emcomm group.

> a.. Participate in a contest 

Never know when you'll come out #1 on a little-used band...with
4 points, no less...LOL

> a.. HAVE FUN!

If it isn't...you aren't trying...:)