[SOC] Say hello to the newcomers...

[Richard Hill]

Saying Hello back...

NU6T
Richard
SOC #612

Perhaps I should have found the Tenderfoot Club?  Newish ham first licensed
in January 2002 and earned Extra by December--actually studied for it.
Passed the 5 wpm in June for my General and got on HF by late July.  Managed
RCC, WAC and WAS by the end of the year. Worked DXCC but didn't get cards
till late 2003.  Need 3 more zones for WAZ.  I chose these 5 awards and
achieving 20 wpm code as apprentice goals.  Something to fill spare time.
No background in radio or electronics.

Started with an IC-718 and upgraded to a 746 this year.  Antennas are a
HyGain DX77a vertical and an 88 foot dipole at about 50 feet.  I've tried
other wire antennas and continue to experiment.

Became a VE shortly after I earned my General and am an instructor mentor
for emergency communications 1, 2 & 3.

CW.  Just don't learn through my ears well (XYL confirms regularly).  Still
struggling.  I learned code visually and passed the code test mostly by
translation.  Finally read some good advice just a few weeks before I took a
practice exam I managed to pass.  Currently working to stop translating by
working at 22-25 character speed to hear letters rather than dits and dahs.
Up to about 8-10 wpm speed on good days, but not quite over translation.  My
goal is 20 wpm for starters.  Practice, practice, practice.

73
near Sacramento CA