My Ham Radio Bucket List!

Yes, I too have a bucket list. Here is just a list of Ham Radio related items on my bucket list.

If you don't have one, I highly recommend you make one. It gives you something to aspire to. You don't have to put a lot of thought into it, and you are more than free to change it as time goes by. It is, after all, YOUR list and no one else's. As for mine, it will be interesting to see how long it takes me to complete it all, mainly because I am such a procrastinator.  
So without further ado: 


OH, for those of you who do not know what bucket list is, Websters dictionary defines a bucket list as "a list of things that one has not done before but wants to do before dying. Origin from the phrase 'Kick the Bucket (to die)"



1. Make an HF contact DONE!

2. Learn Morse Code
3. Go on a DXpedition or at least operate from another country. 
4. Make a QRP QSO
5. Build a kit radio or a radio from scratch
6. Build my own antenna
7. Go to a hamfest
8. Go to the Dayton Hamvention
9. Operate the W6RO station (Ham Radio station aboard the Queen Mary ocean liner)
10. Operate W1AW.
11. Earn an award for something. 


This list is certainly subject to change and there are a few things I am already working on. For instance, I am in the beginning phases of learning morse code and have contacted W6RO about operating their rig when I am out in California. 


I can probably combine other things on the list into one big project. (e.g. build a QRP rig and antenna, then make a QSO with it, taking care of #3, #4 an #5 all at once. I'll have to mull that one over. I am sure this list will grow quite a bit as time goes by but for now it will suffice.
DE WW1F 73

Weekly Update #4

Hey everyone! Yes I know, its been a long time since I last posted. You know how things are with the holidays. Added to this, I am attempting to remodel a house I bought AND taking on extra work to pay for said remodel.

On my last home time (time off) I was able to pick up my new Tram dual band antenna for my Icom IC-880 as well as the SO-239 mirror mount for my ATAS 120 so my FT-857 is up and running too! And you know what? I learned something. I learned that I REALLY enjoy HF! I finally got everything fired up the other day and today I had several free hours so i made several contacts on 10 meters and 20 meters. Included are many firsts for me. This week I had my first HF QSO, my first non-US QSO (which was also my first Cuban QSO), the first time I had a QSO with W1AW (sort of... it was W1AW/2 Portable New York, as part of the ARRL's 100th anniversary.) So for me its been a pretty exciting week.

Also on my time at home I was able to pick up the package of things I ordered with the HRO gift card my mom gave me for Christmas. I was able to get programming cables for both my rigs, the cable for my bencher paddle, a book on morse code, and a couple other little necessary items to enhance my ham radio experience. I also got a book of electronic projects and a book on radio projects for a learning aid.

In the picture is the dashboard of my truck. It looks awful cluttered so I will probably end up using the separation kits and making a new special project out of it. I am also thinking of selling my trusty Yaesu FT-2800. I am wrestling with this decision since it is about the best 2 meter rig I have ever owned. I might trade it for a HT and put the charger for it where the 2800 is now. Only time will tell.

HF Contacts this week: W6TA, CO4LS, KA4KSB, W1AW, WA2WDX, KB1HNZ (All on HF!! So Cool!)

So until next time, DE WW1F 73S  SK

Weekly Update #3

MERRY CHRISTMAS! well... almost. So I have my Icom IC-880H and Yaesu FT-857D installed but guess what? Still no antennas. I ordered them, then had to leave before they arrived so they are sitting at my post office waiting for my return. I can't wait to fire them up. For Christmas, my mom got me a gift certificate to Ham Radio Outlet so I am going to get the programming cables and software for both rigs, as well as the ARRL book "Morse Code Operating" to further my New Years Resolution.

I ran across a really cool Ham out in Colardo, Terry (N0PQV) who is an IRLP fanatic. He gave me TONS of information on IRLP, a subject I never really knew much about. It is actually a subject I found very interesting and I plan on getting more involved in it as soon as I can figure it all out.

Not much else to report this time around. Til next time 73!