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