KG7LNG's Very Comfy Ham "Shack"

Okay, so now I have my Ham Radio License and have made my first QSO, now what? First order of business, purchase equipment and set up my ham shack.

I actually achieved the equipment purchase at the Dayton Hamvention. After visiting several of the vendors and trying out their handheld transceivers (over and over thanks to W7AH's patience), I decided on the Kenwood TH-F6A. The choice finally came down to "size" and "user friendliness."  "Size" because of my small hands and "user friendliness" because of my equally small amount of experience with electronic gadgets. But don't let the size fool you. This ultra compact FM portable model is technically sophisticated featuring 2m, 1.25m, and 70 cm band operation and dual-frequency receive within the same bands. I have to admit though, the "user friendliness" is enhanced greatly because of W7AH's experience and, again, patience. Every new ham's greatest asset is an Elmer!

Kenwood TH-F6A

Now, for the ham shack. I guess I may have taken a piece of advice given to me regarding equipping your first ham shack a little too literally  ... "the most comfortable chair in the house should be in your shack" ... because my first ham shack is actually not a shack at all, but a chair ... a very cushy reclining chair.

KG7LNG Ready for QSOs

If you think something looks like it is missing in my new "shack," (perhaps the chair looks a little large for me and my TH-F6A), then meet Bonney, the amazing Ham Dog, "K9HAM." (Not to be confused with FCC approved K9HAM, Lewis & Clark Radio Club, of Godfrey, IL.) 

K9HAM Ready to Assist

So, ham radio equipment ... check; ham "shack" ... check; ham dog ... check; next step, venturing into the world of HF and W7AH's ham shack. Stay tuned.

73, KG7LNG and K9HAM

First QSO

May 17, 2014
Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio

I have been told that many new hams have their first contact "set up" for them.  Logistics are arranged in advance to assure success and foster excitement.  But I think it would be safe to assume that not many of these arrangements involve center stage of an ARRL exhibit at the Dayton Hamvention, several accommodating patient ARRL employees, and a very nice ham behind the curtain.  For me, it was precisely that...and more.  It was awesome!

The Big Moment

First QSL Card

Ham Behind Curtain

73, KG7LNG

Best of Dayton Hamvention in Photos

Best Antenna Headdress

Best Ham-Cat in Hat

Best of the Flea Market

                                                                   

Best Prepared Ham

Best Elmer

Best Mobile Antenna Farm

Best Bragging Rights

                          

Best Ham Nation Humor

Best YL Accessory

73, KG7LNG
                       

                                                  

                           

Hamventure to Dayton Hamvention

May 17th and 18th, 2014

Since 1952 the Dayton Amateur Radio Association has been sponsoring an annual 3-day Hamvention held mostly at Hara Arena, a facility just outside the city limits of Dayton, Ohio. This year W7AH and I were there among 24,000 plus other ham radio enthusiasts. What an amazing experience for a new ham or any ham for that matter!

First of all, the arena...Hara is a very large complex that includes many interconnected buildings. Outside is a flea marketer's dream come true. A map and comfortable walking shoes were definitely a must. Although the doors opened on Friday, we did not arrive until Saturday. But once there, our adventure quickly began.

With over 550 indoor exhibits and a constant sea of people, there was a lot to take in.  For a new ham with very little actual hands on radio experience under her belt, it felt a little like "ham radio on steroids!" A little overwhelming at first, but I quickly settled in. I even came away with a shiny new engraved name badge and and a very functional hiking hat, both sporting my new call sign.

Ready for the Flea Market Sun

One of the highlights of Saturday for me was meeting my first Elmer, Gordo West, WB6NOA. After using his Technician and General Class books to study for my first two license exams, I felt like I knew him and wasn't shy at all walking up to his booth, introducing myself and asking him to sign my Extra Class book and pose for a photo. Later we were able to witness Gordo in action as he hosted a live broadcast of my new favorite show, Ham Nation, along with Bob, George and Valerie.

KG7LNG Meeting WB6NOA

Bob, Gordo, George and Valerie

Early Sunday morning, W7AH and I were lucky enough to "hang out" with Gordo outside while wandering among the largest collection of electronic goodies I have ever seen in one place. Okay let's be honest. That I have ever seen period!

My Two Elmers, WB6NOA and W7AH

After bumping into WB6NOA in the Flea Market, the next big event on Sunday was a party celebrating the 100th birthday of ARRL, American Radio Relay League, the largest membership association of amateur radio enthusiasts in the USA. And no celebration is complete without cake (really good cake)...

Happy Birthday, ARRL

ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN

So, for an overview, I think I have hit most of the high points. Stay tuned for my next two posts with more on my Hamventure to Dayton Hamvention: "Best of Dayton Hamvention in Photos" and "First QSO."

73, KG7LNG

Green Ham, Hold the Eggs

As a mother of four grown children, who are always on the lookout for signs of mental aging in me, I have had a bit of explaining to do as to "why ham radio?" So I will begin this new blog by answering that question.

Like many radio enthusiasts, I caught the bug of being able to communicate to people I had never met before from my dad. But instead of cutting my teeth on a ham radio handheld transceiver, I was handed a mike connected to a citizens band radio in my dad's 1972 Ford Ranger pickup. For my dad, a CB radio was useful for communicating with fellow volunteer fire fighters and keeping in touch with many of his trucker friends. For me it was just fun. My dad suggested "Scooby-Doo" as a handle for me and, in hindsight, I now see that choice as not just a "off the top of his head suggestion," but as a calculated move to increase my enjoyment. (Imagine truck drivers singing, "Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you?")

Eventually my dad sold his CB equipment and I went on to other things without two-way radio communication playing a part in my everyday life...until a month ago. Again, I was introduced to the radio hobby by someone close to me...my friend (and now Elmer) W7AH. He has been a ham radio enthusiast for many years and, after I realized the go to place to look for him was his ham shack, I decided it might be a good idea to join in on the fun. First scary words uttered (or muttered softly), "What do you think about me becoming a ham?"

Luckily he (as most seasoned hams) was totally supportive of the endeavor. In fact, he ordered a set of ham radio training books by Gordon (Gordo) West for me that day and dangled a carrot in front of me ... "You can't touch my equipment until you get your Extra Class license."  hi hi  So, one month and three exams later, I am now officially an Extra Class licensed ham.

As to why start a blog about my hamventure, I would have to say that the greatest thing I learned from my first two-way radio experience was that I have an amazing love of stories, both listening to and telling. So I thought it would be fun to share my path to becoming "a ham master," as my kids like to affectionately call me. Along the way I hope to make many new friends and share parts of their stories as well.  Stay tuned.

73, KG7LNG