How it Started

Well, my son, Will (KG5WCH) got his Technician License and had it for a long time.  Over several years, he told me, periodically, that I should get my license.  Although I was an electronics technician in the past, nearly all of my experiance had been in telephony.  I just didn't think I wanted to do all of the studying to learn RF and, besides, I thought I would have to learn Morse Code (CW in "Ham-Speak").

Fast forward to August, 2024.  He said that there was a one-day class and test (Shout to the Johnson County Amateur Radio Club W5JCR!)  and that I didn't have to know Morse Code after all. So I did it. And passed!  Witness the newest operator, KJ5FZR - I hated that call sign.

I got a Will gave me my first radio, a TYT TH-9800.  I did learn to program it and I was able to talk over the local repeaters.  I was a bit shy about it at first simply because I was so new, but it was pretty cool!

Next, I needed a handheld (HT).  Hello, Amazon!  With Will's advice, I bought myself a Baofeng UV-5G PRO.  Now, before I take any flack from the purists (New operators, get used to this), this radio was an inexpensive way to go further into the hobby.  I taught myself how to program it and I really liked, and still do like, this radio.  I did encounter one problem, though.  I didn't know what "Roger Beeps" were and accidentally enabled them the first time I transmitted on it.  I was corrected right away.  Note to anyone who needs it: Don't enable Roger Beeps!

Later, my friend, Mike, donated an Alinco DR-140 2-meter mobile and a Kenwood TS-130SE HF rig.  OK, time to explore High Frequency (HF).  I was able to confirm that I was able to transmit on the HF rig and we did make a contact at a radio club meeting.