Ben Cartwright SASS
NES Member
I have had my ticket for 25 years but have only had a radio for the last month and made my first QSO a month ago, I knew I would go crazy with gear if I used it.
Well a month ago a friend talked me into a Baefung HP8 HT and within days I bought a Yaesu FT-2980 and Diamond X30, feel in love! then a week later updated to the Diamond X50 and routinely work the Paxton repeater 40 miles away at 30 watts.
two weeks ago I decided to study for my General ticket and used Hamtestonline.com and this past week W,T,Fri, I did over 70 practice tests until my eyes crossed.
Took the test in Braintree Saturday and ACED IT!! So I am now a General!! They let me try the Extra Exam, tried it with no studying guessing at most everything and got 17 out of 50.
I may this summer or fall start studying for the extra (told you I would go overboard)
To celebrate I ordered a KENWOOD TS-590SG !!!
now I need to get an antenna but the XYL doesn't want an antenna farm, I think she might go for a multi band vertical on the shed out back but will have to bury the coax like I did 25 years ago with the CB base.
N1USD JEFF
here is my current shack, waiting on the Kenwood
Well a month ago a friend talked me into a Baefung HP8 HT and within days I bought a Yaesu FT-2980 and Diamond X30, feel in love! then a week later updated to the Diamond X50 and routinely work the Paxton repeater 40 miles away at 30 watts.
two weeks ago I decided to study for my General ticket and used Hamtestonline.com and this past week W,T,Fri, I did over 70 practice tests until my eyes crossed.
Took the test in Braintree Saturday and ACED IT!! So I am now a General!! They let me try the Extra Exam, tried it with no studying guessing at most everything and got 17 out of 50.
I may this summer or fall start studying for the extra (told you I would go overboard)
To celebrate I ordered a KENWOOD TS-590SG !!!
now I need to get an antenna but the XYL doesn't want an antenna farm, I think she might go for a multi band vertical on the shed out back but will have to bury the coax like I did 25 years ago with the CB base.
N1USD JEFF
here is my current shack, waiting on the Kenwood