K2 #5099 is on the air!
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First and foremost, Ill take this opportunity to thank everyone who
contributes to this reflector and all the great support that is provided here. Although Ive never had to post a question here, I was always able to search the archives for any questions I had and come up with the answers or at least a direction. Ive not only learned a great deal about my K2 and other Elecraft products, but also a lot about the amateur radio hobby and how to be a good ham (more than any other internet resource). You should all be commended for the invaluable service provided here, day in and day out. My journey into ham radio started when I was a kid in the late 60s and early 70s when my Grandfather, the original W8FGU, got me interested in the hobby and electronics. He passed away when I was 12 and I never got my ticket (I entered my teens where my priorities changed and then life happened). A couple of years ago, I started to renew my interest in ham radio and started researching the hobby and was flabbergasted by the amount of change over the past 30 years, some good some bad. I really liked the idea of building some of my own gear and came across the Elecraft site. After a year of research and procrastination, I made the decision that to get my feet wet again that I would order a K2. I ordered my K2/100 with a number of options, a year ago to the day. At the recommendation of many on this reflector, I also obtained some basic test equipment and temp controlled soldering station. I slowly and methodically worked on these kits in the winter and spring until completed and had a great time putting them together. I only ran into a couple of small problems, mostly man handling small parts that were quickly replaced by the great support staff at Elecraft. Any technical problems that occurred were cured by a quick look at the reflector archives. At the same time I also studied and obtained my Tech and General tickets in March and then my Extra in May. At this time I was pleased to find that I could obtain my Grandfathers call, W8FGU, through the vanity program. Throughout the spring and summer I worked to put my shack together and spend a number of hours trying to increase my code speed and learn the proper CW operating procedures. Last week I was able to string a wire antenna (Cobra Ultra Senior multiband) between a couple of trees in the backyard. Im still working on a grounding system but did some preliminary testing of the entire system and knew I could get a signal out. Well, yesterday I finally worked up enough nerve to try and make my first contact. I know this is just a hobby, but man, I could not believe how nervous I was (Im a shift officer, firefighter/paramedic dealing with blood and guts on a daily basis for cryin out loud). I tuned around listening for awhile and chickened out answering a couple of slow CQs. I then tuned up 7112MHZ, set my power to 50 watts, tuned up my trusty KAT100, called QRL? and then began calling CQ at about 7 ½ WPM to guarantee I could copy. After a couple of tries, with no answers I started to wonder if in fact my signal was getting out since this was the first time, I really had no idea. I decided to give it a couple more shots and figured it was good practice at least when all of a sudden, I heard my own call letters coming back at me from Rick, K4UFS. Now, Ive been training myself to head copy reliably at 10WPM and pretty well at 13WPM. Rick came back to me somewhere around those speeds, but I was so nerved up, that all I heard was Charlie Browns teacher (wah wah wah wah). After what Im sure was a nice report from Rainbow City , AL, I asked Rick to QRS and told him it was my first contact. Being a fine gentleman, he replied that he would be more than happy to QRS and help me out with my first contact. Rick was very patient as I stumbled through the conversation and he epitomized all that is good about a veteran ham helping out a newbie. He certainly made my contact a good and memorable experience. I asked him to send a QSL card and he told me that if he could get it to me today, he would ;-) I live just south of Detroit and Rick gave me very solid signal reports into NE Alabama @ 50 watts. He also stated that the rig sounded good. I cant tell you what a great experience it has been to learn, build, test and finally get on the air with this equipment. I just cant imagine simply buying a radio off the shelf and getting on the air to be as much fun as I have had in my experience. I know my Grandfather would be proud. Thanks again for all of the unknowing support. I hope to continue to get better at CW and meet some of you on the air soon. Dave Van Wallaghen W8FGU _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Dave, Welcome to Ham radio and the Elecraft group! It was delightful to read about your successful experiences -- building and getting on the air with your new K2! Yes, the journey is very enjoyable and rewarding. I would also suggest that you check out the FISTS CW club... http://www.fists.org/ -- a great place to build up your CW proficiency! A lot of Elecraft owners are also FISTS members. Take care, and I will look for you on the air.. 73, Ned, W2NED K2 #00467 KX1 #00368 FISTS #6908 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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