My First Ham Fest

Went to my first Ham Fest today.  Had one heck of a good time, even though Mama Bear didn't go with.  I overspent what I had planned, but came away with some good deals.

I also joined the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) today.  I have been interested in joining and even received an invitation to join yesterday, but I figured that there was no time better than the present to sign up, so my first purchase made today was for the ARRL.

Some of the stuff I bought today were Skywarn stickers for the truck, Skywarn license plate frame, call sign hat and name badge, Skywarn hat pin, used Kenwood TM-732A, dual-band antenna with NMO mount, duplexer and the study guide for the General License.  Also ended up walking out with a Log book (getting ready for those HF bands early), a Repeater Directory and the FCC rules. 

I was like as wide-eyed as a kid in a candy store, but I think next time I will take cash only and leave the wallet in the truck.  :o

I really want to thank the Cedar Valley Amateur Radio Club in Cedar Rapids for the wonderful experience at Summerfest.  They were awesome hosts and I look forward to next year.

Field Day - 2010

Each year, Hams get together on air for what is called "Field Day." This is a chance for all of us to get together on air and work stations from around the continent. Clubs, such as the one here in Dubuque, operate totally on alternative power as if we were actually operating from a command post during an emergency. Field Day is always held the fourth full weekend in June and runs both Saturday and Sunday.


We had a good time and logged over 300 contacts, many of whom were also operating on battery power.

A special treat for me, was when I opened up my mail on Saturday and discovered a prized possession within - my hard copy license from the FCC. I took the unopened envelope to our operation site and allowed all that were there to share with me in seeing it for the first time.