I took the practice Extra exams on QRZ a couple times, but never took the actual exam this morning. Congrats on the Extra! That'* a tough test.

Bandit, the exam costs $14. If you pass the General, you may take the Extra test ONE time for free. If you fail it, you would have to pay another $14 to take the Extra test.

Great Job!

As soon as I get my wind damaged diploe back up, I like to monitor 28.400. Maybe I will get more HF capable soon. I would love to have a BC club net sometime!

Hmm, neither will I. I was banned from QRZ for shooting my mouth off.

Well Mike, I guess I can share here. As one who had to learn the code way back in '87, I was initially opposed, but only briefly. Just one look at the declining ranks and loss of bandwidth says something.

The hobby needs an influx BADLY. After that realization, I changed my view. I am glad for the new chance that folks have to get into ham radio without the hurdle of a mode they may never use. And if they do want to use it, fine, its not outlawed or anything.


I am not sure I would share this on QRZ though LOL.

Side note, has 220mhz EVER been active?

220MHZ? Whats that? Isn't that the HTX radio?

I haven't heard much about 220. Guess it'* just not all that popular compared to 2mtr, 440, 6 mtrs and HF.

Thankfully, we had a hamfest here in the local area today. They said, normally they get about 6-10 new/upgrades every test session. When I left the test session at 1230PM today, they had already had 60 people come in and upgrade. I think about 3-4 of them were new Techs.

I'm glad they finally got rid of it, though I am not againsts CW, I have used it on occasion, but felt it was a HUGE barrier to access HF. A ridiculous requirement. We could argue all day the pro and con of CW testing, but it all boils down to, it doesn't prove a thing.

Some folks on QRZ were OUTRAGED, and were tempted to such acts as selling all equipment and get out of radio entirely. Then as time progressed, I noticed more and more were starting to welcome the newcomers. I'm glad that started to happen. Now hopefully we can keep our spectrum and increase contest capacity, and get rid of BPL.

Well, I'm not completely banned from QRZ, I'm restricted from posting in the Talk and opinions area. Oh well.

Hehe, I have been following QRZ now about that for a long time. I saw all the "sky falling" posts and people who were gonna dump gear the moment code became history.

I havent yet seen any "fire sales"

And I agree its a good thing. The hobby is all about progress without limiting tradition. I do see this as a good thing and yet, I dont see code disappearing. How else are beacons and repeater going to identify?

Yup, listening to 7.190 and I don't hear a bunch of new techs or new generals talking CB-trash either. Oh darn. I was hoping to get that IC-7800 from a former ham for $50. Guess he'* gonna stick around for a few more years.

I'd even settle for a clean Kenwood 820 or 440, wouldnt have to be a 7800

My current rig is a HTX10 lol, winds have been gusting to 40ish all day, not good antenna weather and I've been buried with my folks Blazer all day. Poor dipole on the ground. ANything shaking on 10m?

I heard a W8 station the night the rules changed, but haven't really been paying much attention to 10m.

Been keeping the IC-706MKIIG tuned around 75 and 40 all day. I have a inverted V strung up about 25 off the ground between my house and a tree. So far it works on the high end of 80, 40, and I think 15. Tuners are the devil!

Have to get my boat anchor serviced or something. It'* a Drake TR-4c. 300 watt version. It works on some bands, volume sucks, and lights don't work.

Yea, we need to get a BC net going. Bandit needs to upgrade! Can you imagine Wren as a ham?

I sure love all the old tube gear. Drake is nice. Collins is also. When Dad upgraded from the TS820 to the Ts440, it was cool but the romance was gone. Everything digital, easy, had an auto tuner, turned me into an appliance operator LOL. OK for mobile I guess

I did operate a 706 at the last field day, nice compact rig!