Friday, January 5, 2018

KC7ZXY Activity in 2017 - WARNING: Low Radiation Level Detected

A thought that often comes to mind, "What have I done for Amateur Radio lately?"

Unfortunately, for 2017, I have not done enough. Responsibilities and obligations related to job and family took higher priority during a rather busy year. This is not to be regretted, however, as it corresponds with the Amateur's Code as written in 1928 by Paul M Segal (W9EEA).
BALANCED: Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.
Although I am not pleased to say that my activity level was very low this past year, I will not lament on the topic any further. The future is before me and the possibilities are endless.

The main accomplishment of 2017 was that I renewed my General Class License. This was an easy process which did not cost a thing. If you are nearing the end of your license period, please refer to the following directions and web links. Keep your license up-to-date and keep active!
To renew, go to the ULS Home, select Online Filing, and follow the instructions below. Login to the ULS License Manager with your FCC Registration Number (FRN). From your License At A Glance page, choose the Renew link in the right hand menu called Work on this License.
FCC License Renewal Web Link 
Today, I also renewed my membership in the ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio (also known as the American Radio Relay League). If you are an Amateur Radio Operator and are not yet a member of the ARRL, I highly recommend becoming a member. There are many benefits to membership and, at the very least, join to get the monthly QST publication. It has tons of Amateur Radio news, opinions, and product reviews as well as contest and event information. For me, it is the "go to" source of Ham Radio happenings!

For the coming year, there are at least a few Ham Radio goals in my mind. Near the end of 2017, I traded in my vehicle and have not yet moved the mobile rig to the new vehicle. This transportation upgrade presents some new challenges and I look forward to working out a solution. Adding to the "get-on-the-air" difficulties, the base station in my home--which has been disconnected for far too long--will need a refresh and reconnect. I have a big, new, outdoor antenna to install but the extreme cold in Michigan this winter is making it "easy" to hang out indoors.

...hmmm, "if only" I had refreshed the base station before the weather turned so bitterly cold. :-)

In the meantime, my trusty old Kenwood dual-band handheld is warming up on the charger.

While sitting here at the computer, suddenly I'm thinking it's time to make a move toward trying out one of the Internet-friendly digital options that are available these days such as the very popular Echolink! ...time to take a look at that

Thanks for tuning in and keep coming back!

73,
KC7ZXY
Donald Watkins

► Twitter: @KC7ZXY
► Google+: +KC7ZXY 
► YouTube: KC7ZXY Tube

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