© DELARA News a monthly publication of the Delaware Amateur Radio Association
DELARANEWS

Jamie

Jamie Clifton KE8JLG

What a year 2018 was. KE8JLG, the call sign I was given when I passed the technitian portion of the amateur radio operator guidelines this past spring. Actually that was only after my 3rd attempt. Sometimes failure, well most of the time, makes you better at what you are pursuing. OK, bring it on. I now have access to parts of the air waves. My 1st call out was to the DELARA 2 meter net. Why the net? I had just received my call sign. And even that was a learning experience as my radio settings were off and I had to rush to figure it out to join in. I think Stan was net control and told me what I needed to do and all I had to do is listen. Whew, with that I was on the air waves. Its human nature to be nervous and ham radio is no different but you have to grow past that and jump in feet first. Did I know what I was doing? Not really. Did I make mistakes? Absolutely. Did I get called out on it? Yes. My 1st experience on 10 meters I was operating FM and made a few contacts. Then this fella loud and clear came across the peaker,’KE8JLG, there is NO fm on this part of the band.’ So I continued to call, CQ and the fella come back, ‘There is no FM on this band.’ I pulled my antenna down from the tree, loaded everything into my car and went home. I done some checking and the fella was right. I was wrong as I should have been using USB. I learned a lot that day. The most important thing, just do it. If you’re wrong someone will let you know. The old hams can tell you are a greenhorn and will cut you a break and even educate you. You just have to be willing to learn and accept it. I had knee replacement late this summer and I used this time to study for the upgrade to General. This was a good move. It opens up the band plans for you to grow and practice what you just learned. Now you need to know where to use USB, LSB, CW and digital modes. More learning and chances to make mistakes and grow into a competent Ham. And yes, I did all of the above. But you know what? No one died or got hurt. Well, almost. I did have this issue with a hickory tree. I learned a huge lesson that day that almost led to my personal injury. I survived and learned to NEVER EVER STAND underneath a limb while you’re pulling up your antenna for a radio session. Stand a few steps away just encase something unexpected happens. Remember to have fun. That’s what being a Ham is about. I’ve had a blast so far. Contacts in 8 countries with 2, 10, 20 and 40 meters all with voice and digital modes. Ask questions. Many questions, especially to the Elmers. And if He or She don’t know they can steer you in the right direction. They want to see you enjoying the hobby.
DELARANews

Jamie

Jamie Clifton KE8JLG

What a year 2018 was. KE8JLG, the call sign I was given when I passed the technitian portion of the amateur radio operator guidelines this past spring. Actually that was only after my 3rd attempt. Sometimes failure, well most of the time, makes you better at what you are pursuing. OK, bring it on. I now have access to parts of the air waves. My 1st call out was to the DELARA 2 meter net. Why the net? I had just received my call sign. And even that was a learning experience as my radio settings were off and I had to rush to figure it out to join in. I think Stan was net control and told me what I needed to do and all I had to do is listen. Whew, with that I was on the air waves. Its human nature to be nervous and ham radio is no different but you have to grow past that and jump in feet first. Did I know what I was doing? Not really. Did I make mistakes? Absolutely. Did I get called out on it? Yes. My 1st experience on 10 meters I was operating FM and made a few contacts. Then this fella loud and clear came across the peaker,’KE8JLG, there is NO fm on this part of the band.’ So I continued to call, CQ and the fella come back, ‘There is no FM on this band.’ I pulled my antenna down from the tree, loaded everything into my car and went home. I done some checking and the fella was right. I was wrong as I should have been using USB. I learned a lot that day. The most important thing, just do it. If you’re wrong someone will let you know. The old hams can tell you are a greenhorn and will cut you a break and even educate you. You just have to be willing to learn and accept it. I had knee replacement late this summer and I used this time to study for the upgrade to General. This was a good move. It opens up the band plans for you to grow and practice what you just learned. Now you need to know where to use USB, LSB, CW and digital modes. More learning and chances to make mistakes and grow into a competent Ham. And yes, I did all of the above. But you know what? No one died or got hurt. Well, almost. I did have this issue with a hickory tree. I learned a huge lesson that day that almost led to my personal injury. I survived and learned to NEVER EVER STAND underneath a limb while you’re pulling up your antenna for a radio session. Stand a few steps away just encase something unexpected happens. Remember to have fun. That’s what being a Ham is about. I’ve had a blast so far. Contacts in 8 countries with 2, 10, 20 and 40 meters all with voice and digital modes. Ask questions. Many questions, especially to the Elmers. And if He or She don’t know they can steer you in the right direction. They want to see you enjoying the hobby.