I had my Technician license for about two hours before I was finally able to get on my radio and make my first contact. I (KE0WKP) had a QSO with KC0USM (Brandon).
I’m sorry your grounded sir but being a pilot always seemed very interesting to me ! Did ya see anything interesting in the sky’s during your time flying ? And I also wanna get involved with this hobby and start putting my convo’s on TH-cam just a thought maybe even start a little radio station of my own
Scott, It’ll be the best thing ever to get started in. There are many modes of operation available depending on the license and interest you have. Those interests will change over time and you’ll reach moments when they run dry but keep holding onto your license and eventually you will find yourself interested again. Amateur Extra test is as hard as an engineer’s test without the 20 WPM CW.
I'm a private pilot IFR rated SEL and Rotorcraft. I'm putting a ham radio in my plane. I look forward to saying my call sign with "airborne" at the end instead of "mobile." Probably get great range.
@@JimmyJ1234 I saw a UFO when I was flying westbound on the south shore of Long Island in 2015. A liberty bell shaped object flying about 100 feet or even less just south of me paralleling my direction for a few minutes. Then he just shot ahead of me out of sight. I thought it was a drone at first, then I learned that was impossible. Another pilot was with me in the right hand seat and he saw it, too.
My first time, I did the exact same thing, but the first response I received was “ Fuck out of here bitch!” Was so happy to be accepted in to the community. 😅
Bruh if you’re in the corps you know this isn’t great radio etiquette. Idk if it’s different for the police but for us this is way more conversational traffic is than we need
@@Xavieus for amateur radio this is fine, if we weren’t allowed to talk about anything it would be quite boring. For casual conversation like this it’s not life or death, but during emergencies this would of course be seen as a waste of good power.
Almost done reading the book. This video is motivating, but it’s funny how similar this conversation is compare to CB radio. From what I remember, that we’re not suppose to use repeaters as a first method to contact, but rather try locally first. Lots of old people that loveeeeee to talk. 😂
I know nothing about amateur radioing or all the codes you guys use and the protocols, but I'm just fascinated. It feels like making contact with the unexpected. It must feel good to hear someone, as you know they are also there to make contact with someone... Very enjoyable video, thank you so much!
Good video. I've got my license but I've never been on air with it. Now that I got put into a communications unit, I'm definitely interested in learning more. A friend of mine once said that there was an older couple stranded in their attic during hurricane Katrina. All the emergency call lines were overwhelmed and unavailable. Well, they ended up having to call a family member who lived in another state. That family member got in touch with a local ham and the ham was able to contact emergency services using RF. Needless to say, ham is a very important part of communication. -KO4JDB
I got my Tech license abiout 2 years ago and have had a few convos with some people on my local VHF repeater. I was using a puny two-way with only 5 watts so on some days I couldn't even key up the repeater. But now I'm in the final stages of installing a 50 watt rig in my vehicle and I cant wait to try it !
Dude I know I’m 2 years late on this video, but just wanted to say I am super happy for you and proud of you man, that’s awesome. I’ll hopefully be taking my test soon as well. But yeah man awesome vid, glad you decided to share that with everyone🤘🏻
Congrats, and thanks for sharing. Taking my test this week. Can’t wait for my first contact. I’m starting to feel like a creep listening for the past month.
Just learned about this yesterday and have already got my study book and a radio coming in tomorrow so that I can practice and get my licence. Super exited to learn more. :)
Wonderful video. Its been a very informative video. I remember watching my friends dad run his setup he had a huge tower in his yard and he would be on it for hours and hours.
I remember my first QSO in 1981 just after I got my novice ticket. It was all in morse code and I was so proud of myself for that accomplishment as a high school kid. I was so nervous but it went fine and I logged it with glee. You had a good QSO, I hope you stuck with it. I go in and out of the hobby every few years as I pick up other interests. But I'm always compelled to come back.
My call sign is KE5BGV, welcome to the hobby of HAM radio. I am about to start my 3rd 10 years!! Thank you for posting a live recording. Much better than others.
Very nice!! Been studying for my Tech but this virus has put that on hold. Gives me more time to study. I am on 11m and it’s a whole different world!! My 11m conversations are like yours. Just nice to talk like mature adults.👍🏼
I've been studying on HamRadio.org. They've got "online" sessions available and I'm about ready to register for one. The so called "virus" has expedite the Need for Online classes to take the tests.
Lol I love this. Like what are the chances of getting such good footage of this??. I work in a trucking warehouse and we use a radio on the premises. This morning just to be funny I decided I'm going to try to sound super legit whenever I use it at work, just to throw people off 😂 the dialogue we partake in is nothing like the real HAM stuff but I thought my coworkers would get a laugh and this video gave me such a perfect guide and example 😂😂😂 signing off this is alpha kilo alpha kilo alpha Charlie.. lol thanks for the video it's legit!!! 😆👏
Awesome video! I’ve been monitoring ham radio for years and never got my ticket. This definitely will push me to get my license and hopefully make a contact.
This was great to watch. I'm taking my Technical test next month and I'm stoked. I can't wait to get started. Good luck taking your General, if you haven't already taken it yet.
Hey, DadNerd....WARNING!!!!! Ham Radio is more addictive than cocaine! Or alcohol! It's really, really addictive! I was first licensed at age 15 (back in the days of vacuum tubes)! WELCOME to the best hobby in the world! de W5JN
Congrats! Ah man.....a whole world has opened up for you now. Started as a tech, got into digital, HF SSB on 10m....then upgraded to General to play around more on HF. Now looking at Extra class to get more room on HF and a better callsign :-) K9DJR
first of all congrads on the new license i passed mine may this year but i have had hf sets for yrs and been on 11m ssb for 40 yrs de m7byf skelmersdale west lancs
So wholesome ❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰. I just ordered a new rig for my dad bc he was in communications in the military and really wants to get into it at home. He's really lonely and bored all the time so I feel like this would be a great hobby for him. Hopefully it'll be a good $300 spent ❤️❤️
Man that was super cool!! Congratulations 3 yrs late lol!!! Im actually taking my test today and i can't wait to make my first contact. Thanks for sharing this!!!
You make it look easy. I could not do that, I would have to practice off air and never record it and put it on TH-cam... Great job and have fun. I do not have a license or radio but would like to have emergency contact with someone out there, so I will keep at this research... Thanks.
Ive been wanting a HAM for a long time but recently have been pretty serious about getting my licence. Im not scared to talk but im scared of choking and embarrassing myself. Hopefully one day ill get the hang of it before making my first amature contact. I just watch videos like yours to get my mind on the callsigns and what to do but patience is key
Yes, I hate programming a bunch of frequencies and end up with maybe 3 active ones. Also throw a few simplex frequencies in as well. 146.520 and 446.000 are a must
Awesome content my man your video has inspired me to branch out to a new hobby and once again, thank you for the awesome content would’ve never found this hobby if it wasn’t for your video, so I thank you
I just passed the test for Technician license and am waiting to get my call sign. I already made a 1/4 wave ground plane for my 2 meter Yaesu FT-4VR, a mono band, 2 meter radio the local Ham club gave me for passing the test. I can't wait to make my first contact. I've been studying for the General already and can pass that test as well.
Check the FFC site everyday. As soon as its on their site, you can get on the air. Congrat's!! wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchAmateur.jsp;JSESSIONID_ULSSEARCH=fmVJfybRpSvQYNvBG1qycVMvj4QC7Js3VxH24pTL124M1pFWFvp0!-664367461!-1774381564
Good idea. Posting your first Amateur Radio contact on You Tube. I had mine in 1996. Do not remember it. Upgraded to General , last May. Made my first HF contact , January 9th. To John , KA4RXP , in Germantown , TN. I live in Thornton , CO. Tim , KB0VQP.
I'm at an "any minute now" point with my own license (test taken about 10 days ago, but, y'know, the holidays) and I hope my own First Contact goes as well!
Just now looking into the hobby and this is the first video I came across. Jaw dropped when you said Omaha. Would love to get in contact. Maybe you can provide some newbie guidance.
Nice to meet a fellow Omahan! The Aksarben club is fantastic, I would recommend checking them out. Hope to hear you on the airwaves! Btw I am now W0EGR, I ended up getting a vanity call sign.
Waving a hand from Norfolk! Lot's of repeaters down your way, I never know which ones to monitor! I spend a lot of time in West O when I'm down there, around the 146/maple area. Gotsta love Home Depot and Lowe's, along with that awesome Chinese place! If you get up this way, 146.730 with PL 181.3 is our local machine. We also have nets Monday and Tuesday night at 7:30, and Wed 8:00. Feel free to check in. We usually have a couple Omaha/CB and Fremont stations join us 73's! K0ACS
Hey there! Always nice to meet a fellow Nebraska ham. Will do if I am out that way. When you are here K0SWI repeater in CB is the most active I’d say 146.82
Just got my license a few days ago. Still haven’t tried to make a contact. I’m listening but don’t hear anything. Yeah I should just throw out my call sign, but sucks knowing no one else is doing that. Might change when I start, hopefully. Not looking for “rag chews” just a radio report and basic info exchange. Mostly want to do POTA and SOTA on cw. Finally got an antenna to listen in on some cw! Very excited to sit down and practice.
Congrats on getting the license! I talk on the repeaters a little bit but I enjoy HF a lot more because it can just be quick exchanging of information and not a full conversation.
![[Full] 4 ต่อ 4 Celebrity EP.910 | 22 ก.ย. 67 | one31](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4TR3MVpOiw8/mqdefault.jpg)
Finally! A beginner HAM radio video with an actual radio transmission and conversation. Thank you!
This is like omegle but everyone has etiquettes 🤣
And everyone’s nice hopefully
Right! No penises!
@@DaFlashGuy7as far as we know
Get on the net freq right before an 80m net and you’ll get your Etty Kit.
I feel like everyone’s first transmission is “can I get a radio check” 😂
I knew it was mine
Gotta make sure your radio works, right?
Mine was in morse code back in 1981 as a Novice.
Congrats and welcome to the addiction....I mean..hobby!
@Time2 Play N+1, that is the correct number of radios!
Great first contact. I got on the air within an hour of my license hitting the database. Made a good friend that day.
I'm a grounded airline pilot due to health issues. I'm currently studying to take my HAM Technician exam. I'm excited to get started in this hobby.
I’m sorry your grounded sir but being a pilot always seemed very interesting to me ! Did ya see anything interesting in the sky’s during your time flying ? And I also wanna get involved with this hobby and start putting my convo’s on TH-cam just a thought maybe even start a little radio station of my own
Scott, It’ll be the best thing ever to get started in. There are many modes of operation available depending on the license and interest you have. Those interests will change over time and you’ll reach moments when they run dry but keep holding onto your license and eventually you will find yourself interested again. Amateur Extra test is as hard as an engineer’s test without the 20 WPM CW.
Keep studying, time will “fly” once you get your license. iPhones compared to ham radio are kind of “plain”
I'm a private pilot IFR rated SEL and Rotorcraft. I'm putting a ham radio in my plane. I look forward to saying my call sign with "airborne" at the end instead of "mobile." Probably get great range.
@@JimmyJ1234 I saw a UFO when I was flying westbound on the south shore of Long Island in 2015. A liberty bell shaped object flying about 100 feet or even less just south of me paralleling my direction for a few minutes. Then he just shot ahead of me out of sight. I thought it was a drone at first, then I learned that was impossible. Another pilot was with me in the right hand seat and he saw it, too.
My first time, I did the exact same thing, but the first response I received was “ Fuck out of here bitch!” Was so happy to be accepted in to the community. 😅
This cracked me up
Sure you weren't on CB ?
But there are A$$e$ everywhere. Don't take it personally.
glad to see young people getting into the hobby. 73
P.S. Great radio etiquette, you're going to do fine!
Bruh if you’re in the corps you know this isn’t great radio etiquette. Idk if it’s different for the police but for us this is way more conversational traffic is than we need
@@Xavieus for amateur radio this is fine, if we weren’t allowed to talk about anything it would be quite boring. For casual conversation like this it’s not life or death, but during emergencies this would of course be seen as a waste of good power.
@@Xavieus these guys dont need to radio like cops and army
Almost done reading the book. This video is motivating, but it’s funny how similar this conversation is compare to CB radio.
From what I remember, that we’re not suppose to use repeaters as a first method to contact, but rather try locally first.
Lots of old people that loveeeeee to talk. 😂
I know nothing about amateur radioing or all the codes you guys use and the protocols, but I'm just fascinated. It feels like making contact with the unexpected. It must feel good to hear someone, as you know they are also there to make contact with someone... Very enjoyable video, thank you so much!
Glad you enjoyed it. It’s a great hobby. Years after I made this video and still having fun.
It is an adventure with each contact because a part of yourself is appearing many miles away "instantaneously."
I'm a pilot and I'm decent on the radio this just looks flat out fun !!
Good video. I've got my license but I've never been on air with it. Now that I got put into a communications unit, I'm definitely interested in learning more.
A friend of mine once said that there was an older couple stranded in their attic during hurricane Katrina. All the emergency call lines were overwhelmed and unavailable. Well, they ended up having to call a family member who lived in another state. That family member got in touch with a local ham and the ham was able to contact emergency services using RF. Needless to say, ham is a very important part of communication.
-KO4JDB
Got my call sign today, tookt he test yesterday! Less than 24 hrs! Made my first contact, then many more in the same sitting. Awesome!
Love how excited you were brother
Congratulations from Tennessee ,KF4KMM.👍👍📢,RP.148,865 Tn.
This was awesome. Thanks man. Taking my test this Saturday. Cool to see someone’s first call
I got my Tech license abiout 2 years ago and have had a few convos with some people on my local VHF repeater. I was using a puny two-way with only 5 watts so on some days I couldn't even key up the repeater. But now I'm in the final stages of installing a 50 watt rig in my vehicle and I cant wait to try it !
First radio contact and you made a new friend. Just shows the type of people involved in the community.
It is a great community for sure, especially locally on the club repeaters. HF can get a bit... well you know.
Hey congrats! Brandon seems like a good guy - very indicative of the guys I've met on the local repeaters. Now to keep going on the upgrade trail.
Dude I know I’m 2 years late on this video, but just wanted to say I am super happy for you and proud of you man, that’s awesome. I’ll hopefully be taking my test soon as well. But yeah man awesome vid, glad you decided to share that with everyone🤘🏻
Congrats, and thanks for sharing. Taking my test this week. Can’t wait for my first contact. I’m starting to feel like a creep listening for the past month.
Just learned about this yesterday and have already got my study book and a radio coming in tomorrow so that I can practice and get my licence. Super exited to learn more. :)
Good luck on your exam. Hopefully you can test before the new fee goes into place.
73s DW9HJZ here from the 🇵🇭 Philippines
Congrats on your license I have been a licensed Ham radio operator for 12 years 73 KD0DUJ
73 I got my first radio when I was seven years old it was a Lafayette Telstat1000 back then I was on 11 m cheers from Barry electronics and
KC2MMA
Wonderful video. Its been a very informative video. I remember watching my friends dad run his setup he had a huge tower in his yard and he would be on it for hours and hours.
Really good info here. I am about ready to take my Technician Test soon. I'm always looking for beginners stuff. Thanks again.
Good luck! See you on the airwaves when you pass.
Studying for my test now. Happy to find this video. Thank you!
I remember my first QSO in 1981 just after I got my novice ticket. It was all in morse code and I was so proud of myself for that accomplishment as a high school kid. I was so nervous but it went fine and I logged it with glee. You had a good QSO, I hope you stuck with it. I go in and out of the hobby every few years as I pick up other interests. But I'm always compelled to come back.
My call sign is KE5BGV, welcome to the hobby of HAM radio. I am about to start my 3rd 10 years!! Thank you for posting a live recording. Much better than others.
I had my first contact last night!
Did anyone believe you? Were they greys or tall blondes?
Ill probably have my first contact around july 22
U have ur first contact with ur self touching ur self
@@SuAmigoElilegal your brains gotta be mush bro
Hoping you are having fun with radio! 73..wd0akx, this is a fun hobby! I have had fun since I was 13 in 1977.
I'm studying to get my license now . I hope I can have as much fun as you.
Congratulations from N3LUD in Delaware.
Very nice!! Been studying for my Tech but this virus has put that on hold. Gives me more time to study. I am on 11m and it’s a whole different world!! My 11m conversations are like yours. Just nice to talk like mature adults.👍🏼
I've been studying on HamRadio.org. They've got "online" sessions available and I'm about ready to register for one. The so called "virus" has expedite the Need for Online classes to take the tests.
joe s Nice to know👍🏼 It’s not a “so called” virus. It’s a real virus.
Lol I love this. Like what are the chances of getting such good footage of this??. I work in a trucking warehouse and we use a radio on the premises. This morning just to be funny I decided I'm going to try to sound super legit whenever I use it at work, just to throw people off 😂 the dialogue we partake in is nothing like the real HAM stuff but I thought my coworkers would get a laugh and this video gave me such a perfect guide and example 😂😂😂 signing off this is alpha kilo alpha kilo alpha Charlie.. lol thanks for the video it's legit!!! 😆👏
Glad you filmed your first contact. Congrats
Awesome video! I’ve been monitoring ham radio for years and never got my ticket. This definitely will push me to get my license and hopefully make a contact.
Congrats on your ticket. Got my technician license February 3rd 2020. KO4BMM. 73's
This was great to watch. I'm taking my Technical test next month and I'm stoked. I can't wait to get started. Good luck taking your General, if you haven't already taken it yet.
Did you pass?
@@noeatnosleep Yeah I did. The Technical and then the General shortly after that.
That was a great conversation!
nice job dude! i woke this morning and i had an email from the fcc with my callsign. on the way into work i made my first qso! exciting stuff!!
Waiting for my calls to appear any day...thanks for the great vid!
Hey, DadNerd....WARNING!!!!!
Ham Radio is more addictive than cocaine! Or alcohol! It's really, really addictive!
I was first licensed at age 15 (back in the days of vacuum tubes)!
WELCOME to the best hobby in the world! de W5JN
Thanks for the welcome and the warning! The addiction has already begun. Studying for my general right now!
I second that.
Congrats! Ah man.....a whole world has opened up for you now. Started as a tech, got into digital, HF SSB on 10m....then upgraded to General to play around more on HF. Now looking at Extra class to get more room on HF and a better callsign :-) K9DJR
What a great first contact! Cheers for the video! VK3MPO
A belated welcome to the Hobby Mike! 73
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your first experience.
first of all congrads on the new license i passed mine may this year but i have had hf sets for yrs and been on 11m ssb for 40 yrs de m7byf skelmersdale west lancs
This was AWESOME!!! So glad im getting into this
So wholesome ❤️❤️❤️🥰🥰. I just ordered a new rig for my dad bc he was in communications in the military and really wants to get into it at home. He's really lonely and bored all the time so I feel like this would be a great hobby for him. Hopefully it'll be a good $300 spent ❤️❤️
I bet he will love it! Awesome idaa
Man that was super cool!! Congratulations 3 yrs late lol!!! Im actually taking my test today and i can't wait to make my first contact. Thanks for sharing this!!!
Update… took technician test… got a 97… studying for the general. Still don’t have my call sign yet!!!
How cool! Great tips and thanks for sharing.
Congrats! I got my Novice license in 1989, Advanced in 1994, and Extra around 1999-2000! 73 AC5XL
I feel like it is definitely a hobby that last a lifetime!
Nice video , hope you can look back on it in 20 years.
Welcome to the hobby, excellent video, and congrats on passing your test. W1WAG.
I bet that radio was warm after your first contact ! The only issue with the cheaper radios, but still very worth while.
You make it look easy. I could not do that, I would have to practice off air and never record it and put it on TH-cam... Great job and have fun. I do not have a license or radio but would like to have emergency contact with someone out there, so I will keep at this research... Thanks.
This was fun to listen to
Well done great video
Subscribed - Thanks for the video.
Ive been wanting a HAM for a long time but recently have been pretty serious about getting my licence.
Im not scared to talk but im scared of choking and embarrassing myself. Hopefully one day ill get the hang of it before making my first amature contact.
I just watch videos like yours to get my mind on the callsigns and what to do but patience is key
Welcome! Hope you can pour some time into the hobby and make some fantastic pals!
Congrats, wellcome onboard. 73. EA8DIO.
Fun to watch, Thank you!
Got my tech license yesterday and I also have the qyt 8900d. Have fun with that yaesu. 73's KO4HPC Tennessee
Yes, I hate programming a bunch of frequencies and end up with maybe 3 active ones. Also throw a few simplex frequencies in as well. 146.520 and 446.000 are a must
That was so exiting!
That was a good first contact. I'm KO4NMT. Welcome to the hobby
Congratulations
Great job on the first contact!
I know it's a year late but congratulations! And congratulations on your general ticket. Welcome to the hobby!
Thank you! It has been a ton of fun over the last year
Awesome content my man your video has inspired me to branch out to a new hobby and once again, thank you for the awesome content would’ve never found this hobby if it wasn’t for your video, so I thank you
I just passed the test for Technician license and am waiting to get my call sign. I already made a 1/4 wave ground plane for my 2 meter Yaesu FT-4VR, a mono band, 2 meter radio the local Ham club gave me for passing the test. I can't wait to make my first contact. I've been studying for the General already and can pass that test as well.
Check the FFC site everyday. As soon as its on their site, you can get on the air. Congrat's!!
wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchAmateur.jsp;JSESSIONID_ULSSEARCH=fmVJfybRpSvQYNvBG1qycVMvj4QC7Js3VxH24pTL124M1pFWFvp0!-664367461!-1774381564
Okay, time for more items on the study list!
Good luck with the test! If you can, try and get tech and general done in one sitting so you can enjoy more of the HF bands.
Congratulations Mike de Ei2iP
Good idea. Posting your first Amateur Radio contact on You Tube. I had mine in 1996. Do not remember it. Upgraded to General , last May. Made my first HF contact , January 9th. To John , KA4RXP , in Germantown , TN. I live in Thornton , CO. Tim , KB0VQP.
Hey man, just curious did you switch your call sign to something else, or did you quit the hobby?
He probably got a new callsign with an upgrade.
@@miker1473 I was confused because my old call actually shows my new callsign when I replaced the old one. But glad your still in the hobby
Hey, great job on your first contact. That's great.
KC3CDU
Congratulations! I still have to write mine, but I'm excited...
KO4BMM. The QYT 8900d is the exact same radio that I put in my truck. It's a great radio to be a cheap one from China. I like it.
Nebraska ! Congratulations. Hey, I'm I Georgia, but link into the Nebraska hub from time to time. Don you know about it ?
I'm at an "any minute now" point with my own license (test taken about 10 days ago, but, y'know, the holidays) and I hope my own First Contact goes as well!
ok but those sunglasses are fire
Congrats! And very nice to see this, thanks
Encouraging for me to do this up the road someday. Congrats.
Do it! It’s a lot of fun and actually very beneficial. We used it on a vacation when there was no cell service.
Thx I will.
This was really cool man; neat contact.
very cool!
Great job! Very well done.
Welcome to the hobby!
Just now looking into the hobby and this is the first video I came across. Jaw dropped when you said Omaha. Would love to get in contact. Maybe you can provide some newbie guidance.
Nice to meet a fellow Omahan! The Aksarben club is fantastic, I would recommend checking them out. Hope to hear you on the airwaves! Btw I am now W0EGR, I ended up getting a vanity call sign.
Just got my license last week . I love it so far. What mobile rig did you get ?
How's it going since this upload??? My dad has done ham for a while and I'ma try to get my techs here soon! Im pretty excited.
cool video! thanks for sharing! You guys had some good info
Best of luck mate nice hobby!
great video
Welcome to ham radio. Talking on FM is so much better.
Waving a hand from Norfolk! Lot's of repeaters down your way, I never know which ones to monitor!
I spend a lot of time in West O when I'm down there, around the 146/maple area. Gotsta love Home Depot and Lowe's, along with that awesome Chinese place!
If you get up this way, 146.730 with PL 181.3 is our local machine.
We also have nets Monday and Tuesday night at 7:30, and Wed 8:00. Feel free to check in. We usually have a couple Omaha/CB and Fremont stations join us
73's! K0ACS
Hey there! Always nice to meet a fellow Nebraska ham. Will do if I am out that way. When you are here K0SWI repeater in CB is the most active I’d say 146.82
@@TheDadNerd Perfect, I'll dial it up when I get down that way next!
Just got my license a few days ago. Still haven’t tried to make a contact. I’m listening but don’t hear anything. Yeah I should just throw out my call sign, but sucks knowing no one else is doing that. Might change when I start, hopefully. Not looking for “rag chews” just a radio report and basic info exchange. Mostly want to do POTA and SOTA on cw. Finally got an antenna to listen in on some cw! Very excited to sit down and practice.
Congrats on getting the license! I talk on the repeaters a little bit but I enjoy HF a lot more because it can just be quick exchanging of information and not a full conversation.