The Power of Positive Thinking

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I'm on cloud 9... I passed elements 2, 3, AND 4 tonight!

What that has to do with the title of this post is that I was so determined to pass that I bought some equipment just "knowing" I was going to pass. Oh sure, I didn't spend very much on the 20+ year old HF stuff that should be delivered about the same time my call is posted, but it worked for me.

I would like to take a moment to pass on a special thanks to the "Crotchety Old Bastard" (his term not mine!) W5LZ for suggesting that I study the Extra portion saying it wasn't that hard. Well, it was that hard, but I'm glad I followed his advice. Thanks Doc!!!

 

[kd-5-bgt]

Grats !!

Doc does have his moments

just picking at ya Doc

 

[74IN]

What did you buy?

 

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74IN -An old antenna tuner and a Kenwood TS-820 S with the external VFO. I'm gonna throw up a dipole in the trees for starters... I've got a lot of room for antennas here on the farm(stead) going forward... I've got a lot to learn from a practical perspective I know.

 

[kd0fx]

Nice Kenwood.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Nice radio indeed. Just make sure you know how to tune it properly and don't try to squeeze every last watt out of it,100 watts is plenty and maybe a bit less on 10m if the tubes are soft. here is my TS-820S with external VFO, matching speaker and AT-200 antenna tuner.

 

[Moleculo]

Nice going on passing the tests!

 

[K8PG]

POSITIVE THINKING

Way COOL .... Congratulations OM. Have Fun ..It will start soon.

Paul K8PG CW IS AMATEUR RADIO

 

[Sonwatcher]

That is GREAT !

 

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Captain Kilowatt... that Heathkit stuff in your shack is what caught my eye to start with. Actually, my memory of that gear goes back to the 60's, a ham named Billy Fries, my novice test back then, and his famous dad.

Now I've slept since then so I may be wrong, but I think Bill had a DX-60 and an HR-10. They sure looked like what's in your shack. Remote Heathkit VFO too? Didn't you every hear that a clean desk is the sign of a sick mind? Your shack photo shows your sickness well.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

That photo was taken right after I finished building the operating desk. Don't worry I have since come to my senses and now the room has become a tripping hazard and the desk is once again a mess.

 

[N0NB]

Congrats, OP! That's the way to knock it out of the park.

 

[Slim]

That photo was taken right after I finished building the operating desk. Don't worry I have since come to my senses and now the room has become a tripping hazard and the desk is once again a mess.

Ha Ha. That sure sounds familiar!! Congrats & great job well done sir. Good ol Doc,"Crotchety ol Bastard", hat's off to you too for pushin him! That's what bein a Ham is all about isn't it?! Enjoy a great new (& expensive) hobby my friend! It sure is GREAT
Slim CDX285/W8CDF