For someone who doesn't write in blogs much, you sure have a lot of them

Yes it's true. Another blog? Yes...

This one is intended to focus on my adventures in Amateur Radio. I've got the bug (again), as is known to happen, and as is known to happen I'm setting this space aside to record thoughts focused on this particular of my passions.

I've been an Armature radio Operator at the Technician (no code) level for the last 14 years. Ever since the FCC removed the code requirement for HF privileges I've been thinking about upgrading. I love VHF/UHF operation, but the times (field day's and such) that I've gotten to operate HF I've loved that too.  So I'm making an effort to that end. I'm studying, and I've set myself a testing date, June 18th. Hoping I can stay with it.

Another thing that's got me going is the Emergency Communications aspect of it all. In my profesional life, I went down to Joplin MO right after the 2011 Tornado went through. On a whim I grabbed my HT (a Yaesu VX8-DR) and was listening in on the local skywarn net while I was there. It got me fired back up for Emergency Comms.

I was a member of ARES and RACES when I lived in Michigan and volunteered for the Wastenaw County Emergency Operations agency. I tried to be involved in ARES when I moved out to MO, but the local group was a little disorganized and I got focused on other things.

I have plans for a "Go Box" radio, and if a promised consulting job comes through, I'm going to alocate money for that. I've never had anything bigger than an HT, and I want to change that. Also looking (dreaming about) HF gear. Maybe for Christmas.

So we'll see how this all turns out. If you're reading this blog and it's been two years since I updated, well... I guess we both know then don't we?