Category Archives: KI4EYN

Expensive Friday

Gear, KI4EYN

I found myself in Huntsville this past Friday, so I stopped by the Gigaparts store.  I’ve been wanting to add my Yaesu 2M (FT-8900) radio to my home setup, and didn’t want to wire the radio directly to my Radio Shack 25amp power supply.  So I picked up a RigRunner 4005H Complete Powerpole assembly.

I also bought a portable 6-Meter J-Pole antenna from KC0ZEO, to put into my go-bag that I keep in my truck:

IMG_4249

Looks to be a nice little assembly.  This will give me an excuse to break out my 6M HT and use it.  I’ll let you know how it tests out.

I also ordered a J-Pole antenna, from KB9VBR, to mount in my attic.

Now I just need to start putting everything together.  Easier said than done.  🙂

Why Ham Radio?

KI4EYN

That’s a good question.

I acquired my Technician license in 2004.  My original desire was to be active with our local storm spotting group.  And I was, for a brief while.

But after that, between work and family, this hobby became something that I let atrophy.  I would occasionally hit an active net, but that was it.  I had also heard about this warm, welcoming group of people that would be glad to answer questions, and mentor newcomers.  Unfortunately, 2 Hamfests (Birmingham and Montgomery) and 1 BARC meeting quickly showed me that wasn’t the case.  That left me discouraged, and quite frankly, turned off to the entire ‘world’ of Amateur Radio.

Fast forward to 2016.  I’ve decided to work on upgrading my Technician license, to General class.  I’ve activated this domain to help stay accountable to others, as well as share what I’m learning along the way.