Got my Ham License

[RevMatty]

Ok I know your all thinking Ham as in the stuff you eat.

I'm talking Ham Radio. That's what I've been up to the past few weeks. So now I have a new hobby.

So now I'm back to work and visiting with you ladies after a hectic couple weeks of wedding planning and studying for my license.

[gwenshack]

Cool deal. You need a license for that? I didn't know that!

[RevMatty]

Yes you do. As you are broadcasting on various radio frequencies, need to understand basic electronics theory, know what power limits you can use, etc.

And actually it's free to get your license, depending on where you take your test. Most places charge $14 for the test, to cover expenses. and actually well worth it. I've already talked to people in Australia, Europe, China and even helped listen for emergency traffic in Haiti. And the nice thing is if the powers out, phones are jammed do to a major emergency, I can still get help by the push of a button.

I'd recommend it to anyone as a fun hobby thats easy to get into.

[gwenshack]

Very interesting. You learn something new every day...;)

[RevMatty]

I can even teach you how to make a solar powered battery charger if you want.
I promise you brain won't hurt after wards :lafhard:

Better yet how to figure out the voltage in a circuit.

[pinkbride]

:whoohoo:thats awesome! congrats to you!!!xx

[NOTKT]

Congrats! You need to come to the Hamvention here in Dayton, its the largest!

[sandy03]

Congrats. DH's grandfather used to do it but finally gave it up when he was too old to climb in the tree to fix his antenna!

[SerendipityCrafts]

10-4 good buddy .... or is that CB talk? LOL

A friend of mine is into ham radio too. He's part of a group around here, perhaps there is a radio club near you too.

[WebLady]

I have never known anyone that was really into that. I didn't figure many people would still use it.

[Nekochanpurr]

Thats pretty neat!! :D

[Century Guy]

Ok I know your all thinking Ham as in the stuff you eat.

I'm talking Ham Radio. That's what I've been up to the past few weeks. So now I have a new hobby.

So now I'm back to work and visiting with you ladies after a hectic couple weeks of wedding planning and studying for my license.

I am officially jealous. Seriously.

I was seriously considering working on getting my license back when I was in college (96-98 specifically), but just didn't have the time or money at the time (money to buy the gear.)

I would LOVE to do this still. You'll have to keep me posted on how things go. Have you started to learn Morse Code yet?

[Century Guy]

Congrats! You need to come to the Hamvention here in Dayton, its the largest!

Do you know Ham stuff too!? Dayton isn't that far from me... Hmmmm....

[NOTKT]

I don't know too much about it, but its freaking HUGE here. Since 1952 Hamvention® has been sponsored by Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA). For many years it has been the world's largest amateur radio gathering, attracting hams from throughout the globe.

Taken from http://www.hamvention.org/index.php

[CaseyK37]

I saw this and thought of this thread! I know you are from MN so maybe it is something you are interested in.

http://www.sctimes.com/article/20100209/NEWS01/102090044/Ham-radio-operators-will-gather-Saturday-in-St.-Cloud

[RevMatty]

I didn't figure many people would still use it.
Still used the world over. Especially in times of emergencies. IE: Haiti, Hams were relaying emergency communications to rescue groups and families of ones affected. 9/11 attackes, when the phones were jammed, Hams were able to still relay emergency info.

I am officially jealous. Seriously.

I was seriously considering working on getting my license back when I was in college (96-98 specifically), but just didn't have the time or money at the time (money to buy the gear.)

I would LOVE to do this still. You'll have to keep me posted on how things go. Have you started to learn Morse Code yet?
Now it's easier then ever to get your license. No morse code is required, and the FCC has dropped two of the classes of licenses, giving more privelages to new Ham's. I passed my Technician and General just by reviewing the online practice tests. And now with Echolink via the internet you don't even need to have a radio to comunicate. Just download the free software and you can connect with Hams around the world via your PC by linking to repeaters. Plus it's actually in-expensive to start. $14 for the tests and the license has no fee and is good for 10 years then renewed for $0. Plus my handheld only cost me $103 on E-Bay. If you want some more info, shoot me a PM and I'll give you some links I used to get started.

I saw this and thought of this thread! I know you are from MN so maybe it is something you are interested in.

http://www.sctimes.com/article/20100...y-in-St.-Cloud (http://www.sctimes.com/article/20100209/NEWS01/102090044/Ham-radio-operators-will-gather-Saturday-in-St.-Cloud)
Actually planning on attending, pending any emergency church business. Seems like I always get hit with something when I want to take a day off.

[Century Guy]

Private message sent. I am most DEFINITELY interested in getting moving on this now! And I may just learn Morse Code anyway, just for the fun of it. :)

Man. I'm getting really excited. And I just found out my Dad knows a guy through work that is involved in Ham, and said he would have him get ahold of me. w00t!

Any resources you have are appreciated!

[RevMatty]

Got your PM, and did reply. Let me know if you need anymore help. More then glad to lend a hand. :)

[Century Guy]

Rev. Matty, here is a quote from my wife after I poured through your information and started talking lots about Ham Radio most of this weekend (up to and including our drive to dinner last night for Valentine's Day):

"Well, it's a good thing I haven't found a hobby yet."

You see, I LOVE finding new things to do. I've played paintball (including on a tournament team), host "Geek Nights" (geeky type strategy games, card games, video games), got into photography....and now...quite possibly, Ham Radio. ;)

*chuckles*

[RevMatty]

:rofl: My wife is the same way.

When I was printing up my QSL cards she was like, what are those? So had to explain it to her. And she still didn't understand.
Plus my log sheet, I use to write all my QSO's on and transfer them to the computer, looks like quantum physics to her.

All she knows is I've talked to people all over the globe for the price of recharging the laptop or battery in the handheld.


One of the plus sides is our county emergency management director is a Ham and has told me about a part time job with the county helping them a few times a month with their communications tests and maintenance.
At least she understands the word, job.

[Century Guy]

Heh. This is going to be so fun once I get going. I'll probably just start with a handheld, like you suggested, but I'm already trying to figure out where I could put an antenna, how to run the cable into the house, and where in the world I would set up my base station if and when I ever get to that point... Hmmmmm. I COULD just set it up right next to the computer. That's the side of the house where I'd probably mount an antenna anyway. I wonder if my neighborhood will even let me do that? I don't think I've seen any antennas anywhere near our house, come to think of it...

[kgvettegirl]

Before you get all giddy about a 200 Foot antena blasting out to the entire world. Let me tell you about my ex neighbor. He could interupt cable TV broadcasts. His signal bleed everywhere. And he was just gabbing, I never heard anything that could be interperted as "helping someone in trouble". Ham radio is a great thing when used in moderation and for the good of the community, just be thoughtful of your neighbors. Also if you live in a subdivision they could have height requirements for antennas. Also check county and state ordiances. Good Luck

[RevMatty]

Very good point Kgvettegirl.

However if I may; under FCC regulations your TV must accept harmful transmissions, including that from Ham radio. And our license do grant us the right to broadcast. However that doesn't go to say that we want to cause interference on purpose. If he was causing interference, he should've been told so he could try to correct the problem. That is if he was a 'true" Ham. If after trying to correct the problem he stilled caused interference, and he is running his equipment legally, then hate to say it, but your out of luck. And by law it's your responsibility to begin with to correct the problem, not his. But like I said earlier any good Ham would try to fix it.

As for antenna heights, as long as it's under 200 ft, we are not required to file any paperwork for one. Most of the ones that are 200 ft or taller are based on top of already established towers, such as tv, radio, cellular, etc. The ones near your home are usually no taller then a tv antenna you'd put up to get better reception.

When it comes to transmitting and antennas we as Hams have very strict guidelines to ensure safety of ourselves, you and those around. Including preventing interference or RF exposure.

I'm assuming your neighbor was not a true Ham, and more then likely was using a high power CB, which broadcasts closer to tv frequencies (it's illegal for Hams to broadcast on CB or any other radio service with their Ham equipment, except in emergencies), and that was the primary cause of interference.

[kgvettegirl]

I guess that would explain the 3 large antenna's on his SUV. If you told him you were having bleed through he would start a speech on his right to free speech. Not a very friendly guy. I called the cable company and they were aware of the problem and would try and do something. I guess it was more of a problem for me since he was directly across the street from me.

[RevMatty]

Heh. This is going to be so fun once I get going. I'll probably just start with a handheld, like you suggested, but I'm already trying to figure out where I could put an antenna, how to run the cable into the house, and where in the world I would set up my base station if and when I ever get to that point... Hmmmmm. I COULD just set it up right next to the computer. That's the side of the house where I'd probably mount an antenna anyway. I wonder if my neighborhood will even let me do that? I don't think I've seen any antennas anywhere near our house, come to think of it...

A little hint: They make antennas that are hidden inside flag poles or as poles themselves. Do a Google search for flag pole antennas.

As for starting out with a handheld, best investment. It's portable, so you can easily but it in the car or house. Plus with an amp, you can can boost it up to 50w from 5w.

But don't forget Echolink either, great way to DX. Plus we have meetings almost daily on it, so a great way to meet fellow Hams. Plus it's free to download.

[RevMatty]

I guess that would explain the 3 large antenna's on his SUV. If you told him you were having bleed through he would start a speech on his right to free speech. Not a very friendly guy. I called the cable company and they were aware of the problem and would try and do something. I guess it was more of a problem for me since he was directly across the street from me.
Go figure. You always find one in the bunch. And it people like that, that give others a bad name.

I know of one guy that has about a dozen antennas in his yard, and a couple neighbors mentioned slight interference. And he was within the law. Even though he was not required by law to fix it, he made a few tweaks, cause he knew what it meant to be a true Ham.

[Century Guy]

A little hint: They make antennas that are hidden inside flag poles or as poles themselves. Do a Google search for flag pole antennas.

As for starting out with a handheld, best investment. It's portable, so you can easily but it in the car or house. Plus with an amp, you can can boost it up to 50w from 5w.

But don't forget Echolink either, great way to DX. Plus we have meetings almost daily on it, so a great way to meet fellow Hams. Plus it's free to download.

Flagpole antennas....whodda thunk?

I definitely won't forget about Echolink. I already saw there's an app for it for the iPod Touch or iPhone. (I have a touch.) Amazing.

kvettegirl: No worries. I have zero plans to put up a tower, let alone a 200' tower. If I were to do anything, it'd be a small antenna attached to the peak of my house (if that's possible.) I've also heard of antennas located INSIDE attics. (That was for TV, but I'm guessing it's possible for Ham?)

Rev: I just spent my lunch looking through the General Class Study guide that KB6NU has put together. Now...I'm starting to get overwhelmed. I'm most definitely a "visual learner", and I'm thinking that a lot of this is something I'll have to sit down and do WITH somebody, until I get a better handle on the ropes.

I'm worried about trying to remember all these rules and regulations at the moment.

[RevMatty]

Here's something to motivate you, and for those that think cell phones and modern technology have made Ham Radio obsolete......

Injured Colorado Skier Uses Amateur Radio to Summon Help (http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2010/02/22/11353/?nc=1)
Click to read article

[Century Guy]

Rev Matty: Looked at the General License study guide, and got a bit freaked out this weekend. I saw equations involving square roots, and other things. Decided I wasn't going to pursue it. Math and equations are NOT fun to me.

However, I now have peer pressure on FB telling me to stick with it. Heh.

[Century Guy]

Here's something to motivate you, and for those that think cell phones and modern technology have made Ham Radio obsolete......

Injured Colorado Skier Uses Amateur Radio to Summon Help (http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2010/02/22/11353/?nc=1)
Click to read article

Very cool story. Makes me want to reconsider my fear of the equations, and just go for it. (see my previous post.)

[liberty0408]

Cool deal. You need a license for that? I didn't know that!
Agreed:yesnod:

[Century Guy]

So...Rev. Matty already knows this because I sent him a message on FB, but:

I am scheduled to take my Technician's and General Level License on Saturday, March 13th! Thank you to Rev. Matty for re-awakening my interest in Ham Radio 12 years after my initial interest! :D

I have a couple of study books on the way that I'm hoping will explain things a bit better than the study guides I've found thus far (and was told by my examiner on the phone this weekend that it would indeed help me understand some of the foundations of the electrical/math part better).

I will also be attending my first Hamfest on March 21st, in Toledo, OH. I will not be getting my first radio until then at least, as I want to find the best deal that I can.

I'm finding the Ham community to be SUPER nice and helpful to me. I've talked to 4 different people now about Ham that are licensed, and they've all been incredibly supportive, and extremely nice to talk to. I'm really looking forward to getting my license, and continuing my learning in this area!

In fact, in order to understand electricity better, and the math behind it that you need to understand for Ham, I'm getting together with my Dad tonight. My Dad is an electrical estimator, and has his B.A. in Electrical Engineering. I think he's actually excited about helping me learn this stuff. This is the first time in my life I've expressed pointed interest in learning about "his" field. Math/Science has always been a challenge for me. I'm more an English/Lit/History guy. This will be some great "bonding" time for my Dad and I think.

Again, a public thank you to Rev. Matty for reawakening my interest in this, and for offering me the help he already has. He's one of my "Elmers." (See, I'm learning the jargon! lol!)

73,
Craig

[RevMatty]

Your welcome.

And if I may give you a point on the test......(just got my VE accreditation). If your answer sheet looks like a yagi antenna after the test, you passed. Hi HI (Ham Lingo for LOL)

Don't sweat the math part of the test, even if you miss the few math problems, you should pass. You only need 75% out of the 35 questions to pass. If my math is correct that's 10 wrong.

Now we have to figure out how to set up your QTH, so you can call CQ DX, and get that first QSO, to send you a QSL. We'll have to get you a HF receiver, and hope that the propagation is just right. Then again you can always use an AMSAT or the IRLP, to TX. Also we need to get you a RTTY Keyer so you can CW.
Then again QRP is a challenge and just as fun. Can do that with a HT.
We'll catch you on the 2m down the road.
Better QRT before the OW MOD's kill me. Till then 73, KD0JZI is Clear and QSY .

[RevMatty]

Thinking this double posted for some reason

[Century Guy]

lol. Love it Rev! Now, I will attempt to translate into layman's terms:

"Now we have to figure out how to set up your location, so you can call any station long distance, and get that first conversation, to send you an acknowledgement of receipt. We'll have to get you a high frequency receiver, and hope that the atmospheric condition is just right. Then again you can always use an amateur satellite or the Internet Radio Linking Project, to transmit. Also we need to get you a radioteletype Keyer so you can use Morse Code.
Then again low power is a challenge and just as fun. Can do that with a handheld.
We'll catch you on the 2m band down the road.
Better stop sending this message before the OneWed Moderator's kill me. Till then Best Wishes, KD0JZI is Clear and changing transmission.

;)

How'd I do?

[RevMatty]

--. . .-. ..-. . -.-. - / -.-- --- ..- / .--. .- ... ... . -.. .-.-.- / .. / .-- .- .-. -. . -.. / -.-- --- ..- --..-- / -.-- --- ..- -.. / -. . . -.. / .- / -.- . -.-- . .-.

[gwenshack]

--. . .-. ..-. . -.-. - / -.-- --- ..- / .--. .- ... ... . -.. .-.-.- / .. / .-- .- .-. -. . -.. / -.-- --- ..- --..-- / -.-- --- ..- -.. / -. . . -.. / .- / -.- . -.-- . .-.

:rofl: I was flipping through my e-mails and was about to moderate this because I thought it was spam until I saw who posted it and what thread it was in. :rofl: :doh:

[RevMatty]

:rofl: I was flipping through my e-mails and was about to moderate this because I thought it was spam until I saw who posted it and what thread it was in. :rofl: :doh:

Correction!!! Spam is made from roadkill, not Ham. I'm insulted. How dare you get us two mixed up.

[Century Guy]

Rev. Matty...One word: Showoff. ;) lol

I have not learned CW, or even attempted it yet.

[RevMatty]

Rev. Matty...One word: Showoff. ;) lol

I have not learned CW, or even attempted it yet.

A little hint...........click here (http://morsecode.scphillips.com/translator.html) to find the answer.

And a bigger hint.....I cheated myself.

[Century Guy]

Nice. I'll have to bookmark that site when I get home. :)

Eventually, I DO plan on learning CW. For now, I'm just happy that I've memorized the ITU phonetic alphabet, a number of Q codes, and some of the rules.

Just spent my lunch working on equations and restudying some of the things that have to do with rules/restrictions. The time I spent with my Dad last night was INVALUABLE. He was really cool about explaining the math, and some of the electrical concepts. He's going to come over to our house after church on Sunday to help me once again with a few more things (mutual inductance/transformers/transistors.)

I'm hoping my books come either today or tomorrow. I THINK I might be ready for the General by the 13th now. The math is clicking now.

Tried calling CQ this morning on Hamsphere, but wasn't getting any response. Either no one was on the band I was trying (can't remember which it was now...might have been 10m?), or, my power wasn't high enough. (Had it down around 10w.)

[RevMatty]

Like I said go for it.....if I could pass it with very little studying, you should be able to with more then what I had. They both basically ask the same questions, but the math and technical parts are a little harder or more advance, just not as bad as the extra. A few of the questions from the tech are repeated in the gen also. Give the practice tests online a try. It'll tell you what you got wrong, so you can review that part.
And believe me, I don't remember a whole lot of the math, like how to figure out an antenna length for a certain band. And I passed the test. That's why I have a binder with the band plans, ITU Maps, etc when I transmit.
Even the guy that graded my test, who works on one of the local clubs repeaters, can't remember it all. And he's an extra, that's been around for some 30 years. (the local repeater wouldn't automatically send it's call sign every 10 minutes, and he couldn't figure out why. So I looked up online for him some troubleshooting sites, and got it working correctly, and I hadn't received my ticket yet)
Here's a link (http://www.ncvec.org/). It has all the questions, on the tests. May come in handy for a reference guide to help you out.

And let me know next time you'll be on Hamsphere, I'll QSO you. I may hit it up latter tonight after 7pm CST (1:00 am UTC) Just check the text box for my call.

[Century Guy]

Took a practice exam this morning, and barely passed. And that's without having covered all the material yet. I haven't even studied the antenna section yet. lol. I've still got time to study. I think I'll be able to do it.

Glad to hear that the guy that graded your test doesn't remember it all also. That's comforting. A friend of mine that has had his advanced for close to 25 years...and he told me the same thing. "Learn it for the test, and then look it up afterward if you need to know something."

I've already started a folder on my computer for things like the Q-codes, Phoenetic alphabet...the band plan that you had sent me, etc. Just made myself a Logbook on Excel as well, with a second tab of the "contacts" I've made off-air already. Name, Call Sign, city/state, Echolink node, commonly used frequency, and email.

I'll try to get on hamsphere tonight. My Call sign on Hamsphere is 2HS1573.

See ya! And thanks again for encouraging me to do this...and posting about it in the first place!

[Century Guy]

Sorry for the double post: The practice exam I took that I barely passed this morning was the General. I took the Technician's again, and got 100%. I'm nto worried about that one at all.

[Century Guy]

Thanks to Rev. Matty for ragchewing with me last night on Hamsphere (A Ham radio simulator.) I got some really good practice, and enjoyed talking with you!

I was thinking about my re-awakened interest in Ham this morning on my drive in (5:45am this morning. It's just about 6am now. Putting in Overtime again....so thankful for it!), and I think it's really, really funny that an interest I had all the way back in college, was rekindled by a "stranger" from Minnesota...on a WEDDING forum. Hilarious if you ask me. :)

[RevMatty]

HI HI...could be worse,the girls could rekindle you interest in soap operas.

Was my honor, just have to remember to call sign every 10 minutes, or before. If you slip every now and then, most wont say anything. The toolbar I'm working on, I'm hoping will have a program to remind us.

[Century Guy]

One would have had to have been interested in soap operas at some point in the past to have their interest "rekindled." I claim no such interest. ;)

I'm probably going to go ahead and refrain from posting anymore on this topic, even though it IS in the General Discussion forum, just to concentrate more on the wedding related things. But...before I cease and desist here, can you suggest any really GOOD, newbie-friendly Ham forum? I know the ARRL has forums, and I briefly glanced at them, but I don't like how they're set up. I like this "style" of forum. (vBulletin or similar.)

Thanks!

[RevMatty]

If we're lucky we may get some wedding related business from some Hams now.

I'll go ahead and send the links over to you on FB.

Going to quit typing in this topic before the Mod Patrol beats me with a dipole.

[Century Guy]

Heheheheh. Dont "amp" me up on puns Rev. Matty. I will "gain" and surpass you on them as I learn more and more Ham related vocabulary. Of course, if we go TOO far with this, I'm sure we're going to face some serious "resistance" from the Mods.

*almost falls off his chair laughing at himself. Hey, at least I'm entertaining myself...*

[RevMatty]

Here's the "current" situation. I'm not an "amateur" with the puns. It "hertz" and "break"s my heart to tell you that. It's pointless to try and "dupe" me. I will get in the "final" pun. It'll be your "loss" to try and out wit me. I have a great "handle" on being the funny one around here, supplying a "load" of laughter. I think i'm going to put a "lid" on this and "pull the plug", and "hop" on over to "work" on my site.
Hopefully this doesn't "phase" you to much, I just take those who try to be funnier then me "personal" and give them a good "chewing"

Rolling on the "ground" laughing. :rofl:

[Century Guy]

I think I'll just stay "clear" of you then. The "ratio" of good between you and me is too great, and I simply can't go the DX you can I don't think. I'm just too QRP in the brain"wave" area to "contest" with you further. *chuckles quite a bit* I'm just not as "grounded" in the terminology as you obviously, and I'll probably just seriously get "burned" if I try much more. My "capacity" for further "resistance" against your QRO ability to pun.

Heheheheheheheheh.....

[Century Guy]

So...tomorrow is the day! :) I take my Technician and General License exams! Thank you to Rev. Matty for inspiring me to go for it! I'll post my results after the exam. w00t!

And my first Hamfest is Sunday the 21st. I can't wait! Will pick up my handheld radio at the fest probably...assuming I can find what I think I want...

Ladies, thank you SO very much for enduring two guys' endless rant about Ham Radio. Your patience has been golden, and we both appreciate you so much. :D

[amisteratwisterandme]

Good luck on your test! How great that Rev Matty got you motivated and you are one step away!

[Century Guy]

LOL! I did it! Just got back from my two exams.

I passed my Technician Level Exam with a 100%. They asked if I wanted to take the General Class exam. I said, "Definitely." The one Examiner said: "Confidence...I like that!"

I took my General License Exam, and passed with a 91%. Woohoo! :D They said they only see that about once a year or so. (Taking both exams at once, and actually passing the second one. That surprises me actually.)

So, in a week or so, I should have my callsign, and I'll be an Amateur Radio General License holder!

Thanks Rev. Matty...I appreciated your help and encouragement.

Oh...and the part that I was "LOL"ing about:

The part I studied hardest for...the part that made me the most nervous/concerned/scare: The math/equations/electrical stuff: I think MAYBE there was ONE of those questions on my General exam. Before I even started looking at the questions, I wrote down all the formulas I had memorized so I was ready for whatever question would be related to that...didn't...even...use...them! All I could do was laugh...literally. The VE's asked what I was chuckling about, so I told them. They laughed with me and said, "Luck of the draw on the question pool!"

So, next Sunday, I go to my first Hamfest, and will probably pick up my handheld...and I'll be on the air! :D

[RevMatty]

Excellent job. Have fun at the Hamfest. Congrats once more.

Now remember red wire to black.....or is it green?

[Century Guy]

It's black. I know that much. ;)

And thanks. One of the Wood Co. Club members told me I need to start working on my Extra now, since all my learning is "fresh." I don't think so. I'll stick with my General for a good long while.

[Century Guy]

Digging up an old thread, in hopes of Rev. Matty chiming in here again.

Rev. Matty has created a monster. I've now been licensed for 7 months and have operated in three different modes of Ham Radio: Phone (voice), PSK31 (a digital mode where I type on my computer which is hooked to my radio, and send out text messages via radio wave...no internet involved), and CW (morse code.)

I have made phone contacts with over half of the states in the U.S. so far, and have managed to talk to Hams on the airwaves in the following countries:

Canada
Mexico
Venezuela
Argentina
Brazil
Cuba
England
Denmark
France
Italy
Republic of Slovakia
Ukraine


There may be one or two more countries I've fogotten...but there's the gist of it. All with a very modest setup (in Ham standards), and 100 watts of power. (Not even close to the legal limit of power output.) I have been learning a LOT, and had a blast doing it.

I just started studying for the final U.S. License level: The Amateur Extra License. If I pass the examination (37 out of 50 questions correct) I will have earned all the privileges allowed to a Ham Radio Operator in the U.S.

This past summer I assisted with some weather spotting for our local ARES group, including calling in a few reports after the tornado hit Millbury and Lake Township here in Ohio (you might remember news stories of that from back in June.) This coming spring, I will be getting trained as an official weather spotter so that I can assist in collecting "on the ground data" for the National Weather service...and those reports are called in via Ham Radio.

Thanks again Rev. Matt.