Amateur Radio

License History:

1. Exam date: 27 Apr 1996
   License granted: 02 May 1996
   License class: Technician
   Call sign: KC8DQD
   

My immediate interest in amateur radio is for church emergency preparedness communications using SSB voice on HF and FM voice on 2m. I already have the study guides and the Morse code tapes so it is up to me to make the time to upgrade to General class and beyond.

I acquired a used TV antenna tower (about 32 feet tall), along with the antenna rotor and controller, but the prospect of facing the city building department to get the permits needed to erect the tower were overwhelming. It seemed much easier (and possibly even less expensive) to, instead, buy a new tower for which engineering specifications (dear to the building department) are readily available, so I gave the old tower to a friend who fixed it up and erected it at his home without bothering to consult the city!

Another interest is microwave digital communication, so my future tower may well support a dish or two in addition to directional and omnidirectional VHF and UHF antennas.

Before I point any metal up into the air over my house, I want to be absolutely sure I understand, and have properly applied, grounding and lightning protection! ;-)