Element #3 Passed!

“Radio contesting, or “radiosport” as it is known in some parts of the world, offers an opportunity to demonstrate skills in station building, operating tactics, physical endurance and strategy. Although strongly contested by thousands of enthusiasts and casual participants, typical prizes are just plaques, certificates, published score listings and the occasional bottle of wine. We do it more for the excitement of participation and the admiration of our peers than for any more tangible reward .” (excerpt from Rick Tavan N6XI Blogspot)

I only bring this up because this is another “sport” like gaming that is highly competitive! I took another step in that direct yesterday by passing what the ARRL calls Element 3, this radio exam (as of February 23) will give me more high frequency (or HF) privileges in the world of radio. This is a big step considering I studied for some 6-8 months last year in order to prep for the Morse code (or CW) element and was never able to get the ear to pass a 5-WPM exam.

I also visited N6RO, another “ham operator” who lives about 2 miles from me. It was recommended by a friend of my father, who is also an old time ham to go meet this guy in person. Funny thing is, I had driven by his house on numerous occasions because its the only house around that has four, 100′ towers rising from it, set on 5 acres. But this ham shack was amazing! Usually a ham shack can be a single radio, but this was a plethora of radios, all networked with PCs and thousands of feet of wire running every direction.

He gave me some good information, considering I am just a rookie and have much to learn, but there is no timetable on any of this stuff, as you are always learning. I was given a few frequencies to tune into as well as a few new websites, NoCal Contesting Club and Contesting.com.

So with any luck, I will be able to incorporate my radio hobby into my current computer setup that already features 3 computers and our monitors to go along with all sorts of added hardware for shoutcasting and videocasting.