Here are links to blog posts I've made here since the last Vlog
Now that I am starting to post more blogs and videos here, I will include something like the above on a weekly post that I will email to supporter and followers, like this. That way instead of sending too many emails, there is just one with a connivent summary of other blog posts that may interest you (or not).
Thanks for the support!
Last week I made a vlog video that I posted on YouTube. A video basically for me to set the tone for the year. I have some ham radio related goals that I want to follow through with. Especially learning CW. I wanted to make my goals more public so that some of the friends I've made in the online ham radio world can help hold me accountable. Especially learning CW.
The response was amazing! Thank you all for the comments on YouTube, in Discord, texts, email, etc.
Huntsville here I come
An easy goal for 2024 is to attend the Huntsville Hamfest. Well, more specifically, campout at Monte Sano State Park during the Huntsville Hamfest weekend. All I need to do is take the time off work, make the travel arrangements, save the cash required and go.
This past week I reserved my campsite at Monte Sano, and already tentatively blocked off my calendar for travel and vacation time. The teardrop style camping trailer I have on order is due to be completed about a month before the trip, so it will be the first long haul with the new rig. I can't wait!
It is going to be a great time hanging out with friends I've made in this online ham radio universe at the campground. While the rest head off to take in the hamfest itself, I will explore the park and most likely hit up the US Space and Rocket Center that's close by the Redstone Arsenal. Looking at the SOTA map, there is also a few small summits to hit up, including the one in the park I will be camping at.
But a road trip to Alabama isn't what I need to bear down on
That would be learning CW. Thank you again for all the support so far with this endeavor. So far I am starting to make some ground. I don't think too many would disagree with me that; learning CW requires a serious commitment. It requires time, effort and focus.
It's not like reading a novel where I can read a chapter or two today, set the book down for a few week then pick it back up and still be up to speed. My past failures with CW have been working on it for 5, 10, 15 minutes a day for 4 or 5 days, making some headway then not practicing for a few weeks. When I came back after a few weeks, I pretty much had to start over.
Now I am making it apart of my morning routine to spend 10 minutes practicing on the LCWO.net website. In the past week I've made some noticeable ground. While I have missed a day or two here and there over the last few weeks, I don't miss 2 in a row. As long as I kept at it, it will be a daily morning habit.
Besides the LCWO.net practice sessions, I have downloaded some of the More Code Ninja podcasts and listen to them for a minimum of half my commute home from work in the evenings.
This has been huge boost! I downloaded the single letter podcast sessions at 15wpm and 25wpm. I alternate between the two with the thought of not focusing on one speed may help me not plateau or get stuck at a certain speed. Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I don't see it hurting becoming use to copying code at different speeds as soon as I can.
Once I gain a bit more confidence with my copy, I will start attending LICW club Zooms. I already know I shouldn't worry any jump right in, but that's how I am.
One more thing I am going to start doing it listen in on CW activations for POTA and SOTA. As soon as I get to the point where I can follow along, I will throw out my call.