Heh...it's amazing how many dipoles you can make & string up while waiting on that little update to the FCC's database!

It's also giving me lots of time to get more familiar with my new VX-7R & get it programmed correctly with all the local repeaters & the routes I normally travel.

It's very nice to be able to now practice my CW without the worry of the test hanging over my head, it's more pleasureable now, less hectic & worrysome.

Hopefully Gigaparts will have those Vibroplex keys in stock soon & I'll be fully outfitted soon afterwards.  (On a side note, I was impressed when Jody(?) advised me AGAINST purchasing one they had in stock...it's nice to see a retailer more concerned with customer happiness & repeat business than making a few quick dollars.)

Started reviewing my Skywarn & ARES information too, I look forward to participating & giving a little 'back' to the community.  I'm working on a 'quick release' design for my ft-857 & ATAS 120 in order to provide quick, easy HF communications if needed.  After my 4 years in the Army, I understand the necessity of 'multi-purpose' equipment.

As soon as my callsign's posted, I'll place a notice here with my new login so as to avoid any confusion, as there'll be no need for my 3days account afterwards.

I greatly look forward to working the airwaves with you all.

Thanks!

Feels GREAT!

I wasn't really trying to brag, I was just trying to give some encouragement...basically meant, look what you can do if you try hard enough!  

You are correct however, after re-reading my last post, it did seem a bit braggadocious.

I'm sorry if it came across that way, I was simply trying to give a bit of encouragement.

Now...if you'll all excuse me...I have to go refresh the FCC's website a few more times...all this equipment sitting in front of me is MUCH more frustrating now that I KNOW I've passed...but still have no license.

AAARGH!

73

Heh, thanks for that one Observer11, I needed a chuckle today.  I actually laughed out loud after reading that.

Soooo, I'm guessing you're 8, maybe 9 years old?  Weird, for some reason I'd imagined you to be an older gent.

A question, why do you have it out for this guy so badly?  In his first post he said, 'Forgive me if I seem out of line,', then he went on later to apologize for his (admittedly) poor choice of wording.  Yet you continue to attack him.  Why?

I don't blame him for being angry with you at all, had you spoken to me like that, were we standing face to face, I'd likely punch you in yours.  Just because it's an internet forum is no reason to be so disrespectful and antagonistic, ESPECIALLY after someone apologizes.

No wonder so many young people (of which I am) view us as a bunch of grumpy old codgers, if THAT'S the way you commonly reply to questions.

I believe he apologized for his harsh tone on that first post.

You however, have continued acting like an ass.

Well, it's done.

Element 1, 2 AND 3!

I tried Element 4...don't want to talk about it.

Funny thing...I'm so sleepy (on hour 33 awake now), I started copying during the 'warmup' phase of the CW...zoned almost completely out...started to wonder a few minutes later when the test would start (was kind of expecting an announcement, 'that ends the warmup...do any changes to the volume, etc need to be made?')  when I noticed I had copied '73 SKSKSK'

Doh!  Test over...thought I had flubbed it completely.  Didn't have to worry about answering questions.  Good code run.

Guys, I'm NOT starting a no code/know code crapfest, but here's the deal.  From introduction to CW, to test = 8 days.  It CAN be done!  Just put some time into it!

This'll be my second (and last) thread as 3days...hopefully in a few days I'll have my callsign and be good to go!  

Yeehaw!

Got my element 2 Thursday night.  Attempted Element 1, almost passed.  (I hadn't completed my Gordon West tapes yet.)

Finished tapes today, been reviewing like mad.  Can't sleep.  Got a 2 hour drive ahead of me (going to Huntsville from Birmingham), gotta be there at 8am.

If I pass my Element 1 I'm gonna attempt the General test.  I'm running at about an 75% pass rate on the various internet practice tests, which are basically the only study material I have.

Did I mention I'm too excited to sleep?

Sold my freebanding Ranger RCI-2970DX a week ago in preparation.  

Ordered a Yaesu ft-857 w/ATAS 120, and I'm planning on buying a Yaesu VX-7R from Gigaparts while I'm up there tomorrow.  (Prolly get a CW key as well, I'm anxious to CW on HF provided I pass...) I traded recently on an Icom 746 for home use as well (non-Pro model).

Gotta figure out what I'm gonna do for an antenna for that Icom, as I live in a duplex townhome.  Granted, they're pretty lax here, but I can't be too conspicuous with anything...dipole stretched around the house siding with a 10m/2m combo vertical?  (I mean 2 antennas on the same mast)  I may be able to get away with a low mount behind the house, off the deck.  It won't clear the rooftop, but at least it'll be SOMETHING.

Did I mention I'm too excited to sleep?

Anyway, just wanted to share with you guys...ex-freebander headed your way.
Wish me luck!  (Please)

Just passed element 2.
Hope to complete element 1 this coming Saturday.
Just thought I'd throw that out.

73's!