As KD9NDJ: fooling around with Echolink (no radio, just contact with a repeater via computer… in this case, iPad), I just sort of blundered into my first “QSO.” That is to say, while connected as sort of a test to the K9CU repeater via Echolink, I heard the unmistakable voice of Milt K9QZI, who controls the Thursday night 2 meter net on K9CU. He clearly said my callsign, so there was nothing to do but transmit a response. We actually had a conversation. I had a hard time hearing the little iPad speaker, so I held the iPad up to my ears to hear better. He also mentioned some difficulty making me out, so I spoke closer to the iPad’s mic. Be that as it may, we covered a lot of ground.

I rather like the computer/radio interface concept. Besides, it is within my license class (lowly Technician). But radio without a radio is… well… internet.

I’m finding the General class study materials difficult. I actually have to study and learn stuff. Arcane stuff. I might pass, but I’m not really all that confident. Just sayin.’ The General upgrade would get me on the HF bands, and that is most certainly RADIO. Long, or longish, distance at that. Not really hearing amateurs in Europe with my long wire antenna, but given its orientation, I’m getting Georgia, Michigan, and other states that are broadside to my wire. Whether, with 100 watts and some SWR issues, I can be heard is another matter. But until I pass General, I can only do CW on the HF bands.

I did not find the Technician exam all that difficult. But it does not prepare one to actually operate on the air.

As an aside, given the escalation and density of mass shootings lately, I find it amazing that it is so difficult to get a license to operate an amateur radio station. I don’t think it’s all that hard to get an FOID and buy a military grade weapon. My interest in doing anything like that has evaporated. My FOID remains un-submitted. Meanwhile, I’m bashing my foolish head against the challenges of radio.