MY FIRST HAM RADIO CLASS
In 1975 (at age 12) I took my first Novice class. I learned and passed the Morse Code but failed the theory. Being unable to arrange a re-test, my ham radio hopes were dashed for the time.
I'm a native of Newton, Kansas and was first licensed as amateur radio operator KAØRCK in 1983. I began as a Novice and worked many stations, worldwide, on the 10 Meter Band when first active. I'm presently active on the HF bands, analog VHF/UHF, and DMR via repeaters/hotspot from Downeast Maine and Southwest New Brunswick. Feel free to call on Brandmeister Talkgroups 3120900 and 3120897.
In Canada I hold the callsigns VE9CQ and VE9DIX. Listen for one of these calls during a contest operating from the Maritime Section.
My HF Rig: The Icom IC-7610
Feel free to drop me a line. I'll respond.
My other passion is the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway.
Nick Skrainka lived in St. Louis, Missouri and was born April 30, 1899. He passed away on December 5, 1986.
Kenneth Lawrence Drost was from Chipman, New Brunswick. He was born in 1937 and passed away on June 27, 2016.
"This is how it should be."
1975
In 1975 (at age 12) I took my first Novice class. I learned and passed the Morse Code but failed the theory. Being unable to arrange a re-test, my ham radio hopes were dashed for the time.
1983
In 1983 I heard about another Novice class that was being offered. I enrolled and at the conclusion of the course, held in the home of my elmer, I passed the test and was licensed as KAØRCK. Most of my activities were conducted on the 10 Meter Band.
1990
I remained a Novice for about seven years before attempting to expand my horizons. In 1990 I decided that I would like to participate in VHF/UHF activities so I studied for the Technician Class test and achieved my first upgrade.
1991
After being a Technician, or as they were called after the inception of the no-code license, "Technician Plus", for one year, I passed the General Class license examination. The rest of the HF bands were now open to me!
1992
After being bitten by the upgrade bug, I continued on, and after many hours of study, I received my Advanced Class License in 1992.
1994
The 20 word-per-minute test was harder than expected but I finally passed and became an Extra Class licensee. I still had never checked that box that said, "Change Callsign."
1996
In 1996, the FCC opened the vanity callsign program. According to my records, the "second gate" opened on September 23, 1996, which allowed Extra Class amateur radio operators to apply for the callsign of their choice. I was issued the callsign WØAQ (my first choice) on the first day that such callsigns were issued to any amateur radio operators.
2018
In 2018 I was offered the opportunity to take the Canadian licensing examination. As my property borders the Canadian Border, I was excited at the chance. I passed the test easily and was issued the callsign VE9CQ within a few days of taking the test.
2018
Canada allows licensed amateur radio operators to apply for a second callsign. Amateurs may hold one 2 X 2 callsign and one 2 X 3 callsign. As such, I applied for, and was issued, the callsign VE9DIX.
2020
In 2020 I wrote articles about my history as an amateur radio operator, and the history of my callsign. I invite you to click here to read it!
I'm the license trustee for the K1QA Amateur Raio Society. We invite you to join us on Facebook and/or at our website! I'm also a board member of the Kansas Exiles Amateur Radio Club (WQØQ).