Dan Romanchik KB6NU has an ebook called 21 Things to Do After You Get Your Amateur Radio License. I ran across his blog while searching after one of the things I’ve been tracking down (building an antenna I think). I encourage you to buy his book if you like what you see here.

To Do

These are the things from KB6NU’s list that I still have left to do. See my other posts in this series for things I’ve already done or am doing.

Get to know your (ham) neighbors

I’ve been trying to join the local VHF/UHF repeater nets on Sunday evenings (http://www.w0mg.net/), but I haven’t made it to a club meeting or one of their weekly breakfasts.

Join a club

See above. I’m aware of our local club but I haven’t joined.

Join the ARRL

Again, I’m well aware of the ARRL, but I haven’t put up the money to join. I am all in favor of a membership organizaion like this that nationally represents the interests of hams, but the value proposition seems limited for me personally. This is something I will definitely do in the future.

Find an Elmer

Online source may be of some help, but I am very interested in meeting people locally who can help me out. Especially as I start building receivers and antennas, I think I’ll be needing some help with advice and instruments.

Set up a shack

This is a tough one. Our house is small relative to all of the people and things that we have crammed inside, so a permanent space for a shack is hard to come by. Right now, I’ve got a cardboard box with parts and tools and a baking sheet for my workspace, all stashed on top of a cupboard to stay away from grasping hands. We’re moving someplace new in August so we will see what I can carve out there.

Go to a hamfest

The Des Moines Hamfest is coming up in a few weeks, but with the end of the semester, this is a bad time of the year for me. I might find something to go to this coming summer though.

Go to Field Day

I’ve got a few months before this one, but I’ve got it on my calendar.

Buy QSL cards

This is a bit premature when my only contacts are local repeaters. Maybe when I build a receiver, transmitter, learn CW and make some contacts.

Join SkyWarn, ARES, or RACES

I’m reading up on these, but it looks like filling out a registration form and getting some online training.

Participate in a contest

This will also need to wait until I am on the air more than locally, but it seems worth dipping a toe into. I’m not likely to become a contester, but I’d be glad to work someone else’s station during a contest.