Ticket upgrade

Well it is official across the main databases (FCC-uls, ARRL and qrz). I officially have a General class license. I am hoping that I can pass Extra soon.
Now I know that I have few if any followers here, but here goes.
I have been wanting to upgrade my license since day one, but always seemed to have difficulty learning cw/Morse code. Then I was rejuvenated when the FCC decided to remove the requirement a couple years ago. Now in line with my prior posts of “on the cheap”. Although I opted for a copy of the “General” study guide when I finally renewed my ARRL membership (altho I  didn’t use it much). I found a smartphone app called Ham Study(Google Play Store) that I used for free. Ultimately, the final thing that helped is that in Rochester, NY where I now reside, one of the local clubs sponsors the test session for free every month from November to May. So with all contributing factors now the only cost to me is transportation to the test site and eventually cost of more gear.
Now there are those that can afford the cost of getting their license (currently around 14$ max) which I understand the purpose of why its there, but in my case if I would have had to pay I would not have been able to upgrade.
73,
Eric Miller kd7ltn

Ham Radio for ALL

Ham Radio for ALL.

Ham Radio for ALL

I’m going into my second decade as a Technician class Ham. As I watch the hobby unfold amongst social media and cell phones there are many things I have witnessed when it comes to Amateur Radio accessibility.

First, for those that may think that they cannot get their Amateur Radio License due to disabilities there is a great group out there called ‘HandiHam‘ that works with many disabilities from physical to others (the reason I say others is personally I feel that there is no such thing as a disability but rather many people whom are unable to function as “normal” society have many other ABILITIES that would teach us all a few lessons about life.

Second, and most discouraging of all in the current economy is the finances for ‘radio gear’.  For less than the cost of a ‘full priced’ fancy cellphone such as the famous fruit-brand or even robot models, you can purchase an HT (Handheld Talkie otherwise known as  a ‘handheld’) especially one that (although I wish were 100% American made) is from China without the ‘monthly service fees’. I will say that the majority of my posts will pertain to Ham Radio on a Budget.

Finally, a large reason used to be in regards to learning Morse Code (CW) and/or the technical ‘jargon’ needed to get the license, Well thanks to changes in regulations over the last few years Morse Code is no longer a requirement to obtain any level of license and the technical aspect at least for a Technician class license is not too stringent to learn as there are great resources for practice exams and studying that have been available online for years.

I hope to hear you on the airwaves soon,

73, kd7ltn – Eric W Miller

Personal Introduction..

My name is Eric W Miller and I am a husband, father, Christian and an Amateur Radio Operator. Although, I am currently on a seasonal ‘lay-off’ I currently am employed by Cranesville Block Co., Inc as a Concrete Mixer Driver in Syracuse, NY. I plan to keep the majority of my blog posts Amateur Radio related, but there may be a few of personal opinion (well all posts will be of my personal opinion). With all the great resources and many ‘Hams’ utilizing the very social networks there is already alot of information available to people looking for more information about Amateur Radio.

73,

Eric W Miller