I’ve recently started in the Amateur (Ham) Radio hobby, passing the Technician exam on April 13, 2013, and receiving my call KC9YTJ on April 18, 2013. I’ve always had an interest in radio, but never acted on that interest until two things happened: 1) W9KIZ told me about these cheap Chinese handheld radios that you could buy on Amazon for $40, and 2) she also told me that the exam was stupid simple, only 35 questions out of which you could miss 9 and still pass, and only cost 15 smackeroos to take.
I am active (if you want to call it that) on 2 meters, primarily on the local 146.700 and 146.970 repeaters that are close enough to hit with what equipment I have. Mostly I listen. Throw my call out, and I’ll talk if I’m monitoring.
I have in mind to offer my assistance to the WD9BSA folks out at Camp Belzer but I want to get a little more of a feel for this thing before I do. Plus I’d like to upgrade to General first, as well. I’m planning to take the General exam in June 2013.