RetroBandit
Member
After taking a break from ham radio, i've decided to get back on, and I'm going to be buying a used radio this weekend.
When I was on before I never got in to much of the way of conversations and stuff. Mostly what I did was brief net checks-ins, special event stations and so on. And lots of JT65 digital.
I'm on the mic shy/fright side of things. for various reason, one of the first times I ever got the nerve to answer somebody' general CQ call I got bluntly told the he only spoke to US operates. which put me off on the experience (yes I still remember his callsign). but another factor that has more recently occurred to me is stuff that happened growing up, as my father, and on my mother's side my grand parents and uncle (but not my mother,she was supportive of me) made it clear to me that what I had to say about anything wasn't important and that nobody would be interested in what I had to say about anything. as a foot note, they are all deceased now, with the possible exception of the uncle since I broke off all contact with him 15+ years ago
So I'm just looking for suggestions on how to get on the air this time, and actually get talking more then just brief contacts. Like good frequencies to try, or methods.. or anything useful for a mega shy operator.
I'm not asking for sympathy, just help. I have an advance class Canadian license. Being in an apartment I'm limited on antennas, but I can set up on 6, 10, 20 and 80 meters for sure.
His is probably a over share, and I apologize for that, I just want o make go of this hobby and actually enjoy it. btw: before anybody suggests the local ham club, it's pretty much none existent..
When I was on before I never got in to much of the way of conversations and stuff. Mostly what I did was brief net checks-ins, special event stations and so on. And lots of JT65 digital.
I'm on the mic shy/fright side of things. for various reason, one of the first times I ever got the nerve to answer somebody' general CQ call I got bluntly told the he only spoke to US operates. which put me off on the experience (yes I still remember his callsign). but another factor that has more recently occurred to me is stuff that happened growing up, as my father, and on my mother's side my grand parents and uncle (but not my mother,she was supportive of me) made it clear to me that what I had to say about anything wasn't important and that nobody would be interested in what I had to say about anything. as a foot note, they are all deceased now, with the possible exception of the uncle since I broke off all contact with him 15+ years ago
So I'm just looking for suggestions on how to get on the air this time, and actually get talking more then just brief contacts. Like good frequencies to try, or methods.. or anything useful for a mega shy operator.
I'm not asking for sympathy, just help. I have an advance class Canadian license. Being in an apartment I'm limited on antennas, but I can set up on 6, 10, 20 and 80 meters for sure.
His is probably a over share, and I apologize for that, I just want o make go of this hobby and actually enjoy it. btw: before anybody suggests the local ham club, it's pretty much none existent..