Old DX'er

[XPS720]

Hello Radio Operaters:

I have been listening to Radios all my life, I am 71, and still enjoy it. My biggest down fall was I tried long time for a lisence but it was impossible to do CW. I tried the new way to get lisence but it was not possible. I like to listen to 40,80 and 120 meter band. I use an ICOM IC-R75 with an all band antenna on side of my house. I hear transmissions far away and I would like to tell the operater I heard him at my location. I like to lisen to contest the most. Is it possible to do e-mail contact?

Thank you

73's

 

[MiCon]

I haven't done QSL cards or reception reports for over fifty years, but back then there was a book you cuild purchase from ARRL that listed the call sign, name, and address of every US Ham operator. The international broadcast stations would announce their mail address over the air.

I'd like to think that, with the Internet, there's some way of looking up licensee addresses, but then there's the privacy issue.

Maybe someone here knows a way for you to send your reception reports.

Good luck.
<>< Mike

 

[XPS720]

I signed up with HamCall.net gold membership but I don't see any e-mail addresses

 

[alcahuete]

Honestly? Nobody cares. There are very few people who are going to want an email saying that you received their transmission. They know where their transmission is going, and there many tools available to see real time (i.e. PSK Reporter) to see where your signal is reaching. And it's not like Connecticut is some far off DX place where signals just rarely reach.

I have received plenty of SWL (Short Wave Listener) QSL cards over the years, and that's nice. But if I got an email saying you heard my signal, it would go right into the spam folder.

QRZ.com will have email addresses listed, but again, most people are not going to care to get an email like that.

Sorry for being the bearer of bad news, but you really should go for your license. It's not that hard...just a bunch of questions now. No CW, nothing. And with your license you can exchange QSL cards, and electronic versions and such.

 

[XPS720]

Where and How do I apply for a license ?

 

[alcahuete]

Getting Licensed

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for amateur radio, connecting hams around the U.S. with news, information and resources.

www.arrl.org

 

[merlin]

I didn't get my novice until 1966, but by then, I was deep into amateur and SWLing. My key mentor was my 6th grade math teacher(WB6GUV)
passed along an old Hammerlund receiver I used for years. Taught me a new way to learn code called 'cumulative' with a diagram, you can copy 5WPM out of the gate. First real transmitter was a Heathkit DX100B with Heath keyer. Gave me an old 4BTV and over time, 2 walls covered with QSL cards(remember those plastic wall hangers?)
Fast forward, I had a big desk covered with Heathkit and a Collins KW-M2 (all gone now)
I still do HF code with a Kenwood TS-440S, but it is a perishable skill if you don't stay with it.
No code licensing today, I say go for it, ARRL is a good first stop and search up a local ham radio club, that will give you a good foundation to start.

 

[K3YGX]

There was a period of several years when I didn't have an HF station or general coverage receiver.
I used to go the radio club and operate once a year -- Field Day on 40 CW --- some club members were always
amazed that I could copy 35-40 right off and got faster as we went on.....not always 'perishable' for
some of us.

Yes, get your license. Now , no code test and a tech license would let you operate some HF.
Some people still like QSL cards. Oh, I think you meant 160 meters there.

 

[merlin]

My first key was a Vibroplex, and got my speed up to a solid 21 WPM, like many, that is where I hung for a long time.
Going to a full electronic keyer, I did get to 34 WPM, 100% copy. My work line had me off air for a decade, then more SWLing found my code slowed and rusty. I can still do 25, but hams today are both way electronic, and see 45, even up to 60 WPM, Just to fast for me without the computer.

 

[K3YGX]

I still have my first Vibroplex Lightning Bug (my 16th birthday present) I also have 2 more lightnings
a couple of champs and a few original (one from 1926). I still use all of them in rotation.
I have never liked keyers and I like that ole 'banana boat swing' that says a human is operating the
key.

 

[CKnobb]

I still have my first Vibroplex Lightning Bug (my 16th birthday present) I also have 2 more lightnings
a couple of champs and a few original (one from 1926). I still use all of them in rotation.
I have never liked keyers and I like that ole 'banana boat swing' that says a human is operating the
key.

We used to call that a "Lake Erie Swing" in these parts I have several Vibroplex, bugs and paddles, railroad telegraph straight keys (about 100 years old or more) mostly inherited from my dad. I now use my Begali paddle which I love.


XPS720, I would say study for your license and stick your toes in the water. You will enjoy it. QRZ.com is a great resource for callsign email contacts. eQSL supports SWL reports, though I have come to mostly ignore those... eQSL.cc - The Electronic QSL Card Centre

 

[jwt873]

I never could get the hang of bugs, paddles and squeeze keys.. I have a Vibroplex single paddle keyer, but it sits in a drawer.

My main key is one I bought for $5 at a Radio Shack in Hartford CT back in the mid 60's I never had my license then, but that's what I practiced with to get started I've made many hundreds of contacts with it and still use it today.

And.. back on topic.. One good way to get started in the hobby is to see if you can find a local ham radio club that offers classes. Instead of just blindly memorizing questions, you'll gain insight into what the questions are about.

 

[Blackswan73]

I have an original WW2 Lionel( Yep!, the train company) J-38 single key, but it is just a curio since I don’t do code anymore. In fact, my license is up for renewal in a few months and I will probably just let it lapse

B.S.

 

[K3YGX]

At least there is a grace period for you to change your mind

 

[hamstang]

I signed up with HamCall.net gold membership but I don't see any e-mail addresses

QRZ.com has a worldwide database of amateur operators including email addresses when provided.