u/MentalEggplant9275

The 5th Region Vanity Bonanza on 8/14 was my doing. I took a few days and researched as many silent keys as I could who’d departed more than 2 years ago and submitted them to the FCC.

At first I was concerned about being insensitive but came to around to realize, those hams probably would be happy their call is getting back out there. In many cases they weren’t even the original call holders anyhow

Learned a lot about callsigns in the process.

Anyways,
73

As luck would have it, my vacation to South Texas coincides with a planned launch from Starbase.

Im within eyesight of Starbase.

Could anyone recommend frequencies to monitor?

I have HF-UHF listening capability.

73

For amateurs who became silent keys more than two years prior to a license cancellation, their callsign is put back into circulation “30 days after its cancellation.”

Would that mean a callsign first listed as cancelled today is available for application on July 16, 2026?

Or July 17, 2026?

Maybe u/k2cr might know…

And I’m only 35.

Just wanted somewhere to brag.

Took the test today at the DFW Ham Expo and passed with a decent margin.

The material is indeed a bit more difficult than the General exam, and more challenging is that the multiple choice options are considerably closer in their wording.

What helped me was using both written and electronic study guides, and not pausing my studies after getting my General license.

Extra spicy Hunan beef and mozzarella sticks as celebration on top of the expo deals already had.

This weekend Friday and Saturday at the Vista Ridge Mall in Lewisville.

Not affiliated with the organizers but boy do I look forward to getting my ham on.

I’m talking the good stuff: FHSS, dummy loads, vintage impedance matching networks, Bird meters, and just some plain ol’ 2 meter mobile rigs.

Worth checking out if your into radios!

Has anyone done a single operator, front yard Field Day?

Yes, I realize the goober readings would be off the chart. And it may very well draw undue attention to one’s home.

But it might also be a fun, neighborly experience.

Curious so I thought I’d ask the net

73

QRZ
I love browsing the classified sections on sites like QRZ and eham.

Some really outstanding deals and really outstanding humor. Two types of offers..

Mint condition Yaesu FT-450D. From a SK who kept it as a back up. Includes original packaging, mic, power cord, manual, Nifty Manual and MFJ 30 amp switching power supply. As-is but Bench tested on all modes with full power output. Film still on screen. All payment types okay. $500 includes shipping. Good on QRZ.

Or

Quantity 2x ICOM IC-2100. Nothing else. Pulled from salvaged motor home. One screen doesn’t work. As is and Untested. USPS Money order only. Will ship when payment arrives. Buyer splits shipping. $300. Contact via landline only.

The DFW Ham Expo is on the horizon, and without much cash in hand, I’m selling off a TH-D72A.

If it weren’t to sell though, is it common enough for folks to trade at these expos? Or do they mostly sell only?

73

Every time I hear someone keying CW to ease their tuner in, it makes me think of a hearing test. And I know these frying eggs aren’t helping me pass.