Happy New Year!!!
Hard to believe another year is here, even after being tired from accomplishing so much in 2018 — all but one goal was completed.
- Teach a Technician Class
- 265 Confirmed Countries in DXCC (made 268)
- 1,290 Challenge Band-Points (made 1340)
- 160-meter 50 DXCC AND 48 WAS (made 57 and 48)
- Compete in a FMT (Green Band)
- 3D Print an electronics project case
I had a wonderful (and large) class at the Red Cross in Providence that wrapped up in May, several of the new hams joined NCRC, for which I am grateful. At this point, I think I’ve taught somewhere between 10 and 15% of all hams in RI.
My slow crawl through DXCC continued with 268 confirmed countries. At this point it is mostly a process of waiting for non-populated spots to be activated — I hope to live long enough to get to the Honor Role. But my band-challenge points did go up to 1340, so only 160 to go to the next award level. Getting there will require much more 160-meter work.
I did participate in my first FMT and achieved the top “Green Band” performance level with an average error of 11,3 parts per billion.
I did not complete my goal of 3D printing an electronics project case, even after enrolling in a course at a local college. A major health issue came up which sidelined me for a couple of months. Thankfully I’m still here and able to plan for 2019.
One of the things I am most proud of was completed on the last day of 2018. I had been working with a wonderful young man, Ryan, who is visually impaired, for the past 16 months. Ryan took and passed his Technician License yesterday. I’m hoping that Amateur Radio will be an important part of his life moving forward.
A few other accomplishments in 2018.
- Completed 12 meter WAS (thanks to Tom AB8RL in West VA)
- I restored a HP3335A and Racal RA6790/GM to operation for FMT use
- Obtained CQ WAZ Award
- 10,345 QSOs in LotW with 7,273 confirmed
- Participated in Winter & Summer Field Day and Jamboree On The Air
- Participated in the International Grid Chase (somewhere in the the top 10 in RI)
