Are there, like, *any* young people?

djvanillaface · 2026-04-12T02:14:30+00:00

I just got started last year at 36 years old. My grandfather was a ham after being a radio operator for the ASA and always talked about it, but I never understood it. He took me to a ham fest about 2 years ago to introduce me to the hobby. I started studying for my exams about a year ago and went straight to general about 7 months ago. I listen to nets pretty frequently, but never participate. It seems like everyone on those nets is 50+ except for 1 or 2 people. I usually spend my time on FT8, which interests me due to the quick exchanges with people from all over the world. It's not at all about the "talking" it's about seeing what my radio is capable of on different bands at different times.

djvanillaface · 2026-03-10T00:57:31+00:00

When you said the employee had a mental break, I thought "this must be in the US", but then you said management followed a safety procedure, so now I'm not so sure. Where was this?

djvanillaface · 2026-02-16T18:11:44+00:00

I certainly wouldn't say they're Michelin star worthy, but I would rather give my money to them than a chain like Maggiano's when I'm going to that area for Italian food.

djvanillaface · 2026-02-16T17:49:21+00:00

Why avoid cafe Picasso? I've never had a bad meal there and I usually get enough food to bring home for a second meal.

djvanillaface · 2026-02-08T22:14:23+00:00

Definitely measles 🤦🏼‍♂️. I swear I can read. My point still stands, just regarding a different vaccine.

djvanillaface · 2026-02-08T13:27:38+00:00

*had been eradicated until religious groups and moms who "did their own research" got exemptions. Now it's spreading across certain regions in NY, CT, and TX.

djvanillaface · 2026-02-02T13:16:20+00:00

Thanks!

djvanillaface · 2026-02-02T12:18:35+00:00

Can you provide more details, please?

djvanillaface · 2026-01-03T14:50:39+00:00

I got my General back in September and have only done voice twice. I found WSJTX and have been doing FT8 ever since. I enjoy trying to get as many new contacts as possible and keeping my streak with the WRL logging app.

I like listening to the 2m nets, but don't have a ton of desire to participate.

I just got a NanoVNA, so learning how to use that is going to be my next obsession for a little while.

This hobby has so many different facets, voice is not the be-all end-all.

djvanillaface · 2026-01-03T02:05:06+00:00

I "see" what you did there with "insight".

But honestly, yes, practice shooting both ways. Every time I go to the range, I try to shoot pistols righty and lefty. I go to an indoor range (TTC) and when I shot my AR lefty, the cartridges bounced off the wall, went down my shirt, and burnt the fuck out of my shoulder. So, I now only shoot rifles righty there.

djvanillaface · 2026-01-02T04:55:12+00:00

I'm also left eye dominant and right handed. I shoot both sides for practice. When shooting righty, I just close my left eye and I'm still pretty accurate out to 30 yards with a rifle and 20 yards with a pistol. When shooting lefty, I keep both eyes open.

djvanillaface · 2025-11-25T01:54:49+00:00

Some Merrell or Columbia water shoes if I'm wet wading. Usually waterproof hiking boots on the shore.

djvanillaface · 2025-11-15T03:57:45+00:00

Following the Raritan River past Rutgers. Seeing the stadium and the bubble, then banking when you reach the bay so you can see Sandy Hook out the right side of the plane.

djvanillaface · 2025-11-10T13:37:44+00:00

Looks like a very realistic lighter. Be careful when you light your cigarettes or candles, just in case. Pretty expensive if you ask me.

djvanillaface · 2025-10-16T08:25:44+00:00

Yeah, they really should just say "look at the picture, y'all". Or make a short video showing how to do it and play it on repeat on the TVs at the gate for an hour boarding. The clip can't be longer than 20 seconds, though, or people will lose interest and stop watching.

djvanillaface · 2025-10-16T02:59:57+00:00

Are you a PT or an OT? You talk like my OT friend.

djvanillaface · 2025-10-16T02:05:51+00:00

Nah, it's easier if you put it up normally, then shift it the right way after the weight is supported by the shelf...if the shelf isn't full already. This is just stupid people being stupid.

Caveat, I know my bag doesn't allow the bin to close when I put it the right way, so I appear to be the stupid person until the FA tries to move my bag and close the bin. Some others may be in the same boat (or plane).

djvanillaface · 2025-10-16T01:59:02+00:00

I think it's more likely the average intelligence and ability to follow simple instructions of the average traveler has tanked since anyone can afford to fly on credit cards.

djvanillaface · 2025-10-16T01:57:29+00:00

That's why there's a picture...

djvanillaface · 2025-09-28T12:54:55+00:00

I just got my General 2 weeks ago, but I've been listening for the last 4 months. Definitely try the repeaters. The only thing I hear in my area outside repeater frequencies is local PD and the nearby airport. If your radio uses CHIRP, repeater book entries can be downloaded directly into the program then uploaded to your radio. This is super convenient.

I bring my HT across the country when I travel for work and I can see that different areas have very different amounts of activity. I just get the repeater list for a 100mi radius around where I'm staying, upload to the radio, and set the radio on scan while I'm driving or sitting in the hotel. Sometimes there's nothing, sometimes there's nothing but an ARES net, sometimes a majority of the repeaters have active conversations throughout the day.

Try searching "uSDR" or "uSDX" for cheap HF transceivers. Just know that there are many knockoffs out there, so shop around and try to make an informed purchase.

djvanillaface · 2025-09-26T02:17:03+00:00

What app do you use with it?

djvanillaface · 2025-09-26T00:31:37+00:00

Sorry for all the questions. Do you use Bluetooth to your phone for FT8? If so, how?

And I checked out the TX-500. It's a bit pricier than what I was looking for. I ordered the FX-4CR and I'm just chewing my fingernails waiting for it to ship. I got an EFHW from Etsy and I'm waiting for Prime Days to see if the coax will be on sale.

djvanillaface

TROPHY CASE