Amateur Radio Roll Call

[MaytagMan]

10M hasn't been great for some time. I'll scan the bands every so often but never hear anything. I heard that 6M opened up worldwide out of nowhere recently, not sure how long that lasted. I prefer to use 20M and 40M. The bands haven't been that great lately. Plus lots of noise here, so I want get a Moxon antenna which has around a 30db front to back ratio, which draws in DX and silences noise substantially. Supposed to be the best antenna for quieting noise.

You might want to connect to an SDR and tune into a freq of your choice, and while listening, key up your radio and see if you can hear yourself. Here's a list of SDR's: https://www.ke6mgb.com/pages/sdr.html

Since you're in Modesto, try the first one in Half Moon Bay, CA -- that's the one I use regularly especially for testing my signal. See if you can hear yourself. Get your General so we can QSO on 20M.

I really want to get on 2M SSB, as there's quite a bit of activity there. Unfortunately that requires a new radio...

I'd like to try 6M is my next step, but am leery of a directional antenna at this point because of my limited space, ability to rotate etc so it would have to be the best omnidirectional option for me at this point, but I digress...

I have used your site to link to that SDR. That is about 100 miles away, and I don't get anything on there. When I was on FT8 I did get spotted on PSK reporter, so I know that things are at least working... I just picked the wrong time to jump in with the crappy conditions.

I do want to upgrade to General, it is just finding the time to start studying. I have HamStudy on my phone so I have access to the materials.... I just need to get started.

School starts next month which means I'm back to work in a week and a few days, so that may extend the time I need, but I'll get there eventually...