KD4SIR Scott A. Hibbs Seymour, IN QCWA # 37431 Chapter 36

I prefer eQSL or direct.

LotW is not for me, I won't pay (buy credits) for the information I logged then submitted, it's like paying to prove what I said. The ARRL WAS award is $21.25 (or $61.25 with membership) vs eQSL's eWAS which is $0.00. I'd rather save for a new rig.

I also recommend DXLabSuite ($0) that intigrates practically everything I do.

I received my no code tech license (KD4SIR - nonvanity) in August 1992 when attending the University of Kentucky. I joined the W4JP university club. In July 1994, I passed 5wpm cw for Tech Plus. I didn't have a rig or someone to send cw with, so it is still a wasted talent. For Christmas 1992, I received a HTX-202, and operated simplex and simplex repeater around campus until we got a duplex repeater. I saved up and bought a Uniden HR2510 but never had a decent antenna that would allow contacts mobile.

I joined W9AB club in South Bend IN. I convinced my wife to become a no-code tech instead of cell phones, she is KC9EOU. We bought matching Icom V8 Two Meter Radios, but I eventually lost the cell phone battle.

Field day 2004, I met K8VO who quickly found out I was saving for an HF rig. For the first time someone took a personal interest helping me advance my hobby as an Elmer would. He negotiated and convinced me to purchase a used Icom 756 and sold me his Carolina-Windom dipole that we put up together. Today I got up an 80 meter loop about 45 feet up.

I am a member of Ten-10 (74213) and enjoy the band most of all. I passed the test for General Class on Dec 20, 2004 and later that night had my first CW QSO with N9YA on six meters. At least I think it was him. HiHi.

In June 2009, I started checking into some HF Nets such as the North American Traffic and Awards Net and OMISS. They are extremely friendly and helpful. You should to for the fun of it.

At Hamvention 2010, I passed my Amateur Extra on the first try, after studying a little over a week or so. I was pretty amazed!

See you on the air, Scott

May 26, 2017