Yes you have to answer cq's.  You'll get the hang of it.  


 
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Megan McCarty
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 6:35 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Introduction

I would really like to have the chance to talk to more people on the air. I
learned CW a short time ago and so I have only gotten the courage to talk to
8 different people on the air so far.

Six of those were participants in the PA QSO Party.  I operated from my
parent's house in Central Pennsylvania with a dipole hung up in the trees in
my backyard.

The other two contacts were made here in Maryland from my apartment. My
Elmer and my neighbor scheduled times to chat with me. They both live
locally. My Elmer keeps reminding me that I need to try answering some CQs,
but I've been a little nervous...  But until I do, I won't know how far my
signal will reach.

The antenna is a wire cut to a quarter wavelength of 40 meters.  It is taped
around the perimeter of my large studio apartment window. I use two
counterpoises: one for 40 meters and the other for 20 meters.  I tune it
with a manual antenna tuner. This system seems to work just fine for the
local skeds I've had so far.

Since my window faces southwest, I hear a lot more stations in these
directions.  But again, I really have no idea how far I would be heard. I
guess I will have to muster up my courage and give it a try sometime!

73 de Megan KB3RGW

On Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 6:41 AM, Howard Kaufman <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Wellcome Meagan.  I to enjoy CW.  I'd like to meet you on the air.  I 
> can operate 160 through 6 meters.  Set up an evening time and 
> frequency, maybe others will join us.
> 73 de wa9top
>