Congrads Carl, it's great to see another new ham! Where are you located? I have been following the 4th area callsigns, as my beloved takes her test on Thursday. They are just about done with the I suffexes, so Aimee will probably get a KK4I-- or KK4J--. The newest call showing now on Hamdata.com is KK4IWN, wich was issued on the 27th! As far as a new radio, the Chinese hand-helds seem to be the best deal going, especially the Baofeng, wich is going for $65 for a dual band, wich has some speech feedback. 73: John John Jacques Amateur Radio Station: KD8PC "Where Cat Is, Is Civilization!"