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My Story of how I became involved in Amateur "Ham" Radio.

It was the winter of 94/95 when it all happened. I became interested in the fun hobby of Amateur Radio. I took the classes offered at the Salem, Ohio, branch of Kent State University. The first time I took my Novice and Technician tests, was at the age of 11. I failed by one question and that was a big disappointment to me! Although the tests were given again that year, I did not retake them. I did retake both the Novice and Technician tests in Lisbon, Ohio, at the age of 12. I passed them both in March of 1996. What a happy time when I passed! I was really happy! I called the FCC to ask about my call sign before my license came in the mail. Almost immediately I started talking on the 2-meter radio. My call sign KC8CPW became my "new" identification.

Since I have become an Amateur Radio Operator I have never quit learning about the field of Amateur Radio. Amateur Radio is a continuing "class" of new learning experiences, including different modes, such as packet, ssb, cw, HF, etc. Also, I have made a few new friends, which has been real interesting, too.

My Dad, KC8CTV, took his test around the same time I did. He has a Technician license. My Grandma Ashcraft has her license, too. She has a Technician license. Her call sign is KC8HDB. I have been trying to get my sisters and my mother to go to classes and take the test. I enjoy my hobby and I want to share it with my family members. Maybe someday VERY, VERY soon they will join me.

In March of 2000, at the age of 16, I passed the 5wpm Morse code test and the General test. This made me a Technician Plus with credit for the General test. The following April due to some FCC rule changes effective April 15, I became a General.

In March of 2001, I took the Extra test and failed.

I retook it for the sixth time in February, 2002, and I passed 40 out of 50, giving me the 37 questions required to have a passing grade. This test has completed all testing requirements for the highest class of license.

Jonathan D. Thawley, ARS KC8CPW

My Contact Information:

Jonathan D. Thawley
931 Elberon Ave
Salem, OH 44460-3570
ARS: KC8CPW, Extra Class
Ohio ARMY MARS: AAR5MO
ARRL/VEC, W5YI/VEC, and W4VEC/VEC
E-mail: kc8cpw@qsl.net
Age: 20
AX.25 Packet: kc8cpw@kc8cpw.#neoh.oh.usa.noam
TCP/IP: kc8cpw@kc8cpw.ampr.org
My TCP/IP number: 44.70.221.64

Have any questions, comments, ideas to help me on my page???
Drop me an @ kc8cpw@qsl.net

Updated: 06/18/2003

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