I live in Tulsa, OK, and my initial interest was storm spotting. Of course, my daughter immediately came up with the mnemonic "Weather Looks eXtreme, which is appropriate considering my interest in storm spotting.
I've been a "firebuff" for years (after being a volunteer firefighter for several years). I've carried a scanner for years and frequently take pictures at big "workers" for my own collection or local news media. When a new employee at work noticed my scanner and asked me what I listened to, we got to talking about amateur radio. A trip to the library and I got my license a few weeks later.
My "elmer" (that guy from work) is Jay Veale, N5SPC.
I also received much assistance with getting my radios installed in my truck ('93 Ford Ranger) from David Jackson (KE4OPA). This was in exchange for helping him run power and antenna wires in his new vehicle. Next up, getting his J-Pole up so he can get his base station on the air.
My rigs are a Radio Shack HTX-420 dual-band HT and a Yeasu FT-2600M 2m mobile in my truck. I also have a Radio Shack HT-10 10m mobile in the truck that I picked up on closeout.
Useful Links -
The Tulsa Amateur Radio Club. Check out the "Super-System", with UHF coverage from Kansas to Texas, and Stillwater, OK (north central) to Arkansas. A great tool for storm spotters.
GigaParts - A great source for gear
A great program for learning the Code - NuCode by Nu-Ware. They also have advance Morse learning aids and testing program. Great for VEs!
More stuff, useful links, and photos coming soon.
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73 and Thanks,
Al K3TKJ