Hello and Welcome!
I have been licensed since 1993 when a good friend of mine suggested that I might like amateur radio. I had not heard that in ten years, since a SSgt I worked for in the Corps talked to me a little about it - but like all things to a 21 year old, it went in one ear and out the other.
In '93, I studied, tested and passed the Tech no code required test and went and got myself a new Azden 6 meter HT - what a mistake, but I had NO idea what I was doing. After a month or so, someone introduced me to the 5/4M band, and it's been downhill ever since!!
For a number of years I was strictly on VHF, 220 to be exact, Pennsylvania (SE) was packed with 2m repeaters and all of them had a group of "cb'ers" and I was not in the least bit interested in becoming part of that crowd, I found a nice potent repeater, 224.220, at that time located at the top of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and had a blast for all the years I lived in SE PA.
A few years and states later, I am in central NC, there is almost no 220 repeaters out here, at least none with any real coverage (I am spoiled), but I have found a great group of amateurs in the area, and have found an interest in HF, but most especially, 6m SSB and FM simplex. Gotta love that band!!!
UPDATE 2014 - there is a new 220 repeater with substantial coverage up on Sauratown Mtn - 224.720 pl 110.9 or 114.8 depending on what receiver you want. Doug, N4TZD is doing a wonderful thing for 220 in the area!
If you are ever in the High Point NC area, check out the NC4AR repeater, 145.290 -88.5, you will likely catch me or any number of folks that keep an ear out.
And if you are out and about, especially on a road trip, park it on the simplex call freq and shout out every once in awhile - never know who might answer!!
Semper Fi!
Mike /
W3TWG
Veteran
Rider of a Dragon!
