Recently there was a message in the Winona ARC mailing from Ben that he had some kits (PCB + parts) available for tinkering. I’ve been experimenting with APRS so why not?

After passing my Technician exam, I enjoyed messing with VHF/UHF for a bit, until the 2020 ARRL Field Day. My local club, the Winona ARC, hosted our local event and I was addicted to HF. I operated FT8, FT4, and made two SSB contacts on 40m that weekend.

Today Skywarn was asked to deploy in Winona County in Minnesota due to a super cell that had potential for bad weather (Tornado Watch was in effect).

I purchased this handheld to have an inexpensive handheld while I was at home or out and about. For the money, the unit is okay. Can’t expect a $30 unit to perform like a $300 unit.

The day I passed my Technician exam, I purchased a Yaesu FTM-7250DR to use in my car, along with a Diamond MR77 antenna. After arrival, Mike (W0VTT) assisted me with installation. I did all the crawling around, sticking hands into very poorly designed areas of my car (tight and sharp! ouch!), and with his tools and a few bits and ends, the radio was installed. Many thanks to him for the guidance (and miscellaneous odds and ends)!