The Shack

If you look carefully you can see the antenna hanging outside the sliding glass door.

Well I have my Ham Shack up and running. There are still plenty of projects to work on but I have my computer and radio all working. As you can see, I appropriated a corner of the living room for myself. In the foreground is the back of a small couch that I lie on to read and listen to the net. In the corner is my desk with dual monitors, keyboard wireless mouse, and IC-7000 transceiver. My 2m J-Pole antenna is hanging just outside on my balcony. Not visible is my Astron power supply. It's on a shelf underneath the right-hand monitor.

I got my post-card for Log Book of the World and am downloading Ham Radio Deluxe as I type this. Lots more to do but it's nice to be able to look out the window, write a blog, and monitor the air waves all at the same time.

Some of my upcoming projects include re-attaching the HF antenna, creating a better HF solution, logging my contacts from my first day of PSK-31 action, downloading contesting software, reading the ARRL Operating Manual, learning CW, waterproofing my J-pole (I want to seal the area around the eyebolt at the top of the antenna), putting together a tool/parts box for antenna building and general use, and learning how to solder. 

Additionally, my roommate Josiah, has begun to show an interest in Amateur Radio and has started studying for his technican and general licenses. L.W. (K7LWA) and Carol (KF7TNO) put a good amount of pressure on him and even got him on the air as a third party. Josiah has some radio experience from the military so I'm guessing he will be a natural at Amateur Radio.

All in all I'm having a lot of fun with these new adventures and can't wait to start working some HF.