K3WWP's Teens - KD5VDO

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Report by Noah, KD5VDO

I got my tech on Groundhog's Day, 2003; four days later I was issued the call KD5VDO. I was 15 at the time (now 16) and thought I knew everything. I had so much fun with my VX-5 HT that I thought tech would be good enough, that there was no reason to go any further. Well, that wore off after a couple of months due to the encouragement of KC5EES, who, a tech himself at the time, was my social studies teacher. During the summer I uprgaded to general.

After spending many months as a general with no HF radio (I bought one which broke, and then just recently came back to life), my dad bought me an IC-728 and power supply when I got my extra in October 2003. For a while I played around with SSB, but that became boring; then on to PSK. which was fun, but RFI problems made me abandon that; then I started using CW again, and have had more fun than on any other mode.

I started at about 5 wpm, and eventually I got to the point where I no longer shook from fear every time I called CQ. Now I average around 13-15wpm, but hope to increase that with some more practice, but, unfortunately, I can usually operate only on weekends, as my mom's condo, where I stay during the week, does not allow for an adequate antenna.

I enjoy CW, as it's simplicity opens up many more possibilities. Rigs can be easily built from kits, and the "if you can hear 'em, you can work 'em" theory holds true even at QRP power levels. Anyone can talk into a microphone, but one must truly love this hobby to learn and use CW.

Report written in 2004 when Noah was 16.

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