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Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sat Oct 03, 2020 8:28 pm
In fact :-
M7 something, something, something........dark side
I've finally succumbed to the lure of the dark side and just passed my Foundation exam
Couldn't help it and had to tell all you buggers that reinvigorated my passion for radio all about it!
Yes, it's all your fault. Every chat, every thank you, every debate, everyone else's announcement of passing their Ham exam....... you're all a bad influence!
I honestly can't blame, ahem, thank you all enough for everything. Here's to you Charlie Tango and all who reside there! Plus a big thanks to the army of Radio Ham volunteers that make this all possible.
(You can't be the first to congratulate me either, just as I'd passed my youngest daughter started giving birth to my granddaughter, my fourth granddaughter and fifth grandchild! I am well and truly having a flipping great day! )
All my very best regards to every one of you,
Victor
Radio Amateur Proud Grandfather
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NUBSTER 10 + Year member
Call Sign : 26 CT050 26 FB080 26 WT105 26 TE171 Posts : 948 Times Thanked : 51 Join date : 2019-06-27 QTH or Location : NORTH LONDON Equipment Used : ORIGINAL President Lincoln, President Teddy , Silver Eagle microphones , Gainmaster antenna, use a AMP ofcourse I do sometimes Age : 66
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sat Oct 03, 2020 8:45 pm
Congratulations on both accations Victor mate I've got three grandchildren two boys from my daughter (eldest kid) and one girl from the middle kid (eldest son ) youngest son is still in training lol and still.aint got my Foundation just cant seem to get it I always miss it by one question its like I'm not supposed to have it .
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sat Oct 03, 2020 8:58 pm
Cheers Martin!
You're a superstar mate, knew you'd be the first here to congratulate me!
Well chuffed, on both counts. So much so I've cracked a bottle of the hard stuff
Lovely being a grandfather no matter how many times it happens mate and makes us proud. My Xmas present this year is already known too, my sixth grandchild will be along!
I'll still be CBing mate and PMRing, being a Ham just opens a few more bands legally Â
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John123 CT Directors
Call Sign : 26CT763 Posts : 4537 Times Thanked : 161 Join date : 2019-06-27 QTH or Location : Manchester Equipment Used : Optima, Superstar 360fm, Stalker 9fdx, President Jack Age : 50
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sat Oct 03, 2020 9:03 pm
Congrats on all accounts, Victor. I hope mother and daughter are doing well (pass on my regards) and enjoy the new bands at your disposal.
73s John.
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sat Oct 03, 2020 9:19 pm
Cheers John! Much appreciated mate
All's well and I shall pass on your regards.
Handy's all programmed for 2/70, simplex and local repeaters - antenna farm is all set for HF - finishing off a homebrew AMU - just gotta wait for that callsign!Â
(Gives me time to stop cuddling the new baby and key up that mike )
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Gavala New Member
Call Sign : M7GRC Posts : 12 Times Thanked : 1 Join date : 2020-09-30 QTH or Location : Hampshire UK Equipment Used : Yeasu FTM400XDR / Anytone 878+
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sat Oct 03, 2020 9:55 pm
"When you transmit into the dark side careful you must be, for the dark side transmits back".
Not that I know, exam isn't until next monthÂ
Congrats Victor. What was your experience of the final exam?
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sat Oct 03, 2020 10:20 pm
Ha! That's brilliant!
"Hmm, funny it is"
Was a long wait for the exam but worth it. Lot of nerves but my invigilator helped calm my nerves. Had my exam along with another candidate, (that's how busy they really are!), and went really smoothly. Was a great feeling knowing you'd passed straight away and I hung around until the other candidate finished. Finished with a video chat between us all, lots of back patting and smiles all round  Great experience!
Was already nervous as my daughter was overdue with her pregnancy and blow me down she started giving birth just as I gained my pass  So probably made it all a bit more overwhelming!
It's all down to the tentative wait for my RSGB number and exchange that for a callsign with Ofcom now.
I can give one tip that many others have given before....take your time, read the questions carefully before answering and you'll do alright.
All the best to you, and again, all the best of luck with your studies and forthcoming exam. Victor
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Red Fox Senior contributor
Call Sign : 108-CT-255 Posts : 157 Times Thanked : 17 Join date : 2020-04-24 QTH or Location : Fife Scotland Equipment Used : Squawk Boxes & Wires - Both Annoy the other half :)
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sat Oct 03, 2020 10:24 pm
Hoooraayyyy,
Congratulations Victor, knew you wouldn't have an issue witht he exam, hope you enjoy the new frequencies legally - lol
Congrats on the latest member of the Munsters (you know what I mean)Â Â hope all is going well and safe in today's climate.
Hopefully catch you on the bands some day.
73'sÂ
Graeme.
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sat Oct 03, 2020 10:45 pm
Hee!
Cheers Graeme, really do appreciate it mate.
Yeah, latest member of the Munsters is doing great, (daughter decided on a home birth, less external contact but fraught with worries).
Do look forward to catching you on the bands, gonna be great to hear voices from the friendly words we all have on here
I've wet the baby's head enough and the odd tipple for my pass tonight  (That Jim Beam is good Bourbon! ) Time to get my half drunk crippled backside up that hill
All the best mate, Victor
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43CT016 Major contributor
Call Sign : 43-CT-016 Posts : 367 Times Thanked : 22 Join date : 2019-11-17 QTH or Location : Perth Equipment Used : iCom IC-7610/IC-9700/IC-705 Age : 55
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 1:14 am
Well, congrats! Â
Now, don't stop there....Intermediate next!!
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 6:58 am
Hi Jeff,
Cheers mate, really appreciate it!
Onwards and upwards as they say. (More power, more home construction )
All my best to you, Victor
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Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220... Posts : 2618 Times Thanked : 70 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7610,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 16
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 8:38 am
Fantastic Victor on both. Only just seen the post will have to raise that glass tonight and tomorrow. Not had a glass in my hand for 18 months (only drink on holiday). Hope mum and daughter are all ok.
Ps. i start today with Pete..........
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 8:55 am
Hi Alan,
Much appreciated mate I'm not usually a drinker but with a double celebration I had to crack that bottle, (after blowing the cobwebs and dust off it )
Great news with your course, I am sure that you will do well. Remember, Pete from Essex Ham is a wonderfully helpful tutor, you can always ask questions here on CT, (may be of benefit to others), and of course you can always contact me mate
I shall definitely raise that glass to your health tomorrow Alan, being your birthday and all (Plus gives me a day off from last night's tipple  )
All the best to you and yours, Victor
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43CT016 Major contributor
Call Sign : 43-CT-016 Posts : 367 Times Thanked : 22 Join date : 2019-11-17 QTH or Location : Perth Equipment Used : iCom IC-7610/IC-9700/IC-705 Age : 55
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 9:47 am
Victor wrote:
Hi Jeff,
Cheers mate, really appreciate it!
Onwards and upwards as they say. (More power, more home construction )
All my best to you, Victor
It never stops mate....I am currently trying to work out how on earth to fit a 160m antenna of some sort into a small garden, with a wife who seems to think the three existing antennas should be more than enough!
I would say if you’re going to take it further, do it while you’re in study mode. So much easier....
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 10:09 am
Hi Jeff,
Never a truer word said mate
My exam invigilator remarked how you never stop learning with Amateur Radio then pulled out a reel of wire as an example of his antenna experiments
I have an 80m thru 10m fan dipole I setup, (despite my disabilities), tuned with an antenna analyser a Ham friend loaned me and hope it is as good at transmit as it seems to be on receive. That was after playing around with longwires, inverted L's, terminated loops etc. (Already gotten by the bug! ) 160m I think will elude me for the time being too!
I intend to pursue further so thank you for your supportive words Jeff.
Currently however we have other pressing issues as my wife was recently laid off after a long furlough. Now we're competing in an overcrowded job market. But we're still smiling, especially with another grandchild here and my successful entry to the Ham world
All the very best to you and yours, Victor
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Kittiwake New Member
Call Sign : 163-CT-234 / MW7WYN Posts : 29 Times Thanked : 4 Join date : 2020-03-01 QTH or Location : Swansea Equipment Used : CB>>Homebase: SS6900n with 1/2w silver rod, Mobile: CRT Millenium (V3) with mini springer......HAM >> Anytone D878UV Age : 60
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 6:01 pm
Hi Victor Congratulations on both events.Â
Having recently passed my Foundation exam I have purchased the intermediate manual and intend to take the exam in the future but that next level is going to take a bit more studying time.
Well done and good luck for your future exam plans and best wishes to you and your family on these momentous occasions
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ranger 10 + Year member
Call Sign : 26CT140/26TM140 Posts : 150 Times Thanked : 6 Join date : 2019-06-28 QTH or Location : Essex
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 8:44 pm
Well Done Victor,
In times gone past the "Dark Side" was always 11m ops, I like the fact you have it around the other way!!
You will have to let us all know what 2/70 repeaters you can rx/tx into, It might just be possible for a contact in the near future once the M7 comes though.
T.
Last edited by ranger on Sun Oct 04, 2020 9:18 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 9:06 pm
Hi Arwyn,
Many thanks, very much appreciated.
I remember you posting about passing Foundation.....so that'll make you one of the influencers  Honestly, people like yourself that go out of your way to help a fellow radio enthusiast easily influence decisions like this. Happy to be a fellow enthusiast, CBer, Ham and everything in-between.
All the very best to you, Victor
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 9:37 pm
Hi Ranger, (T. )
Thanks very much, really appreciate it.
Ah, the 'Dark Side' for me started many years ago. I was a radio enthusiastic young teen when I first attended an Amateur Radio club and was made welcome as the latest whizz-kid. Met some wonderful people, Hams, a professor from Goonhilly and even Jim Bacon the weatherman who did a great talk on weather and radio propogation. Being desperate to transmit the airwaves and not being licensed I got into CB radio.....I was shunned, made to feel unwelcome unless I stopped my 'illegal' activities. Only one offered a hand of friendship at that time, a Ham who ran a CB club, dear old Fred and the Foxtrot Papas - the Friendly People. CB became my home and Amateur Radio the 'dark side'.....
Luckily all these years on I've met some wonderful people that are 'radio enthusiasts', no matter whether they're CBers, PMRers, Hams or even plain old Pirates. They reside here, on Charlie Tango and most make everyone welcome. So I finally succumbed
But that 'dark side' matter will always resound in the head of that young boy I once was.
Anyway, (I'm waffling), be great if I could catch you on the airwaves one day. I've still got a lot to learn, VHF/UHF & repeaters surprisingly has me fascinated, so maybe I can fire up one of those 2m repeaters your way.
All the best, Victor
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Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Sun Oct 04, 2020 11:48 pm
Well done on the pass. but thought that the dark side always refers to 11m not Ham Radio or at least it has done for the last 30+ years. Enjoy the hobby. 73, Mark.
Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:33 am
Hi Mark,
Thanks for the congrats.
I explained to Ranger in my previous posting that unfortunately my introduction into the Ham world was less than friendly. It probably delayed my participation by some four decades(!)
Luckily I still enjoyed the 'hobby' by participating in CB and my SWL interests for a very long time. I also cut my teeth there building, restoring and repairing more radios than I can recount, building and erecting antennas and generally learning about radio both theoretically and practically from my fellow enthusiasts and CBers. It's been a fun few decades.
Becoming a radio amateur finally extends the repertoire so I can enjoy more aspects of radio.
Still today some 'hams' are rather unwelcoming and those that aren't are keen to "assimilate you into their collective". However, despite the "resistance is futile" feeling, there does exist a sort of "Unimatrix Zero" where individuals can enjoy the experience of being a radio 'ham' and not necessarily becoming a drone.
The "join the darkside and together we can rule the galaxy" elitist attitudes prevail and unfortunately for me personally, it came from some members of the 'ham' world.
I intend to be a "Radio Amateur", someone passionate about radio in all it's forms and welcoming all those who hold the same passion.
All the best, Victor
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StevieG Major contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-3239 , Jolly Roger 272, 26-TG-987 , 26-RB-060 , 26-CO-3239 Posts : 2522 Times Thanked : 120 Join date : 2019-09-30 QTH or Location : SW London Equipment Used : Icom IC 7610, Stryker sr955hpc, Colt Excalibur SSB, President GrantII JacksonII McKinley EU, CRTSS6900N,CRTSS9900, KPO DX5000 Plus, Cobra 148 GTL-DX MK2, Cobra 2000 GTL, Zetagi B550p, Bremi BRL200, RM KL200P, KL203P, KL703, Sirio 4000, Sirio 3000 Bull, Stryker SR-A10, Antron99 Fire up , Hawkins Thunderbolt SSD58+ , Sirio 827, Heil pro micro headset, KPO NM532-KPO NM452- Astatic 575M6 Astatic D104 Silver Eagle, Delta M2 , UR6QW 8 Band eq, Uniden and AOR scanner Age : 63
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Mon Oct 05, 2020 7:37 am
Congrats Victor on all your news, well done mate
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43CT016 Major contributor
Call Sign : 43-CT-016 Posts : 367 Times Thanked : 22 Join date : 2019-11-17 QTH or Location : Perth Equipment Used : iCom IC-7610/IC-9700/IC-705 Age : 55
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Mon Oct 05, 2020 7:50 am
Victor wrote:
The "join the darkside and together we can rule the galaxy" elitist attitudes prevail and unfortunately for me personally, it came from some members of the 'ham' world.
Thankfully, I think that attitude is dying out...can't happen soon enough, IMHO.
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Mon Oct 05, 2020 8:42 am
Hi Steve,
Cheers mate, really appreciate it
All the very best to you, Victor
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Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 6241 Times Thanked : 388 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Something, Something, Something.....Dark side. Mon Oct 05, 2020 9:02 am
Hi Jeff,
I agree completely with your sentiment. As you say this is generally dying out and about time too. If it hadn't happened I may still not have become a 'ham' in the end, but rather glad I have
There will always be the odd fly in the pool either way, but we are all swimming in the same pool namely radio.
I have to admit it has taken me a long time to see the friendlier side of everything thanks to Charlie Tango and it's members and it's a joy.
My original quip about "something, something, something" was after my exam invigilator congratulated me on passing and explained the licence application. When he said I'd become "M7, something, something, something", I immediately laughed remembering the 'Blue Harvest' episode of Family Guy
But I remember well the bemoaning over the years on the amateur bands whilst SWLing about dropping Morse, opening HF to all, old Part B licence holders suddenly having full licence privilages, etc. etc. Perhaps they weren't being as unwelcome to the newcomers as I thought but moaning about change.... We're a weird species, we don't like change
I've heard many a VK call sign over my years of SWL Jeff, so here's hoping with the rising sunspot cycle that I may even be able to chat to you directly one day. The door is now open.
All the best to you and yours, Victor
(Love chatting to you Jeff, had to say it because we've had wonderful conversation on here!)