Spent the morning at the Stone Mountain Ham Fest. I pseudo-elmered KJ4FXQ. He passed his Technician exam back in August and still had not purchased his first rig. He got a ICOM dual band HT, I forget what model, but it was a good deal. He literally bought it right off a vendor’s belt.

I was impressed at the size of the flea market/bone yard. It was definately larger than the 2 previous events that I have attended.

I saw several friends, including my Elmer W5RQR, and had a great time all around. I was not able find a more upto date HF rig for what funding that I had available, so I just renewed my ARRL membership at their membership table. As bonus gifts I got the The ARRL Emergency Communication Handbook, HAM Oval Sticker, and an Amateur Radio ID Badge Lanyard (Blue). Not much, but more than I got when I joined for the first time just after getting my Technician.

When I go to the Ham Cram Event next week, I’ll be able to hang my ARRL VE credentials on the lanyard, and at least look the part.

It felt good this past week having the Yaesu FT-7800 back up and running in the car, after a few months with it being out of commission with a microphone issue. My stress levels have been lower, and my patience levels were higher.

I guess I need to keep hamming it up.

73 – KI4REX