A little bit late introduction...

**smkymtns** · 03-13-2018, 15:25

Originally Posted by Lord_Kaos

Welcome and that is a pretty awesome past time sir!! I have been working on learning ham radio myself, any pointers or advice?

Ham radio is like a whole new world of hobbies instead of just one hobby. There are so many different aspects and niches within ham radio that it will keep you busy exploring the rest of your life! I initially got into ham radio because of my offroad club. We wanted something better than the CB radios that everyone uses and that got the ball rolling for me.

My best advice is to just get out there and get your license - that will open the door to many possibilities. I don't recommend this for most things in life, but I now recommend that people just cram for the tests and worry about mastering the material later. All of the questions and answers are on the internet, so there are no surprises. There is just so much to absorb, but if you end up actually using it, you will learn it and it will make perfect sense. Go ahead and take the General class test when you take the Technician class test. It won't cost you any more and who knows, you might pass it too!

Practice tests for your amusement - https://www.qrz.com/hamtest/

And thanks for the update on the Hangtime Hook - there are some mounting options for my radio that should work with it.

73 (best wishes), pat - KI4SVM

**smkymtns** · 03-13-2018, 15:33

This was from before I added the hammock to the pack, but I figure a few of you on here might be familiar with this view (minus my antenna).

View from W4C/EM-049 - Hawksbill Mountain by Patrick Harris, on Flickr

**87warrior** · 03-15-2018, 15:34

Welcome! While I have mixed radio with my vehicles and kayak, I have not yet mixed the radio and hammock.....but you having me thinking

73's, KE0EBF

**SteelSkywalker** · 03-15-2018, 18:10

Nice setup!

**johnspenn** · 03-17-2018, 07:03

Hello and welcome from Marietta GA. Ham radio sounds like another wormhole, similar to hammock camping but with a license lol. So many options and avenues of study to get it right and make it better. Happy hanging!

**ka8yiu** · 03-18-2018, 10:47

Two great hobbies. Maybe we will QSO sometime hammock-to-hammock, if I ever get back out into my hammock. My 817 and end fed wire would work great from the hammock.

73’s

**Humneso** · 03-19-2018, 12:16

KI4SVM de K6BQ

Sweet setup! I built a KX3 years ago, and run QRP/P CW from the trail. I’ll add another Elecraft to my collection soon, as I’d like to be able to do some SSB in the woods as well. Right now that’s restricted to car camping, when I can bring along my FT-857!

It’s a great way to bring the hobbies together. Glad to see a number of fellow hams here.

73

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**smkymtns** · 03-19-2018, 19:06

Thanks, guys! Good to see some other hams on the forum. It's hard to find a more comfortable ham shack than my hammock and you just can't beat the view.

Shack with a view on W4G/NG-024 by Patrick Harris, on Flickr

I am usually out hiking and mountain-topping every weekend, so keep an ear out for me (http://sotawatch.org). I am looking forward to my first hammock-2-hammock QSO.

73, pat - KI4SVM