Steve Martin (WX1OZZ)

How long have you been a Ham?

I received my license in February of 2024. I am married to club member Jeanne (KC1SPX). Before I was licensed, I would hear Jeanne talking on the nightly nets and having so much fun, that I decided to get my ham license to join in too!

What mode(s) within Amateur Radio do you enjoy operating?

I enjoy the technician portion of the 10-meter band and trying to contact people in as many different countries as possible. Mobile radio also appeals to me, and I look forward to experimenting with more portable setups, which will be helpful in emergency communication situations.

Describe your involvement with GSARA.

I enjoy checking in on the GSARA nightly nets (usually on weekends). Chatting with other hams and GSARA members on the repeater is great! I attended the 2024 summer field day with Jeanne, and it was great to meet up with others who regularly join the nets. We are looking forward to next summer's field day!

What is one piece of advice you would give a new Ham?

My advice to a new ham would be to join GSARA, join some nightly nets, if you are fortunate enough to reach the repeater, get your ground rods in, get an antennae system up and running, and make some contacts. Once you do, you will be hooked like the rest of us, and from then on, it is just a process of upgrading your equipment and putting up better and higher antennas. Also, I can attest that our GSARA group is excellent, and everyone is so helpful. There is also a Discord site where you can ask questions.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Antenna installation can be daunting for a newbie. I highly recommend the end fed half wave antennas to get started with as they are easy to install and we have had great results with them. I also highly recommend the ICOM 7300 (the Chevrolet of ham radios). Go Team ICOM!