April 9, 2024
Studying Began
I began spending 30 mins a day to begin studying for the exams. I would use Ham Radio Prep, to have the videos playing in the background while I was driving on work trips and then take unit quizzes at night. I found the video based course to be helpful to study.
June 1, 2024
Tests were passed
I passed my technician and general exams at the same testing session hosed by a local club W4CAR.
June 14, 2024
FCC Issued My Call Sign
I was initially issued KQ4SVT. It came after some time due to the fact I took the test and that was during the ARRL hacking incident.
June 17, 2024
Vertical Installed/First Contact
With some help from my neighbor I installed my 43′ vertical and the start of my radial field… it has grown over the last couple of years greatly.
The same night I made my first contact on 100W to the Ukraine.
June 19, 2024
Assembled The Station
I started the station with hand-me-down equipment from my neighbor and Elmer NG4C Mr. Mercer.
June 20, 2024
Amateur Extra
I passed my test with Patriot Radio Club to earn my Amateur Extra as I had not stopped studying since April. I also began to take interest in the club.
June 22, 2024
First Field Day/POTA
This is where I really became hooked, my passion is in remote operations and POTA. On this trip I used a 32′ portable mast and some homemade dipoles for 20M and 40M. I also met some other great hams that weekend including a good friend Norm KO4VVQ.
June 25, 2024
Officially Became KZ4IW
My upgrade was processed and I was assigned a new call sign.
September 6, 2024
Became a VE
Earned my ARRL accreditation for being a VE. Began testing with Patriot Radio Club shortly thereafter.
September 2024
Joined Patriot Radio Club
January 2025
Became Secretary of Patriot Radio Club
Was nominated and elected as the Secretary of Patriot Radio Club
February – September 2025
Continued To Improve
I continued to improve my setup over time and as it allowed.
September 15, 2025
Purchased A Dedicated POTA Rig
I finally traded and sold enough other stuff to get to the FTX-1 Optima
October-December 2025
POTA, POTA, POTA
With adding the new rig, I spent every work trip finding a time to add an activation. I got to see some great parks that without radio I would have never seen otherwise.
January 2026
Elected President
I was elected President of Patriot Radio Club.
January-July 2026
More POTA
Made it my goal to activate in all 50 states. So far I have 12 but the list keeps growing!