Back in the Shack: 168 QSOs and a Wire Dipole!

For those of you who know me, it’s no secret I’ve been away from the amateur radio scene for a few years. Sure I continued to use two meter handheld radios, but that doesn’t count.

Life had a way of getting in the way, and my trusty HF rig ended up collecting dust in the corner. But, as with most things in life, the allure of radio eventually came knocking again.

This February, I decided to take the plunge and dive back in. Now, I wasn’t about to invest in a ton of new gear right off the bat. Instead, I decided to see what I could achieve with a simple multi-band wire yo-yo dipole strung up between some trees in the backyard. Let me tell you, it’s been an amazing journey so far!

Since February, I’ve managed to make an incredible 168 contacts across the globe! We’re talking friendly chats with hams in Japan, Australia, and even New Zealand – all with a setup that most would consider basic.

This experience has been a fantastic reminder of the power and potential of amateur radio. It doesn’t require a fancy station or a giant antenna farm to have incredible experiences on the airwaves. All it takes is a little ingenuity, a passion for connection, and maybe a good antenna design (thanks, wire yo-yo dipole!).

If you’ve been thinking about getting into ham radio, or maybe you’re a seasoned operator looking to get back on the air with a simpler setup, this is my message to you: Don’t let limitations hold you back! There’s a whole world of communication waiting to be explored, and you might be surprised by what you can achieve with a little creativity.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that old equipment, throw up an antenna, and see where the radio waves take you!

73,