Preparing for Electronics Class

Although I'm a ham operator with an Extra license, I really don't know a lot about electronics. It's always been an interest, but I've never seriously pursued it. Now that I'm going to teach a class of elementary students about electronics, I decided it was time I took a course myself. So I purchased the Make: Electronics book and the electronic parts to go along with it. My plan is to work through this in the next month to get a better understanding. AND it will be fun!

In addition, I am getting a set of Snap Circuits to practice with. I'm thinking of purchasing a few of these to get the students started in electronics. They seem to be easier to use for young children than a breadboard. After they get more experience, we will switch to a breadboard. At least that is my plan now. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know. My students will be 3rd-5th grade. We will have 15 lessons, 80 minutes each.

New Article-Retirement: Time to Ham it Up!

My latest article, Retirement: Time to Ham it Up, was published in the May 2012 issue of Oklahoma Living Magazine.

You can read the entire issue on the company's website (May 2012 issue, page 30-31) or just my story on my website. 

New Project!

As many of you know, I have been "dabbling" in HAM radio. My husband has been enjoying it for years, but when his vision started going, he was unable to drive himself to the meetings. SO, I started taking him. At first, I dropped him off and picked him up, but I finally decided I just as well find out what it was all about. So I started going to the meetings, too.

In December, I passed my Technician's license (KF5JFM) and in March, I passed my General. I am currently working on my Extra license. I enjoy teaching and writing, so I have been doing a newsletter for TRO, one of the groups I attend, and I hope to become a VE sometime in the future.

So, what's my new project? I'm thinking about starting an all-girls HAM event. The boys have a donut day every Friday. There is too much testosterone there for me and the donuts are fattening. I got talking with Cathy, another female amateur operator and friend of mine, and decided we needed a Panera Bread group. She said the boys would probably come after they found out how good it was. I said we'll give it a name that will keep them away! So, here it is: The Pink HAMsters! I even had a logo and Facebook Page made for us!

Now, all I have to do is figure out when we will meet and start "hamming it up" with the girls!

A HOT day of HAM Radio!

Today, my Ham Radio Club, TRO, did the communications for the Tour de Cure in Tulsa, OK. It was HOT!!

Tulsa Repeater Organization at Tour de Cure

Bill's radio was set wrong, so we had to share radios, but I did get to some "communicating." The biggest problem I had was remembering my Call Sign! I know I stumbled a lot, but it was good practice.
 

Glad to get home and back to writing. My husband likes to do these kind of events, but I don't like the heat, and I don't like just sitting around doing nothing, waiting for something to happen. I get bored easily! 

The next thing I'm going to do is go to a Field Day. Maybe I'll like DXing! 

My Other Life - HAM Radio Operator

Today, my husband, Bill, and I worked with our local Amateur Radio Club, Tulsa Repeater Organization, to do communications for the Maple Ridge Run. This was my first time to actually do any communications. I learned a little about keeping a log and I walked the run 3.3 miles with the Tactical name: Walker! (Couldn't make it 3rd round!) Here are some photos of the team:

TRO Communications Team

Me - Learning how to do the Log

Wiped out after 3.3 miles!

My Other Life - Ham Radio

One of my newest hobbies is Ham Radio (KF5JFM). I got into it because of my husband's interest and the fact that he is no longer able to drive because of his vision loss. I used to take him to the meetings and wait around until he was done. Then, one day, I decided to join them! So, I got my Technician's license in 2010; and in April, I got my General's license.

In January, I became the Public Relations Chair for the Tulsa Repeater Organization. A large part of my responsibility is the TRO Signal Newsletter. I enjoy using my writing skills for this super group of Ham operators.

Our big project right now is setting up our Ham Shack. I'll post some pictures as it develops!

73 KF5JFM