What's a new website without a "Hello world!" post? This is a complete ground-up rebuild of ke8oir.com from a few years ago that I never really got off the ground. I've held onto the domain name, though, so here we go again!
As of the date of this post, my primary purpose is to stand up a fully-functional proof-of-concept on a new hosting provider on a low-risk website. As an active member of DIAL Radio Club here in Middletown, OH, I have a vested interest in the recently kicked-off efforts to build a new website (I'll update the link I've shared here when we go live with that one).
Since I do like to write and share my ideas, I think I may just start posting my Ham Radio specific tomfoolery here on this site. I have no intentions of monetizing this site, or ever making it into anything but an extension of a hobby that I really enjoy. That means I won't be going crazy with SEO ("Search Engine Optimization" for the uninitiated). You also shouldn't expect to ever see any ads creeping in on these pages.
By the end of 2026, it is my desire and intent to study and prepare for -as well as pass- the Amateur Extra license exam. I still have all the latest study materials I asked for last Christmas here on a filing cabinet right next to my desk here in my shack. The spiral-bound "ARRL Extra Class License Manual" is still wrapped in plastic...
I plan on a few topics trickling out over the next few months, as time allows:
- Reflection on my first year as primary NCO (Net Control Operator) for DIAL Radio Club.
- Thoughts on some of the public service events I've been a part of in 2025.
- My "journey" to getting an antenna tower installed here at our home.
- Documentation of the process of researching, purchasing, and implementing all the necessary bits and bobs to properly ground my shack.
- and much more!
As I write these articles, I will aim to speak in terms that someone just beginning their journey in Amateur Radio, or someone who is completely unfamiliar with it, will hopefully understand to some level. When I use acronyms, I will include what those acronyms stand for. When I use Ham jargon, I will also make every attempt to explain what I mean. It is my hope that as I share in person, on the air, or on this site what's on my mind with Ham Radio, that it will inspire others to do the same and that we can all get on the air.