Final week, we recorded an episode of the Ham Radio Workbench podcast. Our fundamental subject was Winter Discipline Day, however we additionally mentioned our plans for 2025—not simply workbench initiatives however our total objectives and what’s on the calendar.
Currently, I’ve been so targeted on the current and speedy future (checking out post-storm property repairs, and so forth.) that I hadn’t actually taken the time to consider our larger plans.
I could tweak this checklist over time, however right here’s what’s on my thoughts thus far:
Initiatives:
- A correct, thorough shack purge: I really want to chop plenty of the detritus out of my QTH radio area.
- Attend not less than 4 hamfests with N3CZ as distributors to assist accomplish the primary level!
- Use PSK-31 and different digital modes extra regularly.
- Lastly construct that QCX+!
- Develop our Swannanoa Valley GMRS community and develop the person base by public info periods.
- Spend extra time QRPp and experiment with antenna selections: I do love enjoying radio with one watt or much less!
The place I plan to go:
- The Charlotte Hamfest
- RARSfest (timing for this one is at all times difficult for me, however I’ll do my finest!)
- 4 Days in Could
- Hamvention 2025 (I’ll be on the Ham Radio Workbench desk with the crew)
- A multi-week household journey this summer season (presumably a highway journey or one thing additional afield by air—all of it relies on my daughters’ summer season research schedule).
- WCARS Hamfest (if we’re within the nation)
- The W4 SOTA Fall Campout
I’d like to attend Ozarkcon, however that weekend is a troublesome one—maybe if I skip RARSfest, I may make it. I’d additionally like to attend the Huntsville Hamfest, however I believe it’ll battle with college move-in dates for my daughters.
A real bucket checklist merchandise is Messe Friedrichshafen, however sadly, the date this yr conflicts with one other dedication.
What I’m wanting ahead to:
- Trying out the brand new Yaesu FTX-1F (I paid to order one with DX Engineering)
- Ham Radio Workbenches On The Air (coming in March—particulars can be introduced quickly on the HRWB web site).
- Getting again into SOTA (Hurricane Helene actually set me again right here)
- Taking my classic Swiss Military Rucksack to the sector!
- Extra tenting! Relying on the automotive we select to exchange the Subaru Forester, I could or could not get to make use of my superior C6 rooftop tent
I could add extra to this checklist, however you may discover there are not any numerical objectives—for instance, particular targets for POTA or SOTA activations. This yr, we’re nonetheless specializing in getting again on our ft. Possibly subsequent yr, I’ll set objectives in that regard.
You may also discover that I don’t have any lively aim of rising my YouTube channel’s subscriber base. Certainly, I by no means have. Actually, my philosophy has at all times been that individuals who get pleasure from my channel will discover it organically. What makes my channel so enjoyable for me just isn’t worrying about subscriber numbers, channel metrics, or stats.
Following the YouTube algorithm usually results in stress, clickbait, and compromising one’s imaginative and prescient. It additionally creates a sure sameness amongst channels, which I’m simply not eager about. I like the group round my channel and am comfortable to let it develop naturally.
Thanks for making this QRPer group such a tremendous one!
I’d love to listen to what your plans and initiatives are for this yr. Please remark under!
