Paul Roy (N1OG)
How long have you been a Ham?
I was first licensed in February 2021, upgraded to General in March of 2021, and got my Extra in December 2023.
What mode(s) within Amateur Radio do you enjoy operating?
I really enjoy operating my ham radio equipment in different outdoor locations such as parks and mountains. When I first got into ham radio, I mostly used digital modes like FT8, JS8, VarAC, Winlink, SSTV, and all the modes in Fldigi. These days, I mostly operate using SSB phone, but I still use digital modes occasionally. I often say that "ham radio makes me feel dumb every day, and that's okay." There's always something new to learn in this hobby.
Describe your involvement with GSARA.
I vividly remember when I first obtained my technician license. I used my first handheld transceiver (Baofang UV-5x3) to experiment with the local repeaters. I made a few contacts on N1IMO with K1CA and the Hudson DMR repeater, but the most friendly and supportive repeater I found was N1QC. I joined right away, and attended field day that first year. Although I was too shy to get on the air, I really enjoyed the people and the club. In 2022, I volunteered to be a station captain for winter and summer field days, and I've never looked back. I enjoy being a member of the club and giving back in every way that I am able. When I obtained my general license, I also took the VE test to become an ARRL-accredited VE. Even as a general, I enjoyed assisting with exam sessions, and now that I am an Extra, I have taken on a more involved role in helping with VE sessions. I am proud to be a member of the GSARA.
What is one piece of advice you would give a new Ham?
The most important advice I can give to a new ham is to be patient. Be patient with yourself and don't be too hard on yourself. We were all new once. Have fun and find aspects of the hobby that interest you. Enjoy the learning journey that makes this hobby great. Have fun!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I'm a bit of a rough around the edges and often crass with my humor, but if you can get past that you may like some of my Youtube or X content. Here are the links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NovemberOneOscarGrouch
X: https://x.com/N1_OscarGrouch
If you are looking for some great ham radio discussions I'm a proud co-host of the Live Free and Ham podcast. Check that out here: https://www.youtube.com/@LiveFreeandHam.
