Ralph Lavallee (KC1TLY)

How long have you been a Ham?

11 months (Licensed as Technician in Sept 2023 and upgraded to General in Jan 2024)

What mode(s) within Amateur Radio do you enjoy operating?

I am interested in HF, VHF, and UHF DX, focusing on logging foreign country HF contacts via SSB. I also enjoy Contesting QRP, POTA, Shortwave, and AM DX and making long-distance repeater contacts on VHF and UHF. I want to learn more about all digital modes.

Describe your involvement with GSARA.

Regular participant in GSARA nightly net, a regular participant in Wednesday morning Pressed Cafe meetings and Saturday morning Barn meetings, a regular participant in the field day and other "open to public" activities to promote amateur radio hobby, willing and able to promote the many benefits of GSARA membership

What is one piece of advice you would give a new Ham?

Don't be microphone shy, get involved ASAP in both on-air and in-person activities, don't stick to using just one repeater (i.e., "spread out"), upgrade to General ASAP, fully explore the DX possibilities of HF bands and get to know the world.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’ve been involved in radio as a hobby for over 60 years. I am an avid shortwave and medium wave DXer. I built general coverage communications receivers at the age of 10. I still have a collection of vintage communications receivers from the 1960s through the 1980s, along with an extensive paper QSL card and pennant collection. I also collect vintage audio/stereo equipment and enjoy high-definition internet radio. I still enjoy SWL and DXing to this day. I never fully appreciated my QTH site elevation until I got licensed as a ham. I should have gotten licensed 60 years ago, but it's better late than never!