Tim Cates (KC1QDK)
How long have you been a Ham?
I got my technician license in 2021. I upgraded to General in 2022.
What mode(s) within Amateur Radio do you enjoy operating?
I love CW. I have been actively studying since I got my license, and I would like to continue on my CW journey. This spring, I activated my first POTA park using CW only, and it was one of the most rewarding things I have done in the hobby.
Describe your involvement with GSARA.
I am currently the Secretary for the GSARA and am loving being a member of the club. I have met some really great friends and have had a lot of adventures and fun with people in the club. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by such a great group of like-minded folks. We have a nightly net on our repeater, and I love getting together with them as a participant, or as an NCO and sharing our day with one another or something we have been working on or some tidbit of knowledge, we may not have otherwise known. In my life I have never met a better group of friends than the friends I have made in the club, I count them all as a blessing every day.
What is one piece of advice you would give a new Ham?
First and foremost, I would say, “Have fun.” This is a great hobby, and we all do this to have fun, so please be sure you are having fun. If you are not having fun, then you may be doing something wrong. Second, I would say take your time and do not let anyone discourage you from your goals.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
It is always good to be a light in the world; there is enough darkness all around us, and if you can be a light in a dark place…. Be that light and shine bright because the world needs more happiness and joy. Follow your dreams with an open mind and an enthusiastic heart, and there is nothing that you can not accomplish. Thank you all for being there for me and being friends and Elmers and lights and voices of truth and reason and always setting an excellent example for me and each other. Our time is our most valuable asset, and most of all, thank you for sharing it with me, looking forward to many more adventures and fun.