About six weeks later, with the generous help of Ed O'Donnell K2YJE, I had devoured the theory. And with the help of code cassette tapes from the ARRL, I had mastered the code, too! On the big night of our exam, we were given a "practice" code test to help ease our jittered nerves. The psychology worked as the entire class passed the "practice" exam with flying colors!
Six to eight weeks later in December of 1978, that precious piece of paper came from the FCC. My call was KA2DOH. Even though I got my license in 1978, my first contact didn't come until January 29, 1979. I had to first build that all important Novice station which consisted of a Drake 2-NT transmitter and a Heathkit HR-1680 receiver, which I had built all by myself. The antenna was a simple random wire. That station brought many hours of joy; and more importantly, many hours of experience and learning that you just can't seem to get quite as easily today.
I've never forgotten that Novice course that got me over the hump and got me licensed. Throughout the years, I have taught many Novice and Technician classes as a way of giving back a little of the tremendous gift that was given to me.
73 de Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!