Hello everyone,My name is Jose Ortiz, callsign KJ5NES (Technician, just passed a couple of weeks ago – still feels unreal!).I recently joined BVARC and I’m really excited to be part of the club. I live up in Tomball (77375), so I’m a bit farther than most of the club’s activity seems to be centered. I’ve been trying to hit the main BVARC 2-meter repeater (146.940 – I think that’s the one?) with my 5-watt handheld (Yaesu VX-6) and so far I’m not having much luck.Any tips or tricks from folks who are also on the far edge of the coverage footprint? I know a better antenna is the obvious answer (which actually leads me to my next interest below), but I’d love to hear what has worked for others – external mobile mag-mount on a cookie sheet on the balcony, J-pole in the attic, etc.Longer term, I’m very eager to learn more and get on the air regularly. One of the things I’m most excited about right now is building my own antennas. I’d love to start with some simple 2-meter and 70 cm projects. If anyone in the club enjoys homebrewing antennas and wouldn’t mind a newbie tagging along or getting some guidance, I would really appreciate it. Happy to bring pizza and adult beverages as payment!Looking forward to checking in on a net soon (once I can actually reach the repeater) and eventually meeting many of you in person.73 and thanks in advance for any advice,Jose Ortiz KJ5NES – Tech Tomball. 207-604-9977 [email protected]
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