My FCC callsign is KO6GTO as of 2026. I’m learning how to use basic baufeng and quansheng handhelds, regional repeaters, and chasing magic Summits on the Air (SOTA) points.
Props to Ara N6ARA for introducing me to SOTA, Matt for first Chrip channel list, Chris N1CLC and SoCal SOTA for welcoming me among strangers, and the sota-na slack chat for helping me get started and stick with it in far away areas.
- QSOs – Contact logging
- QRZ feels like a standard enough to get started.
- Ham2k PoLo – Portable Logger app Android iOS
- ARRL’s LoTW is broken requiring custom local software to create account, deferred.
- Community
- Summits on the Air (SOTA) – Find geographical high points and make contacts for magic radio points.
- HamStudy.org – Free spaced repetition practice web and app for licenses.
- Ham Radio Crash Course ( HRCC )
- Los Angeles Area
- W6PCH – Los Angeles
- 1st Sunday at 2pm
- https://w6ka.net/ – Pasadena
- https://w6ka.net/ontheair.php#phonenet
- Tue at 7pm
- https://w6ka.net/ontheair.php#phonenet
- papa system repeaters
- W6PCH – Los Angeles
- Tutorials / Guides
- n1clc – managing qsos
- aaronpk / w7apk.com
- Radios
- Quansheng K1 – Most recommended 2026-07
- BaoFeng UV-82HP
- BaoFeng BF-F8HP
- Legacy models
- BaoFeng UV-5R
- Software
- North American Providers