Changing Seasons. Read the post script.

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 One of my goals over the last year was to crack the Top 25 activity position for the RBN Network.  I got close - back in September as low as position 28.   This equates to being 'active' ie spotted by the RBN network on as many bands and as many hours as possible in a each 24 hour period.   

I cracked the Top 50 in December 2024, and was Amazed.   7 months later I cracked the Top 30 in July, averaging 8.9 hours with at least 1 RBN spot each day for the last 356 days.  I got to #28 but I don't remember taking a screenshot so sharing #29.  



Its a small thing, and I was able to "game the game" as they say.  It filled the time, gave me something to do in my off hours.   Notice this doesn't mean I was active for a solid 9 hours a day.  I could call CQ right before the top of the hour, get spotted by RBN, change bands, and continue calling a a few minutes right after the hour changed.  2 hours credit for 5 minutes of work hi hi. 

And I've been active mostly CW since 2022.   I've also set up my own Spotter (WX7V/5) on the RBN Network and donate annually.   

Since getting my license in 2020,  I've logged18,891 QSOs as of today, and 9,236 confirmed via LoTW.   I have made many friends and created a lifetime of memories, and sent/received 2 boxes full of QSL Cards.  I've also made the DXCC Award with separate endorsements Digital, CW, and finally SSB, which will qualify me for the new DXCC Trident Award should I choose to submit for it. 

In 2026, I will be retired from the phone company after 35 years (first with MCI, now with Verizon).   I hope to spend time getting back into coding and testing - something I haven't done much of in the past 20 of those 35 years.   Python, C# and many advances in AI make for some great opportunities in ham radio which I'm happy to contribute from an open source perspective!  


Chris, WX7V.


PS - I also want to share these pics in memory of my late daughter, who I will always love and miss terribly.  She was funny, quirky, nerdy, loud and proud, athletic and resourceful.  She excelled at everything she set out to do.   She inspired me to be a better person, a cool dad, and king of the nerds in my own way.   

She thought ham radio, and morse code was perfect for me.   Anytime I'd go out to activate, she'd call and ask how many I got and if I got any cool contacts.  She always made things better.  She was as proud of me as I was of her.  I took my radio on all the family vacations, so that I had something to do  early in the mornings while everyone slept, or after dinner when the girls wanted to go out.

I haven't had the heart to get out and activate again yet, but I know I'll do it soon.  Seasons change, life evolves.  We're learning to live without her.  This post is in memory of her - Yes, the girl, my daughter who I'm still trying to impress .  I love her and her mother (and my own YXL) deeply and completely.  








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