challenge ideas brainstorming list

• get a radio. that's all, just own something considered a "ham radio". Know the manufacturer and model number, and what "bands" it can listen/receive on. Welcome aboard!

• Know your callsign and "license class". Be able to quickly report your callsign in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet. (I'm "Kilo Two Romeo November Alpha")

• receive something on your radio. Then receive something else. Many HT's ("walkie talkies", but we don't call them that) can receive weather-radio, or AM/FM commercial stations. Know how to turn on your radio, change to a frequency, and find something to hear, so you know it's operating properly.

• figure out whether your radio can be connected to a computer, for data, programming it, and/or audio. Connect it. Record some audio received on the radio with audio software on your computer.

• start a Log of your contacts and accomplishments somewhere on your computer. Update it with a note that you did this.

• tell two friends about hamchallenge. Mention it on a ham radio "net". (figure out what a "ham radio net" is, if you don't know)

• read up on "winlink email", and find out about automatic stations you can establish communications with all over the world, to send data to/from.

• listen to APRS messages go "squawk" on 2-meter FM at 144.390mhz. Find an app for your phone that can decode those messages.

• Send someone a message over APRS.

• Send yourself a tweet over APRS.

• Listen for WSPR beacons whistling on HF frequencies.

• Map out what WSPR beacons you can hear on the various bands during daylight vs. night

• Find a stranger on the message boards and arrange to transfer SSTV pictures over EchoLink, no radios needed.

• google for websites like "webSDR stations". Find one near you (or far away!) and see if it can hear YOU on your radio. What's the delay/latency? If it has a waterfall display, see if you can beep tones and then see them appear at the frequency and cadence you sent them.

• Build an antenna (roll-up J-pole, tape measure yagi, 10m dipole)
• General/Extra hams: cut an HF dipole (or EFHW) and make a QSO
• Make 5 contacts on QRP power
• Operate on battery power
• Tune into a W1AW code bulletin broadcast
• Make contact with W1AW, ISS
• Decode a SSTV transmission (20m, ISS downlink)
• Make a contact on 10m, 6m, 2m, 70cm
• Make a contact on FM and SSB
• Attend a hamfest
• Send your callsign (unassisted) in Morse code (either on radio or oscillator)
• Take a selfie with your Elmer, share on social media
• Participate in at least 3 different nets (VHF/UHF or HF)
• Send a radiogram to a ham radio friend
• Create a POTA account and work at least 10 different POTA stations [nice thing here is you just need to setup the account, you don't have to upload logs or anything]

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CHATGPT-generated ideas from the initial README:

• Set Up a Digital Mode Workstation: Start by setting up a digital mode workstation, including the necessary software (such as WSJT-X, Fldigi, or JTDX), a sound card interface, and connecting your transceiver to your computer. This will familiarize you with the basic requirements for operating digital modes.

• Decode PSK31 Conversations: PSK31 is a popular and efficient digital mode for text communication. Practice tuning into PSK31 frequencies and using software to decode conversations. This will help you understand how to adjust your setup for clear reception and transmission.

• Make a QSO Using FT8: FT8 is a fast-growing digital mode known for its weak-signal performance. Try making a contact (QSO) using FT8, which will teach you about timing, frequency selection, and automated communication protocols.

• Experiment with Slow Scan TV (SSTV): Transmit and receive images using SSTV modes. This will give you experience with a different aspect of digital communication and the nuances of sending visual data over the airwaves.

• Participate in a Digital Mode Net: Check for scheduled digital nets and participate in one. This will help you learn net protocols, improve your digital communication skills, and allow you to interact with other digital mode enthusiasts.

• Explore Digital Mobile Radio (DMR): If you have a DMR-capable radio, program it to access local repeaters or hotspots. This will introduce you to the world of digital voice communication and the use of talk groups and time slots.

• Try Out Winlink for Email Over Radio: Set up Winlink and send an email over radio waves. This task will teach you about radio email communication and how to operate when traditional internet services are unavailable.

• Operate in a Digital Contest: Participate in a digital mode-specific contest, such as the RTTY Roundup or the FT8 DX Contest. This will improve your operating speed, frequency agility, and logging accuracy under competitive conditions.

• Use APRS for Real-Time Position Reporting: Configure your station for Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) usage. This will help you understand packet radio and how it can be used for real-time position reporting and messaging.

• Experiment with Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR): Set up your station to transmit or receive WSPR signals. This mode is designed for probing potential propagation paths with low-power transmissions. It will give you insights into propagation conditions and antenna performance.