About
I began my ham radio journey in August 2024, when I received my novice license. Initially, I planned to study for Germany’s newly introduced N-class license, which is similar to the US Technician license and restricts operation to the 10m, 2m, and 70cm bands with a maximum of 10W EIRP. However, I soon realized that it would be more worthwhile to go straight for the proper novice class license (Class E). I continued my studies and passed the exam in August 2024. With my callsign DO8PHK, I was then able to operate on 160m, 80m, 15m, 10m, as well as VHF (2m) and UHF (70cm).
During a short stay in Belgium, I had the opportunity to use the 20m and 40m bands with my novice license. This experience immediately convinced me of the advantages of a full CEPT Class license (German Class A). As an avid POTA operator, I quickly learned that 20m and 40m are the most popular bands for activations — even more so now, at the peak of the current solar cycle.
Motivated by this, I set my sights on the full CEPT exam and successfully passed it in March 2025, seven months after my first exam.
As mentioned, my main passion is activating and hunting POTA parks. At my home QTH, I have to deal with significant QRM, so I mostly operate digital modes from there.
My ham radio adventure is still in its early days. The next big milestone for me will be learning CW.