What, as you remember it, was your finest moment as a ham?

[W9MBT]

I'd have to say that getting my general class license and getting to work HF after many years of other interests was my finest moment as a ham.

Getting my novice and technician licenses in the early 60s were both right up there too. Ham radio was still kind of a "gee whiz" thing back then when many of us were so fascinated listening to hams and SW stations on the old multi band radios in the 50s or earlier.

[KA9MOT]

I picked "Other". My finest moment was the day I opened my mail and found my very first pink slip from the OO. I still get a tingle when a new one comes.

[N7GH]

I still remember that 1973 first contact as a Novice (WB7BUG). If I had the same experience now, I'd probably have a stroke or heart attack! Heart racing, brain scrambling to catch each character, hoping not to hear that insult of all insults come back... "lid". I worked my first at about 10 WPM, and copied it frantically, but enough to carry on the conversation--14 yo, in the dark of my father's warehouse upper loft, dipole made from surplus 10 guage house wiring strug through the rafters, brass pounder, HW101, and my little box of 4 40M crystals. Good days!

[WA6TKD]

Working and then receiving a QSL card from ARRL from here on the west coast on 40M CW. Don't know why it seemed to be a big deal to me at the time, I was never a member.

[K3ROJ]

My first Morse Code contact on 40 meters using a BC610 transmitter and R390 receiver at Fort Gordons ham radio club station W4MJI in 1960. Was so nervous that the J38 key was sliding off the table.

[KB3LAZ]

I voted for other but I dont think I can pin it down to one moment. If I have to pick what is the finest for me overall it would be the memories made with my grandfather via the hobby. The trips we have taken together to meet other hams, the things I have learned from him, the time spent with him fixing equipment, building antennas, going to hamfests, etc. For me it is all about the memories created with my friends and family.

Another moment that I must say I found rather enjoyable was teaching two of my cousins about the hobby. Helping them study, build their stations, taking them to hamfests and helping them pick out their first stations. Helping them build their first antennas. Answering their questions when they are stuck. Things of this nature.

There are many fine moments produced by this hobby for me. Too many to narrow it down to one. Learning, teaching, and memories created. That is my answer.

[W8GP]

I've had many fine moments and hope to have many more, but my favorite was earning WAS on 160M with only 5 watts. Listening to KH6 creep up out of the noise and then hearing my call sign come back is something I'll remember forever.

[K7IOA]

my pushup pole and tribander actually working after it went through it's first big wind/rain event.

[W8NF]

Elmering a newly-licensed ham through his first QSO (40 CW - 2 meter FM was only just beginning at the time). He was thrilled. I was even more thrilled. It was more exciting to me than my own first QSO about five years earlier.

[K9ASE]

I don't think the finest has happened yet. But, the proudest has been passing the extra exam after all of the studying.