Congratulations on this terrific idea! I applaud helping new hams. This creates good will that will be remembered and passed on some day. John k1oe
Although the official deadline has passed, we do have a few Jumpstart packages lingering.. if you're in that 30 day window, go ahead and apply. They won't last long though. If you're not yet licensed, there's still time.. The Jumpstart program is not ending at this time, it will just be changing a bit.. Stay tuned for an announcement coming in the next few days. 73 Jaime
That is so generous of you (the sponsors). Because of this program, I decided to study and go for my license. I passed my test on Oct. 21 but unfortunately my application did not get registered with the FCC until yesterday. I paid the fee within 30 minute of notification but my callsign did not issue until overnight. I thought I had missed out on this program. I went ahead and applied for the radio this morning with the hope I might be lucky - and it looks like maybe I will be. Fingers crossed! This is a great program and just what I needed to get me started in the hobby. I really appreciate QRZ and GigaParts for sponsoring it.
I received the approval of my application and immediately went to GigParts to order the radio - the application and ordering were a very easy process. I am now anxiously awaiting delivery so I can make my first contact. Thank you again!
Coupled my QRZ-1 with a Diamond RH77CA flexible HT antenna. So far great results, although I have to say the stock rubber duck performs very well with this radio and is handy when I need something short and efficient. Even with the rubber duck I've had good reception on in multiple satellite repeaters from inside my house, which is pretty amazing! Likewise I've been able to hit repeaters 10 or more miles away just using the rubber duck. Can't wait to see how it performs with the Diamond.
I wanted to say thank you for this, the QRZ-1 is a MUCH better radio than the baofeng UV5R I was using. I've connected it to a N9TAX slim jim antenna with great results! thank you!
Agreed. I was using a UV5RA with mixed results. Can definitely say the QRZ-1 performs leaps and bounds above the Baofeng, which is now my backup radio. I thought of maybe donating the UV5R, but would sooner purchase a QRZ-1 for donation as it is a superior radio that provides a much better experience for new Hams like myself. Thank you again QRZ and GigaParts for this great program!
This is a great program! Please let me know if you plan on offering it again. I'm working on a project to bring new hams into the hobby through the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and funded by the ARDC. So far we've got 9 students in the inaugural first cohort and they'll be starting next month on their journey to get their technician's ticket. 73s de WB2IFS
