I just heard from Tom who called from the Communications Commission office. My license has been amended to include SSB phone operation and code telegraphy! So wasting no time, I scanned through the 20 meter band and heard YB0DJ calling from Indonesia. I waded through a shallow pile-up and responded. Erwin Komala sent through a strong signal, 5 X 9 and gave me the same report.

I am always skeptical that a new installation will work and work well. My antenna was cut down to fit in a suitcase, and the reassembly is not exactly factory specs. I did have to splice the feedline, and my radio is a new-fangled rig with, gasp!, transistors not vacuum tubes. But it seems to work in spite of solid state design. ): YB0DJ is confirmation those metal things that don't glow actually do work.

I also made two more QSO's - ON4DRX in western Belgium and 9H1VC/KH0 working mobile from Malta, a member of the Equestrian Knights of Jerusalem. Lots of fun!

I ordered QSL cards from http://www.Vistaprint.com. They are an on-line printing company who can supply several kinds of printed matter for a very low price. You can upload your own design or use one of their many, many stock designs. They offer frequent sales, but even their regular prices are very reasonable. I found one in their library just perfect for East Africa. Take a look:

Get one of your own! Find me on the air, usually on 20 meters around 1500 UTC and 0400 UTC.