What use is an F-call?

This morning I made three QSO's, that is, three contacts with new stations. People who keyed their microphone for the very first time. The thing is, there is nothing to distinguish them from other amateurs, they sound alike, their call-sign comes out the way you expect it. The only challenge for one of the stations was that they were having some minor issues with their transceiver - they were able to hear me, but I wasn't quite able to catch them.

I'd forgotten what the thrill was like to have such a contact and it reminded me of my first on-air interaction.

Unfortunately I forgot to write down, actually more accurately, I didn't know to, write down the details. All I can say is that it was on the National Field Day in 2011. I'd put together my first HF antenna - in fact, it's my current HF antenna - it works very well for me - and I was sitting in a park with other amateurs and I made my first contact.

I spoke with a Japanese station on 15m. We exchanged a signal report and everything worked as expected.

These three contacts today reminded me of the thrill that I experienced then.

If for no other reason than the thrill, get on air and talk to other amateurs, share your experience, exchange call signs and remember to make a record of your contact, you'll treasure it at some time in the future.

I'm Onno VK6FLAB