I let my membership expire after they unilaterally cancelled my paper QST. I’m still mad about that, and the steady trickle of other news doesn’t make me want to go back.

Hopefully someone or some other business will buy them. Hate to see them go.

For POTA contacts I’d just fix it.

In a contest that would be cheating.

Some clubs meet in person and on zoom simultaneously, does your local one? I’d get in contact with them anyway, someone might have a loaner rig you can use to get on the air and see what interests you the most.

Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air are popular an a lot of fun, but you’d need a radio first.

With some basic tools you could build your own radio from a kit.

I’d get an SSB capable radio unless you’re only interested in FSK modes.

I’m excited to see the new digital modes people bring to ham radio, or invent.

Every time I go out and play radio, I think of a new reason I really need a KH1.

It’s pretty easy to create it if you want it. I’ve made a few communities 🤷‍♂️

Do you really want to run JS8call? JS8Call and the Fundamental Problem with EmComm in Amateur Radio: Why I stopped using JS8 and why I think you should too.

No time for contesting? You can just put in a casual effort, an hour or two as you’re able to. Or focus on sprints.

I prefer contests and that kind of contact. SOTA/POTA is generally short and sweet QSOs.

Receiving CW is definitely harder than sending!

I’d recommend you keep listening to the bands. Over time you’ll be able to pick out more and more. Then one day you’ll listen to an over and just understand it, and it will be magical.