In the Beginning

I was originally licensed in 1994 as a No Code Tech KB2RLK back in my days as a Radio Shack Computer Specialist. I had several customers who were hams, and we had just started selling the HTX202. It was a popular HT, but I couldn't afford one! With help from a few folks and the local club, my first radio was an ancient HT, looking a bit like an Icom IC-2HT, but without the detachable battery pack. Eventually, I got an HTX202, and then a 212 Mobile.

Then life happened.

In 1995, I ended up relocating from 2 to 8 land; ironically, as a direct result of visiting the Dayton area for HamVention. On the way out of Dayton, I dropped my resume off in Fletcher, Ohio (If you know the town, you know where this is.) By the time I got home, they wanted me to come back for an interview. I got the job, but couldn't afford to move. At this stage in my life, nearly homeless, and flat broke, one of my customers turned Elmers came through for me in a way I can never repay to make the move to greater Dayton possible.

A couple of years and an ex-wife later, I find myself in Cincinnati, again for a job. I met Tom (K8CLA) professionally, and hang out around 2M, but since I don't know many folks, I'm still not very active in HAM. My license expired in 2004.

In 2008, I started teaching college part time, and a few years later I meet into AG8GG (then W8OOO) as one of my students, who then turned college. Chris introduced me back into HAM radio; I never realized the code requirement had been dropped. I call Chris my RE-Elmer. With Chris' encouragement, I test again as a Technician, and am licensed as KE8BXG in 2015. This time, it Sticks! In 2016, I upgrade to General and pick my first Vanity Call, N2MMX: N2 to honor my original Elmer's, and the X as a nod to my Tech Call.

In 2020 I decided to study for the Extra upgrade, and then COVID hit. I was devastated that the question pool would change and there were no Local tests. Luckily, I find the GLAARG Remote VE sessions, and one is promoted on Reddit. I get a slot for Field Day weekend. I hadn't studied seriously in 3 months, and I test in 3 days!

Well, I did it! A few days later, N2CM became available as a vanity call. I pick that for a few reasons; My N2 Elmers, the M from my previous call, and the C has a few meanings. I'm Marc (not Mark!). On of my original Elmers was Jack; AC2D; He is the classic Gentleman HAM; the type of HAM I want to be.