Hello all from Telford

[peds8045]

Just passed my RSGB foundation exam, c/s M7FFR. Recently purchased a Baofeng which ive been listening on for a week or so and couldn’t resist buying the new (ish) Quansheng. Just spent some time programming a bunch of stuff into the, from CHIRP.
I’m mainly listening on VHF/UHF and have been amazed at some of the place i listened in on, southern Germany and this afternoon there was a guy from St Kitts through a repeater. Still dont quite understand how the repeaters reach that far (is it an internet gateway?) but impressive all the same.

[Strawberry]

Hi from me, I'm Neil, new here too.
Well done passing the foundation ticket.
I think you're pretty lucky to not get given the 'M7FFS' call though.

I've got a couple of fengs myself. squelch is a bit annoying sometimes, there is a fix here but I haven't tried it myself yet.
https://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_Squelch.php

All the best and merry Christmas.

[lambrettadave]

Welcome to the forum

[DX-Digger]

Welcome to TM1 and congrats on your new callsign.
Yes the majority of repeaters both analogue and digital are internet linked.
However when conditions allow Germany and most western europe can be contacted on 2Mtrs
mainly on ssb and using beams. but it can be done.
so welcome to TM1 and welcome to your new ham radio adventure may you have a long and fun filled time.
73 26TM205
Merry Christmas