First licence, Radio Operator Class D (RO-D, SWL # OK1-30941), allowed to me technically to transmit on 2m bands, 10w output power over mainly (later I will update as I might not fully remember as it is 35+ years ago…) over FM repeaters under supervision of fully licensed operators using club station call (OK1OFA). Standalone I could listen on other bands to learn basics and get some passive experience, given available equipment.
![](https://www.ok1bpn.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/prijimac_80m-pionyr.jpg)
Above, the receiver picture, shall soon be replaced by my own photography. Thanks to Google image search courtesy.
In 1984, also during above Svazarm HAM camp, I did another step, Radio Operator Class C (RO-C), which adds the need to be tested about CW skills (40 characters/minute) and allowed me to transmit already also on 80m bands.
In 1985, surprisingly during another Svazarm HAM Summer camp, I made another 2 exams.
Independent Radio Operator Class B (SO-B) allowing me using club call sign already without supervision and also finally I can operate on all bands with the only limitation of maximum output power to 100w. I had to prove the CW receiving and sending ability of minimum of 60 characters per minute. Second exam, most importantly, was about Independent Radio Youth Operator Class C (OL-C), highest possible license for 15-19 years old Hams in Czechoslovakia at that time.
I got my first own call sign – OL1BPN.
Besides 2m bands and taking into account available equipment due to the courtesy of the club stations in my city (OK1OFA, OK1KPB and OK1KNG) I could be active on 160m. CW and maximum 10W only (license limitation). And occasional SWL on 80m band.
On 2m band (FM) I was using transceiver Boubin with GP antenna 12m above ground
![](https://www.ok1bpn.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/boubin_2m-1024x544.jpg)
On 160m band I was using transceiver Jizera with 80m long wire antenna about 12 meters above the ground, directing to the south-west direction. Yes, it was during the communist era but I did not mean it that way. Other directions were simply not feasible. I was happy to have
![](https://www.ok1bpn.cz/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/jizera-160m.jpg)
(Copyright by OK1UHU)