First HT

Dear Friend & Neighbor Gary W. (N7NUU) loaned me a Yaesu FT-23R.  I found the operating manual online.  (Click here to access it.)  Ironically, the day I rec'd my call sign, I also rec'd my first HAM equipment purchase in the mail.  It's a MJF-1714 2-meter antenna called the "Long Ranger."  I have yet to make my first transmission on the Yaesu (or any other radio, for that matter).  My wife and I served for many years as USDA Forest Service volunteers.  We logged over 4,000 total official hours each from 2001-2007.  From 2004-2007, we served at the remote Bowery Guard Station on Idaho's East Fork of the Salmon River.  We were issued a Forest Service handheld radio and taught to use it very sparingly.  As a result of using that USFS radio, we have been ingrained to only use the radio when we have a very specific need and purpose for using it.  Consequently, I have a built-in reticence to use this Yaesu until I am thoroughly conversant in its operation AND have a specific reason for wanting to key the PTT button.  At this point, I really don't feel at all comfortable using the Yaesu since I don't know HAM etiquette yet. Hopefully, that will change soon.