Biography

Hello Everyone

I started in amateur radio with my father (also a HAM and regrettably an SK) in 1968 while I was in high school. I've been mostly idle due to life demands such as moving, raising children, college and many other life experiences. I'm a retired Registered Nurse from the State of Florida prison system. My shack consists of a FT-2000 / Yaesu Quadra going into a 3 element 5 band Cubex Quad (in the picture) or Force 12 Delta 4SXL or a multi-band inverted vee or a butternut HF9V vertical. I've always wanted to do some portable work since working on the beach in Naples, Florida in the late 80's and making some terrific dx contacts from my mobile rig. Currently, I purchased and using an FT897D and a buddipole for my portable work. Many visits to various islands are planned. My next adventure will be doing digital modes while on an island. I return every QSO's via eQSL, ClubLog, HRD Logor LOTW. EQSL is my favorite because of the speed of exchange (Instantaneous) and cost effective (cheap). All QSO's are confirmed immediately with a QSL card from eQSL (tnx to HRD) except when doing "FUNXPEDITIONS" which will be processed ASAP. Below is a picture of my 3 lovely pet babies: Sis (top), Scooter (lower left) and Skunk (lower right) which are also displayed on my eQSL and HRD LOGcard. If you hear me on the air working CW, I hope to work you but please be patient. I'm very rusty but I will persevere. My XYL (KD4STW) and I also enjoy working portable from various inter-coastal islands. If you are a county hunter, the county my base station is in (Hamilton) is considered one of the hardest counties to work in Florida because of only a few amateurs are active from Hamilton county, Florida.

I'm glad to exchange QSL cards now that I'm finished with remodeling/repairng my entire house due to defective drywall. I prefer QSLing via eQSL, ClubLog, HRD Log or LOTW. Here are the instructions for QSLing direct:

1.For direct QSLing send a SASE or if outside the USA send a self addressed envelope with 2 USD to cover the cost of postage.

2. NO RETURN SASE OR SAE PLUS $2 FOR OUTSIDE THE USA, NO RETURN QSL CARD SORRY!

3. If you use the bureau, don't plan on a return QSL card fora couple of years. It's a slow, slow process.

4. If you sent a QSL to me via the bureau and haven't received a return QSL, be patience because I do bureau QSL cards after I get a bunch of them due to the cost by the ARRL and the postal service.

All bureau QSL cards received as of 2/1/2012 have been returned via the bureau. If you don't receive your card within 2 years, please let me know and I will send you out another card.

Equipment

Transceiver:
Yaesu FT-897D

Amplifier:

Antennas: Butternut HF9-v vertical
Buddipole for portable work

Computer: HP Pavillon Elite

Computer
Software: Ham Radio Deluxe Suite w/ DM-780