Biography

John first became interested in the Commercial DX Broadcast bands when he was only 10 years old. His bedroom was often 'enhanced' by wire aerials he had manufactured himself, often leading to the metal window frame!

After reaching college, and meeting fellow student G8TMA, John became very interested in the HAM bands, especially at VHF. During his finals he tried to pass his Amateur Exams, but the task was just a bit too much to manage. He passed his college course (!!!) but had to wait another 5 years before spare time and a local HAM course coincided.

Armed with a new callsign (a new G1) he was sent to Germany to work alongside members of the 14th Signal Regt. (The Royal Signals) as a civilian Instructor. Before too long, and with his father's help & encouragement (now G0LZF) John took and passed his CW exam & became the holder of a full 'A' licence in the UK. This meant his German callsign was changed again, eventually becoming DA1JU - which ran for several years in his name.

All that finished in September 1989, when John & his young family returned to the UK.

Retired from teaching, John is now looking forward to getting on the air a lot more. Perhaps he will have a chance to work you in the future?

Rig is a Yaesu FT-2000 at 400W into an end-fed dipole at 6m asl, using a Heil HC6 insert.

John is a member of: RSGB / ARRL / RSARS / UK 6 Metre Group

John became the editor of UK Six Metre News in May 2018 ~ a quarterly publication for members interested in the 'Magic Band'.

Hamshack Hotline: Shack = 24064 + Main House = 24043

Worked DXCCs: