Biography

I was a Radio Officer (R/O) at Portishead Radio (GKA) for approx. 18 Months during 1980/81.

I was a sea-going R/O on Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers for approx. 6 Years after leaving GKA.

I got my full amateur radio license in 1989.

But family and work commitments meant that I only got on the air in August 2020.

I now try to get on the air daily but I ONLY work HF and ONLY CW.

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

My station comprises of:

Radio: Kenwood TS-870
Kenwood TS-570D
Alinco DX70 + EDX-2

Power is set to approx 100W

Antenna is an End Fed Halfwave long wire covering 40-10 metres

Separate Ant for the Alinco TX/RX is long wire (random)

I use old school S.G. Brown headphones (these are high impedance and need a matching transformer) because I find they fit well and give me an optimum CW output.

Keys:
I have several keys, but that via a homebrew switch box will key any of the 3 radios.

I am a big fan of the Samson ETM keyers and have several. I used the ETM-3C whilst at GKA and at sea. I always have one that is selectable via my switch box, along with the Samson ETM-SQ (double paddle) keyer, straight key and a Vibroplex bug (Racer) that I have been gaining proficiency with.

For logging software, I used Ham Radio Deluxe for several years, but have migrated over to the LOG4OM2 program. Cat cable support works fine with both of the Kenwoods.

For QSL, I use the main logging program and auto feed upto QRZ.com and eQSL - I do not do QSL cards.

I also have a portable setup:
Xiegu G90 TX/RX which will output up to 20W and has a great built-in keyer
I have another set of S.G. Brown headphones
Power source is from a LiFEPO4 battery
Key is either a Bencher or Vibroplex double paddle.
Ant is either an EFHW or Diamond BB7V vertical,