Biography

First qualified for a License way back in...1994/1995 (I think...it was that long ago memory might not serve me correctly!). I qualified with the old City and Guilds style RAE course (C&G RAE 7650 if i remember correctly). I dabbled for a year or two (I think!) a that time. Then. Life took over (as it does!). Met someone, Had children. No disposable income due to children and partner at that time. (LOL!) Broke up...Kinda divorced (even though we werent married it felt like a messy divorce breaking up). Lets come forward 3 decades or thereabouts. Settled. Children are older. Have a decent long term partner. This time though I have a lil more income to spend but obviously not an unlimited supply of free cash. So decided VERY recently to reactivate my ham license. Now at present, I dont have ANY equipment, apart from an Icom VHF/UHF handheld (IC-32E). Not heard much on it, but thats probably down to the simple fact that theres no close range contacts in my immediate area. Either that or this damn radios shot! lol.

I do want to change my status and presence on the bands though! Im currently keeping an eye out on budget HF equipment and aerials. Time and expense will be a governing factor. But when I was operating all that time back - I was using a second hand Belcom Liner 2. Now that IS an old rig. I dont have it any more obviously. Actually I dont know where that blooming thing disappeared to. I have a suspicious feeling my old man at the time got rid of it without my consent or lost it in between leaving home and getting my own place. So for now, Im just gonna have to look from the outside, through the window, until Im able to gather up some equipment and get a station set up that will allow me getting back on the bands once more.

Anyway for now, Ill say 73's. Happy DX'ing and hope to join you all very soon!

P.S. Anyone in IO79NL grid area...gimme a shout if ya might have some cheap gear going! LOL. Details are of course, on my profile if you wanna contact by traditional modern methods!

Equipment

Icom IC-32E VHF/UHF HT
Kenwood TS-680S