Biography

I have been a licensed Ham since 1971 and in that time have been privileged to share the extensive technical aspects of the hobby with two other local Hams (Gi3YDH/Gi3XHL).
Regretfully Noel (Gi3XHL) became 'silent key' a few years ago but his devoted love of the hobby remains in memory.

In our time together we devoted many hours to the rebuilding of old valve operated equipment and to experimenting around with various types of antennas from wire to beam. In the end we settled for a home-brew two-element cubical quad which over the years gave access to dx stations previously unheard of including Pitcairn Island wherein we became radio friends with Tom Christian himself (VR6TC). This antenna plus many hours of operating provided us with the necessary QSL contacts to apply for and achieve the awards DXCC and CQDX - both of which adorn our shacks with pride.

Over my life I have moved QTH on a number of occasions and since the year 2000 have been resident in a little 18th century gate-lodge which fronts one of the oldest 2-acre monastic grave-sites in Ireland.

I am still a sound devotee of my ham radio hobby albeit for various reasons I am not as active as in previous years. I regard the day I was awarded my license as one of personal pride and will continue to so do.

Equipment

Main Equipment: Yaesu FTdx-5000 with SM-5000 monitor.
Linear Amp: SPE Expert 1K-FA solid state
Antenna: Carolina Windom at full height and width