Biography

I am originally from Gravesend, Kent (UK) – I am now retired and live with my wife in a small village called Llanharan which is an old mining community, near Llantrisant – South Wales - UK.

​I originally obtained my interest in radio from my Dad who was a wireless (CW) operator in WWII flying in Lancaster Bombers.

​I was a Short Wave Listener (SWL) for many years smuggling a de-tuned MW Transistor Radio into school to listen to local skeds on 160 meters which included G5VZ – Bill5, G4XF - Bill4, G3GAX – Mac, G3EGJ – Reg, G3YUP – Norman, G3OXH – Keith etc. – not to mention the ‘Pirates’ nattering away just above 2 MHz at the weekend !!!

​I took the City & Guilds Radio Amateurs Examination in 1974 and passed the PO Morse test soon after – Morse tuition was provided by Dave Lawley – G4BUO and Reg Holland – G3BPE (SK)

I received my ‘Class A’ licence G4DVB on the 7th February 1975

​I was member of Gravesend Amateur Radio Society which used to meet in a smokey back room of the Windmill Pub – Gravesend – G3HLF (SK), G2TN (SK) , G8GGP / M0AFJ, G3OXH (SK), G4BUO, G4CHL, G4DSN (SK) , G3ZQF, G3YUP, G4ALD, G4BCH, G4FJW.. to name a few.

I am a member of Aberkenfig Radio Club which meets every Thursday evening at the The Talbot Community Centre - Kenfig Hill.

My station currently comprises the Yaesu FTDX101D SDR Transceiver, KPA500 Linear Amplifier feeding either a Ciro Baby Loop mounted 2.5 m off the ground, OCFD or a 142 ft wire matched via a 4:1 Un-Un.

​I use a Yaesu FT-991A on 2 m and 70 cms - I also use it combined with a 10 metre (fishing rod) Vertical antenna with radials for the occasional Vacation DXpedition.

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment