Biography

I was always fascinated by radio communications. In the mid 60s I enjoyed my high school electronics class. I built a 5 watt audio amplifier that was fun to use with the music sources of the day. My next project was a All American 5 AM radio with no polarized AC plug that made it a 50/50 chance of buzzing yourself with the all metal chassis and one side of the AC input connected directly to it.

I was given a Hallicrafters SW-28 and used it to listen to hams and especially long distance SW broadcasts. I wish I still had that receiver even though I bet it worked better than I remember today!

By the late 60's Uncle Sam said he needed me and I told my USAF recruiter that he could have me for a few years if I could be guaranteed a job as a radio operator. The deal was struck and off I went to San Antonio, Texas for basic training and then Biloxi, Mississippi for communications technical school.

I passed my first hurdle by getting my Tech license in January 2017. I then passed my General Class examination in May 2017 and passed the Extra Class examination in January 2020.

I am a member of the Washington Digital Radio Enthusiasts amateur radio club where I enjoy DStar communications with both a Icom ID-31A, a Icom ID-51A and a the ID-52A.

I enjoy DSTAR where I can be found on Reflector 35C where you will find me as the net control station every Weds morning at 1500Z (09:00 PST)
I have a OpenSpot 1, OpenSpot 2 and a OpenSpot 4 PRO which is even easier to take portable with it's built in WiFi and BlueTooth capabilities.

I like FT8 and find the IC-7300 a perfect match. For Contesting and Special events I use my new IC-7610.

I have also found the combination of a SignaLink USB and my trusty Yaesu 857D to be a great matchup for portable work.

Speaking to FT8 I am only interested in exchanging call signs and signal reports and a QSL (RR or RR73) if that happens you go in my logbook. I am always happy to work you again, even if same mode and same band.

The bands are always different, maybe I have changed or tweaked my antenna, or the power is different and thus the exchanged signal reports are often interesting.

For recording QSOs I use LOTW, QRZ, eQSL and HRD Logbook. I use HRD to control both my Icom 7300 and ICOM 7610 in station or remote operations.

I love the integration of internet, computers, etc., into the hobby. Thanks to those who have developed these many formats and keeping HAM radio more alive than ever in spite of the threat of cell phones, internet and like forms of communication.

A special thanks to all the other hams out there who make this such a great hobby!

HAM radio is still unique, fun and there is always the anticipation of who is on the other end of a CQ call.

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

RADIOS

ICOM

ID-31A ID51 ID52A
IC-2730A
IC-737
IC-7000
IC-7300
IC-7610

YAESU

FT-7900
FT-857D

ANTENNAS

Hustler 6BTV 6 Band Vertical
Home Brew Fan Dipole for 40 and 20 meters
Diamond X50A
MFJ - 2389 8 Band Vertical
80 Meter 1/2 wave dipole
6 Meter 1/2 wave dipole
MFJ Octopus multi 8 Ham Stick antenna for POTA/SOTA

TUNERS

MFJ - 949E Versa Tuner II
AT2K - Palstar (QRO)
LDG - Z-100A

AMPLIFIER

Ameritron AL-80B (1 KW)

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NOTE: I have found the performance of the dual ham sticks antenna quite acceptable.

The ham sticks come in two pieces and could easily be stored in a 5 foot go bag.

I recently purchased the "Octopus" head for connecting 8 ham sticks to a single feed line. (MFJ-2104)

That makes it easy to set up in the field as you just choose which band sticks you wish to install, secure them into the antenna mount and raise the mast.