Biography

First licensed in 1960 at age 13 with my current call K8CJM. Active on 2 meters and some HF until 1982 when I was too busy to devote time to Ham radio and when I did have time, family did not like me heading to the basement hamshack. As my work schedule changed - now working half time - I resumed activity. For years I looked for a good way to operate remote so that I could still operate my radio while spending time tight my family. Now my 2 girls have their own families (both within 10 minutes of my home) and I spend time with my wife. We can go to our library where I can read and monitor digital HF and still have time to talk to each other.

My remote setup is fairly simple consisting of Yaesu FT 991A, HyGain AV680 - 6 meter to 80 meter vertical- so I can change bands without any antenna change or tuner. I have Ameriitron ALS-1306 mainly for SSB.

My remote initially was a Rasp pi, but I found a miniPC (BeeLink) was only slightly more expensive and just worked better for my remote. I use Jump Desktop for the remote connection to the PC - works great from any PC, Mac, iPhone and iPad. Software is FlRig, FlDigi, JS8 call, WSJT-x, Vara Fm to use with Winlink, VaraC, and mumble for SSB voice remote.

My preferred digital mode is JS8 Call. Similar modulation scheme (weak signal) to FT8 (and FT4) but allows text QSO’s. In addition to text, allows message store and forward, text relay via any station that can hear you and your destination station (makes an ad hoc network - could be essential in certain EmComm situations.

I also operate FT8 (mainly to check band openings and propagation), PSK-31 and Olivia (or other modes that send RSID to FlDigi.

I am currently a semi retired physician. Operate infrequently from work if there is a gap in the schedule. Nice break at times.

Hope to see you on the air.

73 Bruce
K8CJM