Biography

Greetings! I'm a 20-year-old ham radio operator in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. I got my ham license in February 2023 when I was 19 years old. Some info about me, since I was a child, I've been fascinated by technology and how things work. While I struggled socially and making friends in school, computers and tinkering are my escape.

Feel free to also follow me on my instagram https://www.instagram.com/caleb_j176/ page and or check out my website: KC3VPB.COM

Well, I guess more info about me, I like of making contacts and POTA hunting, experimenting with digital modes, and ragchewing on said digital modes! I also love teaching new people this hobby as well. And again, I'm a total computer nerd. I love Linux, Raspberry Pis, network infrastructure, and much more.

Some Life Story Stuff:
In my early teens, I discovered shortwave radio through a YouTube channel called The Modern Rouge and was immediately captivated. I loved the idea of being able to communicate across the globe using just radio waves, though I didn't go for my license or into the hobby just yet.

Life got busy in high school and was builled a lot and never made much of any friends irl, developed social anxiety and other mental related anxiety stuff but I never lost my curiosity about ham radio. In 2023, I decided it was the year I'd finally go for my license. After months of studying, I passed my Technician exam in February, followed by taking the General Exam in May.


When I'm not on the radio, you can usually find me working on my other big passions - computers and technology. I'm completely self-taught and love playing with Linux, building networks, and tackling new projects to expand my skills. I love that ham radio merges my interests in communication and technology. It's the perfect hobby for continual learning.

QSL Info & QSL CARDS INFO:

I do not currently have physical QSL cards. I'm sorry about this but am looking into it. If you send a QSL card to me, it would be for my own collection and display. I may eventually send out QSL cards in the future, but please do not expect a return. I apologize for any inconvenience. Eventually, I want to get actual cards, but I have handwriting issues and need to consider other factors first.

For QSL, I QSL via LOTW, QRZCQ, Clublog soon once I figure it out and EQSL. I will log to QRZ sometimes, usually just automated from loggers.

Also let me be frank - it is no surprise that youth are not flocking to join radio when certain individuals within the community insist on gatekeeping and maintaining an air of superiority. These self-appointed guardians of the hobby seem to believe that they alone hold the keys to the kingdom of amateur radio, and that anyone who does not conform to their narrow-minded views is unworthy of participation.

If you need to contact me, feel free to message me on QRZCQ or email me.

Shortwave reports are always welcomed! Feel free to send me a message as well!

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

I've recently upgraded my station to include a Yaesu FT-710 Field radio. This radio is perfect for both base station and portable operations.

I'm also utilizing an End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) antenna setup. This antenna spans approximately 20-30 feet and is positioned to slope across my driveway, anchored between two trees. It provides me decent performance across multiple bands.

Furthermore, the vertical antenna I previously relied on has found a new purpose in my station. It now serves as a part of an RTL-SDR setup connected to a Linux server.

I've also joined into the world of Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). For my DMR setup, I am currently using the Retevis RT84 (HT). With a custom firmware mod that is loaded on it. It works great for my setup and needs.