Biography

'm located in the mountains of Roanoke County, Virginia, where I'm usually found tinkering with electronics, computers, networking, Raspberry Pis, SDRs, and just about any gadget that catches my interest.

When I'm not on the air, I'm usually building something—whether it's a Home Assistant automation, an SDR project, an APRS gateway, a Raspberry Pi, or experimenting with new digital radio technologies. I enjoy combining Linux, Raspberry Pi, SDR, and networking with amateur radio to build practical stations and explore new technologies. For me, amateur radio is as much about building, learning, and experimenting as it is about making contacts.

My amateur radio interests continue to evolve, with a strong focus on digital communications. I've been spending a lot of time learning and experimenting with DMR using my Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus and my personal SkyBridge hotspot, while still enjoying local repeaters whenever I'm away from home.

Lately, I've also been exploring LoRa technologies, including MeshCore and LoRa APRS. It's fascinating to see what can be accomplished with low-power networking, and I'm always looking for new ways to experiment and learn.

APRS is where I spend most of my operating time. I operate a DigiPi-based APRS digipeater using a Raspberry Pi 4, DigiRig Mobile, and a Baofeng UV-5R, helping extend APRS coverage in my area. I'm also rediscovering my Kenwood TH-D7A with a fresh battery while learning the APRS and digipeater capabilities of the TIDRADIO TD-H9. Also loving the VGC VR-n76 and it's full BT KISS TNC. HT Commander is an excellent project to be used with these radios.

UPDATE- Have Graywolf working with an AIOC and a HT. Makes APRS messaging easier and having fun doing APRS OTA here - https://aprsota.org/KE4PIC

Beyond RF, I enjoy integrating amateur radio with computers and networking. Whether it's experimenting with APRS-IS, KISS over TCP, SDR applications, Raspberry Pi projects, or other digital technologies, I'm always looking for the next project to build or improve.

Amateur radio has always been about learning, experimenting, and sharing knowledge. If we've made contact, I'd appreciate it if you would confirm our QSO in the QRZ Logbook. Every confirmation helps with QRZ awards and is sincerely appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to hear you on the air!

73,

Frank (KE4PIC)

First licensed in July 1994
Remember, as a kid, my Dad (and Family) had a CB License - Callsign: KRI6431

Equipment

AnyTone_AT-D878UVII_PLUS
VGC_vr-n76
TIDRadio_TD-H9
Kenwood_TH-D7A
Yaesu_VX-7r
Baofeng_uv-5r
Baofeng_UV-22
ICOM_IC-281H
ICOM t21a

Radioditty_GM-30pro