Biography

Dear friends,

I have been a shortwave listener (SWL) since 1978, starting at the age of 12. My first time on the air was on the evening of January 26, 1981. Back then, the novice license only permitted CW usage and allowed a maximum output of 15 watts on the HF bands (LB was a novice license). My first QSO was with DL5JP on 40 meters at 20:05 UTC. On my 16th birthday in September 1981, I received my new callsign, LA5EBA, as a Class-A license holder. After 27 years with LA5EBA, I was granted permission to use my old "vanity" callsign again on October 17, 2008, while retaining full privileges.

I completed radio officer training at the age of 17 and received a Radio Officer 2nd class certificate on my 18th birthday. After a year at sea, I advanced to 1st class. My career has included serving as a radio operator on the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel "Senja" and in the Army. I also worked for several years as a radio operator at the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, managing daily communications with Norwegian embassies in approximately 40 countries. Later, I served as a radio technician for the same employer, handling communications for embassies both domestically and internationally. In total, I have visited 77 UN countries.

Now, at 59, I work as a Radio Surveyor, inspecting GMDSS installations on ships and conducting practical examinations for new ROC and GOC candidates (maritime certificates).

To date, I have pursued DX without using a beam, confirming 329 DXCCs and logging 2,542 slots for the Challenge. I am active almost daily, despite working every weekday. I operate on all HF bands, with 99% of my activity in CW, mostly engaging in ragchewing, and occasionally seeking a new slot or DXCC. I enjoy using my 9A5N Single lever, Begali Paddle, J36 Chrome, and Vibroplex Deluxe Bugs, and sometimes I use a straight key. Although I own a microphone, it is rarely used—HI!

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

Rig:
Yaesu FTDX5000MP
ACOM 1000 (1kW amp)

Antenna system:
Balanced LL-Tuner designed by PA0LL
Doublet: 2 x 41 meter (2 x 135 ft) - up abt 20M (65 ft)
Vertical for 10 and 12M
Separate RX antenna: 60-70 meters of "Bog / Bev" with a 9:1 balun.
Separate RX antenna: 18M vertical Spiderbeam Pole with a 9:1 balun.

Keyers:
9A5N Solid State CW Paddle - Single lever
Begali Magnetic Classic
I1QOD J36 Chrome Bug
Vibroplex Deluxe Bug
Straight key

...and more...