Biography

Licenced since 1991 I always aim to research and investigate new digital modes.

I'm mostly active on FT8, JT65 and APRS, as well as DMR and D-STAR for voice contacts.

Best ways to contact me are by email or via D-STAR through LU3AOC-B gateway and repeater on 434.950 Mhz in Buenos Aires area.

QSL cards are welcome and aswered by Bureau and LoTW.

What is in my station?

My main rig is a FlexRadio Systems 6500 controlled with the FlexRadio Systems Maestro. I use the Icom IC-9100 mostly for VHF and UHF (specially for digital modes: D-STAR, FT8 and JT65). Sometimes I need a little bit of "help" from the ACOM 600S.

I have a lot of fun scanning and hearing any frequency and for that I use a bunch of SDR receivers: RF Space NetSDR + with the upconverter, RF Space SDR-IQ and an AirSpy with downconverter. I also have the ol' good Uniden Home Patrol with the software expansion.

On APRS I run a Igate/Digi on APRS in 144.930 Mhz. where the tranceiver (a Yaesu FT-1500) is installed at the Palacio Barolo in Buenos Aires (120Mts AGL) along with a Kantronics KPC3 Plus TNC controlled over a 5.8 Ghz link by the incredible Jaeger Standalone APRS I-GATE R2.

I use to keep almost all my old HT, so as you can see there are classics like the Yaesu FT-411 and FT-470 along with a Kenwood TH-78. All of them are working in excellent conditions. As I like digital modes I have an Icom ID-51 for daily use and a Kenwood TH-D74 for D-STAR and APRS (mostly used on weekends). There is also a TYT MD-380 because I've started to play with DMR.

To hear I use a Bose SoundLink II and a Bose Quiet Comfort 25.

My favorite mic is the ElectroVoice RE-27 wich is only connected to the Flex. Sometimes I use a Rode NT-1 just to having fun on AM.
The antennas are: 3 elements Yagi for 20, 15 and 10 meters. A wonderful Double Bazooka (inverted V) for 3.5 and 7 MHz.

On VHF and UHF I always trust on Diamond, I have a X-700N and a X-510.

For the recievers on VHF and above, I use an Icom AH-7000 discone.

The Timewave ANC-4 noise canceller noise antenna input is feeded by a homebrew end feed antenna wich is shared with the SDR receivers for HF bands.

73 y DX de Gaston

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

FlexRadio Systems Flex-6500 - HF Transceiver
FlexRadio Systems Maestro - TCP-IP Wireless Front Panel
Icom IC-9700 - VHF-UHF / All Mode Transceiver
ACOM 600S - HF Linear Power Amplifier
LDG AT-1000 Pro II - Automatic Antenna Tunner
Timewaver ANC-4 - Antenna Noise Canceller / Phase Inverter