Biography

I have been licensed since early in 2013. Having my General ticket was my childhood dream; however, I didn't have the time until after I retired from being an independent software developer.

During the warmer months my QTH is in Oak Brook, Illinois where I have a 20 meter dipole in my townhouse attic.

During the winter I live in Fort Lauderdale Florida where I have a "real" radio shack in the back yard.

My rig is an Elecraft KX3 with a PX3 panadapter. For QRP, I use the KX3 bareback. I also have a KXPA100 linear amplifier that I use occasionally. I chose the KX3 for its easy portability between my two QTHs and its outstanding receiver.

My main antenna is a MFJ-1788 Magnetic Loop antenna mounted on my shack. I am currently experimenting with a homebrew end fed 53' wire antenna fed through 50 feet of coax and a 9:1 unun. Since the coax acts as a counter poise on this antenna, I have installed an RF choke just outside the shack to keep the RF out. So far this antenna has worked surprisingly well.

I enjoy chasing DX using PSK31, PSK63 AND JT65 digital modes. Occasionally I use SSB.

I am a member of the Broward Amateur Radio Club (W4AB) in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. EPC # 23083, DMC #06980 and the QRP ARCI club. #15282

I currently respond to eQSL, LoTW and Direct within the USA. For direct outside USA send 2$ (no IRC). Sorry, no Bureau.

73 de Pete, N4PMB.

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

Radio: Elecraft KX3 + PX3
Amplifier: Elecraft KXPA100
Antennas: MFJ-1788 Magnetic Loop
53' end fed