Biography

***SWL QSL cards enthusiastically accepted! After all, I began my radio career in the early 1970's as an SWL. All SWL cards received will be answered. SAE appreciated, no contribution required.


VA6SZ enthusiastically returned to Ham Radio in November 2024, after 17 years away.

VA6SZ has done a lot of things in the hobby, but these days mainly chases DX on HF.

VA6SZ is active in all the major HF contests throughout the year.

Andy (VA6SZ) can be found enjoying fine spirits and craft beer from time to time.

Andy participates in medium to extreme distance competitive target shooting.

Andy also enjoys precision hand loading of ammunition to go along with his shooting.

Andy enjoys long distance running, but his age is beginning to slow down this activity.

Andy retired from the working world in 2023, which gives VA6SZ more time for operating.


VA6SZ Earned Awards

WAZ (CQ) - Mixed and Digital

WAS - 9 Bands (6/10/12/15/17/20/30/40/80 meters) - Mixed, Phone, and Digital

DXCC - 7 Bands (10/12/15/17/20/30/40 meters) - Mixed, Phone, and Digital

DXCC Challenge - 1000+ Band Points

VUCC - 6 meters (Grids: 442 confirmed - 539 worked)


VA6SZ Location Stats

Grid Locator DO33ap

53.39°N Lat 113.58°W Long

757m (2484ft) above sea level

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

Radios

Flex 8400M

Icom IC-756proII

Kenwood TS-50

Icom IC-910H

Amplifiers

OM Power OM4001HF

Alpha Power 87A

Ameritron ALS-500M

Tuner

Ten-Tec 238B


Antennas

10/12m: 6 element yagi @19m above ground

10/12/15m: 8m long elevated vertical @20m above ground

160/80m: inverted-L (3/8 wave length at 160m)

160m thru 15m: 205m (672ft) horizontal loop @16m above ground