Biography

Namaste
(This station is operated by a human and every word on this page was written by me. This station/page does not use AI to operate and talk about radio)



Thanks for dropping by. If you came here, during or after a QSO, you may request for a QSL card via OQRS or drop in an email or text. 

If you would like me to use commemorative stamps, send me a text/email and I shall do my best to find something for you.  

 VU2TUM's OQRS

If you wish to get in touch quicker, then email me cq(at)vu2tum.com or Whatsapp 







eQSL Policy:

All QSOs are uploaded to LoTW, QRZ, HRDLog, eQSL. I use Wavelog and my public log is available at Vistor's Log View (last 1000 QSO available along with a search function)

Operating Conditions:
I operate out of an apartment, hence subject to electronic noise and interference. The antennas are installed at a height of 50m (150ft) from the ground level on the terrace of 15 floor building. I use 1/2 inch hardline cables from the roof to my 11th floor apartment.

I operate barefoot (max power 100W) and lately I have aiming to work 10 CW QSOs per day. 

Operating Time:
Weekdays: 2200Z to 2300Z & 1300Z to 1400Z

Weekends: 2200Z to 2300Z. Other hours as schedule permits.

Special Mention:
Thanks to my XYL VU2HUM for her support in all aspects of this hobby. She helps me regularly with antenna installation and mainteance.

My equipments
1.  FT991A 

2. IC-705

3. PDSDR (low cost alternative to Red-Pitaya)



Antennas:
Delta-Loop Antenna 40m - 10m. (homebrewed)
Diamond X-50 for VHF, UHF
Operating Modes:
CW (sent by hand and brain decoded)
SSB [when chasing rare DX or working Skeds]
Satellites [CW, SSB and FM]
Morse keys:
A clone of Putikeeg key from Banggood. It is my go to key these days. 
Straight key from VU3MUG
3D printed paddle key
Bug key (Coffin Key)
Achievements:
As on 03rd November 2025: I have ARRL DXCC certificates for 
CW
10m
15m
20m
Mixed 
In 2025, I successfully compeleted the SolderSmoke Direct Conversion Receiver Home brew challenge 
Completed CW OPS Intermediate level course in October 2025
Goals:
Working my way towards CWOPS
And, to be a better CW operator
Promote and encourage new and returning hams to get on the air with CW
Get better in home brewing and build more projects
SDR:
On the PDSDR, I am running a reversebeacon network note (CW Skimmer + Aggregator). Currently there are three CW Skimmers in India who are publishing to RBN and I am the only one in north. 

Also, on the same SDR, I am also hosting a websdr.  The websdr is running OpenWebRX+ and I am supporting 5 clients at any given time. The websdr receives when I am away from my shack.









Memberships
Amateur Radio Soceity of India : (Life Member) - L0650
FISTS (East Asia) # 22445
SKCC # 28104 
North American QRP Club # 11745
Long Island CW Club (Life Member): # 5920
 CWJF GROUP # 1221
A1Club # 4660
30CW # 424
GQRP # 18238
AMSAT India #AILM075
Other hobbies & interests:
Travelling: Travelled over 50+ countries.
Home automation: Automated my apartment few years ago to make it smart and respond to triggers and conditions. Running Home Assistant
Postcrossing, Postfun, Lettermo, Penpals
Philately
3D printing 
Selfhosting and homelab
Attempting to learn Esperanto


Other tidbits:
Childfree, athiest and a skeptic by choice
Avid consumer of podcasts
Get in touch:
eMail

(Last edited on: 26th  December 2025)











Mastodon

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

1. FT991A 

2. IC-705

3. PDSDR (low cost alternative to Red-Pitaya)