Biography

Hello!

Thanks for visiting! I was licensed as a Novice (WN6EED) at age 12 in 1963. I upgraded to General Class (becoming WB6EED) later in 1963, then to Advanced Class in 1967. I became inactive as other interests and responsibilities consumed my time. Fortunately, I did keep my license current throughout the years. My last rig in 1967 was a Hallicrafters HT-37 transmitter, a Drake 2B receiver and a Gonset GSB-201 linear amplifier. My antenna was a Hy-Gain TH-4 at 55 feet. Chasing DX was my favorite activity and I managed a DXCC award with 223 countries confirmed.

My family and I moved from California to Oregon in 1979 and I became W7EED a couple of years later. I finally upgraded to Extra Class in May, 2019.

My homebrew career began in 1965 with a 15-meter and 20-meter linear amplifier based on an Eimac 4-250A tube. My mom and dad had no idea how dangerous 3000 volts was in the hands of a 15 year old! I did win a scholarship from the Rotary Club because of that project. Homebrewing remains a favorite part of the hobby, especially if a microprocessor is involved!

I was a field applications engineer (FAE) for Motorola/Freescale Semiconductor for nearly 40 years and I retired in 2015. I decided to become active in Amateur Radio again. I now use a Kenwood TS-890S with a Kenwood TM-281 for 2-meter FM. I have an Alpha 8410 amplifier and a Henry 2K Classic for backup, a K4KIO HexBeam at 50 feet and a 40/30-meter fan inverted V with the apex at 50 feet. A Palstar AT5K tuner keeps the rig happy, if needed. A homebrew copper cactus J-pole for 2-meters rounds out the antennas. I just added a Telepost LP-500 station monitor to make sure that I have a clean signal.

Another passion (other than my wife of almost 50 years) is big game hunting in Africa, with hunting in North America keeping me occupied when I can't be there!

73,
Jim

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

Kenwood TS-890S HF/50MHz Transceiver
Kenwood TM-281A 2-meter Transceiver
Alpha 8410 Amplifier
Henry 2K Classic Amplifier
TelePost LP-500 Station Monitor
PalStar AT5K Antenna Tuner
K4KIO Hex Beam at 50'
Inverted Fan V Dipole for 30- and 40-meters at 45'
J-pole Antenna (home brew "copper cactus")