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 with a Henry 2K Classic for a spare, a K4KIO HexBeam at 50' and a Hy-Gain AV-680 vertical antenna atop a 21' mast. A homebrew copper cactus J-pole for 2-meters rounds out the antennas.

My other passion (other than my wife of over 47 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
Alpha 8410
Henry 2K Classic
K4KIO Hex Beam at 50'
Hy-Gain AV-680 at 21'
Kenwood TM-281A
J-pole antenna (home brew)