Biography

Hello from the beautiful Inland Pacific Northwest!

Name here is Daniel, a self-professed radio aficionado with the call W7RLA (formerly KK7MBS). As a middle-aged and relatively new amateur operator, I’ve been diving headfirst into 'HDR' (not SDR, but Hardware Defined Radio!) for home, mobile, and portable. My current station includes the versatile ICOM IC-7000 and the IC-738 workhorse (both with AB5N mic upgrades) and paired with a LDG ATU and a MFJ-969. I do prefer the look, form factor, sound, and operational feel of the ICOM and Kenwood radios/equipment from about the late 1980’s through the early 2000’s. My experience with this era of Icom and Kenwood radios is similar to two other brands I love and own, Lexus and Toyota. Icom (like Lexus) represents a more premium, feature-rich experience, focused on high-end performance and refinement—though it can be more finicky at times. Kenwood, much like Toyota, offers reliable, well-rounded performance at a more accessible price point, with a strong reputation for durability and value. They just work. I also still use a handwritten logbook in addition to the QRZ and now the LOTW logbooks. My current antennas include a 10m W8TJM design homebrew and MFJ 6m Moxon, a homebrew double 'L' 228 foot Doublet dipole w/600-ohm ladder line, and a tri-band VHF/220/UHF antenna—each sitting around 30-35 feet.

I primarily enjoy regional and intercontinental DX on phone, with some time spent on local amateur repeaters (mainly SGR & IEVHF), GMRS (WRWS304 call), and even occasionally USB on the HF 11m Citizen Band on the upper channels (‘North Idaho 304’ call). Again, analog phone modes are my favorite ways to connect; nothing beats the direct human to human connection of RF-based, non-internet propagated, radio. The nuances of voice, accent, laugh, personality, etc. simply can’t be matched by CW or any of the other non-phone digital modes. I am a bit of a radio purist, and I haven’t gotten into the digital communications 'screen saver’ modes yet, maybe someday.

As with most, my radio journey started young with a pair of 1970s walkie-talkies on a family Christmas tree hunt, evolving into CB and then FRS radios. After a long hiatus, during which I mainly used radios as a comms tool with the U.S. Navy in a few exotic DX sandboxes, I reignited my passion for RF a few years back while revamping a VHF repeater system for my civilian employer. That lead to the FCC GMRS Licenses and then very quickly to Amateur Tech, and now a General ticket. I'll go for Extra once I feel like I have a better grasp on the subject material. Now, I’m fully committed to sharing this incredible hobby with my three young kids and to sparking interest in others wherever and whenever I can. However, as much as I love the hobby, I always aim to balance the amateur radio hobby with my primary and more important responsibilities of Faith and family, and this will at times affect how and when I choose to operate.

Here are my three B’s:

Be kind, polite, and helpful to all on the air—don’t take yourself too seriously.
Be intentional—use less popular 'orphan' bands, modes, and repeaters. If no one’s on the band, don’t just lurk—call CQ!
Be supportive of newcomers—share equipment, offer a helping hand, and help with setups.
Looking forward to catching you on the air and God bless.



In Honor of Mr. Kenyon D. Krider (1923-2016) - W7RLA (1953-2016)

While I did not know Mr. Krider personally, by Providence’s Plan I am privileged to be only the second holder of the W7RLA call sign since it's first issuance in 1953. Kenyon D. Krider, a fellow U.S. Navy veteran, Idahoan, and—most importantly—a man of unwavering Christian faith, held the call before me. His legacy inspires my journey in life and in amateur radio.

73,
Daniel Stevenson – W7RLA



Hello one and all
Was it you I used to know
Can't you hear me call
On this old ham radio

-- "King of the World", Steely Dan



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- "Amateur Radio, often referred to correctly as the original social network, is all about real, meaningful human connections built on shared interests and hands-on skills. It's the opposite of the shallow, algorithm-driven content you find on social media today. Our hobby teaches respect, patience, encourages learning, and even gets you outside with events like Field Day, SOTA, POTA, and the like. Unlike social media, which leaves people feeling anxious and isolated, our hobby is grounded in real accomplishments—both technical and physical—bringing exponentially more enjoyment and real fulfillment."

- "Amateur Radio isn’t, and by definition can’t be, just anything you want it or 'feel' it to be. At its core, it requires:

Licensed operators
Two-way RF transmission on amateur bands
A non-commercial purpose
Without these elements, it may still be radio, but it’s not Amateur Radio. Local HF? Great. DX HF? Even better. VHF and up line-of-site HTs, repeaters, etc.? Plenty of options. But let’s be clear—smartphone apps, WiFi, hotspots, Zoom, and similar technologies aren’t Amateur Radio."

DCS - W7RLA

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The Radio Amateur's Code

The Amateur is Considerate... He never knowingly uses the air in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

The Amateur is Loyal...He offers his loyalty, encouragement and support to his fellow radio amateurs, his local club and the American Radio Relay League, through which Amateur Radio is represented.

The Amateur is Forward Thinking...He keeps his station abreast of science. It is well built and efficient. His operating practice is above reproach.

The Amateur is Friendly... Slow and patient sending when requested, friendly advice and counsel to the beginner, kindly assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others; these are the marks of the amateur spirit.

The Amateur is Balanced...Radio is his hobby. He never allows it to interfere with any of the duties he owes to his home, his job, his school, or his community.

The Amateur is Patriotic...His knowledge and his station are always ready for the service of his country and his community.

The Radio Amateurs Code was written in 1928 by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA.

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

IC-7000