Biography

My interest in Shortwave radio began in my early years. I grew up in a small town where two “hams” lived only a couple blocks from home. One of which owned and operated a Radio/TV store with his ham shack in the rear. I would ride my bike there, often with neighborhood friends, to purchase small electronic goodies and hang out near the shack.

At about 13 I was able to accumulate a few extra dollars to purchase a Hallicrafters S38-E receiver, set-up a wire antenna through my upstairs bedroom window to the unattached garage, and started listening to the world.

Then came a drivers license, high school, college, and marriage - - my SWL’ing hobby waned and I sold the S38-E.

Nearly 30 years later the first Gulf War was on and I purchased a Sangean ATS-803A portable SW receiver to keep up with events and to hear the prospective of other countries around the World. While also enjoying tuning to ham operators transmitting on various bands.

In 2018, a few years after retirement, I decided to become active again in SWL’ing and added another portable receiver along with the external antennas and accessories. Most of my listening is on 20, 40, and 80 meters SSB.

Married since 1973 to my lovely XYL. We have five wonderful children who have bestowed upon us six precious grandchildren. I also enjoy reading, astronomy, genealogy, electronics, and R/C aircraft.

Hope to hear on the frequency - -

73’s, John

Equipment

Receivers: Sangean ATS-803A
Tecsun PPL-880

Antennas: Princeton Skywire 66’ Offset (22’/44’) Center Fed SWL dipole. Attic installed.
4’ Dual Coax homemade Indoor Mag Loop Antenna

Headphones: MFJ-392B SWL Headphones
ZIHNIC WH-816 Bluetooth Headphones

Recorder: Olympus VN-541PC