Biography

Took my Tech and General license Exam at same testing session in March 14, 2012 at age 73. Amateur Extra issued Feb 26, 2013.

Started with a Kenwood TH-F6 HT( 2 meter/1.25CM/70CM ) and as interest grew added, Kenwood TM-V71 (dual band 140/440) and Yaesu FT897 (all band) for portablity. Acquired a Yaesu FT-950 (HF/6 M) opening up a whole new world on HF and a Icon IC-735 with remote tuner AH-2, I use with the ground plane antenna.

Have an Ameritron ALS-600S amplifier, ALS-600SPS switching power supply and Palsar AT2K antenna tuner for a little boost in DX'ing. Recently added a Powered DSP speaker that adds allot of clarity.

Antennas are a hy-gain three element rotating beam for 20/15/10 meter, home built inverted V for 80/40/17 meter, ground plane for 10 thru 80 meter and Comet 1/2 wave for 140/440.

Gotten into digital communications using SignaLink USB/fldigi for PSK31, exploring with ECHO LINK and set-up WinLink acct (WK7A@winlink.org) use RMS Express on 2 meter for Packet WL2K. Next challenge CW and Ham Radio Deluxe (Update-got HRD working fairly well, CW going slowly).

Prime reason for entering the Ham world was having emergency communications, as an earthquake could be very damaging to normal sevices (risk fairly high living on the West Coast and on an Island). However, Ham radio is turning into a great hobby.

Can run Ham radios and computer off battery packs (with or without inverter) and solar panels for recharging. Have a HONDA 2000i generator for HAM operation as well.

Married 48 yr, two children and two grandchildren. Retired Boeing after 35 yrs. Active in church and Senior Center.

Hobbies include woodworking, gardening, landscaping and home remodelling.

OMISS #8587, YLISSB #16798, WARTSNET, ECHOLINK and membership in NRA and ARRL. Getting envolved with county ARES group.

Service: US Army 1961 to 1963 active duty with two years reserve.