Biography

I had just started my nursing training in the late 70s when CB radio arrived in the UK. One day I discovered SSB and how to tune in those strange signals which interfered with our local chats on AM., And so the inerest in radio communications was born..... In 1983 I obtained my amateur radio license and got involved in some club activities on 2 metres. In 1987 I emigrated to new Zealand and became licensed as ZL1AAO. As with many amateurs I maintained a station and joined the local clubs in the various parts of New Zealand where I have lived but my forrays of activity have been second or third place to the family and work.
Since 2007 I have had more time and built a new home in the country which has space for some antennas and so in this place I have been more active. I have participated in a few contests and enjoy the Oceania SSB DX contest and the CQ WPX and CQ WW SSB contests. I have surprised myself with some 1st Place positions in the SOAB Low Power class for New Zealand and I am trying to improve my ranking in the class for Oceania. I also obtained a 2 letter callsign in July 2011 ZL1YE and I have begun to use this callsign for my contesting activity.

In August 2011 and May 2013 I operated as E51AAO from Rarotonga as a holiday expedition great fun and I experienced the other side of small pile ups!

I have made a lot of friends over the years through radio activity and it is great when we catch up again on air. A fantastic hobby and sometimes "way of life"!

Always happy to exchange QSL as a courtesy and in friendship with goodwill.

Best wishes and 73 to all who visit this Site. Bruce ZL1AAO / ZL1YE / E51AAO

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

Yaesu FT-2000 100w AC/DC model and Yaesu FT-857D. Kenwood TS-570D and TS590SG.
Emtron DX1d Amplifier.
Heil Pro4 Headset Mic.
Antennas.
Home brew dipoles for 80 and 40 and 20m.
Home brew. 40m band delta loop.
G3TXQ HexBeam 6 band.(20-6m)
Diamond X50 vertical for VHF/UHF.