Biography

Thanks for looking up my call: AI6KM

I started my shortwave radio interest by building a Knight Kit Spanmaster Receiver in Junior High School followed by Knight Kit R100A Receiver in High School. I also built a Heathkit DX-60B Transmitter. My first antenna was a Hygain 14AVQ 40-10 meter vertical antenna. I was a member of the Electronics Illustrated Shortwave Club. Unfortunately I did not persue a ham license until I was in the Navy.

First licensed as WN0JBL in 1973 at club station K5TYP at Keesler AFB Ham Radio Club , Boloxi, MS

Obtained new Novice license as WB0UEI in 1976. Upgraded to Technician Class in 1978 and operated at club station W0HSC while at North Dakota State University at Fargo, ND.

Former member of Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club in late 1970s.

Changed callsign to N6FNF in 1982 in San Diego, CA.

Upgraded to Advanced Class in 1986. Changed callsign to KJ6VX in 1989.

I enjoy VHF and HF packet radio, 2 meter FM, HF SSB and operating the PC with my radios. In 2007 I figured out how to use Echolink as KJ6VX.

My XYL exiled my ham radio activities to the garage some years ago. I resurrected my shack in 2009. I use a HF Kenwood TS-430S, 2 meter Kenwood TS-700S and a 2 meter ICOM 255A. I operate on the "cheap" side and utilize all "old" gear as much as possible. I upgraded to a Kenwood TS-480HX in 2013 and am looking to upgrade my 2 meter and 440 equipment.

I tried 2 meter SSB using the TS-700S this year, bought a 2 meter brick amplifier and plan on building a home brew yagi for 2 meter weak signal work.

In 2012 I finally finished my homebrew computer interface and had my first contacts on PSK31. I discovered I can interface my old Dell Pentium 3 with my HF SSB Radio. I started off using a AEA PK232 in the 1980s. I finally updated my digital capabilities with a new HP laptop and a Signalink USB Interface. I operate on the air with PSK and and JT65.

Some of my favorite people have been hams: W0EQT Clayton Ormbreck, W0EMZ Carl Mann, W0QQK Gordy Fevig and W0RRW Ernie Anderson.

Growing up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota I had the priviledge of having Laurel "Ozzie" Aasgaard, K0VZ, as a neighbor. Laurel operated a radio servicing shop in his mobile van. He had a great infulence on me continuing in radio and electronics in the Navy.

In 2012 I joined the radio team on the USS Midway Museum, NI6IW. We are on the air the 2nd Saturday of the month comemorating special events. Our main frequencies are 14.320 MHz on 20 meters and 7.250 MHz on 40 meters. We also operate PSK31 and DSTAR. My picture show me operating the 20 meter position on the USS Midway Museum NI6IW radio shack.

Upgraded to AI6KM Amateur Extra Class on 8/1/2015. I just started volunteering as a VEC in San Diego this past year.

My son and I erected a APRS station at our QTH using a old PC, ICOM t8a, AEA pk232 and Diamond antenna up 30 ft.

I started DSTAR using a ICOM id-880h in 2016.

I run most of my station on solar as a new project.

I have WAS Digital using psk31, JT65 and FT8. I also use FT4.

My next hurtle is DXCC and WAC using FT4 and FT8.

73,
Jim

Equipment

Kenwood TS-480HX Transceiver, LDG 200Pro Autotuner, Inverted V G5RV Antenna, Signalink USB Interface, Icom ID-880h