Biography

I was always fascinated by radio communications. In the mid 60s I enjoyed my high school electronics class. I built a 5 watt audio amplifier that was fun to use with the music sources of the day. My next project was a All American 5 AM radio with no polarized AC plug that made it a 50/50 chance of buzzing yourself with the all metal chassis and one side of the AC input connected directly to it.


I was given a Hallicrafters SW-28 and used it to listen to hams and especially long distance SW broadcasts. I wish I still had that receiver even though I bet it worked better than I remember today!

By the late 60's Uncle Sam said he needed me and I told my USAF recruiter that he could have me for a few years if I could be guaranteed a job as a radio operator. The deal was struck and off I went to San Antonio, Texas for basic training and then Biloxi, Mississippi for communications technical school.

I passed my first hurdle by getting my Tech license in January 2017. I then passed my General Class examination in May 2017 and passed the Extra Class examination in January 2020.

I am a member of Inland Empire VHF Radio Amateurs Club (IE VHF) and the Washington Digital Radio Enthusiasts amateur radio club where I enjoy both DStar and DMR radio communications with both a Icom ID-31A, a Icom ID-51A and a TYT 2017.

I enjoy DSTAR where I can be found on Reflector 29A. I have a OpenSpot 1 and the new OpenSpot 2 which is even easier to take portable with it's built in WiFi capability.

I have joined the gang using FT8 and find the IC-7300 a perfect match. I have also found the combination of a SignaLink USB and my trusty Yaesu 857D to be a great matchup for portable work. Speaking to FT8 use I am only interested in exchanging call signs and signal reports and a QSL (RR or RR73) if that happens you go in my logbook. I am always happy to work you again, even if same mode and same band. The bands are always different, maybe I have changed or tweaked my antenna, or the power is different and thus the exchanged signal reports are often interesting.

For recording QSOs I use LOTW, QRZ, eQSL and HRD Logbook. I use HRD to control the Icom 7300 with great success.

I love the integration of internet, computers, etc., into the hobby. Thanks to those who have developed these many formats and keeping HAM radio more alive than ever in spite of the threat of cell phones, internet and like forms of communication. A special thanks to all the other hams out there who make this such a great hobby!

HAM radio is still unique, fun and there is always the anticipation of who is on the other end of a CQ call.

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

The Icom IC-7300 is a real work horse and full of features that make the occasional contest or CQ Party a blast.

I have a Yaesu 7900 for VHF/UHF use. For HF I have a Icom IC-737, a Icom IC-7300 and a Yaesu 857D. I have several antennas such as a Hustler 6BVT, a fan dipole for 40 and 20 meter work and several vertical ones along with a Diamond X50A Dual Band antenna on a 30 foot mast.

I have found the performance of the dual ham stick antenna quite acceptable. The ham sticks come in two pieces and could easily be stored in a 5 foot go bag. I recently purchased the "Octopus" head for connecting 8 hamsticks to a single feed line. (MFJ-2104) Makes it easy to set up in the field as you just choose which band sticks you wish to install, secure them into the antenna mount and raise the mast