Biography

Dear friends,

SWL since 1978 (Age 12). I was "on the air" for the first time in the evening of 26th January 1981. The novice license only allowed me use CW and 15 Watts output on the HF-bands (LB was a novice license back then). First QSO was with DL5JP on 40 meters at 20:05 UTC. On my 16th birthday (sep 1981) I got LA5EBA as my new callsign (Class-A license). On 17th October 2008, after 27 years as LA5EBA, I received approval to use my old "vanity" callsign again - still with full privileges.

I graduated from radio officer training at age 17 with a Radio Officer 2nd class certificate issued on my 18th birthday. After a year at sea, I upgraded to 1st class. I was a radio operator in the Norwegian Coast Guard (Coastguard vessel "Senja"). I also served as a radio operator in the Army. I worked several years in the Norwegian Foreign Ministry as a radio operator in charge of daily radio communication with Norwegian embassies in approx. 40 countries around the globe. I spent several years as a radio technician for the same employer, dealing with communication both home and abroad at the embassies. Total visited 77 UN countries.

I am 58 years now and work as a Radio Surveyor, performing survey on GMDSS installations on ships. I also do the practical examination of new ROC and GOC candidates (maritime certificates).

So far, I have been chasing DX without a beam. 327 DXCCs and 2531 slots for the Challenge is confirmed. I am QRV more or less every day, even though I am still at work every weekday.... I am QRV on all HF bands - 99% CW. Mostly ragchewing, but also looking around for a new slot - and sometimes a new DXCC. Having fun with my 9A5N Single lever, Begali Paddle, the J36 Chrome or my Vibroplex Deluxe Bugs. Sometimes a straight key. - I do have a microphone (somewhere) - HI

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

Rig:
Yaesu FTDX5000MP
ACOM 1000 (1kW amp)

Antenna system:
Balanced LL-Tuner designed by PA0LL
Doublet: 2 x 41 meter (2 x 135 ft) - up abt 20M (65 ft)
Vertical for 10 and 12M
Separate RX antenna: 60-70 meters of "Bog / Bev" with a 9:1 balun.
Separate RX antenna: 18M vertical Spiderbeam Pole with a 9:1 balun.

Keyers:
9A5N Solid State CW Paddle - Single lever
Begali Magnetic Classic
I1QOD J36 Chrome Bug
Vibroplex Deluxe Bug
Straight key

...and more...