Biography

First licensed as VK2YCM in 1974, I then went on and added VK2NGP as I was teaching Novice classes and decided I needed to actually have the qualification.

In 1978 I upgraded to VK2BXD. I was living in Coolamon, NSW in those days and as I lived on a hill I began to enjoy 2M SSB. During the 1990s VK2YW became available and I decided to upgrade to a 2 letter call.

These days I live on 6 acres on the outskirts of the city of Wagga Wagga and whilst it is much lower in altitude I can still make reasonable distances on 2M.

My ham interests include 2M SSB and since retiring I have been trying to get my CW speed back up to something more respectable than the 10WPM I achieved back in the 70's. I am a WIA Assessor and enjoy assisting prospective members of our hobby get their licence. Otherwise general ragchewing on HF, particularly overseas. I dont particularly enjoy just swapping signal repeorts and names and QSL'ing - far prefer to chat and find out a bit about the other person and where they come from.

Also enjoy learning some of the newer digital modes - one of these days I will have some proper contacts instead of just listening.

Equipment these days includes an Icom IC7200, IC7400 for HF, 6M and 2M. Antenna for HF is a G5RV - home brewed and working quite well even if I do say so myself. On 6m I have a vertical and for 2M I have an ATN 10 element cross beam. (Vertical and Horizontal)

Family wise - I am married with 4 children who have all left home. Since retiring I have found I have less time than before but I am thoroughly enjoying it!

Equipment

IC 7200, IC-7400, IC-211.
G5RV and 160m Dipole