Biography

K2MOB is a vanity call sign replacing KM4KOA which I've operated under since returning to amateur radio in May of 2015. I chose it in recognition of a USAF unit I served in for eight years known as the 2nd Mobile Communications Group (2MOB). The 2MOB (later known as the 2nd Combat Communications Group) consisted of tactical communications and air traffic control and landing systems supporting USAF operations world-wide. The 2MOB could turn a bare runway or section of highway into a working airfield complete with a control tower, radar approach control, and world-wide data and voice communications within 24 hours of arrival while under austere or combat conditions. Although no longer in existence, the 2MOB truly lived up to its motto of "Second to None"

About Me - My name is Dick. I've also been known as Rich or Richard, I answer to all three... From 1965 until 1972 I was active on two meter AM and very involved in Civil Air Patrol HF/VHF communications in the Long Island, NY area. I worked for the NY Telephone Co. as a crossbar switchman in the Hempstead tandem central office. Enlisting in the USAF in 1972, I spent the next 25 years traveling the world - Viet Nam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Egypt, Philippines, Korea, Guam, Honduras, Panama, Japan (including Okinawa), and Shemya Island in Alaska as a Ground Radar Technician. Retiring from the USAF as a Senior Master Sergeant in 1997, I worked as an electrician and HVACR technician supervisor in Facilities Maintenance for the next 16 years. My XYL of 43 years is from Thailand. We have two kids, five grandchildren, three dogs, and a cat. Retiring for good in late 2013, I built fishing rods and worked on my house until a Ham friend sparked my interest in amateur radio again. I was licensed as a Technician in May 2015 and upgraded to General in July. In September 2015 I upgraded to Extra. Things sure have changed over the years, no code required, no trips to see the happy FCC examiners, and all kinds of new modes. The rigs are much improved and my beloved 2 meters has gone FM! Some changes are for the better and some maybe not so much!

When not on the radio, I am fishing the Gulf of Mexico or local bays in my Ocean Kayak. I also enjoy collecting and shooting black powder rifles, pre-WW2 center fire rifles, and high power pistols. Retired with Ham Radio, fishing, and the shooting sports... Life is good!

QSL: LoTW, eQSL ,QRZ.COM or Direct, I post all QSO's daily.


Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans

Life Member of the Air Commando Association

Member of the Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Brotherhood

Member of American Legion Post 0235

Member of the National Rifle Association

Member of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association

Member of the Playground Amateur Radio Club

Member of the American Legion ARC #201520379

Member ARRL - WAS Digital #1808, WAS Mixed #60547, DXCC #62836

30 Meter Digital Group member #7438

Digital Modes Club #08413

JT Digital Mode Club #025

CQ WPX Digital #557 & WPX Mixed #3292

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

I operate on the 2, 1 1/4, and 70cm bands with a Kenwood TM-281A and a BTECH 2501+220 transceiver in the mobile and a Yaesu FT-2900R or Yaesu FTM-3200DR feeding a Diamond CP-22E antenna at the home QTH. I also have the usual collection of BaoFeng HT's .

I operate 6 meters with an RCI 5054, an ancient ICOM 502a, or a Yaesu FT-450D feeding a Sirio 5060 5/8 wave Ground Plane at 22 feet, a Cushcraft A50-3S 3 element Yagi at 22 feet, or a home brew aluminum tube Moxon at 30 feet.

I operate 10 thru 160 meters with a Yaesu FT-450D and a MFJ-969 manual tuner or an Icom IC-718 with a MFJ 939 auto tuner (it's nice to change frequencies and just watch the lights flash...) to feed a North-South oriented 84' inverted L at 40 feet or an East-West oriented 42' sloping inverted L at 40 feet. I'm also using a North-South oriented G7FEK 46' Multi-band “Nested Marconi” at 42', a 60 meter rotating ham stick dipole at 22 feet, a helical wound 34' wire vertical, and a 57 inch magnetic loop made from 7/8 inch copper tubing for 20 and 30 meters to use during thunderstorms.

I use a Yaesu SCU-17 USB Interface and a SignaLink USB Interface along with HRD and WSJT-X & JTDX software to work the digital modes with a focus on JT65, JT9, PSK31, and now FT8. Unlike some, I remember this is just a hobby so I welcome repeats. When they happen on the same day my life isn't ruined, I just smile to myself and hope I don't do the same thing too often as I log the contact...