Biography

On May 11, 1979, I received my Novice license as KA4IUP after returning from Germany to attend the Signal Officer Advanced Course at Ft. Gordon, GA. I upgraded to the Technician Class while assigned at Fort Benning, GA within the following year. Operated as DA2MN in Germany from 1983 to 1985 while assigned to the 141st Signal BN, in Ansbach, FRG. After returning from my second overseas tour, I upgraded to Advanced, and finally to Amateur Extra. I took a hiatus from amateur radio for approximately 20 years but returned to reassemble my station and work on some projects that have been on the back burner. Currently, am enjoying JT65-HF, and am looking forward to exploring the other digital modes. Computer interests include exploring my Arduino and Raspberry Pi units and integrating them into the hobby.

Ham interests include ragchewing, antenna theory and construction, and mobile ops, and digital modes. XYL is N4PYR (previously N4YEI) and 1st harmonic is W4PYR (previously KE4SGA) who I hope will upgrade in the near future. Outside interests include showing Cardigan Wesh Corgis and Great Pyrenees (PYRs) at AKC sanctioned conformation dog shows; restoring my cabin in Henrico, NC (Grid: FM16bm); gardening; and volunteering as a Paramedic/Firefighter in Hampton, VA.

A nice aspect of living in pine woods is the abundance of antenna supports, which also create obstacles to raising antennas. After removing two 80+ ft pine trees, I was able to gain enough clearance to install the OCFD. Future plans include installing a loaned Cushcraft R7 (original in the box) and a 160 M loop antenna on the property. Until I retire, a permanent station is not in the cards, but my portable station allows me to take my equipment with me and keep it from becoming damaged.

10-10 International: 52235
30 MDG: 4285

Worked DXCCs:

Equipment

My station is configured in an SBK19-6U effects case, which contains: 1)Yaesu FT-847D; 2)LDG FT-METER; LDG YT-100 tuner; 4: SignaLink USB; 5) a PowerWerx SS-30DV; and 6) a Furman M-8Lx power filter. This allows me to move my station between my QTH and 5th wheel RV or a field location to operate wherever. Other radios include Wouxun KG-UV6D, Baofeng UV82L, and Tytera MD-380 and MD-2017 handheld radios. My vehicle has a Yaesu FT-8900, and the VHF/UHF base radio is a Kenwood TM-701.

Recently purchased a new Icom IC-7100 to get started with D-STAR, and provide a means for mobile communications in my truck. Also have started on a separate VHF/UHF station similar to my portable HF station. This will be housed in a 2U enclosure, with a dual band rig, APRS and Packet capability. It can sit on the HF station, or be relocated to another area for independent use.

Primary HF antenna is a Radio Works Carolina Windom 80. Vehicle HF antenna is a Tarheel Model 300 with an Ameritron SDC-102 Programmable Controller for mobile operations.

QSL: New cards are in for the bureau. LOTW is current. Direct by mail only if a card is really needed or desired. Send one to get one.