Biography

A returning radio operator.

Spent my early childhood with a variety of radios. Delivered newspapers through intense Wisconsin winter blizzards with plastic bread bags and newspapers wrapped around my feet for warmth as my 143 customers were my financial resource for radio gear. Mom allowed my radio equipment into the small corner of the kitchen, which I could be found spending more time on radios, than doing homework. She was also my chauffeur to AES Milwaukee, so that I could buy the newest aluminumn dipole with earned tip money all comprised of coins!

Spin through some 35 years which included a couple decades serving our Nation and now, a dog trainer. Present QTH is the beautiful Pacific Northwest! Very fortunate to live in an area with such a supportive XYL who has much enthusiasm for me to have a communications center. My shack lies downstairs within a quiet corner of the home, all fueled by the almost unattainable dreams of a 14 year old, pimple-faced kid with very cold feet.

Current rig is a new ICOM 718 with LDG IT-100 tuner which provides necessary oscillations for my 102' long G5RV strung 40' in the air. I designed and manufactured a base plate with tilt-mount for a 50' Rohn tower which has been home to numerous omni and dipole antennas. I now rent a portion of my tower for commercial services, which for now, has become a "self-serving paper route" and my feet never get cold!

For mobile QTH, I use a RCI-2950DX radio with Wilson 5K magnetic antenna cut for 10 meters. QSO's are spotty, but have reached as far as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, United Kingdom, Scotland, Netherlands, and Italy, so I guess it's does pretty good!

Visions include installation of a beam on the tower to increase the odds of breaking into pileups.

I don't have QSL cards but do send out e-qsls via QRZ.com.

Thanks and 73's!

Paul
KF7POW
USCG (E8) Retired with finally, warm feet!

Equipment

ICOM 718 - stock microphone (100 watts)
LDG IT100 Automatic Antenna Tuner
G5RV - situated flatside @ 40' (12.2m) between trees.
75' (23m) of LMR 400 coaxial cable from house to antenna.
QTH is 311' (94.8m) above sea level.