Biography

Dear friends,

I've been an SWL since 1978, starting at age 12. My first time on the air was on the evening of January 26, 1981. Back then, the novice license permitted only CW usage and a 15 Watts output on the HF bands (LB was a novice license). My first QSO was with DL5JP on 40 meters at 20:05 UTC. On my 16th birthday in September 1981, I received my new callsign LA5EBA (Class-A license). After 27 years as LA5EBA, on October 17, 2008, I was granted permission to use my old "vanity" callsign again, retaining full privileges.

I completed radio officer training at 17 and received a Radio Officer 2nd class certificate on my 18th birthday. After a year at sea, I advanced to 1st class. My career included serving as a radio operator on the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel "Senja" and in the Army. I also worked for several years as a radio operator at the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, managing daily communications with Norwegian embassies in approximately 40 countries. Later, I served as a radio technician for the same employer, handling communications for embassies both domestically and internationally. In total, I have visited 77 UN countries.

Now at 58, I work as a Radio Surveyor, inspecting GMDSS installations on ships and conducting practical examinations for new ROC and GOC candidates (maritime certificates).

To date, I have chased DX without a beam, confirming 327 DXCCs and 2531 slots for the Challenge. I am active almost daily, despite working every weekday. I operate on all HF bands, 99% in CW, engaging mostly in ragchewing, occasionally seeking a new slot or DXCC. I enjoy using my 9A5N Single lever, Begali Paddle, J36 Chrome, and Vibroplex Deluxe Bugs, and sometimes a straight key. I do own a microphone, though it's rarely used - 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...