Biography

Licensed in 1986. On the air for several years, moved up to General class license and then drifted away from the hobby.

After almost a 30 year layoff I decided to dust off the rig and I am amazed at how the digital modes have advanced.

Running a Yaesu FT857D.

A small laptop for digital connections. An iMac for checking out PSKReporter and Hamspots via the Internet.

WSJT-X and JTALERT-X using a SignalLink USB.

Being an apartment dweller I opted for an Alpha Antenna Coax Mag Loop and it has worked out very well as an Indoor Antenna. Worked many stateside stations and some DX at mostly 5 to 10W.

Also running a Vertical 80M-6M outdoors.

Have become an FT8 and FT4 fan and use them almost exclusively now.

Got the QRP bug a few months ago and love the challenge of making connections at 5W and lower. Not the greatest time to go QRP with the band conditions but it is fun to see how far I can get with low power. Thanks to several stations who had the patience to stick with me and complete QSOs.

Trying CW which I learned in the Army in 1960.

USASA stationed at Kagnew Station in Asmara, Eritrea from 1961-1963.

Want to find slow speed CW ops to practice with and improve my skill. Please answer my CW CQ and be patient!

If you see my CQ out there please say hello!

SKCC NUMBER 17967

73

frank

N1GDO

Equipment

FT857D
ANT1: INDOOR MAG LOOP AT 5-12W
ANT2: OUTDOOR VERTICAL AT 5-30W
SIGNALINK USB
WINDOWS 7 LAPTOP
SOFTWARE: WSJT-X and JT-ALERTX