I was first licensed in early 2019. My introduction to radio and electronics was much earlier. When I was 11 years old, my parents gave me a Heathkit transistor AM radio for Christmas. I soldered it together all by myself, and when I turned it on, it actually worked! I begged my parents for more Heathkits, eventually getting a HW-99 Novice transceiver. With help from my father, we got it working. I started learning CW and studying for my Novice license. Unfortunately, we did not know any other hams in our area who could help me get on the air. My interests shifted elsewhere, such as model airplanes. My model airplane hobby quickly scaled up to full size airplanes. I joined the military where I flew the F/A-18 Hornet and operated from aircraft carriers. After leaving the military, I am continuing in my aviation career as an airline pilot. I currently fly the Boeing 737, and my favorite routes are to Alaska, Hawaii and Central America.
In late 2018, while browsing the web for electronics projects to do with my children, I came across the QCX single-band CW transceiver. At $49 it seemed like a fun little project. I ordered one for the 40 m band, and I also ordered the ARRL Technician license manual. It didn’t take me long to build the QCX, pass the Technician exam, and get on the air. I made my first successful QSO with Wyatt, KF7YHB. It was a nice slow rag chew at about 8-10 wpm. In addition to the standard QSO, I managed to communicate I was using a QCX transceiver and this was my first amateur radio QSO. The QCX’s built-in decoder helped a lot, but I soon turned the decoder off and never looked back. From then on, I was completely hooked on improving my CW skills and rag chewing. I listened to many W1AW code practices, other on-the-air QSOs, or online practice CW recordings to improve my copy. I did not memorize any eye charts, or take any CW courses due to my irregular flying schedule. I am self-taught, and learned CW by doing CW.
My other ham radio passion project involves mentoring young college students at the Irvine Valley College Amateur Radio Club, N6IVC. My focus is on teaching CW classes and helping the college students to get on the air. We are currently building a college amateur radio station, that will be open for all licensed students to use. I encourage the students to just get on the air, set goals, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and to always strive for excellence. When I demonstrate CW to new hams I use my original QCX, and show them all you need is a $50 radio, wire antenna, inexpensive straight key. Almost anyone can afford to get on the air and make contacts, and when you make contacts you’ll be making lifelong friends.
I have been married to my lovely wife Susi for 22 years, and we have four beautiful children, three girls and a boy. My son Benedikt is licensed as KO6EJT, and I hope someday he decides to learn CW. Maybe seeing how much fun I am having making friends over the radio will encourage him. Thank you Jim, N3JT for telling my about CWops and being the first to nominate me for membership. I look forward to rag chewing with as many CWops members as possible. I will continue to learn, challenge myself, improve my operating skills, and strive for excellence.
This biography is what appeared in Solid Copy when the member joined CWops.