I was a short-wave listener from approximately ten years old and obtained a full licence at seventeen, and received my callsign. I learnt CW in my teens. Got stuck as everyone does at various speeds – but after persevering, I managed to get up to a decent speed in a relatively short timescale. I enjoy CW QSOs – either rag chewing or contest style. I’m happy on SSB too, but it’s rare for me to venture anywhere higher than 30Mhz. I am a member of a number of CW and DX Groups.
As far as gear goes, I have an aging but fully loaded Elecraft K3 and a Yaesu FTdx10, which I frequently use together for SO2R operation. I have 2 x Alpha 89 amplifiers and tend to operate mostly from a local University site, where there’s a bit more space for antennas and much lower noise levels. The University has an old triband Yagi at around 18 m plus wire dipoles for the LF bands, slung from trees.
I’ve been married to Karen, for 34 years and we have two grown up children and (currently) a grandson who’s 2 ½ years old.
My working life started as an electronics / repair technician before moving into IT and subsequently project and program management (in IT) and then in construction industries.
I am happily (and gladly) retired and am really enjoying life. We love to travel – the attached photo was taken on a recent trip to KH6. Just after retiring, Karen, as a Christmas present, gifted me a one-day beekeeping taster session at a local farm. Four years later, I now have five hives…
This biography is what appeared in Solid Copy when the member joined CWops.