Ian G0AYN and XYM Trev
I was licensed in 1981 and have kept the same callsign, G0AYN ever since.
My first ‘shack’ was in the bedroom of my parents’ house when I was still living at home and I got into morse code because it was the only way I could use the radio late at night when the family were in bed and I had my headphones on. I was encouraged in and taught morse code by G3CQO, who had the patience of a saint. I quickly got the hang of it and used to enjoy our Saturday evening sessions on the key.
I studied Electronic Engineering with Telecoms at University in Newcastle and I used to be on the design team for the IBM PC when it came out in its various iterations. My part of the work involved TEMPEST testing, as it fitted nicely with my interest in RF. The company I was working for at the time began to suffer some financial difficulties and we were bought out by the Canadian company, Dowty. At the same time, I decided to apply for a job in the UK Government, working in the Foreign Office (similar to US State Dept). I joined them in 1986 and have been with them ever since (almost 40 years).
I love my job and have been lucky enough to have worked all over the world at various points in my career.
I first met Jim, N3JT on air back in 1981/2 and we have been firm friends ever since. I love QRQ and Jim was one of the first US hams I was able to work regularly who enjoyed ragchewing at 50/60wpm. Many of my various business trips have taken me to DC and I always planned extra time into those so that I could have dinner with Jim and Nina and meet some of the hams in W3/W4 land. Many have remained good friends to the day and I’m looking forward to re-connecting with them again.
Over the years, I’ve been in FOC, VHSC/SHSC/EHSC (high speed clubs) and CWOPS have made me very welcome after an almost 20-year gap in my activity due to restricted QTH’s and overseas postings. In addition to Ham Radio, I’m a composer and musician in my spare time and I write mostly orchestral, choral and piano pieces. I live in Bristol in the South West UK, and my daughter Beth (27) lives around 5 miles away with her partner.
Hope to see you all on the bands !
Best 73
Ian
This biography is what appeared in Solid Copy when the member joined CWops.