I have been fascinated with radios since I was a little kid. I would go to bed with earphones on and listen to short wave radio programs from around the world. Sometimes I would tune in a ham radio band and listen to Morse code with an encyclopedia open to the chart of the alphabet in code. However, I didn’t get my license until 1999 when I was 48 years old. I passed the Tech Plus exam which included code. My call was KB9UKE. I worked hard to get my extra license before the code requirement was dropped. Field Day got me interested in CW contesting so I changed my call to WT9Q in 2014 thinking it would be easier for people to copy.
I live about 50 miles north of Milwaukee, WI on a 3-acre lot. I have a vertical for 80/40; a 42-foot tower with a Mosely tri-bander and a small collection of dipoles hanging from that same tower. Recently I purchased a Flex 6600 and the Maestro so that I could still do contesting when I am away from home. It works well.
I’m a member of the Society of Midwest Contesters, the Driftless Zone Contesters, the Ozaukee Radio Club and, the Washington County Amateur Radio Club and ARES group.
I’ve only been a member for CWops for a few weeks and I’m already having fun. Thanks to Anthony AB9YC for encouraging and nominating me and to my sponsors.
This biography is what appeared in Solid Copy when the member joined CWops.