I'm fairly new to the world of amateur radio, but I've been a shortwave broadcast-band DXer/SWL for quite a bit longer than that. I was originally licensed as KD0GGL in the spring of 2009, but I knew even before I got my ticket that this call was available. So as soon as the FCC allowed me, I made the switch, and 100% of my HF QSOs from day one have been as K0ABC. I know that this call belonged to an SK in North Dakota for many many years - if you have an old K0ABC card, please let me know, as I would love to see it.

When I'm not playing on the radio, I'm also an avid distance runner, running anything from 5km races up to marathons. I've qualified for and ran in the Boston and New York City marathons, and also ran a marathon in Yukon (VY1) in 2010, which is where the photo is from. 73!! to the hams who donate their time to run public service relays at events like these, us runners really do appreciate it.

I really do! And I'm determined not to let the little things like a lack of a tower, or a beam, or an amplifier, or for that matter an outdoor antenna, stop me from enjoying DXing. Whether you're the biggest of the Big Guns, or a most assuredly Little Pistol like myself, DX IS. I'm able to work most of the "good stuff" that comes along despite my modest station (see below for details).

In 2010 I decided to try a marathon of a different sort and entered the CQ DX Marathon competition. I finished world runner-up in the Formula class (100 watts or less and wire antennas), with 213 countries and 37 zones for the year. I believe my score was a new Formula class record for North America - and that plus two greenstamps will get me a burger at McDonald's. In 2011 I've upgraded my transceiver, but I may try the DX Marathon again in the future. It was a lot of fun.

That's my antenna in the photo at right - I'm using a modified version of the G0KYA Multi-band loft-mounted dipoles in my attic. The only difference is, my attic is even smaller than his, so the dipole legs for every band below 17 meters have to curve and hook around on themselves in order to fit. The 40m legs in particular zig-zag like a zipper. Despite that, it works extremely well in conjunction with a good tuner. In 3 years it's gotten me 254 worked / 247 confirmed!

When I'm not wading through the pileups, I'm a big fan of digital modes, especially PSK31 and JT65. Not only are they a lot of fun, but they let me get the most bang for my watt. If you haven't explored the world of digi on ham radio, you should! There's a lot of great and friendly hams out there on the waterfall.

73 and see you on HF!

AWARDS (barefoot and with an indoor antenna!)

• 2010 CQ DX Marathon: World runner-up, Formula class
• DXCC Mixed / CW / Phone / RTTY / 40-10 meters
• ARRL DXCC Challenge
• LoTW Triple Play WAS #272
• ARRL WAS Mixed / CW / SSB / RTTY / PSK31 / 40-10 meters (well, minus 2 on 12!)
• CQ DX Award SSB / CW / RTTY
• CQ DX Field Award Mixed / SSB / CW / Digital
• DARC Worked All Europe I (Mixed) #168

EQUIPMENT

• Kenwood TS-480HX (replacing a Kenwood TS-2000)
• Microtelecom Perseus SDR (RX only)
• LDG AT-200Pro antenna tuner
• Signalink USB digital interface
• KK7UQ PSK IMD meter (great for making sure you have a clean digital signal!)
• Attic-mounted multi-band dipoles for 40-10m
• Pixel RF-Pro 1A loop antenna (RX antenna)
• Wellbrook ALA-100M loop antenna (RX antenna)

CLUBS / AFFILIATIONS

• ARRL Life Member pledge - (http://www.arrl.org)
• EPC #10038 - (http://www.eu.srars.org)
• NASWA (N. American Shortwave Assn.) - (http://www.naswa.net)
• Nixa (Mo.) Amateur Radio Club - (http://www.nixahams.net)
• PODXS #897 - (http://www.podxs070.com)
• Ten-Ten International #75452 - (http://www.ten-ten.org)

QSL INFORMATION

• Direct: I love swapping paper QSLs! Send me your QSL direct and you will get mine direct - NO SASE OR GREENSTAMPS NEEDED.
• Bureau: I QSL all other DX contacts 100% via the bureau.
• LOTW and eQSL (AG): All contacts uploaded on a weekly or more frequent basis.