With a change in call signs, it is time to update the Bio. When I upgraded to General, I had to pass the 5wpm code test and promptly put away my code tapes and audio files. I started work on HF radio on SSB and became active with the OMISS nets. Eventually got interested in the sound card modes and worked PSK31 for several years. Included with this is RTTY, Olivia and MFSK. I still do RTTY contests and with my new rig look forward to getting back to PSK31.

At last one our club members wanted to learn CW and got our club expert JeRB K8WPI to elmer a group of us. For several months we worked to learn code and get on the air and eventually we did it. Several of us got started and made a couple of contacts. Since that time I have work primarily CW and am focused now on getting speed increased. I have found CW to be  more fun that in probably legal. I have had a blast with it and it has led me QRP.

My current QRP rig is an Elecraft K1. I have taken the radio up to Mount Evans in Colorado and to the beach in Port Aransas in Texas. I bought the radio from another Kalamazoo native who became a silent Key David Watt WA8TT. The antenna used is a PAC 12 portable vertical which compacts down to about a foot in length. The antenna was first written up in the New Jersey QRP club and latter commercially produced for a short time. I have added solar power to my QRP outings and have added a random wire to the portable collection. I am now building a W1FB 1 watt crystal rig which has led to more learning about basic electronics. Locally, I am also a assistant District Emergency Coordinator for Southwest Michigan. Club participation includes the Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club http://w8vy.org/ and the SMART Club http://www.k8kzo.com/ .

My current station is an FT 950, FT 840 and Elecraft K1. Antennas include a center fed zepp and a ground mounted S9 Vertical. In process is a 15M vertical dipole for those winter RTTY contests. Tuners include the LDG Z11 pro and an MFJ 901B tuner for the FT 840. This winter should see the refurbish of a National NC57M tube receiver from the early 50's and assembly of a TenTec noise bridge.

Memberships: Ten Ten International #74649 (also a volunteer)

OMISS #5748

Fists # 14327

Flying Pigs #2439

30MDG

NAQCC #4189

EPC #2873

I respond to all QSLs and upload contacts to eqsl.cc via HamRadio Deluxe. I also am on LOTW and regularly upload contacts there. QSL cards are welcome and no SASE is needed to get a card from me.