For the initial contact with a new DX entity I will send a QSL card direct with SASE and return postage ($2 USD), foreign postage stamps or an IRC. For all other overseas contacts I will QSL via the ARRL Outgoing buro. If you are overseas (DX) you can send me a QSL direct. (US contacts, I DO NOT need an SASE.)

The eQSL system is nice, but, unfortunately it may NOT be used for DXCC credit with the ARRL. I will accept eQSL's, but, if you are overseas (DX) than please be prepared to send a QSL card or upload the contact to the ARRL Logbook of the World if I request it.

If you are on the ARRL Logbook of the World (LoTW) please upload your log files. I upload my log to the ARRL LoTW on a regular basis. http://www.arrl.org/lotw/ I prefer this unless you wish to mail me a card direct. I will pay the return postage. I QSL 100 % for all cards I receive (US and DX).

I am on the 3905 Century Club 40 meter Early net as often as possible. http://www.3905ccn.com I am in the 3905 CCN 40 meter buro run by Richard, W5IL. I am also in the 80 meter buro run by Gene, WM9H.

I grew up in Marlborough, CT and graduated from RHAM HS in Hebron, CT in 1969. I then attended Norwich University in Northfield, VT where I received a BS in Elementary Education and a commission in the US Army as a Field Artillery Officer in 1973. I spent two years on active duty (74-76) and then the next 26 years in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and Army Reserve and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. I was a resident of Lawton, Oklahoma from 1975 to 1997.

I have always had an interest in amateur radio and personal computers. I bought an Atari 800 XL in 1984 and my first IBM compatible in 1995. I have built several IBM compatible PCs. I have a high speed FIOS (fiber-optic) connection and four networked PCs in the house.

My Dad (K1SCM) helped me learn the Morse code in the early 1960's while I was in the Boy Scouts. The Morse code was a requirement in order to earn promotion to 1st class scout (Morse code at 5 wpm proficiency was a requirement in the Boy Scouts until 1991). But, I never pursued amateur radio any further at that time. My Dad kept trying to get me to go for my Novice but I did not feel confident that I would ever get the code down at 13 wpm. My Dad was active as a Civil Defense coordinator and spent countless hours on CW and AM phone on 6, 10, 15, 20, and 40 meters. When SSB became the dominant phone mode he started to lose interest. I spent countless hours in the attic with my Dad and we also got to visit other operators. One time we visited W1EOR - John at his QTH in Bolton, CT in the 1960's. John had a really powerful station, all Collins gear . 2 KW PEP and a 100 foot tower with a huge beam. He still operates now from Martha's Vineyard mostly digital modes (Clover, PSK31, etc.). John is the author of Easyterm for Windows.

In June 2004 I decided this time I am going to do it. So I studied for the test for my No Code Technician and passed the exam easily (nearly a perfect score).

I finally passed element 1 (January 29, 2005) exactly 7 months to the day from receiving my technician license. I had already passed element 3 on November 6, 2004. I passed element 4 to earn my Extra on November 26, 2005. I am on 2 meters (146.940, 146.760 or 146.880) Fort Wayne, Indiana. I also use IRLP and Echolink. I am a member of the Fort Wayne Radio Club, the Fort Wayne DX Association and the ARRL. 

My primary HF rig now is a Kenwood TS-480SAT and I have a W3DZZ trapped dipole at 17 feet. When I want nostalgia, I fire up my first rig, a Kenwood TS820S. I used that rig to earn my first and second W.A.S. awards and contact almost 65 countries. I live in a neighborhood with CCR's so my antenna is somewhat concealed on the back of my house with the approval of the neighborhood association.

My 2 meter rig is an Icom IC-V8000 with a J-pole at 10 feet also on the back side of the QTH.

I am a VE with Whitley County Amateur Radio Club W5YI VE team.

Latest interest is RTTY. I have been in several RTTY contests. I made more than 150 contacts on RTTY for Field Day 2006.

My wife (Maria) and I have been married for 35 years. We have four children and four grandchildren.

AWARDS:

3905 CCN 40 meter SSB 100 Point Certificate # 2372 - 500 Point Endorsement

3905 CCN 75 meter SSB 100 Point Certificate # 2647

ARRL Worked All States (WAS) (20 and 40 meters - Mixed - SSB) # 51,712

ARRL Worked All States (WAS) (40 meters - SSB) Endorsement

ARRL DXCC (Mixed) # 41,013 - 128 entities confirmed

CLUBS:

PODXS 070 Club (PSK31) # 937

The picture above was taken on December 21, 2006 at ARRL HQ in Newington, CT. My Dad (Howard) K1SCM is seated in the foreground and I am behind him.

73 and Good DX