First licensed in 1971. Started off as most did in those days with 10W AM on Topband. Next tried 2M AM - who remembers those days of being crystal bound and tuning high to low on the receiver. Built a Heathkit HW32A and had lots of fun on 20M SSB. Built transverters for 160 and 2M. Moved up to a Yaesu FTDX401 and was active with that mainly on 80 and 40. I seemed to keep with Yaesu after that.

Currently have a FT920 with a Linear Amp UK 2 x 3-500Z amp. I focused on the WARC bands for quite some time with homebrew 3el beams for 17M and 12M on the same 6.5 metre boom up at 45 feet. For 30M I just had an inverted V dipole. Obtained DXCC with that set up and enjoyed chasing the DX on both SSB and CW. Unfortunately all those antennas have been taken down.

I love hill climbing and so I have begun an interest with Summits-On-The-Air (SOTA). I have so far achieved just 3 activations in G/SE but spend most of the time chasing other activators. I use a FT857D (set to 5W when /P) and for antennas either use an inverted V dipole for 60/40/30M, an EFHW vertical for 20 /17/15/12M or a 6M delta loop using telescopic fibreglass poles for support. For battery power I am using 5AH 4S LIPO batteries with a homebrew voltage reducer.

In 2012 I hope to do a garage conversion and rebuild my shack. Also hope to put up my 40ft Tennamast and put a 5el 6M yagi on top in time for this year's Es season.

Hope to catch you on the bands !

73s

Andrew, G4AFI

Visit www.sota.org.uk