I have been licensed since 1957 (W2TND), and until about 10 years ago, was very active -- chasing DX, Contests, VHF Meteor scatter, aurora, even a little EME.  However in the intervening years I drifted away from the hobby. Literally. The Sailboat station shown above, was all I kept. It was used only occassionally in the summertime. No home QTH until 2009.

Due to nudging and help from a few friends -- K1GW, W2FZ, K1RJL, K1RX, W2PK the bug has bit again.

I have discovered the digital modes, specifically PSK31 and have been very active since January '09 with the same IC706 from the boat, and an R7 or a Carolina Windom, now at the home QTH. After many years with big towers, antennas and amps, I am amazed what you can work with just 40 watts and a small antenna. Also the fact that 20+ QSO's can take place simultaneously without interference, within a single SSB channel.

Photos of the new Home Station coming soon.

On board the sailboat (which is a J-Boat model J/40 if anyone cares), my goal for the Summer of 2009 is to install the needed items for PSK operations and activate some FN53xx grids along the coast of Maine. 

Boat station details -- "Antenna Farm" -- The backstay is tuned with an Icom AT130 and driven by the Icom IC706MkIIG(160-6m). At the masthead is a dual-band 5/8 wave for 144 and 432. We will add a West Mountain Radio Plug and Play, and Laptop.

Wife Sandy (W1SPM) is steering the boat in the photo.

EPC: 5824; DMC: 1934; FH: 2172