First licensed in 1964, WA5KPG, Gene entered through the Novice ranks. After a year, he upgraded to Technician that stayed with him through his Engineering studies at The University of Texas in Austin. Once out of school and settled down, Gene earned his Amateur Extra class licensed the hard way, through an FCC examiner at an amateur convention in Austin during the mid-70's. He was fortunate to be able to choose his own callsign due to incentive licensing, thus he became K5PA. Gene has been an avid ham through out his hamming years. His excitement has resulted in 7 family members obtaining their ham licenses along the way. The latest is Sara, KD5RUP and her husband Terry, KD5UUR, both graduates of Texas Tech University. Gene has tried a number of operating modes such as CW, 6 M SSB, early-day repeaters (using tube radios!), satellite, DX, digital modes (FSK, PSK31, PSK, MSK16), field portable ops, QRP, HF-UHF mobile, and SSTV using homebrew equipment. One of his most historic (1971) accomplishments was building and programming the FIRST microprocessor, Intel 4004, to automatically send Morse code station callsigns over ham radio. His interest in computers began then and has lasted to this day where he enjoys integrating computers into ham radio operations. Gene has written over 30 ham radio articles for the amateur publications and about the same number for electronic trade journals. He currently holds 4 patents. He is a Life Member of the ARRL. Professionally, he holds his MSEE degree from The University of Texas at Austin and is a registered Professional Engineer in Texas since 1976. Currently, Gene is a Systems Engineer in radio communications technology company specializing in geolocation. He is married, his XYL is Carolyn AD5HP and has two harmonics, Sara KD5RUP and Laura, and 5 grand-harmonics: McKinley, Landon, Mason, Nate and Evie.

Last Edited Dec. 2009