Weather Station at my QTH;
http://www.weatherlink.com/user/quailridge/
QSL Manager for K2C - 2012 4th. of July Week
I first became interested in Ham Radio when I was 14 and an active SWL in High School. I was lucky to be in a school that offered Electronics as an alternative to an un-needed subject and fortunately had WA1FCE, my uncle Charlie, (1916-1992), for an Elmer who gave me my Novice exam at 15 years old. At 16 years old I took a day out of school, drove up to the FCC in the old Customs House in Boston, Ma. and passed my General (WB1CGJ) in front of an intimidating FCC examiner. Many years later I upgraded to my current Advanced class and received a better call for the pileups (KE1JF).
Since major back surgery in mid 2008 Ham Radio has become a huge part of my life. I operate on all bands from 160 thru 900 mhz. where I'm an active DX'er and Contester on Phone & RTTY. I try to meet with friends on 1950 & 3933 Kc. late nights when conditions allow.
My station consists of an Icom Pro III, Kenwood TS-590S and a Kenwood TS-2000. A MFJ-989D Manual Tuner & an MFJ-998 Legal Limit Auto Tuner, a Rigblaster Plus and a Rigblaster Plus 2. When needed I have an Ameritron AL-80B and ALS-600. My mic. is a Heil PR-20 or a Heil GM-4 into a W2IHY EQ Plus. I also use a Heil Pro Set with all of my rigs. For antennas I use a Carolina Windom 160 in a V configuration with the center at 30' and the ends at about 50' over 2 large oak trees, a Carolina Windom 80 at 30' and a Cushcraft A-3S Yagi at 30'. along with other various Wire Antennas. I also have a Diamond X300 at 25 feet, a 13 element 900 mhz. yagi and a Discone for scanner recieving. For emergencies & portable operation I have a backup generator, two 25ah. gell cell battery packs and a Yaesu 100D, Icom 7000, LDG Z-100 Plus Autotuner with a Buddipole and a Buddistick.
I enjoy watching NASCAR Modified Racing (and listening in on their radio communications) at Thompson Speedway in Ct., all televised NASCAR Racing (with online scanner) and I grew up from day one with the Providence and Boston Bruins, so Hockey is in my blood, but I can no longer skate. My other big hobby is flying R.C. Helicopters of all types and sizes.
With my Newly Built Trex 450 6 Channel, 2.4 gig, 3D Helicopter, Kit by Align
Thanks for looking me up and I hope to see you on the air.
73,
Tom,, KE1JF
