My name is Kirk (KK2Z...formerly W5KMK...initially KE5RFM). I've been an amateur operator since Oct 2007 when I took my Technician and General examinations. I am active in the Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club (BVARC), Houston QRP (H-QRP) club, and the Emergency Management Radio Operator's Group (EMROG) in Fort Bend County, TX -- southwest of Houston.

Yes, I am one of the no-code amateur operators. But, I am working on increasing my code speed so I'm one of the ones that actually can operate CW!

When my wife and I decided to take a total solar eclipse cruise to Europe in July 2008, I found out that the CEPT rules had changed to require an Amateur Extra class license to operate HF under the reciprocal agreement. So...I upgraded to Extra in April, applied for my Bermuda license, and requested permission from the cruise line (Discovery Cruises) and the Captain to operate. Discovery Cruise Line was very helpful in dealing with the details, and arranged for my Bermuda License and operating privileges (allowed bands, power, and a few specific restrictions).  To make a long story longer, I operated my FT-817 with a B&W ATX portable antenna. Unfortunately, problems with the connector meant my radiation efficiency was bad (SWR varying from 2-10)...but I had a blast doing PSK, CW, and SSB receive-only.

Due to deed restrictions, I have used portable antennas mostly, but am in the process of putting up either an 80m loop or dipole to add to my 2m/440 ground plane (not visible from the front yard). In addition to the FT-817, I use a Kenwood TS-480SAT as my base station and as a mobile unit...and an ICOM IC-208H as a mobile VHF/UHF unit.