New HAM learning the ropes in the later years of my life. I got my Technician license in August 2012, upgraded to General in December 2012. I am really enjoying logging DX & local contacts.

My QTH is about 135 miles West S.W. of Washington, DC at 1,700 feet above sea level, on the West side of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

For HF I have a 1980's era Icom IC-735, barefoot 100 watts. A home brew 264 foot long OCF dipole strung from 40 degrees NE to 220 degrees SW at about 35 feet up covers 10 through 160 Meters. A home brew quad single wire loop antenna cut for 10 Meters, mounted as a vertical diamond on my old TV rotator about 17 feet off the ground works suprisingly well for DX when the 10 Meter band is open.

For 2 Meters I have an antique 1970's era Amcomm S2-25 FM Simplex, working a home made copper pipe Slim-Jim antenna about 12 feet off the ground.

I much prefer modern electronic QSL verifications, LoTW, eQSL, QRZ log, etc, but will return a paper card if you send me one. The courtesy of a SASE is appreciated if you want a paper QSL card.

Occupation is self-employed gunsmith, doing repairs on antique & obsolete firearms.