I was licensed late in December 2010, and finally made it to HF in April 2011 as AB1OD. After seeing just how many ways that call can be mangled on CW, I applied for and received my current call, N1EN in August 2012.

On the air, I am a "utility infielder" -- I like dabbling in many things, but am expert in nothing. I chase DX, play in contests, participate in local ARES and Navy MARS activities, and plot how to fit more antennas onto the property without upsetting the XYL. I prefer digital modes (love RTTY contests), enjoy CW, and once in a while pick up a mic to work phone.

Station

My shack features an Elecraft K3 (main rig), an Icom IC7000 (backup/VHF SSB/portable), and a Kenwood D710A. I use a US Interface Navigator for digi work, and an LP-Pan software-defined interface to find gaps in pileups.

My primary HF antenna is an 80m Carolina Windom up about 65 feet, oriented at 150/330 degrees (i.e., between two convieniently spaced trees about 140 feet apart). My secondary HF antennas include a 40m delta loop, a ridiculously low 160m Carolina windom, and a 133' inverted L up about 45 feet.

For VHF/UHF, I am currently limited to a J-pole on top of a 20-foot pole, which is fine for accessing local repeaters and packet machines, and for getting into the ISS. I've also recently started working FM satellites using a Wouxun HT and an Elk antenna.

QSL info (or "why did he send me a card even though I confirmed in LOTW/eQSL?")

As part of my dabbling, I am chasing the standard array of awards -- DXCC Challenge in particular, but also VUCC, US-CA,.and well, you get the idea. I'm also trying to collect actual cards from each DXCC entity that I work. I send QSL cards in support of those goals.

I usually upload to LOTW, eQSL, and Clublog at the end of each day's radio activities. I will respond to direct QSL requests (SASE/SAE appreciated, but not required). Bureau is fine too.