Received Novice Ticket June 3, 1977 with callsign WB3IFJ. Upgraded to Extra Class October 1987 with present callsign.

Primary HF rigs are an Icom 7000 and Icom 746.  Favorite mode is CW and enjoy building QRP gear including an OHR 100, OHR 500, Elecraft K1, Tuna Tin II for 40 meters and Tuna Tin II for 20 meters. Also have an Icom 703 for QRP. For Digital Modes rig is an Icom 751A. Vintage gear includes a Hallicrafters SX-42, HT-40, HT-46, SX-146, Kenwood TS-520 and Heathkit SB-104A. Primary antenna is a 80 meter full wave loop. For backup antennas use an OFF Center Fed Zepp and recently put up a homebrew ground mounted Vertical which covers 80 through six meters using a homebrew tuner. Two meter gear includes an Icom IC-229 and Icom IC-T70A, For VHF use a 6/2meter quad on same boom. For satellite mode run an Icom 910H. Satellite antennas are 2 meter five element circular polarized and 70 cm 8 element circular polarized beams. For portable satellite work have an Arrow handheld yagi mounted on a camera tripod. AMSAT member number is 33883. Looking forward to the July/August 2013 trip to Newfoundland and operate via satellite from VO1 land Grid GN37, 38 and others as we travel. Portable antenna is a homebrew Vertical using same design as Vertical for the shack. Member of the Elk County Amateur Radio Association. Military time was USN and last two years was stationed at the U.S. Naval Base in Argentia, Newfoundland. My wife and I made three trips to Newfoundland. First trip in July of 1992 then in July 2005 and last trip July 2010. Had HF rig along on all three trips and was fun operating VO1. Live in the country and have three grown children, two girls and one boy, ND3R, four grandchildren and recently became a great grandfather. Retired July 30, 2004 from Osram/Sylvania after thirty seven and a half years of service where they manufacture Sylvania light bulbs. My last thirteen years was a mechanical maintenance mechanic. Prefer to be called a "Freelance Pedestrian" as sounds better than a "Retiree".