I QSL Direct and via LoTW and eQSL For DX contacts I need in my chase of DXCC awards, I send SASE and IRCs. I try to make sure every DX contact I make receives a QSL via the bureau. I operate on all bands below 500 MHz, and enjoy CW, SSB, and the digital modes. I like to DX, and have earned DXCC and WAS in several categories.

My original call was WB2SFS which I acquired in 1976 while stationed as Commanding Officer of a US Navy ship, homeported in Perth Amboy, NJ.I upgraded to Extra in 1986 while stationed with the US Navy in Washington, DC, and living in Ft. Washington, MD.

I was an avid Heathkit fan, and still have many as seen on the shack photos below. I am pleased to have as one of the kits I built and use, the Heath HW-5400, the last "real Heathkit transceiver" sold as a kit

As seen above, my hamshack combines many of the Heathkit rigs I built together with more modern equipment. I am a Yaesu operator.

My "primary" rig, shown below, is a Yaesu FTDX-5000MP, with Alpha 89 and 4 Element SteppIR beam up at 55 feet. My "back-up" rig is a Yaesu FT-950 (above, on the right) that can operate with all the other shack accessories, and is the rig I use at Field Day.

Above you can see the detail of the primary operating position, including the SteppIR controller in the bottom left corner. For Heathkit fans, you can see the Heath HW-5400 HF Xcvr on the middle shelf on the far right. It showed the change in Heatkit from the traditional green color, to the brown they introduced as they tried to compete with the onslaught of factory manufactured solid state gear. Notice the rig even has a direct keypad entry for frequency changes, a revolutionary step for Heathkit. Also note the trusty Heath HW-8 QRPp rig on the left hanfd side. Every now and then I succumb to operating QRP CW!

I live in an antenna controlled CC&R area, and inside a city known to be exceptionally difficult on amateurs who desire antennas. Nonetheless, with patience and persevrance, I was able to get the Homeowners Association of my development to approve my installing antennas for ham radio through explaining the value of Ham Radio for emergency services. It also helped that I coordinated some of the fire fighting response in our area during one of the major San Diego fires. Then I followed the City's arduous permitting process (which cost nothing but was fraught with hurdles) witnout making a fuss, and got my tower approved. I chose the 4 element SteppIR yagi as the best solution for my desire to operate a high quality beam on all the bands, and at least with the SteppITR I have that for 40M - 6M. 160M & 80M are covered by a stealth wire antenna in the few trees we have here in Poway. Above is a picture of the tower, as seen from my driveway. I was working on the antenna, so the tower is down at 35 feet. When completely lowered for antenna work, the beam rests on the roof top, so I can sit down while working on the antenna! It is also a great location for enjoyinh the view of our valley, while enjoying a glass of winde.

With the radio gear and skill, if I can hear em, I can work em!

I QSL 100%. As indicated above, I use LOTW, EQSL, and the Bureau. I routinely send bureau QSLs to all my DX contacts, except during contests. For rare DX I always send a QSL with SASE and IRC, unless the DX is LOTW friendly. If you send me a paper QSL, I will respond with my QSL.  This is my QSL card.

As a member of the ARRL, I support the Spectrum Defense Fund. I served in various ham radio roles including President of the Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club in Alexandria Virginia, and the Palomar Amateur Radio Club in Carlsbad, CA.

I am also the Vicepresident of the I.O.O.K chapter in Poway, CA, and the Director of the I.O.O.K. Technology Center. You can learn all about the IOOK at http://www.IOOK.org. Visit our web page and investigate some of the unusual and exciting technology we develop at the Tech Center.

I hope to meet you on the air.

73 & Good DX de NN3V .-.-

Charlie