Hello,

Thank you for looking me up – hopefully, we have just had a QSO! After a 35-year career in the Rhode Island State Correctional System, I retired as a Correctional Officer Captain in 2008. I have been an avid short wave listener since I was twelve years old. I cannot remember any time in my life when there was not a short wave receiver and a world atlas close at hand.

Pondering retirement, I decided it was time to pursue an amateur radio license. Something I had wanted to do for many years, but the responsibilities of raising a family and the demanding hours that my career required, had made very difficult. Now, with some idle time in my immediate future I decided it was time to join in the fun that I had been listening to for so many years. It was time to become a “HAM.” I started studying and received my Technician License in September of 2005 (KB1MQU). I received my present vanity call (W1KDA) in April of 2006. My General Class License came in March of 2007. I advanced to Extra in March of 2011.

In August of 2007 I was “bitten” by the DX Bug. I have been on a “thrill” ride ever since and have never looked back. I chase DX as much as I possibly can and love every minute of it. I also do a little contesting and have participated in NTS traffic nets both as a traffic handler and net control.

I QSL 100% - No need to send a SASE, green stamps, or postage - send me your card and I will send you mine. SWL's ARE VERY MUCH WELCOME!

 

ARRL DXCC TOTALS AS OF APRIL 23, 2014

MIXED =  297/299 *

PHONE = 297/299 *

80M =   82
40M = 141 *
20M = 256 *
17M = 247 *
15M = 247 *
12M = 180 *
10M = 185 *

* DXCC CERTIFICATE ISSUED

DXCC CHALLENGE = 1333

 

ORGANIZATIONS

American Radio Relay League
Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society - #1500
TEN-TEN International Net - #75545 (Life Member)
International DX Association
Northern California DX Association

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Icom 7600
Kenwood TS-2000
Ameritron ALS–1300 Amplifier

JRC NRD-545 DSP Receiver
Satellit 800 Receiver

Gap Titan DX Vertical Antenna (10M through 80M)
Traffie Technology – 5 Band Hex-Beam (10M through 20M)
Dipole (Inverted V) 40M & 80M

 

                                             "The Shack"

 

                              Traffie Technology Hex-Beam

 

                Tower and Beam Outside the

               World Headquarters of W1KDA

 

                                  "Gap" Titan DX Vertical

 

                                W1KDA World Headquarters

 

                  At League Headquarters - December 2012

 

 

 

 

 

HOPE TO WORK YOU AGAIN SOON !!!

73

RON

W1KDA