STATION

Hardware: (2) Yaesu FT-1000MP transceiver, Icom IC-718, Alpha 76PA linear amplifier, Bird 43 Wattmeter, Astron RM-35, Astron RS-20A, US Interface Navigator, Vibroplex Square Racer.

Antennas: Alpha-Delta DX-EE (10M-40M), SteppIR BigIR w/ 80M coil, DXE 5 band Hex Beam (10M/12M/15M/17M/20M).

QSL POLICY

I attempt to QSL 100%, but am quite behind in sending cards out. Any card received is answered immediately. You do not need to include green stamps, IRCs or an SASE. I am of the thought the QSL is "the final courtesy." I upload my log to Logbook of the World on a daily basis, as well as immediately to eQSL after a QSO was made. You can also check if you are confirmed in my logbook courtesy of HRDlog.net

BACKGROUND

I was inspired by my father, N6SV, (previously W6ONV) Glen Rattmann, K6NA and Jim Rafferty, N6RJ (SK). During the 70s and 80s they would call 'CQ' from my father's ham shack (QTH - Poway, CA) late into the night and early hours of the morning. Being a youngster I really had no idea what all those switches and knobs did. Looking back on their hobby, I wish would have taken a more vested interest.

As I got older my father slowly got out of the hobby, although he is still licensed as N6SV, he has not called 'CQ' in years. I passed Element 2 in 1995 while living in Arlington, Texas,  the FCC licensed me KC5NWR. While I did not have any radio to use my license sat idle until 2003, when I received my father's Kenwood TR-7600 2m transceiver complete with the DC power supply and the RM-76 control unit.

When I moved to Oakley, CA [CM98da] I joined the Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club, I also bought a Kenwood Th-F6A HT and began listening in on the W6CX repeater on Mt. Diablo. I regularly attended meetings for a few years trying to find a niche I could get involved in.

When my license came up for renewal in 2005, I decided to look for my father's old call sign, W6ONV. I was surprised when I found it was not assigned and applied for the vanity call sign. I was granted the new call sign in April, 2005.

After passing Element 3 in 2007 (the day Element 1 was dropped from FCC requirements) I bought a Hustler 6-BTV and erected it my backyard (50'x100' lot). I also bought an ICOM IC-718. The vertical was ground mounted with 46 radials of varying length on a radial plate and a tile-base from DX Engineering.

I passed the Element 4 exam in June 2008 as was awarded my Amateur Extra license. I knew the FCC had removed the Element 1 requirement, but I was surprised to find out it was not even offered at my testing session at MDARC (I was prepared to take it). I continued my practicing and learned Morse code, after becoming Amateur Extra.

In February, 2009 I upgraded my rig and bought a used Yaesu FT-1000MP. A month later after talking with my father I found out he still had his two linear amplifiers, a Heathkit SB-220 and a Alpha 76PA. After shipping the Alpha to N4UQ to be upgraded and repaired it has since been added to the station.

In lieu of the code exam, I downloaded the ARRL/VEC paperwork and was accredited as an ARRL VE in June, hopefully I can start helping my local club administer exams to current and potential hams.

CONTESTING

Near the end of 2008 I participated in my first contest, the Czech Radio Club sponsored OK DX RTTY Contest. While my attempt was not in a serious contesting vein, I enjoyed the time I worked. I was chasing the WAS and thought this was a great opportunity to add to the outstanding states I had not worked. A month later I participated in the 2008 RAC Winter Contest from home and the local "big gun" station, N6RO or "Radio Oakley."

It was during this contest I wanted to get more actively involved in contesting, both on the individual side and club side. I joined the Northern California Contest Club prior to the ARRL RTTY Roundup, participating in practice sessions leading up the event at N6RO. While my operating time was limited during the contest because of my schedule I did set personal goals for the contest I wanted to achieve for the upcoming year.

OPERATING

When not operating in a contest, I will chase DX and those DXpeditions that take place on a seemingly regular basis. I enjoy operating RTTY as my main mode, but will work CW and SSB. Much of my early HF involvement was on digital modes including PSK31, Feld Hell and Olivia. To date I have confirmed 58 DXCC entities. I am currently working on my ARRL Triple Play Award, as well as my 5BWAS and WAZ awards.

PERSONAL

I maintain my personal web site dedicated to amateur radio and a few other hobbies I participate in called, The 6th Floor. When I am involved in a contest you can watch and listen live at w6onv.camstreams.com.

I am currently employed by Bay Area Rapid Transit District as a Train Controller, working out of the Operations Control Center in downtown Oakland, California. Previous to that I spent 11 years with United Airlines, unfortunately the airlines continued to struggle and the future was not looking good, so I made the move to BART in 2006.

Currently I call Oakley, CA my QTH and have been married for 5 years, but she hates it when I refer to her as the "XYL" (name is Christal). We do have a young ham, very young named Zachary (I call him Zoom). I am still trying to teach him Morse Code. At 4 years old, he knows the letters 'D', 'E' and 'T'. He also loves to run around saying "CQ" and "DX" into any mic he can get a hold of.

When I am not on air, I spend time raising my son, playing Xbox 360, restoring a 1968 Mercury Cougar watching as much footie (soccer to Americans) from Italy and England, while playing goalkeeper on an outdoor soccer team locally. With any luck I should have the Cougar completed by the time my son learns to drive.