I don't collect QSL cards, I never have. I have set my logging program (HRD) to automatically send eQSL cards to everyone I speak with. I have also recently joined LOGBOOK OF THE WORLD, and will upload my logbook frequently to the ARRL.
Licenced in 1984 as ZS5ABY. Changed callsign to ZS5J from 1988.
I like to try different modes and experiment with antenna's. I also enjoy going outdoors with ham radio - operating portable, or at the top of a mountain with either my Icom IC-703 or Yaesu FT-817. I also enjoy operating from the mobile with three Icom IC-7000's in each of the vehicles. Mobile antennas are a Little Tarheel II screwdriver motorized antenna (80m-6m), High Sierra Sidekick screwdriver (80m-6m), and Outbacker antenna(80m-6m).
I recently purchased a new Flex 5000A, while at the Dayton Hamvention (had it shipped to my hotel). It is seen here controlled by an Apple MacMini core 2 duo computer (seen on top of the Flex radio) with 8GB RAM, operating on a second sector using bootcamp with Windows 7 64 bit, and I use a 40" Samsung LED display. I was so happy with the Flex-5000 that I also bought the Flex-3000 and Flex-1500.
Other equipment seen in this picture are a Yaesu FT-1000D, Yaesu FT-1000 MKV Field, Yaesu FT-990, Kenwood TS-2000 (black limited edition), Yaesu FL-7000 solid state linear, Icom IC-2KL solid state linear with Icom AT-500 matching antenna tuner. There are two Kenwood TMD-700A VHF/UHF dualbander remote displays on the desk. Main radio for general use is either one of the Flex rigs or my TS-870S.
November 2012: New addition to the family - new antenna at ZS5J - SteppIR DB-18 (6.9 Mhz - 54.0 Mhz beam) including 6 meter add-on. Antenna is up at 65 ft. 2 elements on 40 meters, dipole on 30 meters, 3 elements from 14 - 30 Mhz and 4 elements on 6 meter band. Also a new ProSisTel rotator to turn this antenna.
Part of my shack:
Antenna: SteppIR DB18, 2 elements on 40, dipole on 30, and 3 element continiously adjustable motorized yagi for 14 mhz - 30 mhz, 4 elements on 50 Mhz
Here is my Flex SDR operating room. Flex 5000A, Flex 3000A and Flex 1500A, with Apple MacMini 8GB RAM and Windows 7 64 bit, Dell 23 " LED monitor with optional Dell powered speaker soundbar attached beneath and Jetstream 30 amp power supply
ZS5J operating a club JOTA field day station
Here is one of my mobile's on a recent trip up Sani Pass - one of the highest points navigable by a vehicle in South Africa. Icom IC-7000, and Little Tarheel II 3.5 - 60 mhz screwdriver antenna
I also operate from Lesotho 7P8/ZS5J and Mozambique, where my callsign is C91J.
I enjoy traveling, and often take ham radio with me. I have been spending my annual vacation in the USA every year over Dec/Jan for the past 18 years.
Having lived on a farm most of my life, I enjoy the outdoors, and I mix ham radio with my outdoor activities. I enjoy hiking, snow skiing (Montana/Colorado), the beach, the mountains and also love dirt bike riding. Here is a picture of my current dirt bike - a BMW G 450 X.
I have recently become interested in SOTA - summits on the air, and would like to activate many summits this coming summer. For hiking to summits I will use my Yaesu FT-817 or Icom IC-703, a 10 amp gel cell battery and an MP-1 80 - 10 meter vertical.
Here I am operating from the back of my Jeep on a beach next to the Indian Ocean. Using a 40m Delta loop antenna, and MP-1 vertical, with an Icom IC-703. The Jeep uses an Icom IC-7000 and High Sierra Sidekick 80 - 6 screwdriver antenna.
73, See you on the bands. Roll on the next sunspot cycle
John, ZS5J
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