NEW CALLSIGN !

W7FED

I have been a ham since 1972 in El Paso, Texas with first call of WN5JXY Novice, (Vince Sparacino taught me morse code with an old paper tape code generator at Ft Bliss) then upgraded to TECH with call WA5JXY,. I now hold a General Class ticket as W7FED.

Here is a picture of my current hamshack

Here I am in my old hamshack in El Paso prior to the big move to Seattle.

I remember sitting on top of the Franklin mountains in El Paso, Texas about 15 years ago. I was playing "briefcase packet" from the top of the mountain (4692 feet ASL). You can see three states (Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua Mexico) and two countries (US, Mexico) from up there !

I was one of the first in El Paso to get on PACKET RADIO, but with the advent of the internet, it isn't as popular as it used to be (except for APRS), but sure enjoyed building one of the FIRST PACKET BBS (Xerox 820 CP/M - W0RLI software), helping to build the FIRST DIGIPEATER with a home-built GLB PK1-L TNC (with Dave W5DBC-SK), the FIRST Modem/Packet BBS cross-link, the ELPWX Packet-Based WeatherNode, and the FIRST PORTABLE PACKET System in a briefcase !

I have enjoyed many modes of Amateur radio over the years including RTTY, AMTOR, Packet, AM, SSB, FM, and Satellite. I am most active on FM VHF/UHF repeaters and the ALLSTAR link system (see below). I also do some ECHOLINK when I get time.

I am an avid SWL listener utilizing my Icom PCR-1000 receiver and Workman T734 Discone scanner antenna.

The old TRASH (see note below) repeater (built by Dave Camp WD5HTQ/W5DBC in 1984, rebuilt by me in 1994 & 2008) has been rebuilt yet again and is now back on the air located atop the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas with city-wide coverage with the callsign of KB6JYF and is node #27081 on the ALLSTARLINK system.

(*NOTE*)

TRASH RADIO (This Represents A Serious Hobby)

The TRASH linked repeater system (10 repeaters/sites) that I built has also been shut down and sold due to my career move.

Here are some pics of Dave's (WD5HTQ/W5DBC) TRASH ROOM where we built up repeaters and breathed solder fumes for years until he passed away (Silent Key in the Ham World);

Here is a picture of the circuit boards I built for a discrete component repeater controller back in the '80s. (ZIA Controller design by WA7ZNY)

I kept one repeater and it is on the air in Burien Washington (Allstarlink Node #27422, Echolink #375562).

I has limited coverage around Burien (SEATAC), WA due to a temporary antenna. I hope to find a "HOME" for it at a repeater site soon).

My wife and I packed up everything and moved to Washington State, and we LOVE it!. There are so many things to do around here! (Most involve WINE!). By the way she hates the term XYL.hihi (or for the new generation.LOL).

I recently acquired some really nice excess radio equipment (Yaesu FT-900, Kenwood TMV-7a, and a SteppIR HF Vertical, and a bunch more!) from a new ham friend, Gary - K7NLG that he can no longer use due to moving into a condo. Thanks! (Gary K7NLG & Marlaina K7NLH). I will put it to good use!

I just installed a new G5RV-Lite, a Workman T734 Discone Scanner antenna, and a Cushcraft AR-270B dual-band vertical.

I also have an ICOM-PCR1000 receiver connected to a PC running PCR-Anywhere software, which allows it to be remotely controlled over the internet.

Go to http://pcr1000.servebeer.com:8181/PCR and create a new username (or login with your username) and you have a fully remote-controlled all-band all-mode receiver for you to use for FREE!

(Remember the antenna is located near SEATAC airport, Washington)

Documentation is located HERE

I currently work for Motorola Solutions, Inc. supporting Motorola ASTRO P25 trunking radio systems.

73 de W7FED (ex WA5JXY) Neil

Here is a picture of the radio installation in my old truck