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Becoming an Amateur Radio Operator was the answer of a dream that took 40 years
for me to achieve. I and the entire Wolf Cub Pack (Scouts Canada) were
introduced to ham radio when I was eight years old. I became licensed with the
Basic Qualification on December 21, 1991.
Some memorable moments for me were:
- March 3, 2003 - I passed the CW endorsement.
- My first HF SSB contact was with Chuck - W7EGO on March 5, 2003.
- My first CW QSO was with Jill - KF4ZEO on March 13, 2003.
- My first contest was the WPX QSO Party for 2003.
- My ARRL WAS #51,824 was issued on 15 Feb 2006
My contesting interests, I especially enjoy RAC contests, smaller QSO Parties
and digital modes during this era of poor propegation.
The year 2005 saw me begin to make a change in equipment inventory with
flexibility being my goal. I wouldn't have imagined that after 23 years we
would sell our Winnipeg home. November 2007 saw us move east of Winnipeg to a
55 plus community. As with many amateur stations evolution has brought my
station equipment to the following:
1. Primary HF transceiver is a IC-746 Pro with Heil GM-5 mike and boom.
2. FT-8800 dual band VHF / UHF mobile is station FM and ARES rapid response
rig.
3. FT-897D with LDG AT-897 tuner, digital rig, backup HF to UHF all mode. This
rig is also my portable HF and ARES all purpose rig.
4. Station antenna's include: Diamond dual band verticle for VHF and UHF local
communications. HF antenna is an Alpha Delta DXCC multi band dipole.
5. I have retained my Kenwood (TH-F6A) triband HT.
Mobile and portable:
1. FT-897D with LDG AT-897 tuner. HF & VHF/UHF all mode becomes our motorhome
mobile and portable.
2. FT-857D is my mobile all purpose rig and my HF antenna is a ATAS-120.
3. Mobile antenna's employed are: a.Yaesu ATAS-120 HF mobile moves for motor
home and Jeep, b.A 2 meter 1/4 wave provides 2m / 70cm FM for both motor home
and Jeep.
November 2005 saw the addition of a SignaLink-1+ sound card to radio interface
permitting PSK31, RTTY and other digital modes. This system is designed and
implemented to function permanent, portable or mobile.
The purpose for such interest in mobile and portable operation is to enjoy my
hobby while camping and travelling but, also allows A.R.E.S. operation here in
Manitoba and if needed while travelling.
I look forward to hearing from you on the air in the near future.
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