Having been a Radio Amateur since the late 1960's (WN2DWN, then WA2DWN and KD2DR), I have enjoyed many facets of the hobby, including CW, SSB, FM, and (more recently) the various digital modes. The CW/QRP bug bit me again in late 2005, so I bought a new Yaesu FT-817ND. Unfortunately, I had very little time to continue using the "817" as my work schedule was a real bear, so it found a new home in February, 2011. I kept the ICOM IC-7000 and used that until the arrival of a new FlexRadio 5000A in May, 2011, feeding a multiband dipole with "ladder line", and Palstar (now Kessler Engineering) AT-Auto tuner for HF. The Flex has been a real learning experience, and I have enjoyed every bit of it. The Flex 5000A went to a great home in eastern Indiana. After using the "old" ICOM for a while, I purchased a FlexRadio 6700, which is (so far) working quite well. I then sold the '7000. As the SmartSDR software evolves, I am back to operating all the modes I have enjoyed in the past.

My ham radio interests include conversation with other hams, on and off the air. I even check into some "nets" every so often, and am often addressed as my (given) name appears on the QRZ license search and my license. Those who know me just call me "Jerry".

I use a tri-band vertical antenna on 6-M, 2-M, and 450 mHz. I am using ICOM (IC-7100) and (ID-51A) radios for 28-450 mHz. Since June, 2010, I have also been playing with digital modes on 160-10 meters, mostly 80-10 meters. Finally got (made) the time to get a Raspberry Pi B+ up and running for my UHF DVAP... cool stuff.

My other hobbies include Motorcycling (2012 Gold Wing), Computers, Jeeps, and working with the local Ducks Unlimited (Owasco Lake) chapter. At the end of September, 2011 (after 22 years), I retired from EMS and have changed over to part time at my job. This may allow somewhat more time to do other things (like ham radio, if my schedule otherwise permits).

My current call sign was originally that of my late uncle, Al Keltz, who got me interested in ham radio while I was in High School (late 1960's). After he passed away, I was able to acquire his call sign in 2001.

As I approach retirement from my "real job", I will have and make more time to do what I want to do, and to just enjoy life in general with my wife (who is also a ham and who tolerates my radio habit) and with Greta the Wonder Dog (see picture).