Yep, that's a photo of me operating my Dad's station about 1960. Well, maybe pretending to operate. I was about 3 years old. I do not remember that. I just remember him smoking a pipe, turning knobs (I loved those knobs and switches) and the sounds of morse code.

I look more like this now!

I've only been a ham for a few years, but as you can see, I've been around it for all my life. As soon as they removed the code requirement, I knew I'd be getting my license soon. I especially enjoy anything digital about ham radio.  

I currently use the following equpment to enjoy the ham radio hobby:

• Yeasu FT-847 HF transceiver connected to an 80 meter (130' long) OCF dipole using unbalanced feedline.
• Kenwood TM-D710 for 2m & 440 communication locally. Connected to a Diamond X300A antenna on the roof.
• Another Kenwood TM-D710 that acts as the one and only two way APRS Digipeater with igate for the Spokane Area.
• Icom IC-208H and Moencomm GMSK board for a D-STAR hot spot, using a Comet GP-9 antenna placed 70' up in a tree.
• Icom IC-2820 w/UT-123 D-STAR option in the car
• Kenwood TH-74D handheld that does D-STAR and true APRS.
• Icom ID-51 handheld for D-STAR on the go.
• Wouxun KG-UV3D for portable 2m/440 communications.
• Yaesu FT2D fusion digital portable .

I'm co-owner of the WA7DRE D-STAR repeater in Spokane, WA with a great guy and generous ham, Glen, K1RR. We are also officers of the Washington Digital Radio Enthusiasts amateur radio club.  I also operate a 25-watt D-STAR simplex hotspot from my house in Four Lakes, WA.  This allows D-STAR users to join in on the fun on reflector 29A from anywhere within a few miles of my house.

During business hours, I'm a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer licensed in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. I specialize in engineering and design of mechanical systems for commercial, industrial and government buildings. I'm also a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), and LEED Accredited Professional with the Existing Buildings/Operation and Maintenance specialty (LEED AP+ EBOM), and an ASHRAE Certified Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP). All that means is that I specialize in all aspects of mechanical systems for green and energy efficient buildings where people live and work. I work for Stantec Inc., an Architecture and Engineering firm with offices in many major cities around the world, including Spokane.

Contact information:

email: w4lks@hvacware.net
Mobile Phone: 509-993-7739
Home D-STAR Reflector:  REF029A