Member Bio

I QSL via Direct (no SASE needed, but it is appreciated), bureau, LOTW, and QRZ.com daily.  I will eqsl however, I don’t use this method as much and therefore ask you not rely on this for QSL confirmation.

What drew me to ham as a hobby is CW, even though I’ve struggled to be able to listen to it.  The radio art isn’t something I’m unfamiliar with, as in my youth I was a comms officer in the Civil Air Patrol. Later in life I served, 9 years in the NJARNG and am currently serving in the USAF Reserves. During which time, even though Military Police was my specialty (or MOS) and now Vehicle Maintence, I usually ended up with the radios.

I’m usually very busy either with my wife, working on the railroad, or just generally trying to get all the things done that I have to in a day. I do like to try and carve out a little time here and there to get on the air.

current rigs: Yaesu ft-60r for portable

Powerwerx db-750x for mobile

Yaesu ft-857d for base

Tuner: MFJ Deluxe Versa Tuner II (Model MFJ-969)

Digital Interface: Signalink USB

Antenna: 6-180m end fed antenna about 20feet in the air

2m/70cm beam (fixed) hidden in the attic (not because I’m restricted, it was just a convenient place to mount it at the time)

I also have a few beofengs for everyday portable usage when I’m at work, as I’m less concerned with breaking them than I am the ft-60r. As well as a Motorola xpr 6550 on loan from KD2KWD however, I’m rarely on the DMR side of things mostly due to a lack of local repeaters near my QTH.

Occasionally when time permits you may find me on 20m portable, if its nice out, and I can get to the park to string up the antenna. Although this is rare I do love the SSB side of HF more than the digital and try to get out as often as possible.

One of these days I intend on going for my extra license however, I’m not currently in a rush to do so.

73

Jim

W2JMZ