Member Bio

“It is not the class of license the Amateur holds.
but the class of the Amateur that holds the license.”

AMSAT Member ID: 56494144

Stage 4 Cancer…. Cancer SUCKS….

Moved to Huffman, Texas 8-22-23  

Radios I am using Yaesu FT3DR x4, FT4XR, Yaesu FT5DR  x3, Icom 9100, VX5R x3, VX7R x2, VX8DR x3, MMDVM,  Blue DV Thumb Stick Yaseu 7250DR x4 & Yaesu 897D x2, Yaesu 991A & Yaesu FT-817ND 

I enjoy HAM Radio, Motorcycles, 4 Wheelers, Boating, Hunting & Firearms….

I am Having a Blast chasing ISS & SAT AO-91 & PO-101. Starting to Learn Linaers.

New to satellite operating? Check out Best Practices guide for the FM Satellites 

C4FM on a Fusion Repeator.

Open Spot 4 Pro, Open Spot 3 & Open Spot 2

My QSO/QSL policy is straightfoward: if we have a QSO, I will post your QSL to what I’ll call the, “primary logs“. This includes Logbook of the World (LoTW), and to here at QRZ.com, within less than a week (within seconds, if it is any thing that uses WSJT).

As for what I consider a complete QSO;  if we are operating in a digital mode such as Weak Signal (FT4/8, etc…) mode, RTTY, PSK or even SSTV, if I receive an RRR or RR73 – I consider it to be complete.  If I do not get such a response and you make a request for a QSL; then, I will review my logs for a contact activity between us and if found, a QSL will be issued.  Ocasionally, I may get a little nitpicky and may reject a qso; but, that is ussually because I’ve sent a “R-??” many times and didn’t get a “RR73” back! Other forms such as CW and Phone; a minimum of call sign and RST are required, unless – if in contest, then the minimum is set by contest required parameters.

If I find that we have had communications, I will submit the QSL to the primary logs within two to three weeks.  Otherwise, no QSL on my part will be issued.  If you request a paper QSL, remember to send a SASE as well. If you don’t, I’ll keep your card but don’t expect one back.  All foreign paper QSL requests will be processed back to your countries governing bureau or if done through ClubLogs OQRS, directly.  Finally, if I do work you in a contest, our contest QSO will be logged to LoTW and QRZ.com at the least as well that contests governing agency.

Stay safe, stay positive and Test Negative !
If you’re just getting started, my main advice is Listen. A lot. Get to know the cadence of an extended, efficient, QSO-filled pass. If you do not receive a good signal consistently, improve your antenna. When you are ready to transmit, use the minimum power necessary and operate full duplex (with headphones) so you know what is happening at the bird. Whenever possible, call a specific station rather than simply announcing your call; this demonstrates that you can hear the bird and is the fastest way to begin a complete QSO. Practice pays off. Patience is imperative.

Grid Maps

Questions on how to create the various grid maps come up quite often, so I thought I would post the options that I am aware of here:

GcmWIN: Start at K8YSE website

WG7J’s GridMapper from ADIF

488/WAS (Excel based): https://ke4al.wordpress.com/Gridmaster

Cheap Ham 488 (Excel 2003)

For Google Sheets versions, use File->Make A Copy to get an editable version that can be used from your desktop/laptop/mobile

488 lite (Google Sheets)

Gridmaster Rover (Google Sheets) http://

Grid Heroes (Google Sheets)

The Radio Amateur’s Code

The Radio Amateur is

CONSIDERATE…He/[She] never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

LOYAL…He/[She] offers loyalty, encouragement and support to other amateurs, local clubs, the IARU Radio Society in his/[her] country, through which Amateur Radio in his/[her] country is represented nationally and internationally.

PROGRESSIVE…He/[She] keeps his/[her] station up to date.  It is well-built and efficient.  His/[Her] operating practice is above reproach.

FRIENDLY…He/[She] operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners; kind assistance, cooperation and consideration for the interests of others. These are the marks of the amateur spirit.

BALANCED…Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school or community.

PATRIOTIC…His/[Her] station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.

– adapted from the original Amateur’s Code, written by Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, in 1928