About me and my shack.

I was first licensed in 2025, I got my Technician license in February of 2025. A very generous elmer who I work with gave me a Yaesu FT-857 to get me started. Shortly after getting my Tech I realized that working local repeaters and simplex is fun but I really wanted to work the world. I upgraded to General in March of 2025 and Amateur Extra in December of 2025.

I confirm QSL's via QRZ, LOTW, EQSL and by card. I can't guarantee a fast turnaround time for QSL cards but I do have them and will confirm via card.

The rigs:

My current rigs are:

Yaesu FT-857D

Icom IC7300

HF Signals zBitx

Yaesu FT70D

TYT MD UV-390

Antennas:

My current HF antenna is a 80 Meter end fed half wave from Tentennas. It started life with a 65 ish foot wire for 40-10 operation but with the declining solar cycle and 20 closing at night I wanted the additional band capability so I put out a longer wire.

My 2M/70 CM antenna is a Diamond X50 in the attic.

When operating portable I'll use a 18.3 foot Aliexpress special whip with a homemade loading coil. The coil lets me operate 80-10. I also have a Xtenna EFHW that I have a 20 meter wire attached to.