About
I’m a young-ish ham, licensed in 1997 and Extra class since 2004. Don’t gripe that I didn’t pass a 20WPM code test - I never had the opportunity by the time I was ready. If I did, I could have. I operate 97.425% CW (rough estimate) and average qso speeds of around 15WPM.
I can usually be found on the bottom end of 40 when I’m on, sometimes 80, and even more infrequently on 20. On the rare occasions I’m higher in the bands, I’m just monitoring the sloppy side band stuff. (If those guys QSL’d more often, I’d work ‘em.)
I’m not much of a DXer or paper chaser, although I’ll get in the pileup if I hear someone I feel like working. My current endeavor is WAS. Yes, I realize that after being a ham for ten years I should already have it. Well I’m young, work a lot, and have other excuses if you’d like to hear them.
I also enjoy 2m SSB on occasion. I don’t have much of a setup, just a 10w radio and a 10 element beam. Don’t bother asking for a moonbounce sked unless you have a REALLY good antenna setup.
I hang out with the QRP folks, but don’t operate QRP that often. I usually load the 820s at max power and have a go at it. I have a QRP rig (the semi-fried loaner pig-rig) which gets used occasionally. I’m currently accumulating parts for a 2n2/30. I hope it works… most stuff I build doesn’t. I’m saving funds for a IC-703. If you’d like to contribute, mail me a check.
I’m a God fearin’ bible thumper. If you don’t like it, tough. We were here first, we founded this country, and when it’s all said and done we’ll be the ones that’ll be here to pick up the pieces when everyone else destroys it from within.
I think we should all take steps to simplify our lives. Whether it’s getting rid of stuff we don’t need or use (something I’m guilty of not doing as often as I should), not buying stuff we don’t need, reducing our debts to manageable levels (the HORROR!), or growing gardens to raise our own food (something I believe to be a Biblical mandate).