People

• Marty Young, W4MY — North Carolina amateur operator, POTA activator, and NCQP chair — https://www.qrz.com/db/W4MY
• Eric Guth, 4Z1UG — Israeli amateur operator and QSO Today podcast host — https://www.qrz.com/db/4Z1UG
• Fin Gold, NC4FG — North Carolina amateur operator active in Raleigh-area club leadership — https://www.qcwa.org/nc4fg-36980.htm

Places

• Jupiter, Florida — Marty’s hometown and early amateur-radio starting point — https://www.jupiter.fl.us/
• Orlando, Florida — City where Marty attended college and operated actively — https://www.orlando.gov/Home
• Raleigh, North Carolina — Area tied to Marty’s club and contest activity — https://raleighnc.gov/

Organizations, Events & Publications

• ARRL — National association for amateur radio in the United States — https://www.arrl.org/
• QST — Monthly ARRL journal covering equipment, projects, and amateur-radio news — https://www.arrl.org/qst
• Parks on the Air — Portable operating program from qualifying public parks — https://parksontheair.com/
• ARRL Field Day — Annual on-the-air operating and emergency-preparedness event — https://www.arrl.org/field-day
• North Carolina QSO Party — State QSO party focused on contacts with North Carolina stations — https://ncqsoparty.org/
• Maritime Mobile Service Network — Long-running HF net serving maritime mobile stations — https://www.mmsn.org/

Equipment

• Heathkit HW-16 — Novice HF transceiver kit used for Marty’s first station — https://www.rigpix.com/heathkit/hw16.htm
• Heathkit HW-101 — Hybrid HF transceiver kit Marty later built and used — https://www.rigpix.com/heathkit/hw101.htm
• Heathkit HW-8 — QRP CW transceiver Marty restored for possible retro POTA use — https://www.rigpix.com/heathkit/hw8.htm
• Elecraft K2 — HF transceiver Marty used for portable operation — https://elecraft.com/products/k2-the-classic-hf-transceiver-full-kit
• Yaesu FTDX10 — HF/50 MHz SDR transceiver Marty uses for Field Day and POTA — https://www.yaesu.com/product-detail.aspx?CatName=HF+Transceivers%2FAmplifiers&Model=FTDX10
• Hallicrafters twin set — Classic Hallicrafters transmitter/receiver station Marty saw at his Elmer’s shack — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallicrafters
• Henry linear amplifier — RF power amplifier Marty recalled in Bill Asbury’s station — https://henryradio.com/

Modes & Bands

• CW — Morse-code operating mode central to Marty’s amateur-radio life — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuous_wave
• RTTY — Text-based digital mode Marty used during his active years — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioteletype
• Single-sideband modulation — Voice mode discussed as part of modern amateur radio — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-sideband_modulation
• PSK Reporter — Digital-mode reception reporting tool mentioned in propagation discussion — https://pskreporter.info/

Antennas

• Dipole antenna — Basic wire antenna Marty built from Heathkit instructions — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipole_antenna
• SteppIR — Amateur-antenna manufacturer referenced in Marty’s portable antenna discussion — https://consumer.steppir.com/
• CrankIR — Portable vertical antenna system Marty referenced as a performance benchmark — https://consumer.steppir.com/media_category/crankir/
• Inverted V antenna — Wire antenna Eric said he uses from Israel — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipole_antenna#Inverted-V_antenna

Certificates & Licenses

• Amateur Radio Service — U.S. amateur licensing service discussed throughout Marty’s licensing story — https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service
• Commercial Radio Operator License Program — FCC commercial operator credentials Marty earned for technical work — https://www.fcc.gov/commercial-radio-operator-license-program

Companies & Institutions

• Pratt & Whitney — Aerospace manufacturer where James Duke worked as an electronics technician — https://www.rtx.com/en/prattwhitney
• University of Central Florida — University Marty attended for electrical engineering in Orlando — https://www.ucf.edu/
• Martin Marietta — Aerospace company where Marty worked after college — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Marietta

Heathkit HW-16 Novice Transceiver

Heathkit HW-101 5 band HF Transceiver

Elecraft K2 HF + 6 meters HF Transceiver

Yaesu FTDX-10 HF SDR Transceiver

Hamradio Workbench Allstar Node - 55915

People

• Bill Orr W6SAI — Amateur radio author and editor — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_I._Orr
• Howie Wyman VE1HC — Early mentor and first contact
• Al Hart W8VR — Amateur operator and mentor — https://www.qcwa.org/w8vr-13732-sk.htm

Places

• Halifax, Nova Scotia — Early amateur radio activity location -- https://www.halifax.ca
• Toronto, Ontario — Long-term operating and career location -- https://www.toronto.ca

Organizations & Clubs

• American Radio Relay League (ARRL) — U.S. national amateur radio association -- https://www.arrl.org
• Halifax Amateur Radio Club — Canadian amateur radio club — https://halifaxarc.org
• University of Toronto — Employer; electronics instrumentation work -- https://www.utoronto.ca

Publications & Journals

• QST — ARRL monthly amateur radio magazine -- https://www.arrl.org/qst
• Radio Handbook (Bill Orr) — Amateur radio technical handbook — https://amzn.to/3OsBM3n
• 73 Magazine — Amateur radio construction magazine -- https://www.worldradiohistory.com/73_Magazine.htm
• National Contest Journal — Amateur radio contesting publication — https://www.ncjweb.com

Awards & Certificates

• DXCC Honor Roll — ARRL DX award for confirmed entities -- https://www.arrl.org/dxcc
• 5-Band DXCC — DXCC award for five HF bands — https://www.arrl.org/5-band-dxcc

Modes & Bands

• CW (Morse Code) — Continuous wave operating mode -- https://www.arrl.org/cw-mode
• SO2R — Single Operator Two Radio contesting technique — https://ncjweb.com/bonus-content/Nov-Dec-Dewey-SO2R-Part1.pdf
• HF Bands — Below 50 MHz amateur bands — https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands4_Color_17x11.pdf

Antennas & Feedlines

• Open Wire Line — Balanced transmission line feed -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladder_line
• Collinear Wire Antenna — Multi-element wire antenna -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collinear_antenna

Equipment & Technology

• Hallicrafters SX-99 — Vintage shortwave receiver — https://wireless-girl.com/Projects/Hallicrafters-SX99/
• Heathkit DX-35 — Tube HF transmitter — https://people.ohio.edu/postr/bapix/DX35.htm
• Drake TR-4 — HF transceiver — https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/tr4.html
• Elecraft K3 — HF transceiver with roofing filters — https://elecraft.com/products/k3s-transceiver
• Icom IC-7610 — SDR HF/50 MHz transceiver -- https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/
• Vibroplex Bug Key — Semi-automatic Morse key -- https://www.vibroplex.com
• Tektronix Oscilloscope — Electronic test equipment -- https://www.tek.com

Companies

• EMI Cossor — Electronics instrumentation firm -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMI
• Electrosonic — Canadian electronics distributor -- https://www.e-sonic.com

Hallicrafters SX-99 Receiver

Heathkit DX-35 Novice Transmitter

Elecraft K3 HF Transceiver

Icom IC-7610 HF Transceiver

Winter at VE3GFN

Cory Sickles, WA3UVV, first licensed in 1973, explores radio from the inside out, including home-brew transmitters, vintage gear, and cutting edge digital modes that he highlights in his monthly Spectrum Monitor Magazine column, Digitally Speaking. Cory was a bleeding edge pioneer in desktop computing and applications for specialized business segments.  He is a passionate club builder and mentor, helping grow one of the most active and welcoming amateur radio clubs in Western Pennsylvania, while serving the ARRL in key outreach and coordination roles. WA3UUV believes that strong clubs, digital innovation, and human connection are the future of amateur radio and is my guest in this QSO Today.

People

• Cory Sickles WA3UVV — Amateur radio operator; Cory interviewed in this episode -- https://www.qrz.com/db/WA3UVV
• Eric Guth 4Z1UG — Amateur radio operator; host/interviewer in this episode -- https://www.qrz.com/db/4Z1UG
• George Siner WA3OGQ — Amateur radio operator mentioned by the Cory — https://www.qrz.com/db/WA3OGQ
• Walter Cronkite — American broadcast journalist  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Cronkite
• Lou McCoy, W1ICP — QST author of many articles
• Brian Kernighan — Computer scientist  regarding Unix/C language -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Kernighan
• Jackie Gleason — American entertainer  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_Gleason
• June Taylor — Choreographer/dance director  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Taylor

Places

• Uniontown, Pennsylvania, USA — Town where the Cory lived/mentions local stores — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniontown,_Pennsylvania
• Fayette County, Pennsylvania, USA — County  in relation to Uniontown -- https://www.fayettecountypa.org/
• Gloucester County, New Jersey, USA — County  (clubs/repeaters context) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloucester_County,_New_Jersey
• Wall Township, New Jersey, USA —  — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_Township,_New_Jersey
• Freehold, New Jersey, USA — Town  — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freehold_Township,_New_Jersey
• Murray Hill, New Jersey, USA — Place  (Bell Labs context) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murray_Hill,_New_Jersey
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA —  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburgh

Clubs, organizations, agencies, conferences

• W3PIE — Amateur radio club (Gloucester County area)  -- https://www.w3pie.org/
• ARRL — U.S. national association for amateur radio -- https://www.arrl.org/
• JARL — Japan Amateur Radio League  -- https://www.jarl.org/English/
• InfoAge Science & History Museums — Museum/site  -- https://www.infoage.org/
• Hamvention — Amateur radio convention  -- https://hamvention.org/
• ARCC — Repeater coordination council  (NJ/PA coordination) -- https://www.arcc-inc.org/
• RepeaterBook — Online repeater directory  (repeaters context) -- https://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/index.php?state_id=34
• Companies and manufacturersBell Labs — Research organization  (Murray Hill context) -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_Labs
• Bell Telephone — Telephone system  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_System
• Union Carbide — Company where the Cory worked (mentioned in transcript) -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Carbide
• Intersil — Semiconductor company where the Cory worked (mentioned in transcript) -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersil
• RCA — Electronics company  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA
• Honeywell — Company  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeywell
• Motorola — Radio manufacturer  (two-way radio context) -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola
• Kenwood — Radio manufacturer  -- https://www.kenwood.com/usa/
• Yaesu — Amateur radio manufacturer  -- https://www.yaesu.com/
• MFJ Enterprises — Amateur radio accessories manufacturer  -- https://mfjenterprises.com/
• Radio Shack — Retailer  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RadioShack
• Lafayette Radio — Local electronics/radio store

Radio models, equipment, accessories, antennas

• Kenwood TS-520 — HF transceiver model  -- https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/ts520.html
• Yaesu FT-991A — HF/VHF/UHF all-mode transceiver  -- https://www.yaesu.com/product-detail.aspx?CatName=HF+Transceivers%2FAmplifiers&Model=FT-991A
• Yaesu FT-818 — Compact HF/VHF/UHF QRP transceiver  -- https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/instructions/ysu-ft-818.pdf
• Icom IC-705 — Portable HF/VHF/UHF SDR transceiver  -- https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-705/
• Yaesu FTX-1 — Transceiver model  — NO WORKING URL FOUND
• Realistic DX-150A — Communications receiver  (“DX150”) -- https://bama.edebris.com/manuals/realistic/dx-150
• MFJ 902B — Antenna Tuner
• Heathkit DX-20 — CW transmitter  -- https://people.ohio.edu/postr/bapix/DX20.htm
• Heathkit DX-150 — Receiver model  (“DX150”) — https://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/SCANNERS-F-R/Realistic_DX150A%20HF%20Comms%20Reciever_Manual.pdf
• Knightkit T-60 — CW/AM transmitter  -- https://people.ohio.edu/postr/bapix/Kni_T60.htm
• Collins KW-1 — Power amplifier  -- https://collinsradio.org/archives/manuals/KW-1-%2801-52%29.pdf
• Heathkit DX-100 — HF transmitter  -- https://people.ohio.edu/postr/bapix/DX100.htm
• Heathkit “Mohawk” — Receiver line  -- https://www.arrl.org/news/another-hollywood-blockbuster-features-amateur-radio
• Heathkit “Chippewa” — Linear amplifier  -- https://www.arrl.org/news/another-hollywood-blockbuster-features-amateur-radio
• Hamstick — Mobile antenna type  — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamstick
• Hustler Antennas— Mobile antenna/mount brand  — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hustler_(electronics)
• Dipole antenna — Center-fed wire antenna  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipole_antenna

Digital gateways / hotspots

• openSPOT — Digital radio hotspot product  -- https://www.sharkrf.com/products/openspot-legacy/
• openSPOT4 — Digital radio hotspot  -- https://www.sharkrf.com/products/openspot4/
• SharkRF — Manufacturer of openSPOT products  -- https://www.sharkrf.com/

Modes, protocols, and services

• CW — Morse code operating mode  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code
• AM — Amplitude modulation mode  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amplitude_modulation
• FM — Frequency modulation mode  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency_modulation
• FT8 — Weak-signal digital mode  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FT8
• D-STAR — Digital voice/data protocol  (“DSTAR”) -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-STAR
• C4FM — Digital modulation  (System Fusion) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4-level_frequency_shift_keying
• System Fusion — Yaesu digital voice system  — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaesu_System_Fusion
• DMR — Digital Mobile Radio protocol  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_mobile_radio
• P25 — APCO Project 25 digital radio standard  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_25
• Packet radio — Amateur packet data mode  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packet_radio
• APRS — Automatic Packet Reporting System  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Packet_Reporting_System
• SSTV — Slow-scan television mode  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow-scan_television
• EME — Earth–Moon–Earth (moonbounce)  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth%E2%80%93Moon%E2%80%93Earth_communication
• IDAS — Icom NXDN branding  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NXDN
• NextEdge — Kenwood NXDN branding  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NXDN

Events, contests, publications

• ARRL Field Day — Operating event  -- https://www.arrl.org/field-day
• Winter Field Day — Operating event  -- https://winterfieldday.org/
• QST — ARRL member magazine  -- https://www.arrl.org/qst
• CQ magazine — Amateur radio magazine  — http://cq-amateur-radio.com/
• Popular Electronics — Electronics magazine  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popular_Electronics
• Electronics Illustrated — Electronics magazine  -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronics_Illustrated

WA3UVV Portable HF Station

WA3UVV SwAP CW Station

Heathkit DX-20 Novice Transmitter

Kenwood TS-520 HF Transceiver

John Simmons, NIØK, like many hams who were licensed in the sixties and seventies, built his CW skills passing traffic on the NTS, or the national traffic system.  Developing an interest in early mechanical teletypes, John gained a practical knowledge of RTTY.  As an active contester and DXer, John regularly appears in major international contests and is currently expanding his station for SO2R (single-operator, two-radio) operation, reflecting his ongoing commitment to competitive operating and technical improvement. From his QTH in rural Minnesota, NI0K, has an antenna farm, with three towers  and a completely remotely controllable station.  With interests spanning vintage technology, modern SDR systems, logging integration, and the future direction of the hobby, John offers a thoughtful, experience-based perspective on what it means to be an engaged amateur radio operator today. John Simmons, NIØK, is my QSO Today.

People

• John Simmons NI0K – Minnesota amateur radio operator active in contesting, SO2R, and mentoring.
  https://www.qrz.com/db/NI0K
  
  
  
• Vic Clark W4KFC – Influential contester and leader in Potomac Valley Radio Club. W4KFC is a memorial station for Clark Memorial Amateur Radio Club.
  https://www.qrz.com/db/W4KFC
  
  
• Ralph Fedor K0IR – Well-known DXpeditioner and contester with a world-class station.
  https://www.qrz.com/db/K0IR
  
  
• Irf Hoff (designer of TTL2) – Early RTTY terminal unit designer from the 1960s.
  https://w7ay.net/site/Technical/RTTY%20Demodulators/Contents/hoff.html

 

• Scott Wright K0MD – Southern Minnesota contester skilled in interleaved SO2R operation.
  https://www.qrz.com/db/K0MD

Places

• Falls Church, Virginia – John’s hometown where he was first licensed.
  https://www.fallschurchva.gov
  
  
• Washington, D.C. – Early location of John’s employment and early ham activity.
  https://washington.org
  
  
• Minneapolis, Minnesota – John’s later residence and early electronics schooling.
  https://www.minneapolismn.gov
  
  
• Northern Minnesota – John’s current QTH with multiple towers and antennas.
  https://www.exploreminnesota.com

Organizations, Clubs & Associations

• American Red Cross – Provided equipment for a club station John operated.
  https://www.redcross.org
  
  
• Potomac Valley Radio Club (PVRC) – Well-known contesting club in the U.S. https://pvrc.org
• ARRL (American Radio Relay League) – John serves as a Technical Resource volunteer.
  https://www.arrl.org
  
  
• N1MM Logger+ Team – Developers of N1MM contest logging software.
  https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com

Modes, Activities, Events

• CW (Morse Code) – Mode John used extensively for traffic nets and contests.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CW
  
  
• SSB (Single Sideband) – Voice operating mode used in contesting and nets.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-sideband_modulation
  
  
• RTTY (Radio Teletype) – John’s early passion using mechanical teletype machines.
  https://www.rtty.com
  
  
• Packet Radio – Digital VHF/UHF communication method popular in the 1980s.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packet_radio
  
  
• SO2R (Single Operator Two Radio) – Contesting technique using simultaneous radios.
  https://ncjweb.com/bonus-content/Nov-Dec-Dewey-SO2R-Part1.pdf
  
  
• FT8 – Weak-signal digital mode John uses during ragchewing sessions.
  https://moonrakeronline.com/us/blog/how-to-get-started-with-ft8-digital-on-your-ham-radio

 

• Traffic Nets (State, Region, Area) – Formal message-handling amateur radio networks.https://www.arrl.org/nts

 

• Field Day – Annual U.S. emergency-communications operating event.
  https://www.arrl.org/field-day
  
  
• DX Contesting – High-intensity international operating competitions.
  https://www.contestcalendar.com
  
  
• EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) – Weak-signal VHF/UHF technique mentioned theoretically.
  https://hamradio.engineering/eme-moonbounce-bouncing-signals-off-the-moon/

Radios, Amplifiers, Logging, Software & Station Tools

• Hallicrafters SX-110 – Vintage HF receiver from John’s first station.
  https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/hallicraft_sx_110_sx110.html
  
  
• Eico 720 – Early HF transmitter used by novice operators.
  https://people.ohio.edu/postr/bapix/Eico720.htm
  
  
• Gold Dust Twins (Collins 75A-4 & KWS-1) – High-end Collins station pair.
  https://collinsradio.org/gold-dust-twins-k0cxx/
  
  
• Viking Ranger – AM/CW transmitter popular in the 1950s–60s.
  https://www.frostburg.edu/personal/latta/ee/ranger/ranger.html
  
  
• Drake 2B – Classic HF receiver used with RTTY setups.
  https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/article/the-drake-2b-refurbishing-a-classic-ham-radio-and-shortwave-receiver-from-the-early-60s
  
  
• Hal ST-6 – RTTY terminal unit John built from a kit.
  https://www.navy-radio.com/rtty/hal/misc/st6_manual.pdf
  
  
• FlexRadio 6400 – SDR transceiver used for SO2R and remote operation.
  https://www.flexradio.com/documentation/flex-6400m-product-brochure/?srsltid=AfmBOopYhuEZMfruING-koQZsyjgeki3mgnTb26q4yVB7tMDO93sBKs-

• Elecraft K3 – High-performance HF/6m transceiver for contesting.
  https://elecraft.com/products/k3s-transceiver
  
  
• Expert 2K Amplifier – Solid-state legal-limit HF amplifier.
  https://expertamps.com/products/SPE-Expert-2K-FA-Series-Three-p629985506
  
  
• Ameritron ALS-1306 – Solid-state HF amplifier used with the K3.
  https://mfjenterprises.com/products/als-1306
  
  
• MicroHAM SO2R Controller – Hardware box commonly used for SO2R setups.
  https://microham.com/contents/en-us/d161_U2R.html
  
  
• Antenna/rig switching software integrating with N1MM.
  https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/setup/interfacing/#windows-and-external-usb-peripherals
  
  
• SmartSDR (FlexRadio software) – Control software for Flex transceivers.
  https://www.flexradio.com/ssdr/?srsltid=AfmBOoqYzrjTFMqC_wXCNLPj-wXKiiNPypZQ94fTQ5uGSZVOlnVe3Grf
  
  
• Teensy Maestro – Third-party control head project for FlexRadios.
  https://www.pjrc.com/teensymaestro-flex-6000-software-defined-radio-controller/
  

Antennas, Towers & Station Hardware

• Tri-band Yagi (24-ft boom) – Early HF directional antenna John installed alone.
  https://antennas-amplifiers.com/hf-ultimate-contest-triband-antenna-3b345hd/
  
  
• TH11 (Hy-Gain TH-11DX) – Five-band Yagi antenna used at 50 ft.
  https://mfjenterprises.com/products/th-11dx?_pos=1&_sid=0ed0a3d13&_ss=r
  
  
• Inverted-V Antenna – Wire HF antenna often used for multi-band antennas.
  https://stackunderflow.com/post/building-a-multiband-inverted-v-dipole/
  
  
• 12x2 Antenna Switch – Custom switch enabling two radios and twelve antennas.
  https://remoteqth.com/modular-antenna-switch.php

 

• Rotator (tower rotor) – Mechanism for turning Yagi antennas.
  https://moonrakeronline.com/us/blog/what-is-antenna-rotator
  

Mechanical Teletype Models

• Model 19 Teletype – Early mechanical RTTY machine John operated.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teletype_Model_19
  
  
• Model 28 Teletype – Widely used RTTY machine John repaired.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teletype_Model_28
  
  
• Model 15 Teletype – Classic machine John modified for high-speed typing.
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teletype_Model_15
  
  

Special Mentions & Hamshack Tools

• QRZ.com Database – Online amateur radio callsign lookup platform.
  https://www.qrz.com
  
• Whisper / WSPR Network – Low-power propagation reporting system. ​https://www.wsprnet.org

NI0K Shack

NI0K Tower 1 from the Lake

From the top of NI0K tower 1

RemoteQTH.com 2 X 15 Antenna Switch

https://mfjenterprises.com/collections/cushcraft/products/a-3sPeople (Amateur Radio, Mentors, Historical Figures)
Ian Flemming G3ZDQ – UK amateur radio operator and interview guest.
https://www.qrz.com/db/G3ZDQ

Uncle Glenn (RAF radioman) – Family member who introduced Ian to radio and Morse.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Air_Force

Harold McCormick G3IYH – Early mentor with classic Hallicrafters and KW gear.
(Reference via UK callsign database) https://www.qrz.com

Rollie Shears G8KW – Co-founder of KW Electronics.
https://www.qrz.com/db/G8KW

Ken Ellis G5KW – Early partner in KW Electronics.
https://www.qrz.com/db/G5KW

Tim Berners-Lee – Engineer colleague; inventor of the World Wide Web.
https://www.w3.org/People/Berners-Lee/

Jim Taylor G4EIU – Vintage radio collector and mentor.
https://www.qrz.com/db/G4EIU

Lou VE3AWA – Builder of vintage transmitters; collaborator in pre-1929 gear.
https://www.qrz.com/db/VE3AWA

Tom Motes KN4RRQ – U.S. operator involved in transatlantic vintage-radio contact.
https://www.qrz.com/db/KN4RRQ

K4SWL (Thomas Witherspoon) – Popular portable-radio YouTuber.
https://www.youtube.com/c/K4SWL

Places & Geography
New Mills, Derbyshire – Ian’s hometown in northwest England.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mills

Pennine Mountains – Mountain range near Ian’s childhood home.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennines

Dorset, UK – Ian’s current QTH on England’s south coast.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorset

Jurassic Coast – Fossil-rich UNESCO site near Ian’s home.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_Coast

Bangor University – Ian’s university and radio club location.
https://www.bangor.ac.uk

Floyd, West Virginia – Location of Tom Motes’ station and beverage antenna.
https://townoffloyd.org/

UK Inland Waterways / Canals – Over 2,000 miles of navigable canals.
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk

Radios, Equipment & Components
Hallicrafters SX-111 – Classic HF communications receiver.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/hallicra_sx_111.html

KW Viceroy – Early UK SSB transmitter by KW Electronics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7mbdfMPwd8

KW 2000 / A / B Transceivers – KW Electronics HF transceivers from 1960s.
https://www.rigpix.com/kw/2000.htm

KW Atlanta – KW HF transceiver similar to Swan 500.
http://www.g3zps.com/atlanta.html

Swan 500 – U.S. HF transceiver referenced for comparison.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/swan_500c.html

Eddystone EA12 – HF communications receiver, amateur-bands version.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/eddystone_ear12.html

R1155 – WWII RAF receiver used in Lancaster bombers.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/marconi_r1155.html

IC-7610 (Icom) – Ian’s modern SDR transceiver.
https://www.icomjapan.com/lineup/products/IC-7610/

IC-7300 (Icom) – Popular SDR HF transceiver.
https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-7300/
​
IC-705 (Icom) – Portable HF/VHF/UHF QRP transceiver.
https://www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-705/www.icomamerica.com/lineup/products/IC-705/

FT-DX5000 (Yaesu) – High-end HF/50 MHz transceiver.
https://www.rigpix.com/yaesu/ftdx5000mp.htm

6146 Tube – Popular HF power amplifier valve.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6146_(vacuum_tube)

UX-171 Tube – 1920s triode used in vintage transmitters.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_171.html

Type 27 Tube – 1928 indirectly heated triode.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_27.html

Hartley Oscillator / Transmitter – Classic 1920s single-tube circuit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartley_oscillator

Decatrons – Cold-cathode counting tubes used in early logic.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatron

Antennas & Towers
V-Beam Antenna – Directional wire antenna used in early listening experiences.
https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/antennas-propagation/end-fed-wire-antenna/v-beam-antenna-basics.php

Versa Tower – UK crank-up lattice tower for HF beams.
https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/antennas-propagation/end-fed-wire-antenna/v-beam-antenna-basics.php

Cushcraft Beam (3-element) – HF Yagi beam from Cushcraft.
https://mfjenterprises.com/collections/cushcraft/products/a-3s

End-Fed Half-Wave (66 ft) – Ian’s current HF wire antenna.
https://www.aa5tb.com/efha.html

DX Commander Vertical – Multi-band vertical antenna system.
https://www.dxcommander.com

Beverage Antenna – Long-wire receiving antenna for weak signals.
http://www.w8ji.com/beverages.htmwww.w8ji.com/beverages.htm

Radiosport, Modes & Digital Tools
SSB (Single Sideband) – Primary HF voice mode.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-sideband_modulation

CW / Morse Code – Legacy and modern narrowband mode.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code

FT8 – Popular weak-signal digital mode.
https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html

WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) – Low-power propagation tool.
https://www.wsprnet.org

PSK31 – Narrowband keyboard digital mode.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSK31

EchoLink – Internet-linked amateur radio VoIP system.
https://www.echolink.org

IRLP – Internet Radio Linking Project for repeaters.
http://www.irlp.net

Ham Radio Deluxe – Logging and station control suite.
https://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com

GridTracker – Mapping and FT8/WSJT-X analysis tool.
https://gridtracker.org

Organizations & Clubs
Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) – National amateur radio society in the UK.
https://rsgb.org

ARRL – American Radio Relay League – National U.S. amateur radio organization.
https://www.arrl.org

Radio Amateurs’ Emergency Network (RAYNET UK) – UK emergency-communications organization.
https://www.raynet-uk.net

Bournemouth Radio Club – Local club supporting Raynet activity.
https://www.barc.org.uk

Blackmore Vale Amateur Radio Society – Amateur radio club in Dorset.
https://www.bvars.org.uk

Antique Wireless Association (AWA) – U.S. organization preserving radio history.
https://www.antiquewireless.org

British Vintage Wireless Society (BVWS) – UK vintage radio preservation group.
https://www.bvws.org.uk

City & Guilds of London Institute – Exam authority for early UK amateur licenses.
https://www.cityandguilds.com

Events & Awards
KW Days – Annual on-air operating event featuring KW Electronics gear.
https://cvrs.uk/kw-weekend-2025/

Bruce Kelly Memorial QSO Party – Pre-1929 radio operating event.
https://www.antiquewireless.org/homepage/bruce-kelley-1929-qso-party/

QRZ Awards Program – Online confirmation and certificate system.
https://shop.qrz.com/collections/awards

KW Electronics KW-200 Transceiver

KW Electronics KW Atlanta Transceiver

KW Electronics KW 2000B Transceiver 1978

KW Electronics KW 2000A Transceiver 1967

G3ZDQ Hull Hartley Transmitter

Norm Cantin, WA1NLG, discovered amateur radio at age 14 through Boy Scouts and got his Technician license in 1969. That early exposure led directly to his career in navigation electronics building LORAN navigation equipment, later working on GPS development, differential GPS, and aircraft landing systems. Now retired on Cape Cod, Norm is focused on VHF weak signal work, homebrews LDMOS amplifiers, is building a second tower for 2-meter EME, is active in the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, youth outreach, public service, STEM, Boy Scouts, and believes ham radio is still a “hobby of a thousand hobbies. WA1NLG is my QSO Today.

Boy Scouts Radio Merit Badge – U.S. Scouting badge that introduces radio & electronics to kids.
https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/radio/


Camp Resolute, Bolton MA – BSA camp mentioned for early ham exposure.
https://campresolute.org/


QRZ Fred Fish Memorial Award – earn all 488 6m grids in the lower 48.
https://www.qrz.com/page/awards/ffma.html


WSJT-X – weak signal digital mode suite for HF/VHF/UHF.
https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html


JTAlert – WSJT-X alert and automation helper.
https://hamapps.com/


Pushover – notification app for grid needed alerts.
https://pushover.net/


FT8 – very popular weak signal digital mode for HF/VHF.
https://www.arrl.org/ft8


Q65 – digital mode optimized for Moon Bounce (EME).
https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/quickstart_Q65.pdf


EME Moonbounce – Earth-Moon-Earth radio communication.
https://www.arrl.org/eme


Heathkit – famous amateur radio electronic kit manufacturer.
https://www.heathkit.com/


ICOM IC-7300 – modern HF + 6m SDR transceiver.
https://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/hf/7300/default.aspx


ICOM IC-9700 – VHF/UHF/microwave SDR transceiver.
https://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/hf/9700/default.aspx


VHF Contesting – ARRL VHF contests.
https://www.arrl.org/contest-calendar


BARK – Barnstable Amateur Radio Club
https://barnstablearc.org/


ARRL Foundation Club Grant Program
https://www.arrl.org/club-grant-program


JOTA – Jamboree-On-The-Air
https://www.scouting.org/international/jota-joti/


Ham Radio Workbench Podcast – mentioned mid-show.
https://hamradioworkbench.com/


Winlink – global email over ham radio.
https://www.winlink.org/

WA1NLG Operating Position

WA1NLG Workbench

WA1NLG Antennas

WA1NLG 2 Meter Linear Amplifier
based on W6PQL design

Ham Radio Workbench Podcast 244 - Eric Guth 4Z1UG

The Thrill Of It All,  Jack Schuster W1WEF

Hometown: Springfield, MA

First License: WN1WEF novice license in 1952 at age 14

Elmer: Roger Corey, W1JYH

Terms
​Crystal Radio Set
Galena Crystal
One Tube Radios
National Radio Institute
Paper Route
5 Tube All American Series Radios
Phono Oscillator
6BN6 Tube
Cub Scouts
Boy Scouts
Radio Merit Badge
2nd Class Radio Telephone
6AG7 Crystal Oscillator
Hallicrafters S-40B Receiver 
General Class Amateur Upgrade 
National HRO5 Receiver
Western Mass Traffic Net
Eastern Area Net
813 Amplifier
Heathkit GD-1B Grid Dip Meter
Vibroplex Bug
University of Massachusetts, BSEE
CD Party - ARRL 
Don Mix W1TS
Sperry Gyroscope
Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Instrumentation Group
Killington Ski Resort
CWOPS 1 hour Contest on Wednesday
Kenwood TS-930S HF Transceiver
Icom IC-7610 HF Transceiver
Amateur Radio in Diego Garcia
Eastern Connecticut  Amateur Radio Association
PJ2T Curacao
N1MM Logging Program
Logbook of the World

Hallicrafters S-40B General Coverage Receiver

National HRO5 General Coverage Receiver

Kenwood TS-930S HF Transceiver

Icom IC-7610 HF Transceiver

Hometown: Des Plains, Ill
First License: 1987, KB0APA, Technician Class
Uncle Hank, W9IUO

Terms
CB Radio
QSL Cards CB Radios
Bensenville, Ohare International Airport, jets over head every 60 seconds
Bensenville Hush - the brief period where everyone stops talking due to the roaring aircraft take-off noise
Ball Corporation, Golden, CO
General Radio Operators License with Radar Endorsement
Yaesu FT-817 Transceiver
HF Pack Group
Pedestrian Mobile
Bonnie, KQ6XA
Pikes Peak Amateur Radio Association
Oct 2003 QST Magazine, How to shorten a dipole using loading coils
Loading Coil Calculator
End Fed Halfwave Antenna
20Ft Crappy Pole
Fuchs Antenna Matching Unit
Ionic Liquid Antenna, David N9ZRT
US Islands Awards
Lake Dillon Islands
Amateur Radio Pico Balloons
Ted N0THA partner in pico balloons
Boulder Amateur Radio Club
Kodak Carousel Projector
Bobtail Curtain Antenna
Loop on the Ground Antenna 
630 Meter Band
EME Moon Bounce

Here is a shot of the top and bottom of my typical payload showing the solar panels on top, and the Raspberry Pi and RF boards on the bottom. Overall dimensions are 7” x 2.5”. The main support is a hamburger meat tray from the grocery store. The 36-ga enamel antenna wires are temporarily wound on paper tube rolls for transport. 
The tracker/WSPR software is called Traquito and was written by Doug Malnati, KD2KDD, and the RF boards are built from files by a company that assembles them for us. The final construction and assembly of the solar panels, both boards, wiring and testing of the payload is done by N0LX.
https://traquito.github.io/tracker/

N0LX Maritime Mobile at 13,800 feet

Large Ionic Liquid "Salt Water" Antenna
https://n0lx.com/ila_large1.html

Working Japan from Colorado Summit

N0LX "Tall Pack"

QRZ Page: https://www.qrz.com/db/K6VHF

Hometown:  Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia

First License: 4L1FP, 1999
First USA Callsign: KJ6JNC 

Terms:
QSL Card
DXpeditions
Microwave Contacts using 122 GHz Lydar transceivers
EME - Earth Moon Earth (Moon bounce)
VHF Rover
Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia 
Peristrokia, collapse of the Soviet Union
President Ronald Reagan
Aerospace University In Tbilisi, Georgia
Republic of Georgia Amateur Radio League
Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) QSO on 2 meters
Sporadic-E Contact
Green Card Lottery
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Jewish Home Care Services (JHCS)
Icom IC-705 All Band QRP Transceiver
Icom IC-905 VHF, UHF, Microwave Transceiver
Senior Electrophysics Scientist at Boeing
FEMA University
Irvine Police/Fire Authority
ZK3A Tokelau Islands
Wallace Island FW5K
Saint Peter's Island DXpedition

Soviet-era Amateur Radio Books
"Юный радиолюбитель" ("Young Radio Amateur") by V. G. Borisov — widely published, many editions in the Массовая радиобиблиотека series komitart.ru+15Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15. Notably popular among beginners.
"Книга сельского радиолюбителя" by I. P. Zherebtsov — practical guide for amateur radio in rural areas facebook.com+3Wikipedia+3eBay+3Wikipedia.
The "В помощь радиолюбителю" series (DOSAAF editions) — short booklets offering hands‑on guidance to amateur radio enthusiasts on building and measuring devices w2xq.com+15Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15.
Other titles such as "Мастерская радиолюбителя" or "Измерительная лаборатория начинающего радиолюбителя" also appeared in the 1950s‑70s anumis.ru+2directlot.ru+2Wikipedia+2.

K6VHF Ham Shack

K6VHF "Rover"

K6VHF 23cm EME Station Dish

K6VHF 10 Ghz Contest Station using Icom IC-705 as baseband rig

Summary
Eric Guth and Ron Demcko discussed Ron's background in ham radio, his profitable surplus business, and his education in passive components. Ron shared his expertise in radiation-hardened and automotive-grade passive components, advising amateur radio operators to use reliable sourcing for parts, while Eric inquired about the use of self-healing components in CubeSats. The speakers highlighted the importance of hands-on technical skills and discussed the challenges and opportunities in nurturing technical hobbies among younger generations.

Older Brother: John Demcko, KD7JR
First License: WN2TBQ
First Rig: : Heathkit HW101 Transceiver
Upgrade to: Yaesu FT101E Transceiver
Hometown: Ridgefield Springs, NY
Go to Rig: Icom IC7300 HF Transceiver

Terms
GE Microwave, Utica, NY 
Dayton Hamvention, 1978 
Yaesu FT-101E
Heathkit Company, Benton Harbor, MI
Heathkit HW7 Transceiver 
Heathkit Depth Finder
Corning Electronics
Clarkson University
Straight Key Night
Bencher Straight Key
Vibroplex Bug
Electronic Parts for the Auto Industry
Mgb - Mg Automobile
Mazda Miata 
ECU Engine Control Unit
Radial Capacitor
Polymer Electrolytic Capacitor
Tantalum Capacitor
Terminal 30 Part Orientation
Black Night Pinball Machine
Collins S Line
Radio Shack HTX-10, 10 meter Transceiver
Geocron Atlas 2

Details

• Introduction and Professional Background Eric Guth began the podcast by explaining the interview format and mentioning his research into Ron Demcko's professional work, especially regarding components, as he believes it would be helpful for amateur radio enthusiasts. Ron expressed interest in sharing stories about purchasing parts from China, highlighting the issues with counterfeit components.​

WA2TBQ Yaesu FT-101 Position

WA2TBQ Old Rigs Desk

WA2TBQ Workbench

Restored Pinball and arcade machines

In this episode of QSO Today, Eric Guth 4Z1UG returns from a health break to interview Bob Pantages, W2ARP, whose journey into ham radio began in the 1960s at Atlantic City High School. Though licensing came later, Bob built shortwave radios and audio gear as a teen, fueling a lifelong passion for electronics. He earned a commercial broadcast license at 17 and worked in two-way radio, where he noted challenges with equipment quality. Licensed at 40, Bob now holds 296 confirmed DXCC entities, enjoys 160-meter contests, and participates in Parks on the Air. A builder and club member, he advocates FT8 privileges for Technicians to inspire broader engagement, especially among younger radio enthusiasts.

Hometown: Atlantic City, NJ

Elmers or Mentors:
Ben KB2GUK, now NE2R 

First License: 1990, N2WRD, Technician

First Rig: 
Icom IC-706MK2
Tarheel Antenna 

Favorite Operating Mode: FT8

Rigs: 
Elecraft K4 HF Transceiver
Yaesu FT-891 for POTA

Terms: 
JT Alert Software
DXCC Award
Votech School Atlanta
Electronics Training Center, Atlantic City
Lafayette Electronics store clerk
Dave Ritsel Communications, Atlantic City
Larry Smith Electronics, Atlantic City
Bally Technologies
Slot Machine
Logbook of the World
QSL Managers Society
SCARA - Atlantic City
South Jersey DX Association
Gholuster County Amateur Radio Club
INDEXA - DX Expedition funding
Delta Loop Antena
Balun 49:1
POTA - Parks on the Air
Ramsey COM3 Service Monitor
Lionell Trains O Gauge
WRNJ Broadcast Station
QSL Manager 
32 Degree Mason
Once in the paging business, MetroCall Paging, Laurel NJ 
XYL: Peri Jayne, KC2AHL

Excited most by: POTA 

Advice to new or returning hams: Listen first when you get on the air, stay away from HOAs, and make your first radio a base station, not a Chinese portable. 

W2ARP Ham Shack

W2ARP Model Railroad

W2ARP at WRTQ Transmitter

Yaesu FT-891 All Band Transceiver

Hometown: Florence, KY

First License: Novice, 1976, Age 19. 

Elmer: Bill Martin K4JBV

First Callsign: WD4ANU

First Rigs:
Kenwood TS-140 HF Transceiver
Yaesu FT-727 Dual Band Portable

Member of: 
CCS7#: 3121025
Hamshack Hotline: #4177
Hams Over IP : #100830
Amateur Wire: # 1251
TEN-TEN#: 60801
Cincinnati Area Ten Tuners#: 2085
Quarter Century Wireless Association #37555

Terms
Big Bone, KY
Boone County, KY
Northern Kentucky University, BA History
Monix Scanner and Shortwave Listeners Group
Western Electric Company
Radio Shack Voltmeter
Strowger Switch
Councilman, City of Florence
Bearcat BC-101 Scanner
Bearcat 210 Scanner 
Boon Country Police
Morse Code Generator Program DOS
POTA - Parks on the Air
Yaesu FT-727 Transceiver
CTCSS- Private Line PL
Icom IC-7100 Transceiver
Connecticut ARES Net
AB4WS Radio Show
Country Music Line Dancing
Clift Ravenscrat Podcasts
Tom Whitherspoon K4SWL
DStar
DVAP for DStar
Xiegu G90 Transceiver

Bearcat BC101 Scanner, Xtal Controlled

AB4WS Treadmill Mobile
​click on picture to make larger

Icom IC-7100 Transceiver

Xiegu G90 HF Transceiver

First license: 1960, age 21, WA2JMG
K5ZP  -Texas Callsign

First Rig:
Homebrew 40 meter CW
Hallicrafters S38 Receiver

Current Rig:
Yaesu FT-991A Transceiver 
2 Meter 144.205 CW Net
Icom IC-718 HF Transceiver
Xiegu G106 Transceiver
Xiegu X6100 Transceiver

Terms
Jersey Cows
US Marine Reserves
Ft. Devens, MA
US Army Security Agency
058 Diddy Boppers
US Army Specialist 4
Onetime Encryption Pads
US Army MARS
Teletype Signal Corp
DXpeditions
Papermill Electrician
Warren County Amateur Radio Club W2WCR
POTA - Parks on the Air
SOTA - Summits on the Air
Advice to new or returning hams: Stay with CW.  Rag Chewing

Operating WA2JMG

WA2JMG Operating Position

Yaesu FT-991A Transceiver

Icom IC-718 HF Transceiver

Ron Taylor WA7GIL, while having a love for HF CW, boat anchor restoration, and kit building, still stays current with home brew equipment using Arduino controllers, the latest ham radio software, and the NanoVNA.  His beautiful ham shack and carefully appointed workbench and parts inventory allow Ron to build and fix just about anything.  WA7GIL is my QSO Today. ​

Ron Taylor YouTube Channe
Ron’s Compilation of QRP Labs QCX Issues Found and Fixed

First License: 1966, Age 15, WN7GIL

QTH: Peoria, AZ

Favorite Operating Mode: QRP CW

First Rig:  
Heathkit DX-60 Transmitter
Allied Knight Kit Star Roamer Receiver

Upgrade Rig: Heathkit HW-101 Transceiver

​Elmer:  Bob Gates, W7AYN

Terms
73 Magazine
Electrical Engineering, BSEE, Arizona University
Lindgren Screen Room
Electric Distribution Recloser
Electric Distribution Capacitor Bank
Collins 75A-2 Receiver
Johnson Viking 2 Transmitter
AM on 10 Meters 29.00 to 29.2 
Oscilloscope
Spectrum Analyzer
NanoVNA
Penntek TR45L Transceiver
SI5351 Synthesizer
FST3253 Tayloe Detector QRP Labs
Temperature controlled soldering station
Circuit Specialists
Icom IC-7300 Transceiver
Center For Amateur Radio Learning, Phoenix
Scottsdale Amateur Radio Club
Barry Goldwater, K7UGA
Collins S Line
RCA - Radio Club of America

Advice to new or returning hams: Keep your mind open to find intriguing opportunities.  Find a good mentor immediately.

WA7GIL Workbench

HB 5-band QRP transceiver with digital tuning

HB pocket size 20 meter QRP transceiver

Homebrew 6AG7/6L6 40 meter 35 watt transmitter

Hometown: Holyoke, MA
QTH: Nashville, TN
Husband and Elmer: Jim Goodrich, WA4VGZ
First Rig:  Kenwood TS-480 HF Transceiver
Study Buddy: Anne KC9YL
Favorite contest: CW Ops Higher Speed Contests

Terms
Shortwave Listening
Medical Lab Technician
Health Science Management
Stakeholder Management
Project Management
American Red Cross
Middle Tennessee Amateur Radio Society
Skywarn Recognition Day
Yaesu 857D All Band Transceiver
Yaesu FT-991 HF Transceiver
ARES - Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Morse Code Ninja
QSB
Cootie Key
SKCC - Straight Key Century Cub
CW Academy
SKCC Sprintathon
WA7BNM Contest Calendar
Worked All Europe
Cootie Key is also called Sideswiper
Long Island CW Club Haptic Device 

SA2O - Single Antenna Two Operator - in this case, when she wants to operate her rig, he has to wait until the shared antenna is free to use.   with your husband 

Advice to new or returning hams: practice regularly and engage with local groups or Elmers for guidance.​

W4CMG in the "Shack"

W4CMG CW Key Collection on Display

Long Island CW Club Haptic Device

Kenwood TS-480 HF Transceiver

Walt Hudson, K4OGO, has always lived by and had a love of the sea, pursuing a career in ship building, beginning in Portsmouth, Virginia.  While he always had an interest in radio, including Citizens band radio, it wasn’t until just a few years ago that Walt became a ham radio operator. Since he is always near the shore, operating portable QRP SSB from the water’s edge and making DX contacts is what excites him.  K4OGO loves to experiment with vertical antennas on the beach to fine tune his technical and operating skills.  K4OGO is my QSO Today. ​

Walt Hudson K4OGO on X
K4OGO on TikTok
Coastal Waves and Wires YouTube

First License 2020: Tech, then General
Hometown: Portsmouth, VA
​Favorite Portable Antenna: 20 Meter Half Wave Vertical with 49:1 Balun

Terms
Shortwave Listener
CB Radio
Parabolic Dish
Box Loop Antenna for AM Reception
Panasonic Ball Radio AM/FM
Boat Loftsman Shipyard
Newport News Shipbuilding
Westlawn School of Yacht Design
Digital Twin Model of Ship
DDG51 Ship
Oceanography
Xiegu G90 Rig
Southern Cross Amateur Net
Ribicoff Antenna
Unun 4:1
Mike Rowe - The Way I Heard It Podcast
Callum McCormick, M0MCX
Tide Charts
Slinky Antenna, non-resonant
QR Code Generator
ARRL
STEM - Science Technology Engineering and Math

Advice to new or returning hams:  Don’t overthink it, and don't be intimidated by it .

K4OGO with Vertical Antenna on the Beach

K4OGO operating SSB on the beach

Portable Vertical Antenna on the Beach

Xiegu G-90 HF Transceiver

Steve Johnston, WD8DAS, was my guest in Episode 14, 10 years ago this October.  I urge you to go back to that episode to get Steve’s ham radio story.  A lot can happen in ten years, especially in this age of ham radio and the Internet.  So in this episode we catch up with Steve to find out what contributions he has made and is making since the last time we spoke.  WD8DAS is my QSO Today. ​

Steve’s Web Site
AF4K Crystals by WD8DAS
Steve’s electric conversion of a Ford S10 Truck

Current Rig in Hawaii: 
Icom IC-7200 HF Transceiver
Alinco DX-70 HF Transceiver

Terms
Brian Carling, AF4K Guest on QSO Today Episode 295
FT-243 Crystal Holder
HC6U Metal Crystal Holder
HC49 Crystal Holder
Temperature Compensation for Crystals
OP-AMP Labs Modules
ProgRock 2 - QRP Labs
Direct FM Modulation
Phase Modulation
AF4K Crystals
Wisconsin Public Radio
iHeart Broadcasting
WWVH, Kauai, Hawaii
WWV
JJY
BPM - China Time
GPS
Loran Navigation
NIST
Desiccant
Electrolysis
Valcom Antennas
“The Garden Island”
Waimea Canyon, Kauai
NVIS Antenna
WSPRnet Beacon 630 Mhz
1st Class Radio Telegraph Ticket
KPH Pt. Reyes, California
Long “Xs” in Radio Telegraphy
Island Fever
Echolink
AllStar Node
Oscar 7 Satellite

​Advice to new or returning hams: Have a few friends in the hobby to help you and for you to help with projects.  Don’t spend all of your time operating. Learn how to build antennas, install connectors in cables and learn to solder - a fundamental ability that will serve you the rest of your life.

Icom IC-7200 HF "Tactical" looking Transceiver

Alinco DX70 HF + 50Mhz 100 Watt Transceiver

QRP-labs ProgRock2 Programmable Crystal

/YouTube Channel
K6ARK Printable Antenna Winder

First License: KJ6HOT, Technician, Age 39 

First Rig: Yaesu FT-60 2 Meter Handheld

First 10 meter contact: Roberto Soto N9NUQ

TERMS
San Diego Mountain Rescue
Aviation Maintenance Profession
Yaesu FT-817 All Band Transceiver
Yaesu FT-8800R Mobile Dual Band 
Radio Shack HT-X10 SSB Rig
SOTA - Summits on the Air
Steve Galchutt WG0AT - Episode 45 QSO Today Podcast 
Par EndFedz® EFT-10/20/40 Trail Friendly
FT50-43 Toroid
Video of BNC to Torriod Matching 
SOTA Mountain Goat Award
MicroPixie Transmitter
Mountain Topper QRP Transceiver
Elecraft KH1 QRP Transceiver
Mountain Topper MTR3B
Reverse Beacon Network
CW Morse Code
Iphone App for Learning Morse Code
Farnsworth Spacing
SOTA - First Activation Summit
Garmin Inreach Transceiver
W6TRW Radio Club Zoom Meeting
SotaPlus YouTube Channel
San Diego Ham Forum (Facebook Page)
K6ARK Palm Pico Paddle
K6ARK.com
Creality CR10 3D Printer
Prusso Mark i3 3D Printer
Portable 7 element 10 Meter Yagi Antenna
STEM - Science Technology Engineering and Math
HB Signal Generator HP8640B
NanoVNA
Tiny SA

Excited most:  Portable operation that leads to operating Morse code

Advice to new or returning hams: Find your avenue to have fun with amateur radio.  Integrate radio with your other interests. Be nice to visitors to your SOTA operation, welcoming, an ambassador to the hobby.

MTR-2B Ultra-Light Radio Kits for SOTA
48 oz on a scale

SOTA in a Tent with new Elecraft KH1 Transceiver

SOTA Hex Beam and Yagi

Adam with Steve WG0AT

High Performance Software Defined Radio, By Dan Quigley N7HQ

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO

Terms
Collins Gold Dust Twins
Crystal Radio
Paper Route
Denver Post Newspaper
Friend: Martian Rowe WB0JNB
ARC5 Transmitter
ARRL Handbook
Holy Cross Abbey Boys School, Canyon City
Milestone Band 1970 - Dan was a member of the band
Holiday Inn Bar Concerts 1960s Midwest
Drake TR22C VHF Transmitter
Ellsworth Air Force Base
Vintage IBM PC History
Ashton Tate Dbase3
Subroutine Sandwich
Sturgis Bike Rally, SD
Novell Network
Sailbarn, Sturgis
Heritage Software Solutions, Sturgis, SD
Western Union Teletype
HAL TNC for RTTY
Microsoft Windows 1.0
WYSIWYG
Premise Software Home Automation History
2008 Great  Recession
Heathkit SB-104 Line
Home Assistant
Alexa Home Automation
Amazon PGXL SDR
Peritonitis
Dirty Jobs - Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe Podcast

Drake TR-22C VHF Portable Transceiver

Collins Gold Dust Twins
​ owned by Peter Shilton, VE7PS

ARC5 Transmitter and Receiver

Heathkit SB-104 Transceiver

OE1WKL Website
Morserino Website
Flipboard Magazine

Hometown: Linz, Austria

First License:  1967, OE5WKL, Age 16

Current Rigs: 
Icom IC-705 All Band QRP Transceiver
Xiegu X-6100 Transceiver
QRP-Labs QMX-Plus
​
Terms
Personal Ham Radio Page
Ham Radio Flipboard Magazine
German Volksempfänger Radio
Cosmos Radiophone Crystal Set
Electrolytic Capacitor
Regenerative Receiver
Philips Electronic Kit for Kids
Austrian Amateur Radio License Age limit 16
Shortwave Listener
Nogoton VHF Commerical Receiver
Radio Club 68 Lindz Austria
Austria Humanistic High School
Geometry
University of Vienna, PHd Linguistics
Austrian Academy of Sciences
Cobol Mainframe Language
KPMG International
FTP Server
Usenet
ARPANET
Metalab Hacker Space - Vienna
Makerfaire Vienna
Arduino Nano
Morse Code Keyer with Arduino Nano
MetaMorserino
Kickstarter campaign for Morserino
CWops 2023 Award Winner

Morserino Features:

• CW Keyer – Iambic A&B, Ultimatic, or straight key
• CW Generator – Random characters, words, abbreviations and texts
• Echo Trainer – Prompts you with a word, and you repeat it with a paddle or straight key
• Learn CW characters as taught by CW Academy, Long Island CW Club and others
• CW Transceiver – Long Range WiFi, iCW (CW over Internet), & WiFi chat
• Built–in paddle and possibility of using an external paddle or straight key

LoRa - wireless
Port Forwarding
ARDC Grant Evaluation Team
Austrian Experimental Transmitter Association
AARP
WSPRnet
PSK Reporter

Advice to new or returning hams: build something yourself. Find a group like a Makrspace. 

Morserino-32 CW Practice Appliance

Icom IC-705 All Band QRP Transceiver

Xiegu X-611 HF + 50Mhz Transceiver

QRP Labs QMX+ HF Transceiver

Websites: 
Rudy’s Website
Rudy discusses Parkinson’s Disease and Deep Brain Stimulation

Hometown: Woodbury, NJ

First License: 1976, Novice, WN5UUK, later WB5UUK. 

Favorite Operating Mode: SSB

CB Callsign and Handle: K2G467 “Cougar”

Favorite Rig:  Icom 7610

Rigs: 
Icom IC-7300  HF Transceiver 
Icom IC-705 All Band QRP Transceiver
Icom IC-7610  HF Tranceiver
Icom IC-9700   VHF/UHF+ All Mode Transceiver
Icom ID-5100 VHF/UHF Transceiver    
Kenwood TH-D74A  
Kenwood TS-990S   
Lab-599 TX-500
Mercury IIIs  Amplifier   
Palstar HF-Auto Tuner  ID-5100    
Palstar LA-1K HF Amplifier  
QCX mini 5 Watt CW Transceiver   
SW-3B three Band CW QRP transceiver
Xiegu X5105 HF QRP Transceiver
Xiegu 6100 HF Transceiver   
Xiegu G90 20 SDR Transceiver  
Xiegu X5105 HF/50 QRP Transceiver   
Yaesu FT-710 HF Transceiver   
Yaesu FTDx10  

Terms
Navy Radio Operator
Cub Scout Crystal Radio
Allied Knight Spanmaster Shortwave Radio
CB Radio
Lafayette Comstat 19 CB Radio
Popular Electronics Magazine
Popular Electronics Annual CB Radio Supplement
Air Force ROTC
Andrews Air Force Base
Howard University, BA Political Science
GSA - GS2
National Institute of Health
Federal Witness Protection Program
Houston Amateur Radio Club
Eric Silverthorn NM5M QSO Today Interview
CW Academy
Superior Court Washington DC
Hurricane Alicia
1811 Criminal Investigator
OMIK Amateur Radio
Branch Davidians Waco, TX
Brownie Hawkeye Camera
SLR Camera
Federal Law Enforcement
US Marshal
Special Agent/Criminal Investigator,  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Criminal Justice Courses
Freelance Sports Photographer
Private Pilot
POTA - Parks on the Air
Maritime Mobile Service Net - Net Control
Parkinson's Disease
Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease
Baylor St Luke's Hospital, Houston
Harvard University Amateur Radio Club
Amateur Satellite A014
Store and Forward Amateur Satellites
DMR - Digital Mobile Radio
D-Star
FT-8 Zombie Mode

Excited most by: Satellite Communications

Advice to new or returning hams: We have to recruit more people and let people know about us. 

W5HRH Station

Icom IC-7610 HF Transceiver

Venus-Itech SW-3B QRP Transceiver

Xiegu G-90 SDR HF Transceiver

Susan Nordskog YouTube Channel

• Running an End-fed Multi-Band Ham Radio Antenna from an Apartment
• Pointing my 2 Meter Yagi the Wrong Way to Open a Repeater
• Old Ham, New Gear- ATAS 120A and Yaesu FT 710 Field
• Susan’s Gadgets for Filming in USA

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

QTH: Grimstad, Norway

Mother: Harryette Barker W9KSA, W6QGX

Father: Baron Barker W9UOF, W6QGP

First License: Age 15 Novice, 1962, WV6WFZ

Current Rig: 
Yaesu FT-710 HF Transceiver
Yaesu ATAS- 120A Antenna Tuner
Yaesu FT-2980 VHF Transceiver

Susan’s Cameras:
Qoocam 8K
Insta360 OneX

Terms
WW2 Electronics
Wright Patterson AFB
Los Angeles AREC - ARES 
Northern Arizona University, Geology
General Atomics
https://scrippslabs.com
Duke University Oceanography Ship
YL - Young Ladies Radio League
Norwegian Maritime Authority Seafarers Training
Ships 1st Mate
Dynamic Positioning Officer
5000 Car Carrying Ships
Susan’s Electric Tricycle

Excited most by: the social aspects of ham radio

Advice to new or returning hams: sign up for the nearest ham radio course. Get on two-meters once you have your license.

LA0CY Hamshack

LA0CY 2 Meter Yagi Pointed at Rock Reflector

Installng Moonraker End-Fed Antenna Balun

Homemade Camera "Slider" Bottom Wheels

Steve’s business:  Ham Radio Auctions

IRLP Node - 7645
DMR ID: 31115351

Hometown: Groves, TX

First License:  1972, Age 16, Novice, WN5HXZ

First Elmer:  Albert Long WA5UVD / N5AL (SK)

Steve’s radio club: Jefferson County (Texas) Amateur Radio Club

Current Rig: 
Icom IC-703 HF Transceiver
AT-100 Antenna Tuner
TYT Quad Band Mobile
Anytone Portable VHF/UHF
TYT M380 DMR Portable

Terms: 
Vintage AM/FM/Shortwave Radio
Houston Astros Baseball Team
CB Radio
FCC Field Office Houston
Amateur Radio Novice License
BC348 Receiver
Hallicrafters HT-40 Novice Transmitter
Lamar University, BS Psychology
Sam Houston University,  Criminal Justice
NASA Radio Club
IRLP - Internet Radio Linking Project
Allstar Link Mode
Doomsday Preppers
Hurricane Beryl
Dayton Hamvention
DMR Radio

Excited most by: unlimited variety of ham radio 

Advice to new or returning hams: get over your mic fright. 

BC348 Receiver

Icom IC-703 HF Transceiver

TYT TH-9800D Plus Version Quad Band Cross-Band 50W Mobile Transceiver

TYT MD-380 Dual Band Analog FM/DMR Portable

K7NM QRZ Page

First License:  WN0LXM, Age 13, 1965  


Novice Rig: 
6L6 Novice Transmitter
Allied Knight Kit Star Roamer
ARC5 Radios
Heathkit DX-60 Transmitter

Current Rig: 
Yaesu FT1000 Mark 5 Transceiver
Alpha 76 Amplifier
Elecraft K3 Line
M2 log periodic antenna
Full size 160 meter inverted V
Moxon 6 meters

Favorite Operating Mode: CW

People:
Laurence Comden, K3VXV now K3VX
Joseph J Milazzo, WB2UKO

Terms: 
School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City
China Lake Naval Weapons Test Range
Boy Scout of America
Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge
3A4 Tube Radio Receiver
Clarkson University, Potsdam
ARRL Handbook
OD3 Voltage Regulator
FCC Field Office, Manhattan
Conditional Class License
Radio Row NYC
4-400 Power Amplifier design
W7LR - Electronic Research Lab at Montana State
HP Hard Disk Storage History
iOmega Zip Drive Backup Storage
Dude Ranch in Tetons
Ken Markott - electronics lab in Montana
First Class Radio Telephone License
2nd Class RadioTelegraph License
KOGM-AM Montana
Vietnam War Draft
USAF Civil Service Engineer
Carson's Rule - microwave data 
Introduction to Radar Systems, 2nd Edition, by Merrill Ivan Skolnik
Nellis Air Force Base
Lockheed Aircraft
Signal to Noise
Montana State University, MSEE
Broadcast Engineer in Montana
USAF Civilian Engineering Jobs
Repeater Antenna Beam Tilting - a four pole collinear reduces a shadowing effect common to mountainous areas”, by Lee Barrett K7NM, Ham Radio Magazine, May 1983 Page 29. 
 “The C-Match Method Of Phasing Vertical antennas”, by Louis Barrett, K7NM
KBOZ Broadcast - Bosman, MT
Antenna Mutual Coupling
3” aluminum irrigation pipe
VNA - vector network analyzer
SWR Bridge
Elephant Cage Antenna
Medical Amateur Radio Council - MARCO
Get Away Special Can Satellite
Synchronous frequency shift key
Minimum shift keying
Tantalum Capacitor
Satellite Doppler Shift
NUSAT 1 - the first ejectable satellite
Communications Satellite NUSAT 1
The Northern Utah Satellite Link (NUSAT 1) - By Lee Barrett
St Lucia DXpedition

Excited most by: sunspot cycle at relative high, 

Advice to new or returning hams: get your General Class License and get on HF.

One-Tube 6L6 Novice Transmitter

Yaesu FT-1000D HF Transmitter

Elecraft K3 Line

NUSAT 1 Satellite
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

Websites:
Justin McAllister - Hardware, Software, Robotics
On X: https://x.com/justmcallister
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmcallister/

Hometown: Weatherford, TX

First License:  May 1997, Technician, Age 16, KD5AKO

Current Rig: 
Icom IC-7300 HF Transceiver

Elmers or Mentors:
Terry Henderson, KJ5ZR
Bill Osborne K5ZQ

Most interesting equipment on workbench: 
Microscope Stereo

Terms
CB Radio
DX on CB Radio
Police Scanner
Texas Storm Chasers
National Weather Service
Skywarn Net
Radio Shack Amateur Radio Technician Manual
Hamcon Amateur Radio Convention
University of Texas, Dallas Ham Club K5UTD
Lockheed Martin, Dallas
Norcal 40A HF Transceiver
Wilderness Radio
ARRL Field Day
SOTA - Summits on the Air?  
SOTAcat  
Western Washington DX Club
End-Fed Halfwave Antenna
FT-8 Digital Mode
Kantronics KPC3
Kenwood TH-D7A/E Dual Band Transceiver with APRS TNC 
M1GEO Two-Meter Maxon Antenna
SO-50 “Turn on the Satellite”
Yaesu FT-817 All Band Transceiver
SatMatch
Pinewood Derby
Metcal Dual Output Soldering and Rework Station
KZ1W Contest Station
Hermes Lite 2 SDR Transceiver
Spark SDR Software
“Simple antennas suitable for a zombie apocalypse”  

Advice to new or returning hams: find something that really interests you and go with that. 

Ham's and Man's best friends!

Operating DXpedition T88WA Palau, 2022

Operating SOTA

POTA at Night