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K3MD

11/7/2015

1 Comment

 

Episode 066 - John Thompson - K3MD

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If you want to meet a ham that works every contest and operates every mode, from 160 meters to 1296 Mhz, then John Thompson, K3MD, would come to mind. With over 350,000 contacts in his logbook since 1991, John is just a guy that loves operating, especially contests. At the same time, he collects classic rigs, writes articles, mentors hams, and is active in many ham organizations. John joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this week's QSO Today. 
Show Notes
Listen to Podcast
Special thanks to K3MD for his unsolicited contribution of $50.00 to the QSO Today Podcast. 

Knightkit regenerative receiver
- called the Ocean Hopper

First Elmer:  John’s uncle, Tom Winternitz, W2YTH, later W2MS (SK) 

First License:  General Class, K3YQJ, Age 13
Extra Class Upgrade: 1969 

First Rig:
  • Ameco AC1T
  • Knightkit R55A receiver
  • Viking Ranger
  • Hammarlund HQ129X
  • 2 element ZL special beam antenna

K3MD's recommended best ground mounted antenna for city lot:  Butternut Antenna

80 Meter Four Square Antenna

Current Rig: Yaesu FTDX5000

Radio Teletype Roundup - the ARRL RTTY Roundup

Favorite Operating Mode: CW, but works them all

Single operator callsign stacking

WriteLog for RTTY software.

N1NM Plus

FLDigi Plus

QRP Amateur Radio Club Contest

CW Ops - contest every wednesday for 1 hour.

Favorite Contests:   
  • ARRL RTTY Roundup
  • CQ Worldwide
  • June VHF Contest  with the PacRats Philadelphia Weak Signal Club

Contest with greatest challenge: Field Day - make rapid contacts with operators that are not proficient

What makes a great radio club?  
  • Core of 4 or 5 hams  who are leaders
  • Excellent presentation  
  • Good door prizes  
Nuts and Volts Magazine

National Contest Journal

Jack Troster, W6ISQ

Jean Shepherd, K2ORS

Favorite “boat anchor” radios:
  • Drake 2B receiver
  • Knight Kit T60 transmitter
  • Drake TR4 Transceiver
  • Hammarlund HT37 not recommend

ARC 5 transmitter,  80 and 40 meter

Recommended First Rig for New Ham:  Yaesu FT-450 for the Kenwood TS-590, both allow computer control

Most popular CW keys:
  • Bencher BY1
  • N3ZN Keys
  • Begali Sculpture
  • CT73 Key Ukraine  favorite.  
  • SpeedX Straight Key
  • J-38 straight keys

Straight Key Night Rig:
  • Hammurland HT-37
  • Knightkit T60

CW OPS

QRP Rigs Owned:
  • Elecraft K1
  • Elecraft K2
  • Wilderness SST 40 QRP Transceiver
  • Rockmite
  • QRP X108 Transceiver
  • Ten-Tec Argonaut 5

Reverse Beacon Network - using it can improve your contest score

“If you get bored with a certain aspect of ham radio, there is always another one”​

The RSS Feed for all audio content from QSO today is available from here. 

Please join our QSO Today community by pressing the button below. It is the best way to suggest guests and topics, and provide feedback to Eric, 4Z1UG.
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Ameco AC-1 Novice Transmitter
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Hammarlund HQ-129X Receiver
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Drake 2B Receiver
K3MD's first boat anchor choice
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K3MD Current Rig
Yaesu FTDX5000
1 Comment
Allan KB3AC
11/8/2015 10:02:37 am

Very nice interview, John! You covered a lot of good information and insights. Not only about contesting but other aspects of ham radio as well.

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