RS-39 Chibis-M has been launched from Progress

New amateur radio satellite to be launched in January - See my Satellite page for details.

In the late 1970's I was into CB radio.  I wanted to expand my interest in radio and realized that CB was a dead end.  I worked for a local ambulance company/funeral home.  This is another story but it got me started in my emergency medicine path, EMT/Firefighter volunteering, EMT on an ambulance, working dispatch for ambulance, air ambulance, work as a tech in a local ED, and my current medical IT career.  One of the morticians was a ham.  He helped me prep for my test and morse code requirement.  I tested at Mann Hall here in Spokane.  This was still when the FCC did the testing.  I passed and got my novice ticket in 1980.  I started out with some old Heathkit equipment, pictured above, HX-20 transmitter and a HR-10 receiver.  Many CW contacts were made with this old equipment. I eventually upgraded to the SB-102. I was further influenced by another ham I worked with as a partner on the ambulance, Jim, WA7WDL.  He got me interested into VHF and digital modes.  I took my technician test about 1982.  Got into VHF FM with a Icom 2AT in 1982 after getting my technician ticket.  Purchased a Commodore 64 and PK-64 and this was my start in packet radio.  Another ham that influenced me in ham radio is Gary, K7PG.  I was grandfathered in to a general class in the 90's with the license changes.  I have primarily worked VHF/UHF FM, Packet, SSB satellites for several years with the AO-10 and AO-13 satellites.  Have been active in our local ARES group over the years and the Inland Empire VHF Club running their packet BBS for many years.  I still work VHF/UHF FM, play with APRS and FM Satellites via a portable Arrow antenna.  Shortwave and scanner listening have also been part of my hobby as well.  Holding a general class license I have not done much with HF since selling my last 720a.  I am getting back into HF with a newly purchased Icom 729.   A lot difference from what I started with in amateur radio over 30 years ago.

My HF, VHF/UHF and APRS Packet Station Now

I have owned or own (green bold indicates currently own) the Icom 211, 215, 280, 720A, 251A, 451A, 271A, 28A, 228A, 228H, 22S, 22U, 3200A, 3210A, 3230H, 281H, 481H, 32AT, 2AT, 4AT, u2AT, u4AT, P2AT, 24AT, W32A, Q7A, P7A, Z1A (mobile), T90A, 729, 820H.     Icom Receivers R1, R2, R5, R70, R20, R7000.