RS-39 Chibis-M has been launched from Progress

 See my Satellite page for details.

See my Mars page for more 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

Radios I own or have owned (green indicates currently own):
Icom Base Radios: 211, 215, 280, 720A, 251A, 451A, 271A, 729, 820H. 
Icom Mobiles: 28A, 228A, 228H, 22S, 22U, 3200A, 3210A, 3230H, 281H, 481H.   
Icom Handhelds:  2AT, 4AT, 32AT, u2AT, u4AT, P2AT, 24AT, W32A, Q7A, P7A, Z1A (mobile), T90A.
Icom Receivers:  R1, R2, R5, R70, R20, R7000.  
Radio Shack Hanhelds: HTX-200, HTX-400.
Scanner: Uniden Bearcat BC895XLT.