Station:
My station consists of an Icom IC-706MKIIG HF radio, attached through an LDG AT-100Pro auto antenna tuner to the antenna. The radio is interfaced to an Apple iMac computer via a microHam USB interface III.
A homemade wooden stand was made to hold the items together in a neat package organized inside a computer armoire.
The antennas consist of a Comet CHA-250Bx vertical antenna that is mounted on the side of the house on a 13ft pole.
I am using MacLoggerDX as my logging program, and CocoaModem or Fast Light Digital Modem Application (Fldigi) for PSK31, RTTY, MFSK, HELL, etc.
Interests:
I am working to develop my operating skills by making contacts on the air. My goal is getting the DXCC, and WAS awards. I would like to become more proficient with morse code. I hope by early 2010 to have a Carolina Windom installed between the flag poles, just need to get coax installed.
History:
I was first licensed back in 1988 as a Novice, then upgraded to Tech Plus. I currently hold a General class license.
I learned about ham radio as a kid, but it was during my years at LeTourneau College, that I was able to get my license. I was an active member of the K5JEF ham club and had fun using the equipment in the shack.
After college, I spent most of my time on VHF & UHF bands on local repeaters. Since 2000, I have spent some time playing around with automatic packet reporting system (APRS) with my mobile station. In 2007, I finally put up a vertical antenna, and was able to assemble a portable HF station, and get on the air. In 2008, we moved to a larger house & lot, and I was able to setup a more permanent station. In April 2009, I completed installation of two flag poles which are 30 feet high and 150 feet apart. By December 2009, I was able to dig the trench & bury the run of 174 ft of 1 1/4" conduit from the house to the antenna center base. I pulled 245 ft of Andrew Cinta CNT-400 coax from antenna center base to the station in the house.