Radio
Posts related to ham radio and other things that make the air go wibbly-wobbly. First, a few notes:
QRZ
I don't participate in QRZ. When I raised the issue in their forums that their award "Master of Africa" (and other regions) was problematic at best, and openly racist at worst, they immediately deleted the forum post and threatened me. When K7ALM sent me a series of ranting emails (including telling me that I needed to read the Christian Bible) because I *pointed out* that "Master of Africa" isn't OK on my QRZ page, and I thanked him for his "contribution" on my QRZ page, the QRZ administrators threatened me. Seems like they've chosen their views, and they're abhorrent.
Getting Out OK
I usually operate FT8, because my QTH (CN87um) has somewhat problematic topology (I’m surrounded by biggish hills) and I’m in the middle of the city, so the noise floor isn’t quite what it is in the middle of the woods.
I also operate while traveling in The ShadyVan, and there I use FT8, SSB, or whatever else seems like a good idea at the time. I’ve also done some Parks on the Air here in the PNW, and intend to do much more in 2024.
My travel HF radio is a Discovery TX-500 that I use with a SOTABeams Band Hopper IV. At home, my main radio is a Yaesu FTdx-3000 that I adore (it’s more radio than I deserve), attached to an Aerial-51 807-HD and a Wellbrook Loop. I also have a Kenwood TS-50S that’s currently not working, and a Yaesu FT-101EE that is working but for which I don’t currently have a working microphone. Projects.
Narwhal Amateur Radio Society
I serve as President and Trustee of the Narwhal Amateur Radio Society, a ham radio club dedicated to diversifying the practice of ham radio, spreading joy, and educating the public about the lack of existence of “narwhals.”
ARRL
I’m an ARRL member, and have accepted an appointment as ARRL Volunteer Counsel for Washington (Northwest Division). I’m also barred in Montana, but only listed on their site under WA.
Radio Placeholder Post
This is a placeholder to help this category generate. Soon, more in this category!