N8YSZ

From BrauhausWiki

N8YSZ's Amateur Radio Activities

A short bio

I have been a ham since 1991. My father, ND0J, had been encouraging me to get my ticket for many years, and I finally got around to doing so -- and have enjoyed it since. I enjoy chasing DX, and am working on DXCC, though, not very quickly. 145 confirmed as of Spring 2003. More recently, I've given a try to VHF contesting. In July of 2005 my father and I are planning on a grid-expedition to EM47, during a family fishing trip to Meramec Springs, in Missouri

My home station consists of an Icom 706IIg, wire antennas including a G5RV and various dipols, one each Palstar AT1500c and LDG AT-200 pro antenna tuners. I use a Heil Pro-Set micro with the HC4 cartridge. For VHF portable I have an Icom T-81A. My VHF antennas PAR SM-50 Moxon for 6m, and a Cubex Yellow Jacket 46 quad for 2m/70cm. In the car I usually use the IC-T81a, with a Diamond dualband whip antenna. For APRS monitoring, I use a Kantronics KPC3+, connected to a UBC-200xlt scanner fed by a homebrewed 450ohm ladder line J-Pole.

In November of 2001, I visited Tortola and operated for a couple days as VP2V/N8YSZ. Getting the reciprocal license was easy and didn't cost a whole lot. I ran only 100w into a home made dipole antenna and had a bunch of fun with a couple of small pile-ups. This was a first for me -- my apologies to any who were trying to get through and I missed. Being on the receiving end of a pile-up is harder than it would seem. I ended up having to cut my operating time short, due to causing interference to the telephone and electrical systems where I was staying. If you worked me and are interested in a QSL, please send your card and an SASE to my home address.

While I was on the island, I had the privilage of meeting Bob Denniston, VP2VI. In May of 2002, Mr. Denniston passed away. The ham radio community, and indeed the world lost a wonderful man. I feel very lucky to have been able to meet him and spend the all too short bit of time listening to his stories. Life is short and fragile. The world would be a much better place if there were more people like Bob Denniston.

During the first part of 2005, I have been chasing some RFI noise which has almost completely made it impossible for me to listen to the radio. I have been documenting my efforts online (see link above). If you are a ham and are in my area and would like to help with this, please contact me.

I continue to try to learn new things in the hobby. I've started building out an electronics work bench. A couple of the bits of gear I've rounded up so far: a Tektronics 2250 'Scope, bought at a ham fest and a couple HP 5328a Frequency counters, purchased off of ebay. My most recent addition is a Decibel 100 Watt 50 Ohm Dummy Load, also purchased from eBay.

In March of 2006, I joined KG4VNC and operated in Shenandoah National Park as W4WVP/P for the VA QSO party.

I enjoy playing with aprs. I use xastir, and have made a few contributions to the source code. I also have a Tinytrak in the car, though rarely have it enabled.

Hope to meet you on the air some day!!