My interest in computers, electronics, and radio frequency (RF) technology began in middle school. It all started with building crystal radios from RadioShack, which allowed me to tune into worldwide shortwave and FM signals beyond the typical radio band. By high school, I had expanded my hobby to include a scanner and CB radio, regularly monitoring local and distant communications. Before my senior year, I earned both my Technician and General licenses, learning just enough Morse code to pass the General exam.

This growing passion led me to pursue a technical degree for my undergraduate studies. However, as life took over, I became less active in the hobby and focused more on other priorities.

My enthusiasm for amateur radio was reignited in 2020, as the world changed and I found myself with more free time. This period of reflection gave me the opportunity to reconnect with the hobby. I became fascinated with how software-defined radios (SDRs), such as the RTL-SDR and SDRPlay, had revolutionized the RF landscape and made advanced technology accessible to hobbyists. Enthralled once again, I set up a modest HF station in my urban backyard and enjoyed engaging in Parks on the Air (POTA) activations.

In recent years, I’ve rekindled my passion for hands-on projects, diving back into custom PCB design and enclosure building for homebrewing. I’ve also enjoyed troubleshooting and restoring classic “boat anchor” radios, including Heathkit models, further expanding my knowledge and skills. To help others get licensed I have pursued becoming a registered Volunteer Examiner and assisted with getting over a dozen new hams licensed this past year.

Current Interests
Portable operations such as Parks on the Air (POTA)
Continual experimentation and improvements to my setup
Homebrewing and Making in the RF space
Treasure hunting at ham-swaps and estate sales for equipment
Refurbishing and troubleshooting RF radios and equipment

You will find I am a bit more of a tinkerer than an on-air personality!

’73!