QSO Today - The oral histories of amateur radio

Charles “Pete” Corp, WA2JMG, operates simple rigs into wire antennas, using low power.  His primary operating mode is ragchewing on CW for meaningful and reliable communications.  At the urging of his grandfather, Pete pursued the power system management side of electrical engineering side of his four year degree as a way to satisfy the market demand for power engineers in industry,  when there is a scarcity of supply.  WA2JMG tells us his ham radio story, beginning in 1960, in this QSO Today.

Ron Taylor WA7GIL, while having a love for HF CW, boat anchor restoration, and kit building, still stays current with home brew equipment using Arduino controllers, the latest ham radio software, and the NanoVNA.  His beautiful ham shack and carefully appointed workbench and parts inventory allow Ron to build and fix just about anything.  WA7GIL is my QSO Today.

Cathy Goodrich, W4CMG, is an enthusiastic contester and dedicated DX chaser. Known for her meticulous scheduling, Cathy ensures she dedicates time each day to amateur radio, honing her operating techniques and CW rag chewing skills. In her retirement, Cathy continues to make an impact as a Red Cross Coordinator in Nashville, TN, applying strategic insights gained from her extensive experience as a project manager in the pharmaceutical industry. In our conversation, we delve into how amateur radio operators can engage in and contribute their expertise to Red Cross operations, as well as improving on the air operating skills. W4CMG is my QSO Today.

Walt Hudson, K4OGO, has always lived by and had a love of the sea, pursuing a career in ship building, beginning in Port Smith, Virginia.  While he always had an interest in radio, including Citizens band radio, it wasn't until just a few years ago that Walt became a ham radio operator. Since he is always near the shore, operating portable QRP SSB from the water's edge and making DX contacts is what excites him.  K4OGO loves to experiment with vertical antennas on the beach to fine tune his technical and operating skills.  K4OGO is my QSO Today. 

Steve Johnston, WD8DAS, was my guest in Episode 14, 10 years ago this October.  I urge you to go back to that episode to get Steve's ham radio story.  A lot can happen in ten years, especially in this age of ham radio and the Internet.  So in this episode we catch up with Steve to find out what contributions he has made and is making since the last time we spoke.  WD8DAS is my QSO Today.

Adam Kimmerly, K6ARK, discovered amateur radio almost by accident through his participation in the San Diego Mountain Rescue organization.  Adam's ham radio interests evolved from VHF to HF SOTA, or Summits on the Air, learning CW, and reaching SOTA Mountain Goat status.  The need for light weight kits to carry to the most difficult to reach summits demanded new expertise in antenna design and construction with 3D printing.  K6ARK tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Dan Quigley, N7HQ,   is a true veteran in the world of ham radio and technology. Like many of us, Dan's passion for radio began early, with a crystal radio, and earned his license while delivering newspapers to pay for his new hobby.  Dan's professional career evolved based on the specific needs of clients and customers, creating long and successful stints through Microsoft and Amazon before joining FlexRadio as their Director of Strategic Solutions.  N7HQ is a kindred spirit, perhaps to many of us, and tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.   

My guest this week is Willi Kraml, OE1WKL, creator of the Morserino CW code practice machine .  Willie  discovered amateur radio as a boy in Lindz, Austria, but had to wait until the legal age of 16 to get his license.  With his doctorate in linguistics, Willi pursued a career in IT security with KPMG.  When his local makerspace needed an Arduino project around amateur radio, the Morserino code practice system was born.  OE1WKL discusses the delivery of over 10,000 Morserinos, his projects, and his contributions to amateur radio in this QSO Today.   

Rudy Hardy, W5HRH, was introduced to electronics and radio at a young age by a favorite uncle. His interest in the hobby deepened through his experiences with CB radio and the influence of mentors in college. Rudy pursued a career in federal law enforcement, eventually teaching criminal justice at a community college in Houston. He's also a skilled sports photographer. In this episode, we explore Rudy's journey with Parkinson's disease, his successful treatment, and how amateur radio can benefit retirees and those facing complex health challenges. W5HRH is my QSO Today.

Susan Gayle Nordskog, LA0CY, was practically born into ham radio. She learned Morse code from her mother and grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by her parents' ham radio friends. After college, Susan developed a deep love for the sea and a passion for crewing large vessels, even during a time when American ships rarely hired women. Undeterred, she immigrated to Norway, completed a three-year ship's officer course, and started a family. Her career took her across the world's oceans on some of the largest ships afloat. Now, LA0CY is back on the air, actively participating in the local ham radio scene on two meters and always ready for a chat on any topic with fellow operators. LA0CY is my QSO Today.  

Steve Corley, N5BZM, discovered ham radio, almost by accident, by the intervention of his mother with an FCC official attempting to scare a teenager out of operating a CB radio improperly.  Steve loves the range and variety of amateur radio opportunities and started a Ham Radio Auctions business to aid amateurs to find buyers and the heirs of deceased ham radio operators to properly dispose of their equipment.  N5BZM stresses the importance of HF to amateur radio and tells his story in this QSO Today.   

Lee Barrett, K7NM, has had a wonderful career, in broadcast radio,  military projects, command and control, spacecraft, and medical device development.  His early initiation into amateur radio set in motion all that came later in both professional and amateur radio life. From early in his ham radio career, Lee published papers on vertical antenna beam tilt for repeater networks, and well as his most recent “C-Match Method of Phasing HF Vertical Antennas.  He was a presenter at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, speaks to radio clubs all over the United States, and at the Dayton Hamvention.  K7NM is my QSO today.

Justin McAllister, K5EM's early interest in ham radio in high school, set him on a professional path to electronic engineering for industry,  startups, and entrepreneurship.  In ham radio,  Justin  adopted a few favorite areas of special interest.  Justin likes to operate satellites with his portable full duplex rig, operate the digital modes both actively and passively, creating new antennas designs, and getting out in nature to operate POTA and SOTA.  K5EM is my QSO Today.

Jim Halfpenny, K9YNP, spent his career in the great outdoors tracking wildlife, educating and leading groups into the wilderness all around the World and in Yellowstone National Park.  Ham radio has always been a parallel track of interest and education.  For K9YNP, serving his community with Montana Tour bike race and mountain marathon support through the Rocky Mountains keeps his ARES team at the top of their game.  K9YNP is my guest in this QSO Today.

Mike Padron, N1CC, had an early love for amateur radio that was eclipsed by aviation leading Mike to become the longest serving captain pilot at FEDEX.  Returning to ham radio during the Covid 19 Pandemic, Mike rediscovered his love for CW through the Long Island CW Club and remote controlling his FlexRadio home station while traveling the World.  N1CC is my guest in this QSO Today.

Will Harris, KI4POV, followed in his father's footsteps, from his junior workbench along side his dad's to become a licensed ham at age 12.  While Will did not pursue and engineering career, he has become a prolific homebuilder in the tradition of Doug DeMaw, W1FB, and Wes Hayward, W7ZOI.  KI4POV discussed his 5 band homebrew transceiver and the rest of his ham radio story in this QSO Today.  

Amateur Radio operation for Bob Wertz, NF7E is a family affair, beginning with regular round table rag chews with his brother and father.  Bob likes to chase DX confirming over 340 DX entities with the latest,  Bouvet Island 3YOJ his crowning achievement.  His Flagstaff Arizona ham radio club special events, including Route 66 and Quartzfest provide ample opportunities to get out and meet the hams.  NF7E tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Bob Phinney, K5TEC, created a new and dynamic afterschool science and amateur radio program called New England Sci-Tech, Inc, after his private school, where Bob taught, closed his program from their lack of vision.  K5TEC refocused his energies and built an amazing after school program for kids that re-enforces STEM learning and makes new and exciting amateur radio operators.  Bob, K5TEC, tells this fascinating story on this QSO Today.

Stuart Watchman, ZL2TW, hails from New Zealand where he began his early career working for the New Zealand Post Office on telephone exchange equipment, then made the transition to medical school, becoming a physician.  Ham radio was an early passion leading Stuart to work in technical positions to pay for medical school and later to leadership positions with the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitter (NZART), New Zealand's “League”.  ZL2TW shares his amateur radio experience in this QSO Today.   

Rex Moncur VK7MO, holds the world record for the longest 10GHz EME contact using a 50 watt transmitter to a 70CM satellite TV dish.  Since his retirement over 20 years ago, Rex has garnered expertise, contacts, and equipment for operating VHF and above for EME, meteor, aircraft, and now lighting scatter from his modest home in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.  VK7MO tells his ham radio story and his microwave exploits in this QSO Today.

Ian Kahn, NV4C, with the encouragement of his father in law joined the amateur radio ranks in his mid-thirties.  He hit the ground running, operating on his local club's repeater and involving himself in the North Fulton Amateur Radio League to aid its resurgence the the introduction of new programs attracting new and old hams.  NV4C discusses his ham radio journey, his operating passions, and what excites him about our hobby in this QSO Today.

Todd McKenney, KN4TPG, found his way into amateur radio through a teenager's deep dive into YouTube and discovering  meteorological balloon launches leading to Bill Brown WB8ELK and Pico Ballooning. Todd's entry into ham radio may be the key to attracting young people into amateur radio by using our hobby as a tool to complement and extend the usability of their other STEM or Maker  projects and hobbies.  KN4TPG tells his ham radio story through his high school ballooning interest leading to graduate work at the University of Alabama, Huntsville  in this  QSO Today.

Louis Hammer, 4Z5OT, is a good friend here in Israel and has taken outdoor and park operations to a new level.  Faced with antenna challenges and inflexible neighbors at home, operating events, like lighthouses on the air, and other portable operations has opened new opportunities for Louis to be active, gain better operating experience, and to be ready with his portable rig in a flash when necessary.  4Z5OT is my QSO Today.

Ron Hranac, N0IVN, is not only a long time ham radio operator but a 50 year pioneer in the cable television industry, author of hundreds of articles and presentations for the Society of Cable Television Engineers.  We discuss the crossover of amateur radio and cable television technology, interference to amateur radio from leakage, and the potential opportunities for young people who want to enter the industry on the ground floor.  N0IVN is my QSO Today.

Hiroki Kato, AH6CY, was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan, 20 miles from the epicenter of the atomic bomb blast in August 1945 that killed approximately 100,000 Japanese.  Hiroki was fascinated with radio as a youngster and was first licensed in Japan.  After moving to the USA, Hiroki continued to pursue amateur radio and began to research and collect the military radios that both the Japanese used to bomb Pearl Harbor, and the radios that were on the Enola Gay, the US bomber that dropped the Hiroshima bomb.  AH6CY tells his ham radio story and about these radio restorations in this QSO Today.

Chris Rutkowski, NW6V, had the best radio elmer and teacher for life in his father, a career Navy radio officer, who taught life·s lessons and the proper way to handle a CW key with methods that challenge the current conventions. Chris shares this histor

Glam Ham, Natalie Gray, NW6S, is a lot of things including actress, comedian, writer for both film and television, painter, and now an amateur radio operator.  The awareness of amateur radio came to Natalie almost naturally and has become and enjoyable sideline in her life.  As Glam Ham on TikTok, she has amassed almost one-hundred thousand subscribers who are interested in what she says and demonstrates about amateur radio.  NW6S is my QSO Today.

In this episode of QSO Today, we are joined by Steve Shorey, G3ZPS, who shares his captivating journey through the world of amateur radio. Starting with his early days of constructing tube transmitters from found parts, to securing electronics apprenticeships fueled by his passion for the hobby, and taking a hiatus to focus on family life, Steve's story is one of passion and dedication. Now back in the fold, he finds joy in revisiting old operating modes and refurbishing the vintage equipment that once seemed unattainable in the 1960s. Join us as G3ZPS delves into his ham radio adventures and reflects on the profound impact this hobby has had on his life, right here on QSO Today.  

Irad Deutsch, 4Z1AC, began his ham radio journey at the age of twelve. With a strong foundation in software development and a keen interest in the fusion of ham radio and digital technology, Irad has emerged as a leading voice in modernizing communication methods within the amateur radio sphere through his creation of VarAC digital mode. His dedication to preserving the human connection in ham radio while embracing the advancements of the digital age makes him an influential and insightful figure in the community.

Charles Wilmont, M0OXO, operates a private, self-funded,  QSL management bureau, where he sorts and distributes both physical and electronic QSL cards for distribution around the World for the best known DXpeditions including 3YOK Bouvet and Peter I Islands,  as well as for IOTA, or Islands on the air.  We touch on Charles' ham radio beginnings and his private career as a police officer in Sheffield, South Yorkshire , United Kingdom, made famous by its founding industries of steel and coal, and by the movie The Full Monty.  M0OXO is my QSO Today.

Fred Hopengarten K1VR, and his wife Betty, were guests in my home after an afternoon of touring with me the unusual sites around Jerusalem and Gush Etzion, where I live a few years ago.  Fred has a long history in amateur radio and took to the law rather than engineering as a profession specializing in communications law and antenna regulations for both commercial broadcasting and amateur radio.  His book, Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur, is a must read for hams that need and want external antennas at their QTH.  K1VR discuss antenna law, contesting, and his elaborate station in this QSO Today.

Dr. Jonathan Kramer W6JLK, transitioned into becoming an communications law attorney after a successful career in cable television engineering in addition to his amateur radio activities. Kramer W6JLK stressed that amateurs should be very active in local government as a way to advocate for antenna and tower rights, especially in areas of strong HOA controls.  W6JLK and I discuss the first Motorola simulcast radio system in Kern County, California, and his use of AREDN and portable radios for integrating ham radio with public service.

Linus Balsys, LY2H, dives into the fascinating realm of field operations in his native Lithuania, QRP techniques, Morse code, digital modes, and much more. Linus talks about his  exploration of the great outdoors with park activations, hillfort castles, chases awards, and delves into satellite communications. From his Renault Trafic campervan equipped with cutting-edge ham radio gear like the Icom IC-705 and the QRP-Labs QMX.  Linus showcases the innovation and affordability of modern equipment. In addition, Linus shares how ham radio skills have practical applications in daily life, from repairing electronics to enhancing relationships. Hear about his efforts to rejuvenate the ham community in Lithuania, attracting young enthusiasts through contests, digital operations, and educational classes. Linus also highlights the dual thrill of ham radio: the leap in technology with Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and the invaluable role of amateur radio in emergency communications, echoing its historical significance. Tune in for a journey through the intriguing and impactful world of ham radio with Linus Balsys, L2YH. in this QSO Today.

Paul Barnes, W4YRL, now a ham for over 65 years, enjoys FT8, CW, and getting on the air with modest wire antennas.  Paul has traveled to over 50 countries and enjoyed operating from abroad. He credits the hobby for a happy career in electronics focused on simulators for space, military, and nuclear power plants, and for the life long friends that he has made along the way. W4YRL is my QSO Today.

Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, was a guest at the celebration of the 200th Ham Radio Workbench Podcast.  Eric  joined George, KJ6VU, Vince, VE6LK, and Mark, N6MTS in a special episode of their podcast that became HRWB episode 201.  This recording of that HRWB episode is added to the QSO Today "official record" for posterity.  

John Rusciano, NG0Z, knew that eventually living in an HOA would meet he and his family's needs, even if it meant not having a ham radio station and outside antennas. The state of the art and ubiquitous Internet connectivity made it possible for John to build his ultimate remotely controlled amateur radio station at his vacation home, away from the city's electronic noise and the restrictions of HOA.  NG0Z allows me to interrogate him about all of the aspects of building his remote station in this QSO Today.

Charles Powell, NK8O, would argue that an early interest in radio and communications aided him in making a transition from professional French Horn player to pediatric doctor rather than suffer the mid-life crisis.  Charles likes just about everything that ham radio offers including POTA, CW, kit building, old rigs, and operating his own DXpeditions from exotic locations around the world.  NK8O and I discuss these topics and more in this QSO Today.

Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, has reached his 50th year has a ham radio operator, is the creator of Echolink, one of the first amateur radio Voice over Internet Service linking amateur radio stations, the receiver of technical innovation awards, and author of "VoIP: Internet Linking for Radio Amateurs", now in its second edition.  K1RFD checks all of the ham radio boxes for operating, homebrewing, software development, radio restoration, and is my QSO Today.

Lanny Aldrich, K1LEC, began his professional career as a third generation commercial dairy farmer in Vermont.  Amateur radio was his hobby that he pursued at a steady pace to pursue DX, build operating skills, and contribute to the hobby by just being involved.  Just his advice on antennas is a prize from our conversation.  K1LEC is my QSO Today

Martin, Marty, Buehring, KB4MG, discovered amateur radio in private high school growing up in Chicago, Illinois, and went on for a career in electronics engineering following the development of semiconductors from basic transistors to Large Scale Integrates circuits and ASICS.  Marty believes that ham radio clubs are key to ham radio success.  KB4MG is my QSO Today.

Richard Gutknecht NZ2I, is a second generation amateur radio operator, catching the bug at an early age and getting the Novice license at age 15. Answering his country's call to duty, Rick joined the Air Force and became an active ham while stationed in Germany.  Now retired, Rick enjoys getting on the air, volunteering for his amateur radio club, and now producing and co-hosting a podcast on current events and American history.  NZ2I is my QSO Today.

William Thomas, WT0DX, was inspired by an early interest in electronics, amateur radio, building Heathkits, to spend a career as an engineer and inventor, with over 150 patents, in the electronics and  ultimately the cable television industry where he was given the Cable TV Pioneer award by the National Cable Television Association.  Bill is the co-inventor of the Interactive Program Guide still found on most cable television systems.  Now retired, WT0DX, spends his time giving back to amateur radio through mentoring, contributing, and testing, and he is my QSO Today.   

Ram Muthukrishnan, VU2JXN, while growing up in India, had a difficult time finding any information about amateur radio in the libraries and magazines.  It was not until Ram attended university that he met licensed amateur radio operators and could pursue the hobby.  CW is Ram's favorite operating mode, especially after attending CW Academy.  He modified his SSB only BitX transceiver to operate CW and to use it for CW practice. As a software engineer by trade, Ram has a keen interest in software defined radio, SDR, homebrewing radios, and CW.  VU2JXN is my QSO Today.

Mark Wohlschlegal, WC3W, knew at age 12 that amateur radio would set the course of his life pursuing  engineering degrees leading to a career in big system and equipment sales and marketing.  An additional love of flying, boating, and motorcycle touring kept Mark and his family active outside of work.  Now retired, WC3W operates a remote HF station, in Florida,  with a partner and describes it all in this QSO today.

Caryn Eve Murray, KD2GUT, while inspired at a young age to ham radio, it wasn't until after a successful career as a professional writer and journalist that she re-discovered amateur radio in 2014.  Her ham radio history was pretty thoroughly covered in a recent Ham Radio Workbench podcast a few weeks ago.  Our conversation explored her professional history leading to her reporting for Ham Radio Newsline and her love for CW.  KD2GUT is my QSO Today.

Ante Laurijssen, VA2BBW, enjoys the simple amateur radio art of chasing DX and making contacts on CW, and  operating QRP, from Gatineau, in Southwest Quebec, Canada . When operating POTA, Ante taught himself to send CW with his left while recording his log with his right hand.  VA2BBW is the Radio Amateurs of Canada Awards Manager, enjoys giving back to the hobby, and is my QSO Today.

Don Westacott VE6HQ, believes that his early foundation in amateur radio contributed to his professional success through the multiple disciplines and out of the box thinking that is amateur radio.  After a successful career and an expert in subsurface measurements and remote sensing for the petroleum  industry, Don now likes to work 20 meters and refine his test equipment bench using the latest low cost solutions like the NanoVNA.  VE6HQ is my QSO Today.

Steve Stroh, N8GNJ, has always enjoyed the confluence of computers, data communications, and amateur radio from the earliest days of AX.25 packet radio to the current AREDN and SDR (software defined radio).  Steve uses his Zero Retries newsletter on Substack, to communicate the amazing amateur radio technology developments in data communications that does not get covered in the standard amateur radio  journals.  N8GNJ shares his experience and interesting stories in this QSO Today.  

David Okrent W7DAO, like many hams grew up with shortwave radio, electronic kits, and a radio interest that led to a professional career related to our hobby. David focuses the use of these skills and expertise on emergency rescue and treatment as a military medical corpsman, as an EMT, and providing volunteer support to the  Red Cross.  Contribution and giving back to his community drives W7DAO, who is my QSO Today.

Kay Savetz, K6KJN, followed his father, Steve, into amateur radio when he entered college and Journalism school at the beginning of the Atari computer age.  Tech journalism is Kay's profession leading him to be the technical historian specializing in amateur radio and communications at the Internet Archive. We deep dive into Kay's interest in amateur radio, technology and communications history, and the Atari 8 bit computers in this QSO Today.

Alan Higbie, K0AV, is a ham over sixty years, with an interest in CW, contesting, working DX, and working 2BSIQ mode.  Alan has developed special expertise in finding RF noise sources around his QTH using a portable SDR receiver, and as a trial lawyer, he has had the opportunity to live in unusual places that lead to unusual ham radio operating events.  K0AV is my QSO Today.