My QTH is in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern California approximately 160 miles (257 KM) east of San Francisco, CA. I live near the town ofMurphys, in Calaveras County. The station elevation is approximately 3500 feet ASL or 1066 meters ASL.
<---- Winter at QTH - View to northeast
Summer At QTH - View to northwest ---->
I was unable to travel for the T32RC mini-DXpedition but set up the website and acted as their pilot while the group was on the island. Please visit the T32 - 2013 website for information about the December 2013 DXpedition. I obtained my Novice license in 1971 and remain active on all modes on HF in addition to VHF and UHF activity. Please visit my website for more information regarding the station. You can monitor my station receive and transmit audio, when the link is on-line, from the audio menu on the website. I stream live video from the shack sometimes. If the video is active it can be viewed at K6HP video. This is part of the Cam Radio Group webcam project. You can view all of the amateur radio station webcams involved in the project at CamRadioNet.
Last year marked my first full year of attempting to resurrect my CW skills from 18 WPM, with a straight key, as a young ham to using a paddle now and trying to go from 5 WPM (when I started) to my goal of 20 WPM. I obtained a model ZN-SL single lever paddle, from Tony at N3ZN Keys early in 2013, and spent the spring and summer practicing.
While roaming the web looking for various CW training aides I discovered the CW Ops Club websiteand subsequently discovered the CW Ops CW Academy. I signed up for the fall class, and with the help from my fellow classmates (Ted - KC7PM, Jeff - WK6I, Bob - NF7D) and our great instructor Will - WJ9B, I was able to squeak thru the class. I still struggle with speed on receive but overall the CW Ops Academy fullfilled my goal of exceeding 20 WPM receive. Also, the CW Ops have a bi-monthly sprint like contest called a mini-CWTthat is a lot of fun as well as their annual CW Open Contest! Check out the CW Ops website if you are interested in learning CW or improving your CW skill and speed. The CW Academy was the only training of all the things I tried that got me past that 20 WPM wall and now sometimes even up to 25 WPM! Two other great CW training aides are the Learn CW Online websiteand the program called Morse Runner. After being away from CW operation for so many years I have found a re-kindled enjoyment of the mode and am having a great time practicing my CW and working new stations on CW. I recently discovered the SKCC straight key sprints. I hadn't used my old straight key for anything other than to key the radio while tuning an antenna, for years. I had to do some cleaning, to get the contacts working on the poor neglected straight key I used as a kid, but once cleaned it worked fine and I made a number of contacts with other SKCC members during one of the sprints. Using the straight key at around 12 to 14 WPM isn't exactly conducive to my current CW goal of being able to copy high speed CW as well as send it but it was fun and brought back fond memories from a youth that seems so long ago. If you like CW and haven't tried out the SKCC sprints give it a try, it is fun! For more information visit the SKCC website. I have recently gotten involved in Ham-Mesh net and have 5 nodes operating around the property with video cameras on four of the nodes. I see a good potential for Mesh nodes becoming a great asset for EmmComm in the future as the firmware and implementation as well as applications (ie. VoIP, live video, IRC, etc.) become perfected. Take a look at Broadband - Hamnet website.
My Novice license from 1971 - Talk about nostalgia!
I am very proud of my son, Garrett, for deciding to obtain his amateur radio license and subsequently doing so after about one month of studying the manual in between work and family. Garrett works in the computer field and is hoping to add an understanding of RF and radio principles to his expertise. As of Feb. 4, 2012 Garrett passed both his General and Extra exams! Garrett's new call sign is KZ6S. Also, please visit the Sierra Amateur Radio Club (SARC) website and the Calaveras Amateur Radio Society (CARS) website for information regarding local clubs in the area.
I was issued the call sign TF3JB on January 14, 1974; license No. 80 in Iceland. From January 2007 to July 2012 I was QRV as TF2JB, but as of August 2012, I became TF3JB again. Privileges include all bands, all emission types and full RF power. I have been a member of our national association, Icelandic Radio Amateurs (Í.R.A.), more or less since 1973. During that time I have had the opportunity to participate in various activities of this great hobby and recently finished serving as the association's president (2009-2013). I was granted a reciprocal license by the FCC when we lived in the United States (1990-1995). During that time I completed my postgraduate studies in NYC and CT. Helga María (my XYL) also earned her academic degrees during that time. We both loved the time in the States. A QSL card is sure via bureau or direct for TF3JB and TF2JB. If you QSL direct, kindly include a self-addressed envelope with an IRC or 2 USD. Please note that I do not use E-QSL, LoTW or the QRZ Logbook system. My grid square is HP94bc. When QRV as TF3JB/1 (at the summer house in Grímsnes) the grid square is HP94ma. 73 de TF3JB.
Member of Rotarians of Amateur Radio
PHOTO 1 The TF3JB operating position. Equipment for HF.
ICOM IC-7600 100W HF/50 MHz Transceiver.
LDG M-7600 External Meter for the Icom IC-7600.
HEIL PR-40 Dynamic Microphone with original Heil accessories.
ICOM HM-36 original hand microphone (brilliantly modified by AB5N).
W2IHY 8 Band Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate and the W2IHY EQplus Adjustable Compressor.
ICOM IC-7410 100W HF/50 MHz Transceiver (for back-up and portable use at TF3JB/1).
COLLINS 75S-3C Receiver (round emblem).
YAESU FRG-100 Receiver.
YAESU FP-1030 Linear Power Supply.
ASTRON SL-11A Linear Power Supply.
PHOTO 2 With John Devoldere, ON4UN,
renowned radio amateur, contester and author in Reykjavík Iceland on August 4, 2011. What a great guy!
PHOTO 3 With David G. Sumner, K1ZZ,
ARRL CEO, in Friedrichshafen Germany on June 22, 2012.
PHOTO 4 With Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T,
President of IARU Region 1 in the Í.R.A. headquarters in Reykjavík Iceland on May 5, 2013.
(Thanks to Hans for the many enjoyable QSO's).
PHOTO 5 With Timothy St. John Ellam, VE6SH,
President of IARU in Friedrichshafen Germany on June 29, 2013.
PHOTO 6 TF3JB is the authorized Check Point for CQ Magazine Awards in TF (as of April 16, 2009).
TF8GX was the first to hand in an award application on May 19, 2009; an application for the CQ WAZ Award.
PHOTO 7 In 2010 we commemorated that 30 years had passed since a record was set in the 1980 CQ WW DX PHONE CONTEST by our contest group from TF3IRA, in the Multi Operator Single Transmitter category. The photo below was taken in the TF3IRA operating room and replicates the photo taken of the group during the actual contest (by TF3AC). It is TF3CW who holds the photograph from 1980. In the frame there is also a photocopy of CQ Magazine's cover page of the contest article published in the September 1981 issue of the magazine. Our record was finally broken 32 years later (in 2012) by TF3W. From left: Yngvi Harðarson TF3Y (ex. TF3YH); Jónas Bjarnason TF3JB; Sigurður R. Jakobsson TF3CW; and Óskar Sverrisson TF3DC.
PHOTO 8 A piece of amateur radio history in TF. In 2008 we commemorated that 30 years had passed since the TF6M DXpedition to "Klaustur" (East Iceland). Almost 11.000 QSO's were made in the July 1978 operation on CW and Phone (on HF) and via the AMSAT Oscar 6 and 7 satellites; a total of 149 DXCC entities were worked. Participants (from left): Kristinn Andersen TF3KX; Baldvin Þórarinsson TF3-033; Sæmundur E. Þorsteinsson TF3UA; Sigurður R. Jakobsson TF3CW; Jónas Bjarnason TF3JB; Gísli G. Ófeigsson TF3G (ex. TF3US); Mathías Hagvaag TF3MHN;and Yngvi Harðarson TF3Y (ex. TF3YH).
PHOTO 9 A piece of amateur radio history in TF. The TF4F DXpedition to Flatey Island (West Iceland) took place in July 1977. Despite almost "black-out" conditions we managed over a thousand QSO's on CW and Phone (on HF) including QSO's via the AMSAT Oscar 6 and 7 satellites. Photographs of the participants can be seen below on the special QSL card made for the expedition. From left: Brynjólfur Jónsson TF5B (ex. TF5BW), Jónas Bjarnason TF3JB, Baldvin Þórarinsson TF3-033, Sæmundur E. Þorsteinsson TF3UA and Kristinn Andersen TF3KX.
Amateur Radio in Iceland, in Brief. THE COUNTRY. Iceland is a republic. We became independent on June 17, 1944. Prior to that we had been subjects of the King of Denmark (and earlier, of the King of Norway). Population is currently approx. 335.000 (spring 2014). Total land area is 103.000 square kilometers. Much of the country is uninhabitable because of glaciers, volcanoes and sand deserts. The native language, Icelandic, is most closely related to old Norse. View from the TF3JB/1 summer house at Swan lake QTH in Grímsnes in July 2013. 1. BANDS. In addition to the "usual" bands we have the following band privileges:
630 meter band (472-479 kHz); as of January 16, 2013 (on primary basis).
160 meter band (1850-2000 kHz) in addition to 1810-1850 kHz; as of January 6, 2011, with full power (1kW) during contests.
60 meter band (5260-5410 kHz) on CW and USB; as of January 2, 2008. And, PSK-31, as of June 12, 2012.
4 meter band (70.000-70.200 MHz); as of February 19, 2010.
2. LICENSING. There are two license classes based on the HAREC requirements. The basic license is an N-license and the full license is the G-license. A basic TF license holder can easily be identified, since the suffix of the call sign will always havethree letters ending with the letter "N".For example: "TF3XXN". The N-license class is limited to 100 Watts and less band privileges. G-licensees have all bands, all emission types and and full RF power (1kW). 3. NUMBER OF LICENSEES. Just over 450 TF call signs have been issued to date (spring 2014) by the Icelandic PTA since the first amateur radio regulation took effect on February 7, 1947. The corresponding number of licensees is approx. 350. 4. Í.R.A. Our national association is Íslenskir radíóamatörar (͍.R.A.), founded on August 14, 1946. Currently, we have approx. 200 members; YL's are 3% of the membership. The association's headquarters is located in Reykjavík (the capital) and we have an open house for members and guests every Thursday from 20:00 hours. 5. IOTA, CQ AND ITU ZONES. There are 3 different IOTA numbers allocated to Iceland. Firstly, EU-021 for the country itself. Secondly, EU-168, that is allocated to the many islands around Iceland, except for Vestmannaeyjar (and surrounding islands), that have the special allocation: IOTA EU-071. Iceland is located in CQ Zone 40 and ITU Zone 17. 6. CALL AREAS. Further down this page, our call areas are explained. In addition, there is brief information about the activity to be the expected from each of them. 7. DX ACTIVITY FROM TF. Further down the page, you will find a discussion about DX activity from Iceland.
There are 10 call areas. Iceland is divided into 10 call areas. Prior to 1981, the prefixes TF1, TF8, TF9 and TF0 were not in use. At that time, some of those call areas were also differently allocated, geographically. For example, the current TF8 call area used to be TF2 call area, etc. Most activity is to be expected from the TF3 call area which is Reykjavík (and the surrounding capital region), but approximately 70% of the population lives in that geographical area. The enclosed map depicts the TF call areas (courtesy of TF2MSN). In the list below, call signs of TF stations potentially QRV (in spring 2014) is shown by call area.
TF0 The uninhabited highlands (mostly "/M" activity).
New: TF stations most active in DX.
INTRODUCTION In April 2014, there were almost 130 TF call signs registered on QRZ.COM. Of that number, 35 call signs had more than 10.000 lookups. Supposedly, these are the stations most active in DX from Iceland. Taking a closer look, I was able to extract the data displayed below.(1) Although the conclusions drawn are accurate, the outcome of this exercise should be regarded as an indicator, since it is not a scientific study. The following variables were examined: (1) Type of primary transceiver; (2) Type of primary linear amplifier; (3) Type of primary antenna; (4) Primary activity by emission mode; (5) Age of licensee; and (6) QTH by TF call area.
The TF3IRA SteppIR 3E Yagi antenna photographed in winter sun in December 2012.
RESULTS
Type of transceiver. The transceivers favored are from Icom and Yaesu; each brand has a 33% stake. Other brands: Kenwood (18%), Elecraft (15%), FlexRadio (3%) and Other (3%). Linear amplifier. It turns out that 78% of this group use/own a linear amplifier. The most popular brands: Acom, Yaesu and Other (surplus, homebrew, etc.); each with a 12% stake. Ameritron, AMP Supply and SPE have each a 6% stake. Other brands: Alpha, Dentron, Drake, Emtron, Heathkit, Icom, Kenwood and OM Power. Antennas. 52% use directional antennas, 27% wire antennas and 21% verticals. The most popular directional antennas are from SteppIR, OptiBeam and HexBeam. Other directional antennas (in primary use) are from Fritzel, Hy-gain, UltraBeam, XY antennas or homebrew. The most popular wire antennas are Cobwebbs, Deltas/loops and Long wires. Verticals: Butternut, Cushcraft, New-tronics Hustler, SteppIR, Zerofive and homebrew. Mode of emission. SSB is the favored mode with a 41% stake. Digital modes (RTTY, PSK, etc.) have a 33% share, and CW has a 26% share. Operator age. Average age is 58 years. Broken down, most operators are between 50-59 years of age, or 47%. About 20% are between 60-69 years; 17% are between 70-84 years; and 16% are between 24-49 years of age. Call areas. Most operators reside in the TF3 call area (70%). DX activity is though also to be expected from TF2, TF4, TF5 and TF8 call areas. Approx. 24% of this group of active DX-ers in TF have acquired the DXCC Award. A similar percentage has acquired the WAZ Award. Points of interest:
A DX station is most likely to encounter a TF station operating on SSB.
The TF station will either use an Icom or a Yaesu transceiver;
use/own a linear amplifier;
use a directional antenna;
live in the TF3 call area; and
the operator age will be between 50-59 years. (Currently, there are no TF YL's that have over 10.000 lookups on QRZ.COM).
Questions and/or comments on this text are welcome. E-mail address: jonas.bjarnason.hag@gmail.com 73 de Jónas, TF3JB.
(1) Additional data needed was acquired from sources outside the QRZ.COM website. MY 1ST QSL CARD When I passed the Novice license examination back in December 1973, I discussed with my father that I would need a QSL card once I got on the air. He suggested that I should pay a visit to an artist friend of his, Mr. Halldór Pétursson (1916-1977) who happened to have his art studio close to our home. He then called Mr. Pétursson, and it was arranged that I could visit him the next day. I was received warmly by the artist. He asked me what kind of a drawing I would like for my QSL card; but I had no idea at the time. Then he asked me to tell him all about amateur radio and DX'ing. So I told him about the hobby and ended by saying that QSL cards were exchanged to confirm contacts made over the airwaves. I guess it took me some minutes to explain things and while I was talking, he finished the drawing you can see on my QSL card above. I have always been pleased with this drawing. I still have the original artwork and nowadays I could probably sell it since his work is much appreciated. Although this was a simple drawing, he did put his initials on it, "HP.73". This artwork will however never be up for sale. I still have a few hundred of these cards left but have, in the years gone by, had a more basic card made for TF3JB operations; almost identical to the one I had made for my TF2JB activity when I was lived at the Hvanneyri QTH (2007-2012). Feel free to request the original card if you send your QSL via direct. 73 de Jónas, TF3JB.
PHOTO CREDITS Photo of TF3JB on top of the page - Mrs. Guðrún Jónsdóttir (Borgarnesi). Photos 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8 - Mr. Jón Svavarsson, TF3JON. Photos 3 and 5 and 6 - Mr. Erling Guðnason, TF3EE. Photo 9 - TF3JB. Photographs included the text about amateur radio in Iceland if brief are by TF3JB. The map of TF call areas was designed by TF2MSN.
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Hi!
My name is Leo(full name Leonid). I was born 31 may 1997.
First QSO in 8 years. Call since 2010 (12 years). Now, I am 16 years old, studyingin grade 11school.
My QTH is southern city of Ukraine, Kherson city. URDA - HE01(HE22).
I'm like work in the contest. Member of UT2G(UT2GWW) contest team. ___________________________________________________________________________
Qsl info. Buro - very slow. Every 6 months. Direct - I will answer You direct, too, 100%. No green stamps, no IRC, no SASE but only send me Your QSL card. ___________________________________________________________________________
Stationsof USA and JAPAN.
US Stations - Please show your COUNTY on your card.
JA Stations - Please show your JCC/JCG on your card.
Thanks! ___________________________________________________________________________
A few photos.
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GREGG L MARCO
1200 MANOR CREST CT
MARIETTA, GA 30068
USA
QSL: QSL VIA N7XG
Email: Use mouse to view..
Ham MemberLookups: 42154
20140604 0938UTC 14005kHz FS/W6IZT Date : 04/Jun/2014 0938UTC Freq : 14036kHz CW Rig : SDR(PI4THT) ANT : Mini-Whip(PAORDT) PC recording
PLEASE QSL VIA N7XG Dean W Davis 3596 Karen Ave S. Salem, OR 97302 USA
I have been licensed since 1968. I primarily operate CW and my main interests in amateur radio include DXing, Contesting and DXPeditions. I prefer operating on the lowbands. Other interests include antenna design and construction.
My youngest daughter Jenna is licensed as KJ4PQV. She is showing an interest in contesting. Even though she is off to college this year I hope to find some time to do some contesting with her. I have operated as and participated in the following DXpeditions:
BV/WA6IZT Taiwan 1994
FS/W6IZT Saint Martin 2000-2011 (All contacts have been uploaded to LoTW)
KH6/W6IZT Hawaii 2007
TI5/W6IZT Costa Rica 2008
TI50DX Costa Rica 2008 ARRL International DX Contest SSB *1st Place Multi-two*
K5DDesecheo2009* (SWODXA DXPedition of the year)
PJ6/W6IZT Saba 2010
PJ6A Saba 2010*
PJ6/W6IZT Saba 2011
PJ6A Saba 2011 ARRL International DX Contest CW *3rd Place Multi-Single* (from a portable station) with K4UEE and VE7CT
HK0NA Malpelo 2012 (SWODXA DXPedition of the year)
PJ6A Saba 2013 CQWW WPX CW with K4UEE, G3SXW, and VE7CT * 1st place NA M/S, 4th place M/S overall
PJ6/W6IZT October 2013
PJ6A Saba 2013 CQWW SSB with K4UEE, KB1ZOJ, K5AC, and N4GRN
* Top ten DXCC Entity I enjoy the planning and logistics involved with DXPeditioning. Areas of contribution have included securing sponsorships, radio selection, PCs, logging, networking, station integration/staging and antennas selection. My home station is located on 5 acres, approximately 6 miles NW of Blairsville GA. In EM74. Equipment consists of the following: Station 1
Elecraft K3, Alpha 77SX, SB220 (6 meters)
Station 2
Elecraft K3, KPA-500 or Command Tech HF-2500, 2 meter HB SS KW
Antennas
160 and 80 Shunt Fed Tower
80 dipoles
40/30 Dipoles
20/15/10 Force 12 C31xr
17/12 Dual 3 element interlaced Yagi of my design
6 meters 5 element Yagi HB K5AND design
2 meters 9 element InovAntennas Loop Fed Array
4 bevereages
We have 4 children, a son-in- law, and a daughter-in-law. We have four wonderful granddaughters.
My YL and best friend Wendy is extremely supportive of my ham radio activities and adventures.
73
Gregg
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USA
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