QSO Today Podcast - Interviews with the leaders in amateur radio

Episode 524 Pete Corp WA2JMG Nov 16, 2024

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.

Episode 523 Ron Taylor WA7GIL Nov 09, 2024

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.

Episode 522 Cathy Goodrich W4CMG Nov 01, 2024

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.

Episode 521 Walt Hudson K4OGO Oct 25, 2024

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.

Episode 520 Steve Johnston WD8DAS Final Sep 27, 2024

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.

Episode 519 Adam Kimmerly K6ARK Sep 21, 2024

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.

Episode 518 Dan Quigley N7HQ Sep 14, 2024

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.

Episode 517 Willi Kraml OE1WKL Sep 07, 2024

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.

Episode 516 Rudy Hardy W5HRH Aug 24, 2024

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.

Episode 515 Susan Gayle Nordskog LA0CY Aug 17, 2024

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.

Episode 514 Steve Corley N5BZM Aug 10, 2024

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.

Episode 513 Lee Barrett K7NM Aug 03, 2024

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.

Episode 512 Justin McAllister K5EM Jul 26, 2024

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.

Episode 511 Jim Halfpenny K9YNP Jul 19, 2024

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.

Episode 510 Mike Padron N1CC Jul 12, 2024

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.

Episode 509 Will Harris KI4POV Jul 06, 2024

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.

Episode 508 Bob Wertz NF7E Jun 30, 2024

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.

Episode 508 Bob Wertz NF7E Jun 30, 2024

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.

Episode 507 Bob Phinney K5TEC Jun 22, 2024

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.

Episode 506 Stuart Watchman ZL2TW Jun 14, 2024

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.

Episode 505 Rex Moncur VK7MO Jun 07, 2024

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.

Episode 504 Ian Kahn NV4C May 31, 2024

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.

Episode 503 Todd McKinney KN4TPG May 24, 2024

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.

Episode 502 Louis Hammer 4Z5OT May 17, 2024

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.

Episode 501 Ron Hranac N0IVN May 10, 2024

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.

Episode 500 Hiroki Kato AH6CY May 04, 2024

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.

Episode 499 Chris Rutkowski NW6V Apr 26, 2024

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

Episode 498 Glam Ham NW6S Apr 19, 2024

Glam Ham, Natalie, 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.

Episode 497 Steve Shorey G3ZPS Apr 12, 2024

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.

Episode 496 Irad Deutsch 4Z1AC Apr 05, 2024

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.

Episode 495 Charles Wilmott M0OXO Mar 29, 2024

Charles Wilmott, 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.

Episode 494 Fred Hopengarten K1VR Mar 22, 2024

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.

Episode 493 Jonathan Kramer W6JLK Mar 16, 2024

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.

Episode 492 Linas Balsys LY2H Mar 09, 2024

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.

Episode 491 Paul Barnes W4YRL Mar 01, 2024

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.

Episode 490 HRWB Podcast 201 with Eric Guth 4Z1UG Feb 24, 2024

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.

Episode 489 John Rusciano NG0Z Feb 17, 2024

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.

Episode 488 Charles Powell NK8O Feb 10, 2024

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.

Episode 487 Jonathan Taylor K1RFD Feb 02, 2024

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.

Episode 486 Lanny Aldrich K1LEC Jan 27, 2024

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

Episode 485 Martin Buehring KB4MG Jan 20, 2024

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.

Episode 484 Richard Gutknecht NZ2I Jan 13, 2024

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.

Episode 483 William Thomas WT0DX Jan 06, 2024

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.

Episode 482 Ram Muthukrishnan VU2JXN Dec 30, 2023

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.

Episode 481 Mark Wohlschlegal WC3W Dec 23, 2023

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.

Episode 480 Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT Dec 16, 2023

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.

Episode 479 Ante Laurijssen VA2BBW Dec 09, 2023

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.

Episode 478 Don Westacott VE6HQ Dec 02, 2023

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.

Episode 477 Steve Stroh N8GNJ Nov 24, 2023

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.

Episode 476 David Okrent W7DAO Nov 18, 2023

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.

Episode 475 Kay Savetz K6KJN Nov 10, 2023

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.

Episode 474 Alan Higbie K0AV Nov 04, 2023

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.

Episode 473 Joshua Wander 4X4BB Oct 27, 2023

Joshua Wander, 4X4BB, began in amateur radio as a “prepper” where radio is one of the elements of being prepared for disaster, natural or otherwise. Origionally, Josh was from Pennsylvania, where he grew up, but immigrated to Israel with his family 10 years ago when I first met him. Josh is many things including journalist on many war fronts, volunteer rescuer of refugees from the Ukraine into Israel, and most recently one of the ZAKA team members who is recovering, identifying, and preparing the recently slaughtered Jews by Hamas from October 7th. I was able to catch up with Josh after his shift ended today. 4X4BB is my QSO Today.

Episode 166 Dov Gavish 4Z4DX Oct 21, 2023

Dov Gavish 4Z4DX is one of Israel’s best known amateurs outside of Israel, and avid DXer and DXpeditioner. Even before Parks on the Air or Summits on the Air, Dov had a rig in the car ready to go on a moment's notice. While CW is his favorite operating mode, Dov prefers whatever mode works to make the contact. 4Z4DX is my QSO Today.

Episode 471 Ron Gang 4X1MK Oct 14, 2023

Ron Gang, 4X1MK, had his early amateur radio beginnings in Canada, and later immigrated, as part of a group, to Israel in the 1970s, where his amateur radio license, skills, and equipment were highly appreciated and valued. Always an active amateur radio operator, 4X1MK is willing to try every operating mode. Ron is also a musician and painter who shares his amateur radio story and his perspectives of the amateur radio service in Israel, past and present.

Episode 470 Tony Fishpool G4WIF Oct 06, 2023

Tony Fishpool, G4WIF, is still active in the United Kingdoms G-QRP Club and contributes to the quarterly Sprat Magazine, is the author of a book on Test Equipment for the QRPer, an numberious article on equipment building with particular attention to detail and budget. I am please to present to you this re-edited and mastered QSO with Tony Fishpool, G4WIF.

Episode 469 George Fremin K5TR Sep 30, 2023

Today's podcast is a reprise of my interview with George Fremin, K5TR in April of 2017. George is a world class contester and DXer, with years of experience building and maintaining first class multi-operator contest stations. George gives some important advice on tower safety and working on antenna towers. We also touch on the “flow state” that is achievable during intense contesting rounds in this QSO Today.

Episode 468 David Casler KE0OG Sep 22, 2023

I interviewed Dave Casler, KE0OG, in September 2017, at a time when 10 meters was dead, and the discussion of ham radio education was as important then, as it is today. Dave creates ham radio Youtube videos from the Western Slope of Colorado to educate and inform his ham radio audience. Beginning with videos to aid in obtaining ham radio licenses, Dave has created a catalog of how-to videos for ham radio that are interesting and well produced. Dave is a retired project engineer from the aerospace industry and a self published author of both fiction and non-fiction works. KE0OG is my QSO Today in this reprise of the earlier interview, now re-mastered and cleaned up.

Episode 467 Kyle Krieg AA0Z Sep 16, 2023

Kyle Krieg AA0Z, says that radio, in his case CB Radio, was the pre-internet social network that he used with his friends in his mid-west rural town. Imagine American Graffiti with radios. Eventually learning that amateur radio can take Kyle to a higher level, AA07 jumped in completely, immersing himself in POTA - Parks on the Air, portable operation, software defined radio, and remote control. We both agree that ham radio contesting should be even more gamified and we discuss all of these topics in this QSO Today.

Episode 466 Dave Sumner K1ZZ Sep 01, 2023

I revisit my 2017 interview with Dave Sumner, K1ZZ. He's the ex-CEO and General Manager of the ARRL, retiring in 2016 after a 44-year tenure where he started as an intern. Today, Dave discusses his views on ham radio, operating methods, and his long career at ARRL.

Episode 465 Jack Mandelman K1VT Aug 25, 2023

Dr. Jack Mandelman, K1VT, was my guest in 2018, after meeting him on a DMR talk group. As my head is down in preparation for the upcoming QSO Today Academy Event, I wanted to bring back this great interview with Jack. Jack is on the short list for holding the most patents, over 700 Worldwide, in the area of semiconductor physics, while at the same time a successful ham radio operator working DX and CW. Jack is exploring satellite communications and DMR. K1VT shares his ham radio story episode of QSO Today.

Episode 464 Frank Brickle AB2KT Aug 18, 2023

Dr. Frank Brickle, AB2KT, was my guest in Episode 212, in August of 2018, five years ago. He is both a musical composer and a technology expert. He earned a Ph.D. in Music from Princeton University and has been involved in computer science and signal processing since 1970. He was an early pioneer in development of Software Defined Radio for the US Government, and later by private industry, and was the Co-deleloper of PowerSDR software with Bob McGwier, N4HY. Frank is also a classical music composer and has his written compositions performed worldwide. AB2KT is my QSO Today in this remastered audio version of the original interview.

Episode 463 Thomas Langer KD9FPC Aug 11, 2023

Thomas Langer, KD9FPC, grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a child, he was introduced to his father's amateur radio and developed a passion for electronics and radio. Years later, after a successful entrepreneurial career, and only after facing a major health issue, which changed the course of his life, that Tom fully embraced amateur radio. Tom believes that this hobby is not only mentally stimulating but also serves as a way to connect with others, especially when chronic illness often threatens human relationships outside of immediate family. KD9FPC is my "QSO Today."

Episode 462 John Bignell VE1JMB Aug 05, 2023

John Bignell VE1JMB, makes a difference by serving his Halifax, Nova Scotia community for many years as a paramedic and EMT. While involved with two-way radio as part of his profession for many years, amateur radio seemed like the most natural next step to John’s radio life, but also to re-enforcing his community’s emergency response when everything else fails during a disaster. VE1JMB is my QSO Today.

Episode 461 Martin Butler M1MRB Jul 29, 2023

Martin Butler, M1MRB, is the co-founder, along with son, Colin, M6BOY, and one of the hosts of the popular bi-weekly ICQ Amateur Ham Radio podcast. Martin had an early interest in electronics and a successful career in the computer industry in the UK. Martin joined the amateur radio ranks in 2000, and is an active committee member of the Sutton and Cheam Radio Society. M1MRB is my QSO Today.

Episode 460 Richard Rudman W6TIA Jul 21, 2023

Richard Rudman, W6TIA, found an early love for electricity, electronics, and radio from frayed electrical cords and Boston’s Washington Street electronic surplus stores in the late 1950s. Radio and Technology would serve Richard well for over 65 years as a broadcast engineer in the prestigious and large Los Angeles market. Amateur radio expertise and business acumen make Richard Rudman a leader in Emergency Alert System or EAS. W6TIA is my QSO Today.

Episode 459 Beau Ambur K6EAU Jul 14, 2023

Beau Ambur, K6EAU, is a relatively new ham, and a long time member of the hacker community. This intersection of ham radio with hacking led to his new ham radio license just as the Covid 19 pandemic broke out. Through trial and error, Beau has found the right combination of activities to scratch his amateur radio itch. I know that you will enjoy this QSO Today with Beau especially when we discuss using ham radio fox hunting techniques to recover radiosondes, or weather balloon transmitters.

Episode 458 Ulrich Rohde N1UL Jul 07, 2023

Dr. Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, is a trailblazer in the world of RF oscillator and receiver design. Throughout the past four decades, N1UL has penned more than 60 articles for esteemed publications like QST and QEX magazines. Not only that, but he has also contributed to the field through his books, academic papers, and various articles. Dr. Rohde continues to impact on his family business, the Munich-based Rohde and Schwarz test equipment company, as well as on amateur radio manufacturers such as Icom where he played a key role in the design of the IC-7850. Ulrich Rohde was featured in this month’s QST magazine, and N1UL is my QSO Today.

Episode 457 Graham Firth G3MFJ Jul 01, 2023

Graham Firth, G3MFJ, joined our amateur radio hobby almost sixty years ago as a kid growing up in Yorkshire, England. Electronics and electronics building was the driver and is still Graham's first love in the hobby. QRP was the natural choice of this builder and a way to avoid television interference to his neighbors. Graham is active in the G-QRP group, builds QRP kits for the group, and still plays a mean bass guitar. G3MFJ is my guest on QSO Today.

Episode 456 Jeff Murray K1NSS Jun 23, 2023

Jeff Murray, K1NSS, draws cartoons and tells stories about ham radio and the people who use it. He shares his funny pictures and tales on his website, dashtoons.com. Like many cartoonists, Jeff makes ham radio social commentary using Dash the dog, to poke fun at amateur radio and us. K1NSS is my QSO Today.

Episode 455 Ed Tipler WI6RE Jun 17, 2023

Ed Tipler, WI6RE, began his ham radio journey on a rural farm in Washington State, and ultimately landed an engineering job at the China Lake Navel Weapons Test Range in California’s Mojave Desert. Ed continues to serve his community of Ridgecrest with both commercial and amateur radio services connected by IRLP and Allstar. WI6RE is my QSO Today.

Episode 454 Bob Hopkins WB2UDC Jun 10, 2023

Bob Hopkins, WB2UDC, agrees that having an elmer was the fastest way to ham radio success, and being an elmer and paying it forward benefits everyone including the elmer, the new ham, and the hobby. WB2UDC loves to make large public demonstrations for kids by making contacts to the ISS, the International Space Station, and the US Space Shuttles when they were flying. This reprise of my conversation with Bob Hopkins, WB2UDC, from January 2016, is my QSO Today.

Episode 453 Chris Cancilla W4CEC Jun 03, 2023

Chris Cancilla W4CEC is a relatively new ham, and has a long history in the Boy Scouts, especially teaching the radio merit badge, Jamboree on the Air, and training young scouts to eventually become amateurs themselves. Chris is also a professional Electronic Data Interchange, or EDI expert and a seasoned author of science fiction and technical books on EDI. W4CEC is my QSO Today.

Episode 452 George Heron N2APB May 25, 2023

George Heron, N2APB, loves the design, collaboration, and building of electronic devices for amateur radio, along with his friend and mentor, Joe Everhart, N2CX, now a silent key. Together, they shared their discoveries live on their Chat with the Designers podcast, until October 2018. Every aspect of amateur radio interests George, from test equipment and restored vintage radios to stand alone SDR transceivers and more efficient designs of magnetic loop antennas. N2APB is Eric, 4Z1UG’s QSO Today.

Episode 451 Alan Johnston KU2Y May 20, 2023

Alan Johnston, KU2Y, has a continued interest in amateur satellites since his early beginnings in ham radio over 40 years ago. Now the AMSAT’s VP of Educational Relations, Alan reaches out to educate the general public about intriguing world amateur satellites, and satellite technology using Cubesatsim, a live classroom simulation of satellite communications. Furthermore, he turns to high-altitude balloon launches as a practical, hands-on approach to bringing amateur payloads closer to space, thereby affording opportunities for tangible experience and simulation.KU2Y is my QSO Today.

Episode 450 Baris Dinc OH2UDS May 12, 2023

Baris Dinc, OH2UDS, has a passion for amateur radio that has shaped his life and career in remarkable ways. Growing up in Turkey with a father who loved tinkering with electronics, Baris was exposed to the world of radio communication early on through articles in the Turkish Amateur Radio Society Magazine, which further ignited his love for the craft. Baris was the only child under 18 to hold a Turkish amateur license with the call sign TA7W. This early achievement set the stage for an illustrious career, which included earning a BSEE from Ankara University and spearheading the ambitious communications projects, QO-100 earth stations and the Mars on Earth project to interest kids in radio and satellites. OH2UDS is my QSO Today.

Episode 449 Ron Schwartz VE3VN May 06, 2023

Ron Schwartz, VE3VN, maintains his enthusiasm for participating in CW contests using his SO2R station and tower farm. For more than five decades, Ron has been an avid ham radio operator and ham radio blogger with an enduring passion for climbing towers and rigging antennas. In recent years, Ron has pursued an interest in EME - moon bounce , Tropospheric ducting, and meteor scatter. VE3VN is my QSO Today.

Episode 448 Dave Olean K1WHS Apr 29, 2023

Dave Olean K1WHS, and his brother, started with modest and simple surplus and homebrew VHF rigs, modified and upgraded over a long period of time to operate EME or moon-bounce, meteor scatter, and bouncing signals off of the Aurora Borealis that appears in the Northern skies. Dave demonstrates that one can make a ham radio career out of very modest equipment to solve complex problems leading to real expertise. K1WHS is my QSO Today.

Episode 447 Bob Vinikoor W3CFE Apr 22, 2023

Bob Vinikoor W3CFE, was inspired to become an amateur radio operator by his father David, who held first license W3CFE in 1935. Bob followed this technology and media interest into the satellite TV business then later he became the owner of AM broadcasting stations in the New England states. Always active and on the air, Bob operates his remote Vermont ham radio station from around the World, and now from Israel. W3CFE is my QSO Today.

Episode 446 Rich Gussow 4Z1JJ Apr 15, 2023

Rich Gussow, 4Z1JJ, discovered ham radio in high school and finally got his amateur radio ticket in his first year at Brooklyn College in 1976, where he quickly built up his operating skills and amateur theory to upgrade to Advanced within a year. Single Side-band is Rich’s favorite mode, and now Rich enjoys working amateur satellites in voice and packet modes from his QTH in Modiin, Israel. 4Z1JJ is my QSO Today.

Episode 445 Nick Tusa K5EF Apr 08, 2023

Nick Tusa, K5EF, embarked on his ham radio journey as a teenager in a New Orleans Jesuit high school, where he was introduced to the cutting-edge technology of a Central Electronics 10A SSB Exciter at the school's ham radio station. This early fascination sparked a lifelong friendship between Nick and Wes Schum, W9DYB, the co-founder and chief engineer of Central Electronics. Over the course of their 50-year friendship, Nick not only built a successful career in radio and communications but also became Schum's biographer. K5EF is my QSO today.

Episode 444 Adam Farson VA7OJ / AB4OJ Apr 01, 2023

Adam Farson, VA7OJ/AB4OJ, embarked on his amateur radio journey more than six decades ago as a young enthusiast fascinated by electronics and later, ham radio in his home country of South Africa. His passion for the field of telephony led him to pursue a career in this area, where he has adapted telephony techniques and testing tools to assess the performance of amateur radio transceivers. Adam recounts his experience as both a ham radio operator and a professional in this episode of QSO Today.

QSO Today Episode Special and without number Mar 24, 2023

A special update about the upcomming expo.

Episode 443 Rick Palm K1CE Mar 18, 2023

Rick Palm K1CE is a well-known figure in the ham radio community, having spent a career at the ARRL and writing columns and articles that have been widely read and appreciated by fellow enthusiasts. With a particular interest in public safety radio and ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service), Rick has dedicated his time and expertise to ensuring that these critical communication channels remain reliable and effective. Although now retired and based in Florida, Rick remains an active participant in the ham radio community, regularly checking in to nets and staying involved in his local ARES chapter. K1CE is my QSO Today.

Episode 442 Orv Beach W6BI Mar 11, 2023

Passionate about electronics and radio since childhood, Orv Beach (W6BI) has a knack for digital modes, including CW, RTTY, packet radio, Pactor, Winlink, and AREDN. He has built and manages an extensive AREDN mountain top network in LA and Ventura Counties and delivers lectures globally on accessing this latest digital mode. Learn more about Orv Beach on my QSO Today. #HamRadio #DigitalModes #AREDN #W6BI

Episode 441 Robert Glorioso W1IS Mar 04, 2023

Robert “Bob” Glorioso, W1IS had early beginnings in electronics and radio, encouraged by his father, led Bob to advanced degrees in engineering, a stint in the US Army, and opportunities to be on the cutting edge of technology throughout his career with major corporations and his own startup. The consummate teacher, Bob has developed new hams through courses at the local ARES. W1IS has been a frequent contributor to ham radio publications for over 50 years, is a contributor to the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, and my guest in this QSO Today.

Episode 440 Bob Witte K0NR Feb 25, 2023

Bob Witte K0NR is the active ham that you want in your community. Bob lives in the Colorado Rocky mountains, operates SOTA on the “teeners”, maintains and operates the local repeaters, and mentors new hams. K0NR is a frequent contributor to the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo and will be a presenter next month. This interview is one that I conducted with Bob more than five years ago, and I am delighted to play it again with the help of Ben Bresky, who edited and remastered the audio.

Episode 439 Fred Cady KE7X Feb 17, 2023

Fred Cady, KE7X, (SK) became a silent key. I thought that in Fred’s memory we should recall his love of radio and electronics that led him to a PhD in Electronic Engineering and found his love of teaching at Montana State University. Fred was the author of 14 books, when I interviewed him in April of 2018, including many on how to operate and use Elecraft transceivers. Fred loved to operate contests and work DX. So this we we will go back and remember Fred Cady, KE7Z, in this QSO Today

Episode 438 Paul Topolski W1SEX Feb 11, 2023

Paul Topolski, W1SEX, was my guest in Episode 133, in February 2017, six years ago. I wanted to reprise this interview as well as point out that Paul is always one of the first to help as a speaker or Expo moderator. Paul was just meters from ground zero working the communications center, when terrorists struck the 2013 Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring hundreds of spectators and participants. Paul shares with me his ham radio story, his experience, and how he continues to make a difference to his community in this QSO Today.

Episode 437 Jim Aspinwell NO1PC Feb 04, 2023

Jim Aspinwall, NO1PC, was the fly on the wall, as a kid growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, listening to his dad and friends talk about electronics, radio, and television repair. This led to a “hands on” electronics education that kept him employed from junior high school to this day. As a public safety volunteer, Jim believes that giving back to the community is key to a happy life. Amateur radio, and all of its benefits, is the icing on Jim’s cake of life. N01PC is my QSO Today.

Episode 436 Jerry Spring VE6TL Jan 28, 2023

Jerry Spring, VE6TL, like many hams got an early start in amateur radio as a teen, but stepped out of the hobby to nurture a career and family. Upon returning Jerry revisited his love of vintage WW2 gear, vintage transceivers in general, and a love of CW and contesting to make enough contacts for DXCC. ForJerry, both hamshack and workbench are fully operational and busy. VE6TL is my QSO Today.

Episode 435 Thomas Henderson WD5AGO Jan 21, 2023

Thomas, “Tommy” Henderson, WD5AGO, has always found EME or Moonbounce operation on the bands above 6 meters fascinating and worthwhile, making thousands of contacts by phone or CW. Building his own EME rigs has led to deep technical expertise and ham radio success. As a teacher and now department head of the Electronics Technology program at Tulsa Community College, he uses amateur radio to enhance his full curriculum while demonstrating its utility. WD5AGO is my QSO Today.

Episode 434 Quin Schultze K8QS Jan 14, 2023

Quin Schultze, K8QS, began his ham radio journey as a teenager with modest means and found his calling in college where he majored in communications, leading to a doctoral degree. Through Quin’s looking glass we discuss the uniqueness of our ham radio hobby, the communities that form within it, and the real estate in the ether that we tend while on the air. K8QS is my QSO Today.

Episode 433 Paul Simmonds VK5PAS Jan 07, 2023

Paul Simmonds, VK5PAS, now a retired South Australia Police detective, is a relatively new ham, along with his wife, Marija, VK5MAZ. They have taken the hobby to new heights by operating in the great outdoors of South Australia, participating in WWFF, SOTA, POTA, and other outdoor amateur radio operating events. He collects certificates, QSL cards, and new friends, around the World, in pursuit of amateur radio. VK5PAS is my QSO Today.

Episode 432 Mark Persons W0MH Dec 30, 2022

Mark Persons, W0MH, was a recent speaker at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo where he presented “How to build a Broadcast Engineer’s Version of a HF Amateur Radio Station, detailing his home ham radio shack installation meeting broadcast standards. Broadcast radio ran in Mark’s family, and he spent a long and successful career as a broadcast engineer, contributing tens of articles to professional and amateur radio publications, and is the consummate radio mentor, volunteer and ham radio elmer. W0MH is my QSO Today.

Episode 431 Walt Stinson W0CP Dec 24, 2022

Walt Stinson, W0CP’s love of shortwave listening, amateur radio, and electronics led him to a career as an entrepreneur and founder of ListenUp, in Denver, Colorado. Walt remained on the cutting edge of the consumer electronics industry leading to his induction into the Consumer Electronics Association Hall of Fame. W0CP enjoys working DX, contesting, and now Summits on the Air from the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Walt is my QSO Today.

Episode 430 Bill Levy N2WL Dec 17, 2022

Bill Levy, N2WL, operates from his apartment in New York City, and from a remotely controlled FlexRadio station in Colorado, as part of a network of remotely controlled stations available for hire. As a kid, Bill paid for his ham radio hobby by running Wall Street, and he did a stint as a wildlife photographer for Time-Life and Partridge Films, while operating as a DX entity from Africa. N2WL tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 429 Michael Crestohl W1RC Dec 10, 2022

Mike Crestohl, W1RC, is the benevolent dictator and founder of Near Fest, New England Amateur Radio Festival, a collector of WW2 spy radios, a journalist with contributions to amateur magazines, and a lover of Collins boat anchor gear. Mike likes to operate a remote station while on the road and is my QSO Today.

Episode 428 Mooneer Salem K6AQ Dec 02, 2022

Mooneer Salem, K6AQ, discovered that amateur radio provides plenty of opportunities for hams who also love computers and computer programming. K6AQ loves open source, contributing to HF digital voice development in the Free-DV Project, and improving on WinLink HF digital email gateways. Combine all this with Software Defined Radio and you have an active 21st century ham. K6AQ is my QSO Today.

Episode 427 Ted Robinson K1QAR Nov 26, 2022

Ted Robinson, K1QAR, was a speaker in the last QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on the subject of magnetic loop antennas, especially in noisy urban areas, HOAs, and urban lots. Ted has a long ham radio history, a love of surfing, aviation, restoring Collins Equipment, and now expertise in the construction and use of high power magnetic loop antennas. K1QAR tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 426 Michael Fluegemann KE8AQW Nov 18, 2022

Michael Fluegemann, KE8AQW, is a next generation ham, active on HF and CW. Michael is an engineer at Ford, likes the Long Island CW Club, and made a training video on the popular Morserino Arduino training device on this YouTube channel. KE8AQW provides some insight into how we might attract the next generation of hams in this QSO Today.

Episode 425 Hayden Honeywood VK7HH Nov 12, 2022

Hayden Honeywood, VK7HH, is a Ham Radio YouTuber, with an interest in VHF, UHF, and microwave amateur operations using multiple modes including WSPR. Hayden operates a remotely controlled station, as well as maintains the repeater network that serves his island State of Tasmania, Australia. VK7HH shares his knowledge, expertise, and his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 424 Lee Finkel KY7M Nov 05, 2022

Lee Finkel, KY7M, honed his operating skills passing CW messages for the Nation Traffic System in the 60s. His membership in the with Central Arizona DX Association, after moving to Phoenix from Chicago, led KY7M to an interest in DX, DXpeditions to West Africa, and contesting. Lee is now a trustee of the NA7TB Milt Jensen N5IA Memorial Station, a remotely controlled multi-band station that includes a 160 Meter 8 circle antenna in the Arizona desert. KY7M is my QSO Today.

Episode 423 David Trachtenberg N4WWL Oct 29, 2022

David Trachtenberg, N4WWL’s ham radio journey started with shortwave listening as a young teen growing up on the East Coast, and once licensed, matured to operating Air Force MARS in the service of his hobby and country. David appreciates the variety of new equipment and technology as well as making new friends on the air. N4WWL is my QSO Today.

Episode 422 Murray Greenman ZL1BPU Oct 22, 2022

Murray Greenman, ZL1BPU, now a silent key, was my guest in Episode 71 more than 5 years ago. Murray was famous in amateur circles for the development of many popular digital modes. I spoke to Murray over Skype from his home in New Zealand. The body of Murray’s work, spanning over 20 years, includes a book, Digital Modes For All Occasions, and on-line content that is very detailed and complete. Murray passed away in April 2022. May his memory be for a blessing.

Episode 421 Art Bell W6OBB Reprise Oct 14, 2022

Art Bell, W6OBB, now a silent key, was my guest on Episode 85, in March of 2016 and the interview that follows is the remastered version. Art was a very active ham from his QTH in Pahrump, Nevada, and his 160 meter Rhombic antennas were legendary. He was also one of the most popular late night talk radio hosts for over 30 years, syndicated nationwide until his retirement in 2007. I was a great fan of Art’s and like many of his fans truly miss him on the radio.

Episode 420 Tim Berry WB4GBI Oct 07, 2022

Tim Berry WB4GBI has been a ham almost 50 years, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has more than a passing interest in repeaters, emergency communications, and has been a broadcast engineer for most of his life. Tim shares his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 419 Lauren Libby W0LD Oct 01, 2022

Lauren Libby, W0LD, was my guest on the QSO Today podcast, five years ago this month, and because of a confluence of events including the ham expo and the holidays of the Jewish new year, I decided this week to go back into the QSO Today catalog and remaster an amazing interview I had with Lauren. What’s more, I got to meet Lauen in person at the Dayton Hamvention last May helping me to better choose the now remastered episode of Episode 161. Lauren’s love of radio broadcasting brought him to amateur radio, his interest in DXing by meteor scatter and EME moon bounce. Lauren made his career in radio broadcasting and is the CEO of the World’s largest International shortwave broadcasting network. W0LD is my QSO Today.

Episode 418 Otis Vicens NP4G Sep 24, 2022

Otis Vicens, NP4G, grew up in Puerto Rico, with an appreciation for radio, a love of learning, and an eventual career in orthodontics. NP4G has enjoyed ham radio from his teenage years and now is one of the 3Y0J DXpedition crew members to Bouvet Island in January 2023. Otis joins me to tell his ham radio story and about his preparations for Bouvet.

Episode 417 Michael Kalter W8CI Sep 10, 2022

Michael Kalter, W8CI, became infatuated with radio as a young boy growing up in rural Ohio in the days of Sputnik and President Kennedy’s race to the moon. It wasn’t until many years later that Michael joined the amateur radio ranks, becoming a leader in the Dayton Amateur Radio Association sponsors of the Dayton Hamvention. W8CI tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 416 Rod Hardman VA3ON Sep 03, 2022

Rod Hardman, VA3ON, is one of the hosts of the Ham Radio Workbench Podcast, and while a relatively new ham, has a love for hands on radio, technology, and tools that goes back to the 1970s. Rod played an interesting role with his company in New Orleans just after Hurricane Katrina that renewed his interest in amateur radio, finding his community, and eventually building his own tribe. VA3ON tells his story in this QSO Today.

Episode 415 Bill Jordan AE4S Final Aug 26, 2022

Bill Jordan’s, AE4S, love of electronics and radio paralleled his professional career as college professor. As a founding member of the Tallahassee Amateur Radio Society and the AE4S repeater, Bill is connected and communicates with the lifelong friends he has made through ham radio. AE4S tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 414 Joe Long WA2EJT Aug 20, 2022

Joe Long, WA2EJT, has been a frequent contributor to ham radio magazines for decades including 73 and Electric Radio magazine. Joe loves vintage military transmitters and receivers as well as the best tube type rigs. Like many hams of his generation he was early into computers, PCs, and programming where his knowledge contributed to his career advancement and his enjoyment of amateur radio. WA2EJT tells his story in this QSO Today.

Episode 413 Connor Black, W4IPC, and CJ Pokowitz, WW0CJ Aug 13, 2022

While many of us "old timers" may think we know what drives youth interest in amateur radio, a discussion with Conner Black, W4IPC, and CJ Pokowitz, WW0CJ, today's amateur radio youth leaders, may lead us to believe that old timer "value propositions" for ham radio do not resonate with today's youth. Join Eric and his guests in this discussion of how to potentially increase our numbers in this QSO Today.

Episode 412 Richard Bateman KD7BBC Aug 06, 2022

Richard Bateman, KD7BBC, smitten by computers and programming from an early age, used this talent to solve problems. Combined with an interest in amateur radio, driven by his family, Richard developed Exam Tools amateur radio testing software now used by the majority of volunteer examiners today. The Covid Pandemic accelerated the evolution of Exam Tools for remote testing. KD7BBC tells the story in this QSO Today.

Episode 411 Eric Anderson AF7YQ Stereo Jul 30, 2022

Eric Anderson, AF7YQ's ham radio interest led him to advanced degrees from MIT and to become Chief Architect and Camera software manager at Apple’s Advanced Technology Group, creators of the first LCD based cameras, Chief Technology Officer at FlashPoint, and owner of more than 140 patents. Now retired, Eric creates unique ham radio CW transceivers for his new company, Preppcomm. AF7YQ is my QSO Today.

Episode 410 Dave Mackey K1KA Jul 22, 2022

Dave Mackey, K1KA, like many amateurs of his generation, was influenced by broadcast radio, broadcast hosts like Jean Shephard, and the magic of radio in the late 50’s and 60’s. Dave went on to work with companies like Multitone, Microwave Associates, and Cushcraft before spending a generation in his own manufacturing company. Amateur radio played a serious role in Dave’s career choices and personal successes. K1KA tells his story in this QSO Today.

Episode 409 Frank Roman KC8VKA Jul 16, 2022

Frank Roman, KC8VKA, was born in Puerto Rico, grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, enlisted in the Navy, and served in Vietnam. Frank is a successful business entrepreneur, now retired, who has continued to leverage his education and experience both professionally and in his pursuit of amateur radio. KC8VKA enjoys mentoring hams in Cleveland, Puerto Rico, and in Panama City, Florida in conjunction with the Panama City Amateur Radio Club. Frank is my QSO Today.

Episode 408 Will Ravenel AI4VE Jul 09, 2022

Will Ravenel, AI4VE, like many of us, returned to amateur radio after raising a family. Will is active in the QRP-ARCI, as its treasurer, and takes leadership positions in his ham clubs. Will loves to operate ham radio’s first digital mode, CW, using either hand, at low power. AI4VE shares his operating expertise, running low power, in the field and on the beach, in this QSO Today.

Episode 407 Arun Kumar W8ARU Jul 01, 2022

Arun Kumar, W8ARU, builds most of the gear that he uses on the air, based on a skillset that he learned from becoming an amateur radio operator in India in the 1960s. This skill set combined with advanced degrees in engineering has put Arun on the cutting edge of solar and battery technologies used in big equipment as the World is going green. Arun was also Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE’s original mentor, one of his many major contributions to our hobby. W8ARU is my QSO Today.

Episode 406 Jerry Arnold K9AF Jun 25, 2022

Jerry Arnold, K9AF, is a long time commercial broadcaster and amateur radio operator, originally from Southern California, and now living in Terre Haute, Indiana. While Jerry likes to operate CW, he also has a restored AM Broadcast transmitter on 160 meters to transmit that warm AM sound we like to hear. K9AF and I discuss a whole range of ham radio topics in this QSO Today.

Episode 405 Herb Goodluck N7HG Jun 17, 2022

Herb Goodluck, N7HG, is a member of the Navajo Nation and son of one of the famous World War 2 heros called the Navajo Code Talkers. Herb keeps the Code Talkers memory alive with an annual special event at Window Rock, Arizona. N7HG is also an active amateur radio operator and my QSO Today.

Episode 404 Desiree Baccus N3DEZ Jun 11, 2022

Desiree Baccus, N3DEZ, while a relatively new ham, has an infectious excitement and enthusiasm for amateur radio that cannot be underestimated. She is already a mover and shaker for advancing amateur radio and a key player for NASA on the Air, NASA’s year long amateur radio celebration. N3DEZ is my QSO Today.

Episode 403 Tracy McKim VE3TWM Jun 04, 2022

Tracy McKim, VE3TWM, believes in the effectiveness of low power communications to communicate across town or around the World. Tracy uses his YouTube Channel, Outdoors On The Air, to first demonstrate the use of fiberglass poles to install wire antennas, and then to successfully demonstrate outdoor ham radio operation using those full size antennas to operate QRP single-sideband. VE3TWM is my QSO Today.

Episode 402 Geoffrey Mark KM6TVJ May 27, 2022

Geoffrey Mark, KM6TVJ, is one of the new kids on the block, a recent new amateur radio licensee. Geoffrey has some fresh ideas and our QSO around his career in the entertainment industry, a pilot, and “maker” caused me to think of some non-traditional ways that we hams can communicate. KM6TVJ is my QSO Today.

Episode 401 Bruce Prior N7RR May 21, 2022

Bruce Prior, N7RR, loves to operate SOTA in Washington State’s great outdoors where he has cataloged for SOTA all of the available mountain peaks in the state. I had the great pleasure of spending an afternoon last week with Bruce in Washington, activating Mt. Walker in Washington’s Olympic Mountain range. My first SOTA activation where I learned the basics of SOTA activation. This was a great opportunity to get to know my guest in this week’s QSO Today.

Episode 400 - Eric Guth 4Z1UG with Jim Wilson K5ND May 14, 2022

Jim Wilson, K5ND, returns to interview QSO Today Podcast host Eric Guth, as Eric reaches the 400th episode milestone of QSO Today. Jim and Eric discuss the changes to QSO Today that have evolved since the 200th episode milestone include the four QSO Today Virtual Ham Expos and the upcoming, soon to be announced QSO Today Academy for the advancement of amateur radio expertise.

Episode 399 John Raydo K0IZ May 07, 2022

John Raydo, K0IZ, had a great mentor at the beginning of his ham radio story that laid the foundation for John’s approach to operating amateur radio and building radio equipment from scratch. John shares this story and how he now remotely controls and has the noise benefit of his rural Colorado rig when operating from his QTH in Missouri. K0IZ is my QSO Today.

Episode 398 John Fallows VE6EY Apr 29, 2022

John Fallows, VE6EY, when faced with an urban HF noise problem, applied this knowledge, expertise, and background from his years of experience in amateur radio to find a solution. This solution, John presented, last March, in the last QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo. Every problem leading to a solution has a story, and VE6EY tells it in this QSO Today.

Episode 397 Ed Wilson N2XDD Apr 20, 2022

Ed Wilson, N2XDD, discovered radio as a kid with a gifted four channel public safety scanner. This led to an interest in radio, a career in law enforcement, and exposure to amateur radio. Now an active ham, Ed has become a booster of the M17 project, a native ham radio digital mode for VHF and above. NX2DD is my QSO Today.

Episode 396 Jordan Makower WA2BRV Apr 15, 2022

Jordan Makower, WA2BRV, spent his career influencing kids in the sciences as well as supporting their amateur radio interests. Now retired, Jordan is a frequent contributor to the K9YA Telegraph magazine. WA2BRV is my QSO Today.

Episode 395 Dave Slotter W3DJS Apr 06, 2022

Dave Slotter, W3DJS, like many hams who had an early interest in radio, but postponed joining our fraternity, is here now. Dave takes the skills that he developed over the years in software development and design to create a distribution of over 100 amateur radio softwares deployed on the Raspberry Pi called HamPi. W3DJS demonstrates through his contributions to amateur radio just how valuable new blood in ham radio can be. Dave is my QSO Today.

Episode 394 Robin Critchell WA6CDR Apr 01, 2022

Robin Critchell, WA6CDR, had a profound influence on many young hams operating in the VHF and UHF bands in Southern California in the 70s’ and 80s. He and Alan Burgstahler, WA6AWD, at the time and now a silent key, created the Cactus Intertie, now the World’s largest full duplex radio linked amateur radio network. “Top band” or 160 Meters is Robin’s favorite band, and he has participated on DxExpeditions, had an incredible career in the communications industry, and can fix just about anything. WA6CDR, is my QSO Today.

Episode 393 Hans van de Groenendaal ZS6AKV Mar 25, 2022

Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV, has been a mover and shaker in South Africa amateur radio for as long as he has been licensed, almost 65 years. In that time he has taken leadership positions in the South African Radio League, represented his country at the International Amateur Radio Union, involved himself in high altitude balloon launches, AMSAT South Africa, and a host of projects going back to his early beginning. Hans is an alumni speaker at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo and is my QSO Today.

Episode 392 Dave Bottom WI6R Mar 19, 2022

Dave Bottom, WI6R, a second generation amateur radio operator, credits this early exposure to radio and spending his teenage years in Palo Alto, to a stint in the famous Hewlett Packard labs and a lifetime electronics career. WI6R is a builder of his own rigs, kit rigs, and a restorer of popular vintage rigs. Dave likes DX, QRP, and operating and is my QSO Today.

Episode 391 Rod Fritz WB9KMO Mar 04, 2022

Rod Fritz, WB9KMO, is a fixer and builder, who is a pioneer in amateur television, amateur television repeaters in the UHF and microwave bands, and now the Amateur Television Network, a combination of amateur analog and digital television, over RF links and the Internet. This network allows amateurs to share video, over amateur radio, Worldwide. Rod, WB9KMO, discusses the details of this history in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 390 Michael Burnette, AF7KB, and Kerry Burnette, KC7YL Feb 25, 2022

Michael Burnette, AF7KB, and his wife, Kerry Burnette, KC7YL, are both active in amateur radio, a board member and president, respectively of their local amateur radio club, and the creators of the Fast Track series of amateur radio licensing manuals, originally designed by Michael for Kerry. As a result they are both on the fast track to amateur radio success. They share their ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 389 Arnie Shatz N6HC Feb 19, 2022

Arnie Shatz, N6HC, began his amateur radio journey over 64 years ago, loves to work DX, on CW, and has participated in 14 major DXpeditions, including the ill fated 3Y0Z to Bouvet Island a few years ago. N6HC believes that amateur radio is the best hobby for developing critical thinking and problem solving skills, and he is my QSO Today.

Episode 388 Corey Ruth KD3CR Feb 11, 2022

Corey Ruth, KD3CR, was a speaker in last August’s QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, with a presentation titled, HF in an HOA: The BBTD Attic Antenna. His presentation captured my attention because Corey is a relatively new ham, living in an HOA, an immigrant to the United States, and using an antenna that for all intents and purposes, was too good to be true. You will hear in this interview that my conversion from being a skeptic to a believer is complete. I know that you will find this interview with KD3CR very interesting, allowing you to draw your own conclusions.

Episode 387 Callum McCormick M0MCX Feb 05, 2022

Callum McCormick, M0MCX, is YouTube's DX Commander and maker of a line of antennas of the same name. Callum says that he has the best business in the world, is an active ham, on the air, always testing and fine tuning his antenna creations. M0MCX shares his discoveries with antennas and ham radio on regular YouTube postings, growing his audience to over 42,000 subscribers. Callum McCormick, M0MCX, is my QSO Today.

Episode 386 Dave Jensen W7DGJ Jan 29, 2022

Dave Jensen, W7DGJ, found his way into amateur radio from volunteering to help disabled Korean War veterans, who were active amateurs, in a Cleveland, Ohio, Veterans Hospital. From that interaction grew a love of radio and communications that has lasted a lifetime. Dave likes to work CW on 17 meters and build his own equipment. W7DGJ is my QSO Today.

Episode 385 Chip Lohman NN4U Jan 22, 2022

Chip Lohman, NN4U, was introduced to amateur radio during an early stint as a US Marine stationed next to an Army MARS station. Fascinated by the technology that could connect him to his family around the World, Chip got his first license. NN4U has reinvented himself a few times over his career, and he tells this story in this QSO Today.

Episode 384 Geoffrey Mendenhall W8GNM Jan 15, 2022

Geoffrey Mendenhall, W8GNMs, early interest in electronics, germanium transistors, and later high power triodes led him to a career, as an engineer, designing, building, and managing broadcast transmitters projects for Gates Radio and later Harris Broadcast. Geoff made a presentation in the last QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on Beverage Antennas, urging us to try building Beverages even if conditions are not optimal, and being surprised by the result. W8GNM is my QSO Today.

Episode 383 Vince d'Eon VE6LK Jan 08, 2022

Vince d'Eon, VE6LK, has taken hold of the many amateur radio opportunities on HF SSB, VHF/UHF mobile operation, repeater building and maintenance, and supporting events with his Calgary based amateur radio club. Vince is a regular contributor to the bi-weekly Ham Radio Workbench Podcast and made a presentation at the last QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo on Disaster Communications and Leadership Imperatives for Radio Amateurs. VE6LK is my QSO Today.

Episode 382 Charlie Brown NJ7V Jan 01, 2022

Charlie Brown, NJ7V, is three times a mountain goat, a title that comes from over 3000 SOTA activation points. Of course this means achievement and expertise operating portable from mountain tops across Arizona and the West. NJ7V will share his amateur radio story, secrets to SOTA success, and some ideas on how to build a local SOTA organization in this QSO Today.

Episode 381 Kirk Kleinschmidt NT0Z Dec 25, 2021

Kirk Kleinshmidt, NT0Z, has spent most of his professional life working in amateur radio as an editor, author, and contributor to the amateur radio magazines that we have grown to love including QST, ARRL Handbook, Spectrum Monitor, and others. His own book, Stealth Amateur Radio, continues to advise us how to get on the air and enjoy our hobby, even when our living situation is against it. NT0Z is my QSO Today.

Episode 380 Jack Purdum W8TEE Dec 18, 2021

Dr. Jack Purdum, W8TEE, licensed since 1954, is a prolific author of at least 17 books on computer programming languages and microprocessor projects for amateur radio and is now the Microcontroller Editor at CQ Magazine. This episode is part of my series of interviews to introduce you to QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo Speakers. Jack and Al Peters, AC8GY, are now prolific creators of Arduino projects and gave a presentation last August 2021 on building an HF SSB/CW software defined transceiver, called the T41. W8TEE is my QSO Today.

Episode 379 Julian White OH8STN Dec 11, 2021

Julian White, OH8STN, operates outdoors in Finland's Arctic Circle and records, on his popular YouTube Channel, his expeditions with his compact but sophisticated simulations of grid down communications. Julian is a natural teacher and his channel may be one of the best ways to understand how and what to pack and take into the wild. OH8STN is my QSO Today.

Episode 378 Pablo Lewin WA6RSV Dec 04, 2021

Pablo Lewin, WA6RSV, has an interest in radio astronomy and scans the heavens with his hydrogen line radio telescope using an SDR or software defined radio. Pablo had an interesting aviation career where amateur radio weaved in and out of it since the late seventies. Now in aviation retirement, he does stand up comedy and creates content for the film and television industry. WA6RSV tells his amatueur radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 377 Stephen Houser N1SH Nov 27, 2021

Stephen Houser, N1SH, was essential to helping Rex Harper, W1REX, present his Build-A-Thons at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expos with multi-camera coverage of Rex’s project demonstrations. Stephen had early exposure to amateur radio and was no stranger to our hobby years before he got his first license. Stephen has a strong interest and expertise in computers, programming, building projects, and he makes his own contributions to our interesting hobby. N1SH is my QSO Today.

Episode 376 Michael Johnson WO9B Nov 20, 2021

Michael Johnson, WO9B's ham radio career has evolved through a number of phases over the last 50 years that now include CW and QRP operation, with his dog, during CWOPs weekly tests from local parks in Milwaukee. Mike’s park operation has become a weekly meetup for his local radio club. WO9B also enjoys DMR and HF digital modes and is my QSO Today.

Episode 375 Nelson Farrier NF7Z Nov 12, 2021

Nelson Farrier, NF7Z, is a relatively recent new ham, a retired middle school teacher of STEM learning to children, and a graduate of the ARRL Teacher Institute. He has some refreshing insight into what we as an amateur radio community do better to relate to children and strengthen our numbers with younger hams. NF7Z is my QSO Today.

Episode 374 Courtney Duncan N5BF Nov 06, 2021

Courtney Duncan, N5BF, has humble amateur radio beginnings in Texas where he earned a degree in musical piano performance. Destiny intervened, allowing Courtney to get a degree as an electronic engineer and a career at JPL, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, associated with NASA and CalTech in Pasadena, California working on flight radio systems for spacecraft that go to Mars and beyond. Now retired after 30 years, N5BF is active as the president of the San Bernardino Microwave Society, amateur microwave operation and contesting, and moonbounce. N5BF is my QSO Today.

Episode 373 Paul Mower VA6MPM Oct 30, 2021

Paul Mower, VA6MPM, treks across the Canadian Rockies, often for days at a time. Amateur radio connects Paul to the outside world when he is far beyond his cellular telephone coverage. Paul enjoys working Summits on the Air from some of the most remote outposts in the world. VA6MPM is my QSO Today.

Episode 372 Andy Mitchell VA3CW Oct 23, 2021

Andy Mitchell, VA3CW, as an eleven year old Boy Scout, participated with his small troop in Boy Scout Jamboree on the Air, in 1974. This exposure changed the course of Andy’s life, profession, and interests. Getting on the air and working DX are the simple ham radio pastimes that contribute to his free time enjoyment. VA3CW is my QSO Today.

Episode 371 Brian Callahan AD2BA Oct 15, 2021

Dr. Brian Callahan, AD2BA, has a background in music, anthropology, Japanese video arcade games and open source software leading him to amateur radio and his Extra Class license. As a new and younger ham, as well as a college professor to younger potential hams, AD2BA shares his experience and insight on how we might involve young people in our hobby. Brian is my QSO Today.

Episode 370 Robert Nash G4GEE Oct 08, 2021

Dr. Robert Nash, G4GEE, discovered early on that amateur radio is a social hobby that makes him a citizen of the World with friendships on every continent. Working DX and dedicating time to his local club, the Coventry Amateur Radio Society, is his formula for ham radio success. G4GEE is my QSO Today.

Episode 369 Alan Thompson W6WN Oct 02, 2021

Alan Thompson, W6WN, was a volunteer rescuer to the Camp Fire in Northern California a few years ago. This experience made Alan an evangelist for the deployment and use of conventional radio communications and the training that saves lives and property, as a backup to the costly but fragile smartphone systems that suddenly do not work in a natural disaster. Alan tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 368 Mark Beckwith N5OT Sep 18, 2021

Mark Beckwith, N5OT, grew up in Southern California, with amateur radio’s most famous television producer, Dave Bell, W6AQ, who was his amateur radio mentor in the 1970s. Dave opened a lot of doors to Mark, allowing Mark to build up his contesting and DX on-the-air skills. Mark was a professional opera singer for over 30 years, leading to some interesting conversation both on and off the QSO Today microphone. N5OT is my QSO Today.

Episode 367 Augie "Gus" Hansen KB0YH Sep 10, 2021

Augie, “Gus” Hansen, KB0YH, always had an interest in radio, but did not get his first ticket until he was in his mid-thirties. Gus enjoys operating the 80 meter nets and building antennas, now especially STL or Small Transmitting Loop, also known as magnetic loop antennas. And as this is the 20th Anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Gus has his own story in this QSO Today.

Episode 366 James Condon AD4YM Sep 04, 2021

Jim Condon, AD4YM, listens for the most rare DX, signals from outer space as a radio astronomer, and keeps his fingers in the gear by collecting and restoring the best ham radio boat anchors, including Collins, Drake, Hallicrafters, and Hammarlund. AD4YM is my QSO Today.

Episode 365 Tony DePrato WA4JQS Aug 27, 2021

Tony DePrato WA4JQS had an early love of radio and a junior high school mentor who helped him get on the air in the early 1960s. An 80 meter DX contact from his native Kentucky to Australia ignited a passion for DX that resulted in Tony leading two DXpeditions to the most sought after DX entities in the World. WA4JQS tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 364 Rene Lutz HB9NBG Aug 20, 2021

SOTA Operator Rene Lutz, HB9NBG, has the European Alps as his challenge to conquer every summit with his partner Carine, HB9FZC. Together they operate their successful rural Swiss ham radio sales and service center that attracts ham radio tourists. Rene and Carine document their amateur radio adventures on their popular YouTube channel. HB9NBG is my QSO Today.

Episode 363 George Dominick W4UW Aug 06, 2021

George Dominick, W4UW, focuses on the fundamentals of amateur radio including antenna design, building HF power amplifiers, and the simple fun of getting on the air. Amateur radio still fascinates George after almost 70 year on the air. W4UW is my QSO Today.

Episode 362 James Anderson K8OS Jul 30, 2021

James, “JB”, Anderson, K8OS, will be presenting in the next QSO Today Virtual ham Expo, on August 14th and 15th on the topic of Vertical Yagi-Uda Array using Wire Elements - Stealth HF Gain on a Budget. I thought that it would be good to introduce the QSO Today audience to the presenters themselves. While JB has been a ham for over 50 years, he is also an accomplished electronics engineer and a radio astronomer. K8OS tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 361 Antoine De Ramon NYeurt 3D2AG Jul 23, 2021

Antoine De Ramon NYeurt, 3D2AG, is one of three hams in paradise, who holds up the CW representation from Fiji, the largest Island in the South Pacific and the second largest island in the World next to Australia. Antoine gave an excellent presentation last March at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo about operating from Fiji and Rotuma, another island 600 KM North of Fiji. 3D2AG shares his Fiji and ham radio life in this QSO Today.

Episode 360 Chip Angle N6CA Jul 17, 2021

Chip Angle, N6CA, harnessed an early interest in the bands, VHF to microwave, as a passion that continues to this day. While he is active on every band, Chip pays special attention to low noise receiver performance on his radios that work well above 10 GHz. This attention to detail and training from the aerospace industry allowed Chip to start his own company building low noise preamps, filters, duplexers, and other hardware ultimately used by government including NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. N6CA shares his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 359 Andreas Spiess HB9BLA Jul 09, 2021

Andreas Spiess, HB9BLA, is a well known YouTube personality from Switzerland with over 330 thousand subscribers, over 30 million views, and focused on sensors, microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi programming, and projects that use this technology applied to amateur radio. I found Andreas on YouTube as I am preparing my own QO100 geosynchronous satellite earth station, to allow me to work the Quatar Telecom satellite from Israel. I know that you will enjoy my QSO with Andreas and perhaps become a fan of his YouTube channel.

Episode 358 - Tom Perera - W1TP Jul 02, 2021

Tom Perera, W1TP, has a collection of over 3000 Morse code keys and bugs going back to pre-American Civil War, perhaps the largest collection in the World. He displays these keys in his virtual, on-line museum. W1TP shares with me the history of his collection, some interesting stories, and his newest interest and collection of military cipher machines, including the WW2 German Enigma, in this QSO Today.

Episode 357 Greg Algieri WA1JXR Jun 26, 2021

Greg Algieri, WA1JXR, began his ham radio journey by asking his dad for a Gillette Blue Razor Blade to make this first receiver, leading to amateur radio licenses, higher electronics education, and an entire career with Raytheon, where he worked in radio and antenna design. WA1JXR is active in his amateur radio community as a teacher of new and existing hams, restoring boat anchor vintage radios, and getting on the air. He is my guest in this QSO Today.

Episode 356 Ted Holland WB3AVD Jun 19, 2021

Ted Holland, WB3AVD, describes himself as a cultural anthropologist who creates artistic telegraph or CW keys based on themes that move him, including OZ’s Emerald City. An avid QRP contest operator and local emcomm enthusiast, WB3AVD shares his amateur radio successes in this QSO Today.

Episode 355 Frank Kollins WA9CWX Jun 11, 2021

Frank Kollins, WA9CWX, loves to operate CW from multiple operating positions, from restored vintage to the most modern rigs. Frank is a student and teacher of radio history from its very ether-like beginnings, to radio’s evolution through World War 2. WA9CWX has an amazing CW key collection and is my QSO Today.

Episode 354 Marty Woll N6VI Jun 05, 2021

Marty Woll, N6VI, found his way into amateur radio, along with other high school teens in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley in the late 1960s. Interested in CW, chasing DX, and contesting, Marty’s ham radio interests evolved to include VHF, UHF, and microwave contest “roving”, and now emergency communications. N6VI has always been a leader in our hobby and is my QSO Today.

QSO Today Episode 353 Peter ODell WB2D May 28, 2021

For Peter ODell, WB2D, amateur radio morphed into a professional life at the ARRL during the time of Spaceshuttle STS-9 and the introduction of the first amateur radio broadcast from the Shuttle. Peter describes his amateur radio journey and the challenges of being a ham radio journalist in this QSO Today.

Episode 352 Tom Tate WA7NPX May 21, 2021

Thomas, Tom, Tate, WA7NPX, began his ham radio journey with his best friend in middle school. The amateur radio hobby can make lifelong buddies as well as develop practical and professional skills. WA7NPX shares his ham radio story and how it can serve as a springboard for developing expertise in other hobbies as well.

Episode 351 Henry Seidner WA2ROA May 14, 2021

Henry Seidner, WA2ROA, like many of his contemporaries in the 60s, discovered amateur radio from Shortwave listening and was licensed in high school. Henry spent most of his professional life living and working in New York City, and travelling the world. Amateur radio was his door opener allowing him to make lasting friendships. WA2ROA tells this ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 350 Larry Tyree N6TR May 07, 2021

Larry Tyree, or Tree, as he is known in amateur radio circles, loves to operate contests, work DX on 160 meters, from his 28 hilltop acres in the Oregon forest, near Portland. Tree is a serious CW operator, where good antenna design, focus, skill, and patience bring the amateur radio rewards. Tree tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 349 Roland Smith K7OJL May 01, 2021

Roland Smith, K7OJL, entered ham radio almost 60 years ago after the launch of the Sputnik satellite. His ham radio activity paused for many years as a result of professional relocations and family commitments. Roland has since returned to amateur radio at a fast and furious pace, operating in just about every band and mode.

Episode 348 Peter Shilton VE7PS Apr 23, 2021

Peter Shilton, VE7PS, became a lifelong chaser of meteor scatter and EME contacts because of a very early acquisition of a Drake receiver and a transverter, at the beginning of his ham radio career. VE7PS tells this story in our QSO Today.

Episode 347 Patrick Brown AK5TX Apr 16, 2021

Patrick (Pat) Brown, AK5TX, has always had a love for radio leading to opportunities from Chicago to Alaska to Texas! Amateur radio was the game-changer for Pat when he suddenly lost his eyesight, almost 20 years ago. Pat is now “More than able, I am Handi-Capable!” He continues his journey including contributing to our art, hobby, craft, sport, and science in the amateur community residing in Tyler Texas. He is a part of our amazing hobby. Today, my QSO is AK5TX!

Episode 346 - Dan Marler - K7REX Apr 09, 2021

Dan Marler, K7REX, owes much of his professional opportunities and success to his amateur radio background. A people person, K7REX, likes to give back to the amateur radio community as an ARRL Section Manager and founder of the RATPAC, a group that does not include Sammy, Dean, and Frank. Dan tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 345 Tom Robinson G0SBW Apr 02, 2021

Tom Robinson, G0SBW, made a very interesting presentation at the Expo called, “Amateurs Research Poor Radio Communications at the Battle of Arnhem, in 1944”, where the British lost this WW2 battle because of poor communications. I urge you to go view Tom’s presentation at the Expo. I interviewed Tom back in September of 2017, because Tom likes to operate backpack mobile on the English Shore, dragging his counterpoise, like a tail behind him. He has had amazing success with this operating mode, and shares how you too can get out of the noise by also operating manpack mobile. G0SWB is my QSO Today.

Episode 344 Robert Zavrel W7SX Mar 23, 2021

When it comes to understanding how antennas really work, then the “go to” ham is Bob Zavrel, W7SX, author of the ARRL book, Antenna Physics - An Introduction. Through this book, Bob bridges the gap between “how to” antenna books, and calculus based antenna theory books for engineers. Bob has a long resume in radio and electronics, is the accidental creator of the Signetic NE602 mixer chip. Bob was my guest in this interview over 200 episodes ago and shares his story in this replay in this QSO Today.

Episode 343 Steve Hicks N5AC Mar 06, 2021

FlexRadio is the Platinum Sponsor at the next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo. I wanted to bring back an interview that I had with Steve Hicks, N5AC, VP of Engineering at FlexRadio. Steve will be a speaker at the Expo. Steve is a natural teacher in addition to leading a team developing the most advanced software defined radios for amateur radio. Of course, he also has a great ham radio story that he tells in this QSO Today.

Episode 342 John Ackerman N8UR Feb 27, 2021

John Ackermann, N8UR, was my guest almost 200 episodes ago and is a speaker in the upcoming QSO Today Virtual ham Expo. John spends much of his time as a proponent of open source, freely sharing both hardware and software designs with the TAPR community. Join us as we discuss TAPR, SDR transceivers, and the issues around open source and the maker movement.

Episode 341 Gerald Youngblood K5SDR Feb 20, 2021

Gerald Youngblood, K5SDR, is the founder and CEO of FlexRadio that is now on the cutting edge of building advanced software defined radio (SDR) platforms for amateur radio, as well as for government, business, and the military. Gerald is a leader and pioneer in the development of SDR leading to the founding of FlexRadio. This episode is a newly minted version of the original interview that I had with K5SDR in 2015.

Episode 340 Patrick Stoddard WD9EWK Feb 13, 2021

Patrick Stoddard, WD9EWK, is best known for his satelite QSOs using portable gear from grid squares all over the World. He documents and captures many of his contacts and the equipment that he uses on his website and YouTube Channel. WD9EWK is a recent addition to the AMSAT board of directors and is my QSO Today.

Episode 339 - Bob Allphin - K4UEE Feb 05, 2021

Bob Allphin, K4UEE, was my guest in Episode 79 over 5 years ago. As he is one of the speakers in the next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, his ham radio story would interest today’s listeners. K4UEE has traveled the World in pursuit of activating DX entities that are isolated, desolate, and uninhabited. Forty in total. Out of his love for travel, he has been to 126 countries during his lifetime. I know that you will enjoy my Bob Allphin, K4UEE.

Episode 338 - Jerry Weisskohl - AC4BT Jan 30, 2021

Jerry Weisskohl, AC4BT, always had a love of radio and short wave listening. He got a late start in amateur radio but thinks that the art and practice of CW, or Morse code, is exactly what quiets and relaxes the mind after an engaging day as a computer scientist. AC4BT has taken lead roles with CWops and CW Academy and is my QSO Today.

Episode 337 - Peter Butler - W1UU Jan 23, 2021

Peter Butler, W1UU’s ham radio journey began with the purchase of a J38 code key and a trip to the library. Sputnik inspired Peter to a career in microwave engineering reinforced by this ham radio interest. Peter is the Vice President of CWops and actively involved in sharing his love for CW and good operating practice with the hundreds of amateurs who are signing on to do the same. W1UU is my QSO Today.

Episode 336 Mel Swanberg WA6JBD Jan 16, 2021

Mel Swanberg, WA6JBD, has a love of radio that goes back to his childhood. Growing up in Southern California, Mel found his Elmers and Mentors that led him into a career in the land mobile business and public safety radio. Mel is the former president of the Cactus Intertie, perhaps the largest point to point full duplex amateur radio network in the World. Other interests include microwave communications and he is a leader in the San Bernardino Microwave Society. WA6JBD is my QSO Today

Episode 335 Clint Turner KA7OEI Jan 09, 2021

Clint Turner, KA7OEI, is an experimenter, builder, and operator on all bands and modes. He shares his background in microwave communications, EME or Moonbounce, and his involvement in the Northern Utah Web SDR Project, an amazing on-line resource hams who want to listen to all of the lowbands with waterfall display at the same time. KA7OEI is my QSO Today.

Episode 334 Tim Deagan KJ8U Jan 02, 2021

Tim Deagan, KJ8U, loves to build just about anything to try out a new tool, and he has an amazing assortment of tools to support his construction of amateur radio antennas as well as Burning Man like propane powered visual displays. KJ8U is a maker, and since ham radio operators were the original makers, Tim’s cross-over between the maker community and the amateur radio community is just natural. Tim tells this story in this QSO Today.

Episode 333 Joe Reisert W1JR Dec 26, 2020

Joe Reisert, W1JR, continues to pay forward, the kindness of his early ham radio mentors, with his contributions to our amazing hobby. Amateur Radio paved the way to a successful career and amazing encounters, Worldwide, with people and technology. W1JR tells his amateur radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 332 Wayne Yoshida KH6WZ Dec 19, 2020

Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ, has been an active ham since the 1970s, growing up in Los Angeles. Wayne is a home brewer, especially microwave equipment on 10 GHz, and has taken our amateur radio hobby to the Maker Faire in the Bay Area for live demonstrations. As a technical writer and Contributing Editor to CQ Magazine, Wayne is in one of the best places to experience just about everything in ham radio.

Episode 331 Michelle Thompson W5NYV Dec 12, 2020

Michelle Thompson, W5NYV, is a third generation amateur, beginning her ham radio journey in elementary school. Her interest in microwave circuit design and computers led her to a successful engineering career and now a board member of AMSAT. Michelle is an advocate for open source applied to satellite design fueling future generations of amateur spacecraft. W5NYV is my QSO Today.

Episode 330 Rob Suggs NN4NT Dec 05, 2020

Rob Suggs, NN4NT, is a space scientist at NASA, specializing in outer space environments that protect our astronauts from the hazards of space including space junk and debris. We discuss NASA, Apollo space technology, and amateur radio in this QSO Today.

Episode 329 Rick Miller N1RM Nov 28, 2020

Rick Miller, N1RM’s ham radio story began at McMurdo Station in Antarctica and weaves its way through Russian submarine hunting to operate APRS on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, on a grand tour of the United States. N1RM will fill in all of the open spaces in this QSO Today.

Episode 328 Ralph Haller N4RH Nov 21, 2020

Ralph Haller, N4RH, started his ham radio journey as a nine year old with a knack for electronics leading to his first amateur license at age 9. Within a few years, Ralph earned broadcast engineering licenses, radio station jobs, education, and a career at the Federal Communications Commission. N4RH was the driving force behind many of the FCC initiatives that have had a lasting impact on radio amateurs in the USA and around the world. N4RH is my QSO Today.

Episode 327 Stan Johnson W0SJ Nov 14, 2020

Stan Johnson, W0SJ, started his amateur radio career in high school. A scavenger of junk, and a kid with the knack, led Stan to electronic project building with his collected parts. These skills filtered and honed through the Air Force and the Bell Telephone Laboratories. Stan would say that his involvement in amateur radio resulted in a life of curious exploration.

Episode 326 Bob Weed W7SCY Nov 07, 2020

Bob Weed, W7SCY, was born and raised in the Oregon Cascade Mountains over eighty years ago. In this retirement, Bob has returned home to an area that has always been subject to fire, mudslides, earthquakes, and active volcanoes. W7SCY shares his seventy plus years as a radio amateur that includes his interest in traffic nets and emergency operations in his area, in this QSO Today.

Episode 325 Ria Jairam N2RJ Oct 30, 2020

Ria Jairam, N2RJ, discovered amateur radio on her native Caribbean Island of Trinidad back in the 90s. As an immigrant to the United States, Ria pursued a degree in Electronic Engineering and learned from great ham radio mentors. Now an electronic security professional, mother, active ham radio operator and contester, Ria was recently elected ARRL Hudson Division Director. N2RJ tells her story and the ham radio issues that interest her in this QSO Today.

Episode 324 Keith Schlottman KR7RK Oct 23, 2020

Keith Schlottman, KR7RK, is not only a mountain goat, he is also a super sloth. Terms like this are not endearing, however if you are a SOTA activator or chaser, then you know how important these terms are to SOTA operators. KR7RK tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 323 Jim Moss N9JIM Oct 16, 2020

Jim Moss, N9JIM, portable 6, spends his ham radio life above 50 Mhz. He has made contacts on every band above 50 MHz and is now working in the 122 Ghz band. If you are considering a new and different frontier, N9JIM tells his amateur radio story and how to make the transition to VHF and Microwave in this QSO Today.

Episode 322 Bob Inderbitzen NQ1R Oct 10, 2020

Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, discovered amateur radio as a kid, like many of the QSO Today guests. One of his desires was to work at the ARRL, where he started his career and has been for 29 years. Bob shares his ham radio story and speaks about the ARRL and what he has learned about amateur radio in this QSO Today.

Episode 321 Steve Masticola WX2S Oct 02, 2020

Steve Masticola, WX2S, took a 30 year vacation from amateur radio to pursue his life. Now he is back. WX2S loves to operate in the field, necessitated by living in an HOA. This has created a new passion for SOTA, Parks on the Air, and QRP Fox Hunting. All this and more in my QSO Today with WX2S.

Episode 320 Jim Heath W6LG Sep 25, 2020

Jim Heath, W6LG, has been a ham for over 56 years. Jim is an Elmer’s Elmer with an amazing You-Tube channel, with over 30,000 subscribers. Jim not only reviews the basics of amateur radio, and he makes that content up close and personal, reflecting on his years of experience as an amateur radio operator.

Episode 319 Bill Salyers AJ8B Sep 19, 2020

Bill Salyers, AJ8B, had a great ham radio start as a kid in the Seventies. Bill loves to work CW to pursue DXCC and just to ragchew and communicate. He hones his skills with the help of CWOPS and is open to the opportunities afforded by all of the new digital modes.

Episode 318 Eric Silverthorn NM5M Sep 12, 2020

Eric Silverthorn, NM5M, has a great ham radio story, especially at the beginning with the support of his family for this ham radio interest. Eric was a speaker at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo and gave a fine talk on CWOPS. You can tell in these weeks that I want to make sure that you know the Expo speakers and that is why NM5M is my QSO Today.

Episode 317 Marcel Stieber AI6MS Sep 05, 2020

Marcel Stieber, AI6MS, contributed three talks to the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo earlier this month, on topics that included remote administration of amateur radio exams, wireless networks for emergency communications, and lithium batteries and their care and feeding. He uses his amateur radio license and the opportunities it affords to advance the state of the art, contribute to his community, and to share with all of us. AI6MS is my QSO Today.

Episode 316 Michael Walker VA3MW Aug 29, 2020

Michael Walker, VA3MW, joins me from the Canadian State of Ontario where he started his ham radio journey. Getting into ham radio as a kid, Michael’s interest in amateur radio and technology led him through a technical career. He is now widely known as FlexRadio’s inside sales person, and he is a frequent guest host on the Ham Radio Workbench Podcast. VA3MW is my QSO Today.

Episode 315 Mark Smith KR6ZY Aug 22, 2020

Mark Smith, KR6ZY, has been a ham since the mid-nineties and finds problem solving and building electronic equipment his special area of our ham radio hobby. A trained and graduated computer engineer, Mark resides near the Central California coast. Mark is a frequent contributor to the Ham Radio Workbench Podcast, and has his own YouTube channel. KR6ZY is my QSO Today.

Episode 314 Dr. Scott Wright K0MD Aug 15, 2020

Dr. Scott Wright, K0MD, was my guest on this podcast in October of 2016, in Episode 116, almost 200 episodes ago. I asked Scott to be the keynote speaker at the first QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo. Even as busy as he is, during the Covid-19 pandemic, he was willing to prepare and share with all of us in his keynote address. I thought it appropriate that if you heard the Keynote, but didn’t know Scott, that now would be a good time to let Scott tell his own ham radio story, once again.

Episode 313 Carole Perry WB2MGP_a reprise Aug 01, 2020

Carole Perry, WB2MGP, was my guest in episode 51, five years ago this week. Carole leads a Youth Forum at the major hamfests every year including Dayton and Huntsville. This year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, she will lead it at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo. I thought to introduce Carole again before the Expo to put her and the Youth Forum into context. Be sure to visit Carole at the Radio Club of America booth in the Expo.

Episode 312 Don Minkoff NK6A Jul 25, 2020

Don Minkoff, NK6A, was my guest in episode 158, in August of 2017. Don has a love for QRP and SOTA, and will be a speaker in the upcoming QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo. I reprise Don’s interview to set the stage for his upcoming presentation in this remastered audio version.

Episode 311 Riley Hollingsworth K4ZDH Jul 17, 2020

Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, started his ham radio career in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in 1960, proceeded through law school to a career at the Federal Communications Commission, or the FCC. Riley was a part of the evolution of the FCC as it dealt with paging, cellular, PCS, and amateur radio. K4ZDH tells his amateur radio story as well as his impact on the amateur radio service through his career at the FCC.

Episode 310 Al Brogdon W1AB Jul 11, 2020

Al Brogdon, W1AB, was licensed almost 70 years ago, has made significant contributions to our hobby through his writing for QST magazine over the years including the “100, 50, and 25 Years Ago” column, and articles for both 73 and Ham Radio Magazine. W1AB can head copy CW at 55 words a minute and is my QSO Today.

Episode 309 Carl Lutzelschwab K9LA_reprise Jul 04, 2020

While I am busy working with my team on the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, I am reprising some older episodes of guests who will appear as speakers in the Expo. Carl Lutzeswchwab, K9LA, is one such speaker who was interviewed in episode 37 of this podcast five years ago. Of course, Carl’s story is timeless, but now the audio is remastered by Ben Bresky.

Episode 308 Doug Millar K6JEY Jun 26, 2020

Doug Millar, K6JEY, grew up in Southern California, is a teacher of teachers, and like to operate EME or Moon Bounce on the sidewalk in front of his home. Doug likes everything about ham radio and operates on a range of rigs from boat anchors to the most modern QRP, all modes in all bands. K6JEY is my QSO Today.

Episode 307 Curt Kinghorn W6OEA interview Jun 20, 2020

Curt Kinghorn, W6OEA, grew up in a ham radio household and was already a builder before his first amateur license. An education in physics and exposure to a cosmic ray detector kindled an interest in radio astronomy. It seems that ham radio operators make great radio astronomers and it is in this area that we will jump into the deep end in this QSO Today.

Episode 306 Julius Jones W2IHY Jun 13, 2020

Julius Jones, W2IHY, had an early interest in electronics and radio as a teenager growing up in Boston, in the early 1960s. Like many young hams, in those days, the intoxication from the space race and the evolving electronic technology led young Julius into an engineering career and the ultimate establishment of his own company based around solutions he created for his own ham shack. W2IHY is my guest in this QSO Today.

Episode 305 Anthony Luscre K8ZT Jun 06, 2020

Anthony, Luscre, K8ZT, has a love for cataloging all of his interests and sharing with others. In this episode, I find some great websites, built by Anthony, that are not only amazing resources for ham radio operators, but also for teachers who want to master the on-line resources that they now need to support their students during this pandemic. K8ZT is my QSO Today.

Episode 304 Tim Carter W3ATB May 30, 2020

Tim Carter, W3ATB, was the first home remodeling media personality, even before it was popular. Tim’s ham radio journey was enhanced by his understanding that expert mentors are the best and fastest way to success in any subject, especially amateur radio. Tim shares his interesting story in this QSO Today.

Episode 303 Bob Fontana AK3Y May 22, 2020

Bob Fontana, AK3Y’s, ham radio and electronic career was a friend’s broken shortwave to AM down converter. Bob shares his ham radio story, his past and current ham radio interests, and the ultra wide band technology that he developed over his career.

Episode 302 Jim Andrews KH6HTV May 15, 2020

Jim Andrews, KH6HTV, has spent a life in amateur radio and technology, and is known for his contributions to amateur radio digital television and the use of this technology supporting emergency communications in and around Boulder, Colorado. KH6HTV shares his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 301 Rick Dubbs WW9JD May 09, 2020

Rick Dubbs, WW9JD, spent four years at sea in US nuclear submarines, retired as a teacher of junior high school kids, flies drones professionally as a part of his small business, and now has time for his ham radio projects. WW9JD shares his ham radio story and his project details in this QSO Today.

Episode 300 The Panel Discussion May 01, 2020

This week I celebrate 300 episodes of the QSO Today Podcast with George Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU, Bill Meara, N2CQR, Pete Juliano, N6QW, Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE, and Hans Summers, G0UPL.

Episode 299 Don Banta K5DB Apr 24, 2020

Don Banta, K5DB, is a ham’s ham, because of his generous nature, his contributions to the local ham community and his being ready to mentor any amateur or would-be amateur that needs help. Don is the organizer of the Arkansas QSO Party, active in 80 meter nets, and likes to work DX. K5DB is my QSO Today.

Episode 298 Paul Taylor VK3HN Apr 17, 2020

Paul Taylor, VK3HN, loves to operate QRP, SOTA, or Summits on the Air, with his homebrew pocket-sized multi-band transceivers that he designs and builds in his home workshop. Paul enjoys a weekly 160 meter AM net using his homebrew 200 watt solid-state AM transmitter. VK3HN is my QSO Today.

Episode 297 Sam Birnbaum W2JDB Stereo Apr 10, 2020

Sam Birnbaum, W2JDB, has a background in computer science and programming that led him to first develop a software logging program called QLog for operating and logging the digital modes more easily while doing National parks on the air. Sam’s enhancements to QLog now allow blind ham operators to work FT8.

Episode 296 Charlie Morris ZL2CTM Apr 03, 2020

Charlie Morris, ZL2CTM, builds his QRP rigs, the old fashioned way, starting with a paper and pencil, combining basic components to make each stage of a receiver or transceiver. Once the radio is made, he adds an Arduino micro-controller, touch screen, and other advanced components to bring his masterpiece into the 21st century. Charlie is a prolific creator of You-Tube videos to document and demonstrate his creations. ZL2CTM is my QSO Today.

Episode 295 Bry Carling AF4K Mar 27, 2020

Bry Carling, AF4K, collects old boat anchor radios, is the co-founder of the Novice Rig Roundup, and provider of thousands of old-time crystals, that he sells for your next rig restoration, or a new build of Bob Heil, K9EID’s, pine board project AM transmitter. Bry shares his eclectic ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 294 Bob Nagy AB5N Mar 21, 2020

Bob Nagy, AB5N, is having the time of his life in retirement. He teaches technology and the Russian language in his adopted community of Hot Springs, Arkansas, creates You-tube instructional videos, builds solar powered devices for hiis house and ham shack, and operates the digital modes. His expertise and improvements of the audio characteristics of the microphones on amateur transceivers is unmatched. AB5N is my QSO Today.

Episode 293 Michael Rainey AA1TJ Mar 14, 2020

Michael Rainey, AA1TJ, is a master of building simple HF transmitters from the materials that he has on hand, including the parts from a compact fluorescent light bulb. AA1TJ was my guest in Episode 80, more than four years ago. We remastered the audio of this valuable episode to present Mike again in this QSO Today.

Episode 292 Dale Parfitt W4OP Mar 06, 2020

Dale Parfitt, W4OP, developed a love for operating VHF and above, including moonbounce operation, from an early exposure to a 6 meter Gonset Communicator, or Gooney Box. His love for electronics grew into a career as an electronics engineer and the entrepreneur founder of Par Electronics where custom filters and antennas are Dale’s special forte. W4OP tells his story in this QSO Today.

Episode 291 Glen Jenkins WB4KTF Feb 28, 2020

Glen Jenkins, WB4KTF, grew up on US Marine bases in the 50’s and 60’s, and was no stranger to starting over in new places. Glen tells his ham radio story that includes a professional start in Israel, a stint in Moscow, a successful landing in Houston Texas, until Hurricane Harvey changed his retirement plans. Glen loved his early Heathkit HF Transceivers, collecting Colliins gear, and working the digital modes on his modern station. WB4KTF is my QSO Today.

Episode 290 Janis Carson AB2RA Feb 21, 2020

Janis Carson, AB2RA, first licensed in 1959,has been an active ham since childhood, has an interest in the restoration and repair of older tube type amateur rigs, is a frequent contributor to Electric Radio Magazine, and documents her projects on her own website. Janis may be the “Erin Brokovich” of ham radio, as an advocate for your hobby to the FCC, and she mentors new and old hams in her community. AB2RA tells her ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 289 Michael Ritz W7VO Feb 14, 2020

Michael, Mike, Ritz, W7VO, left the big city for rural Oregon to build his dream contest station. Mike uses his station to help new and local hams to learn the skills necessary to become lifetime contestors and HF operators. In addition to his leadership

Episode 288 Guy Lemieux VE2BWL Feb 08, 2020

Guy Lemieux, VE2BWL, built his dream contest station, including a one-hundred ten foot self supporting tower, from metal stock delivered to his bard, in a rural area of Southern Quebec. while attempting to relax in the evenings and weekends from a stressful career. Guy shares this project and the stories behind his seven tower contest station in this QSO Today.

Episode 287 Fred Schramm K2HA Jan 31, 2020

Fred Schramm, K2HA, visited Israel a few weeks ago and contacted me to meet with him in Jerusalem. Howard, 4X1ZZ, and I visited Fred at his hotel and recorded this interview with him. Fred tells his ham radio story, his life in Fairbanks, Alaska, and his thoughts on keeping old hams connected when they can no longer get on the air.

Episode 286 Mike Foerster W0IH Jan 25, 2020

Michael, Mike, Foerster, W0IH, loves to ragchew with his friends on 80 meters in the evening. Mike is a frequent contributor to QST magazine including articles on finding and solving electronic noise problems and remote control of your HF station while on the road. We also discuss his broadband adjustable 80 meter dipole in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 285 George Byrkit K9TRV Jan 18, 2020

George Byrkit, K9TRV, was first licensed in 1966, in Madison, Wisconsin. He returned to amateur radio as a licensee many years after letting that Novice license expire. George has since jumped back into amateur radio with both feet that include a board position in TAPR, projects in TAPR, including software development, work with HamSCI, and his local radio club and emergency groups. We touch on George’s many special projects in this QSO Today.

Episode 284 Michael Murphy WU2D Jan 10, 2020

Michael, Mike, Murphy, WU2D, separates his professional and his personal radio and electronics life by building, using, and working with vintage radios made no later than the early 1960s. As a collector and builder of old time and military surplus radios,

Episode 283 Ward Silver N0AX Jan 02, 2020

Ward Silver, N0AX, author of the QST magazine column, ·Hands-On Radio·, editor of ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, and author of many books on ham radio joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today. In the podcast, Ward describes his ham radio beginnings

Episode 282 Andras Bato HA6NN Dec 27, 2019

Andrash Bato, HA6NN, or “Andy” is coming up on his 50th anniversery as an amateur radio operator in Hungary, growing up in what is now the Former Soviet Union, or “FSU”. Andy is active at every level of amateur radio from his involvement in Hungary's national radio club and as a representative of Hungarian hams at the IARU.

Episode 281 Yoram Rotbach 4Z1YR Dec 21, 2019

If you want to get stuff done, you give it to a busy person. Yoram Rotbach, 4Z1YR, is the busy ham who has become the repeater tzar for Israel Amateur Radio Club. Now retired from the Israeli military, but now full time with an international corporation,

Episode 280 Fred Kemmerer AB1OC Dec 14, 2019

Fred Kemmerer, AB1OC, had a love for radio and electronics as a boy growing up leading to a career as an electronic engineer for ATT. It was not until much later in Fred·s life that he officially joined the amateur ranks. Along with his wife Antia, AB1QB

Episode 279 Bob Dixon W8ERD Dec 07, 2019

Bob Dixon, W8ERD, retired after 49 years as an Ohio State University radio astronomer working on SETI, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, and supporting the electronic and communication needs of the University. Now Bob is one a key member of the Delaware Amateur Radio Club’s deployment of a radio mesh network.

Episode 278 Denny Johnson K5DCC Nov 30, 2019

This week I joined Denny Johnson, K5DCC, in his Digicomm Cafe, the name of his amateur radio podcast, where he has a ham radio guest almost every night to discuss our hobby. Denny invited me to a conversation over virtual coffee about our lives, both ham radio and personal. This show is “off the rails” from the traditional QSO Today format and is simulcasted in Denny’s podcast.

Episode 277 Clark Stewart W8TN Nov 23, 2019

Clark Stewart, W8TN, started in amateur radio over 55 years ago, has worked every country but North Korea. He began working EME or moon bounce on two and six meters years ago making CW contacts. Clark is the consummate amateur radio mentor and was awarded the outstanding West Virginia Amateur of the Year in 2015. W8TN is my QSO Today.

Episode 276 Kate Hutton K6HTN Nov 16, 2019

Kate Hutton, K6HTN, a retired Seismologist at CalTech in Pasadena, California, discovered CW, CWOPS, and passing traffic through the National Traffic System. Kate would agree that amateur radio is a great way to spend time and that getting on the air with NTS is the best way to hone operating skills and to be ready for the next natural disaster.

Episode 275 Bob Logan NZ5A Nov 10, 2019

Bob Logan, NZ5A, enjoys the simple pleasures of exploring new modes as well as mastering old modes, as well as ultra-low frequency bands. Bob is a collector and restorer of old ham radio gear and old broadcast radios. Bob reminds us that we hams are a com

Episode 274 Andrew Barron ZL3DW Nov 02, 2019

Andrew Barron, ZL3DW, is an active ham, loves to discover what’s new in ham radio, and is the author of four amateur radio books, one on SDR or software defined radio, and 3 user guides on the latest Icom transceivers. In addition, we discuss the Russian Sputnik ham satellites and amateur radio’s diversity in this QSO Today.

Episode 273 Steve Adler VK5SFA Oct 25, 2019

Steve Adler, VK5SFA, is a lifelong lover of radio and electronics, worked in the broadcast industry, and has recently retired. Steve developed a skill set and relationships that helped him to create a 160 and 80 meter magnetic loop antenna that won him fi

Ganesh Subramaniam, VU2TS, began his ham radio journey in 1959 trying to find someone, anyone, somewhere in his native Bangalore, India, who could provide basic information about the amateur radio service in India. Ganesh has been a ham over 50 years and Oct 18, 2019

Ganesh Subramaniam, VU2TS, began his ham radio journey in 1959 trying to find someone, anyone, somewhere in his native Bangalore, India, who could provide basic information about the amateur radio service in India. Ganesh has been a ham over 50 years and is the editor of the Amateur Radio Society of India’s magazine, Ham Radio News. VU2TS shares his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 271 Richard Factor WA2IKL Oct 11, 2019

Richard Factor, WA2IKL, joined the amateur radio ranks 60 years ago, and was inspired by the technology dreams of the popular science fiction writers of that era. His interest in radio, electronics, and science led WA2IKL to establish his own technology business, now fifty years old. WA2IKL tells his ham radio story and how he uses is Toyota Prius as a backup power supply for his house.

Episode 270 Frank Howell K4FMH Oct 04, 2019

Frank Howell, K4FMH, has a love for radio and electronics that goes back over 60 years, but is only a recent licensee. Frank serves as the ARRL Assistant Director of the Delta Division, and avid ham radio journalist, and podcaster. He makes a great case for recruiting retired people into the hobby by the energy, volunteerism, and technical devotion that he discusses in this QSO Today.

Episode 269 Dennis Kidder W6DQ Sep 26, 2019

Dennis Kidder, W6DQ, is an amateur radio renaissance man, a collector of the game changing radios from pre-World War 2 to the present. He enjoys 80 meter AM on his Collins broadcast transmitter and working 10 Ghz SSB with the San Bernardino Microwave Society. Dennis is the co-author of Arduino Projects for Amateur Radio and a sought after speaker at ham radio events. W6DQ is my QSO Today

Episode 268 Paul Andrews W2HRO Sep 21, 2019

Paul Andrews, W2HRO, re-entered amateur radio, after a 35 year break, by working FM satellites with a Yaesu portable and a dual band antenna. Experimentation with a simple moon bounce array led to bigger and better antenna arrays, power amplifiers, low noise preamplifiers, higher frequencies, and more QSOs.

Episode 267 Burt Fisher K1OIK Sep 13, 2019

Burt Fisher, K1OIK, raised a stir and perhaps the ire of many hams with a 2008 YouTube video critical of amateur radio operators and their operating practices. While it is easy these days to have conversations with anyone who shares our opinions and beliefs, it is more difficult to have conversations with people who do not share our views. K1OIK tells his ham radio story and shares his opinions that led to the controversial video and the rest of the story in this QSO Today.

Episode 266 Ralph Fedor K0IR Sep 06, 2019

Ralph Fedor, K0IR, has participated in at least 15 DXpeditions to the most remote parts of the World. Ralph shares his amateur radio story leading up to his DXpedidions, the opportunities, the lessons learned, and the avoidance of fate off of Bouvet Island in 2018. K0IR took a break from preparing for the upcoming Pitcaryn DXpedition in October for this QSO Today.

Episode 265 Eric Sears ZL2BMI Aug 30, 2019

Eric Sears, ZL2BMI, who joins me from New Zealand, is famous for this 80 meter QRP double sideband rig that he designed and documented in the 1980s for his personal use when “tramping” in the forests and mountains of New Zealand. Eric’s stated design philosophy and rigs proved to be robust and foundational for other QRP rig builders, especially in the southern hemisphere through the years.

Episode 264 Gordon West WB6NOA Aug 23, 2019

Gordon West, “Gordo”WB6NOA, may be one of ham radio’s most well known ambassadors and promoters of our amateur radio hobby today. Through his books and courses over the years, Gordo, has licensed thousands of individuals to become amateur radio operators. Gordo tells me that this is the first time that he has told his ham radio story from the beginning in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 263 John Nowacki W3NA Aug 16, 2019

John Nowacki, W3NA, was a teenager in the early sixties when we won a contest to name a popular amateur radio line of antennas that are still sold today. John shares his ham radio story that began with a friendship more that sixty years ago that continues to this day. Now a retired physics teacher, W3NA, chases DX shares his ham radio activities with his fellow NERDS.

Episode 262 Nathaniel Frissell W2NAF Aug 09, 2019

Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, is the 2019 Dayton Ham of the Year because of this contribution to the amateur radio art though his combined professional interest in ionospheric physics and the amateur radio modes, such WSPRnet and FT-8, that build big data bases of propagation data. HamSCI is an organization founded by Nathaniel on this concept. Nathaniel tells his ham radio story leading through Svalbard and McMurdo Station in Antarctica, to a National Science Foundation grant to HamSCI that arrived during the recording of this QSO Today.

Episode 261 Philip Lazar K9PL Aug 02, 2019

Philip Lazar, K9PL, is the editor of the K9YA Telegraph monthly newsletter, a wonderful journal of technical articles and ham radio history. Like many budding amateurs, Philip’s story began with the gift of a shortwave radio receiver and listening to the shortwave bands. A ham operator for over 40 years, Philip likes CW, vintage equipment, QRP, and kit building. Getting on the air is key to Philip’s ham radio success and is the subject of this QSO Today.

Episode 260 Jean Socrates VE0JS Jul 26, 2019

Jeanne Socrates, VE0JS, who, once her current voyage ends hopefully at the end of August, will have the distinction of being the oldest person to sail solo around the World without touching land or getting any help of any kind while underway. This interview conducted by satellite phone to Jeanne somewhere in the South Pacific near Tahiti. Ham radio has been key to Jeanne’s voyages and this one especially. VE0JS shared her ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 259 Phil Erickson W1PJE Jul 19, 2019

Phil Erickson, W1PJE, sits on a million watt UHF transmitter at the MIT Haystack Observatory, where he studies the atmosphere and radio propagation. Phil is a long time radio guy but a newcomer to amateur radio. As you will hear in this QSO Today, the tools, modes, and technology of amateur radio are complimenting the research achievements of scientists like Phil, W1PJE.

Episode 258 Dino Papas KL0S Jul 12, 2019

Dino Papas, KL0S, leads the Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club in Williamsburg, Virginia, using the leadership skills that he acquired after 26 years in the US Army. Dino is a frequent contributor to amateur radio magazines, including QST, offering his unique and needed perspective on our ham radio hobby. Along with his wife Toby, KL0SS, Dino provides a ham radio maker space in his garage to share his knowledge and resources with his fellow hams.

Episode 257 Ray Heffer G4NSJ Jul 05, 2019

Ray Heffer, G4NSJ, commandeered the family shortwave radio, as a kid, to further his interest in shortwave listening and ultimately amateur radio. Ray made his career as a television, radio, and audio visual equipment repairman, and now specializes in the repair and restoration of 1940’s vintage AM radio sets. I found this endeavor to be fascinating and Ray has created some clever and novel solutions to keep these radios entertaining their owners in the QSO Today.

Episode 256 Steven Bible N7HPR Jun 29, 2019

Steven Bible, N7HPR, made a career in the US Navy, spending almost two years under water on the Trident submarine. Steve is a long time contributor to TAPR, the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Corporation, perhaps amateur radio's "Bell Labs". Steve and I discuss his ham radio storym the developments of TAPR, and TAPRs contributions to advancing the state of the art in amateur radio.

Episode 255 Rod Moag W5NDS Jun 21, 2019

Rod Moag, W5NDS, interests in radio and electronics paralleled an interest in American Folk and country music leading to advanced degrees in Linguistics and South Asian languages. Ham radio plays a solid role throughout this story as it weaves it way in and out of Rod’s professional career. Rod’s musical career and performances are one of the diamonds in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 254 Rich Zwirko K1HTV Jun 14, 2019

Rich Zwirko, K1HTV, was quickly bitten by the DX bug in the late fifties and has gone on to log just about every DX entity on every band. Rich made a career of radio serving as a teenage broadcast engineer in his hometown of New Haven, Connecticut, and later ended his career at the Voice of America in Washington DC. Getting on the air is Rich’s mantra that he shares with us in this QSO Today

Episode 253 Glenn Johnson W0GJ Jun 07, 2019

Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, began his ham radio journey as a teenager and from his love for chasing DX, has since been to many DX entities around the world including Heard Island, an attempt last year to land on Bouvet Island, and an upcoming DXpedition later this year to Pitcairn Island. Glenn’s interest and determination to provide these rare DX entities along with this DXpedition group, is worth the weeks at sea, sometimes in terrible conditions. Glenn was able to break from his preparations for Pitcairn to spend this QSO Today.

Episode 252 David Reed W5SV Jun 01, 2019

David Reed, W5SV, began his ham radio story in Mexico at the age of 6, and was undoubtedly one of Mexico’s youngest hams at age 7. W5SV has a rich and interesting story that includes stints in electronics technology, advanced education, as a US Marine Corps pilot, and as homicide detective. The twists and turns in this story makes this QSO Today an interesting ride.

Episode 251 Mark Ziegler WA2ILB May 25, 2019

Mark Ziegler’s ham radio story began as a youngster that moved him into a career as an electronics engineer with the famous Bell Laboratories. Now retired, Mark enjoys operating from an RF quiet QTH in rural New Hampshire. Wind power is WA2ILB’s alternative power source of choice and is one of the subjects that we discuss in this QSO Today.

Episode 250 Bill Brown WB8ELK May 18, 2019

Exploration of the edge of space, first by astronaut Jordan Kittinger in Project Man-High, began Bill Brown’s, WB8ELK’s, fascination with, adaptation of amateur radio to high altitude weather balloons and later to smaller pico balloons that Bill tracks around the world using amateur radio beacons that he fabricates for his balloon launches. With over 600 launches to his credit, it easy to say that WB8ELK is an expert in high altitude ballooning and amateur radio.

Episode 249 Vi Barrett W6CBA May 11, 2019

Vi Barrett, W6CBA, celebrates 70 years as a radio amateur. Vi’s love for radio began with an uncle getting back on their air after the Second World War. Growing up in Southern California, W6CBA became the first female radio dispatcher for the FBI, raised a family, operated phone patches for US servicemen during the Vietnam War. Still active on the air on both CW and SSB, W6CBA is my QSO Today.

Episode 248 Jerry Lewine K6QU May 03, 2019

Jerry Lewine, K6QU, began his career in radio as a young ham in 1959, that led to a career as a broadcast engineer, first as a teenager in his native Pennsylvania, through the Air Force, and later to markets in Hawaii and California. While Jerry’s broadcast radio career sidelined his ham radio adventure for a number of years, Jerry is back with a passion for CW and FT-8 while the current solar cycle is at its low. K6QU is my QSO Today.

Episode 247 George Misic KE8RN Apr 25, 2019

George Misic, KE8RN, is an RF and analog engineer by training, a collector of vintage American amateur radio equipment, and an early pioneer in the development of MRI or magnetic resonance imaging machines and whose name is on 38 patents around this technology. George is a frequent author of articles for QST and Electric Radio Magazines, and is my QSO Today.

Episode 246 Jack Worth WA0QZK Apr 19, 2019

Jack Worth, WA0QZK, is a retired pastor with over 50 years of amateur radio operating experience who likes to QSO on CW from the Warsaw Telegraph Office. Jack collects and restores antique Morse code telegraph keys and bugs and uses them to work the World and ragchew on QRP and a modified G5RV antenna. WA0QZK is my QSO Today.

Episode 245 Joe Everhart N2CX Apr 13, 2019

Joe Everhart, N2CX, is well known is QRP circles for his technical contributions and articles in the ham radio magazines. Along with George Heron, N2APB, my guest in Episode 151, of the QSO Today podcast, they produce a live talk show called Chat with the Designers, as well as present at the QRP Event, four days in May, that precedes the opening of the Dayton Hamvention in May. Joe is a builder and ham radio designer, and share some of his insight into homebrewing while enjoying amateur radio in this QSO Today.

QSO Today Episode 244 Howard Bernstein WB2UZE Apr 05, 2019

Howard Bernstein is the co-founder of the Long Island CW Club along with Rich Collins K2UPS, where they train amateurs of every age to be CW operators over Zoom video conferencing. Howard has a long history in ham radio extending back over 50 years. WB2UZE still has his first Drake line and is a collector of vintage things including old radios and automobiles. Howard is my QSO Today.

Episode 243 Bob Sumption W9RAS Mar 30, 2019

Bob Sumption, W9RAS, was raised on Popular Electronics and Popular Mechanics magazines, learned how to fix anything from his father, and became a ham radio operator in the 1950s. Bob was an electronics technician at Heathkit who assembled the prototype SS9000 synthesized HF amateur radio transceiver. Now a collector of everything Heathkit, he has restored one of the three original Heathkit SS8000 HF transceivers that never made it to market. Bob is a consummate long term, big project builder and radio restorer, who shares his success, knowledge, expertise, and history in this QSO Today.

Episode 242 Neil King VA7DX Mar 23, 2019

Neil King, VA7DX, shares his ham radio story that began as a kid when is father introduced him to the Morse code. Now after almost 40 years, Neil has over 16 DXpeditions under his belt and continues to enjoy traveling and operating CW from some of the most remote locations in the World. When he his not traveling as an international IT consultant, VA7DX resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, is active in his radio club and club station. We also discuss the BCWARN amateur radio microwave backbone in this QSO Today.

Episode 241 Joe Lynch N6CL Mar 16, 2019

Joe Lynch, N6CL, began his ham radio story over 50 years ago in Bonita, California. After a stint in Vietnam, an amateur radio journalist for CQ Magazine focused on VHF and above, and a career as minister, Joe, is now the director of religious education at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Both he and his wife, Carol, are active ham radio operators. N6CL has always been active in amateur radio emergency services, including at the site of the 1995 bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City. N6CL is my QSO Today.

Episode 240 George Allison K1IG Mar 09, 2019

Sputnik and an uncle inspired George Allison, K1IG, to become a radio amateur. George had a long and successful US Navy career where radio was always the center of his activity including MARS stations, a visit to the South Pole, and the operation of very high powered VLF and ELF stations around the World. George promotes the Wordsworth method of raising CW speed above 40 words per minute. K1IG is my QSO Today.

Episode 239 Jay Slough K4ZLE Mar 01, 2019

Jay Slough, K4ZLE, has over 60 years in the amateur radio hobby and still enjoys CW as his primary operating mode. An accomplished DXpeditioner, having operated in over 40 DX entities including South Sandwich Island. Always ready to extend the hand of friendship, either by knocking on the doors of houses with amateur antennas or sharing his own station through RemoteHams. K4ZLE is my QSO Today.

Episode 238 Andre Hansen K6AH Feb 23, 2019

Andre Hansen, K6AH, and his team of open source developers have taken amateur radio mesh networking to a new level with AREDN, that allows commercial low cost WIFI routers and access points to be used to build out local and regional broadband networks in the amateur bands above 2 GHz. Andre and I discuss this technology and its possibilities for the amateur radio community in this QSO Today.

Episode 237 Kristen McIntyre K6WX Feb 15, 2019

Kristen McIntyre, K6WX, is the president of the Palo Alto Amateur Radio Club, in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley, and an ARRL Pacific Division Vice Director. Trained as an MIT electronic engineer, she was an entrepreneur for many years in Japan. Kristen is a much sought after speaker at amateur radio conventions and forums. Antenna design, digital modes, and just getting on the air is key to Kristen’s amateur radio success. K6WX, is my QSO Today.

Episode 236 Richard Dillman W6AWO Feb 09, 2019

Richard Dillman, W6AWO, is the founding member of the Maritime Radio Historical Society, where they preserve the skills, traditions, and folklore of maritime telegraph operators, from the California Bay Area coastal station, KSM. The “Summer of Love” brought Richard to California, in the Sixties, to pursue broadcast engineering and a 30 year career with Greenpeace. W6AWO is my QSO Today.

Episode 235 Dan Gravereaux N1ZZ Feb 02, 2019

Dan Gravereaux, N1ZZ, began his ham radio story as a kid leading to a career in electronics, a stint at the CBS Labs working on quadraphonic sound, and later founding West Mountain Radio creators of the Rigblaster interfaces for HF digital modes. West Mountain Radio also popularized the ubiquitous Anderson Power Poles that we all use now and love. N1ZZ shares his ham radio story and expertise in this QSO Today.

Episode 234 Fred Lloyd AA7BQ Jan 26, 2019

Fred Lloyd, AA7BQ, is the creator of perhaps the Internet’s oldest ham radio resource, QRZ.com. With over 700 thousand subscribers, QRZ.com is the goto place for hams wanting to look up other hams in its call sign database. It does however, have a large number of other resources available to amateurs that Fred and Eric, 4Z1UG, discuss in this QSO Today.

Episode 233 Ray Waldemar WA6NVL Jan 18, 2019

Ray Waldemar, WA6NVL, was an early adopter of electronic technology that found its way into amateur radio including the first Apple 1 computer, first instances of D-Star, and now DMR. Active on HF, VHF, UHF, and Microwave, from SSB to satellites. Ray just likes it all to the technical challenge and the social connections made from almost 50 years in the hobby. WA6NVL is my QSO Today.

Episode 232 George Zafiropoulos KJ6VU Jan 12, 2019

George Zafiropoulos, KJ6VU, is the the co-host of the Ham Radio Workbench Podcast, one of the more popular ham radio podcasts. George has a long and interesting ham radio history as well as he is accomplished home-brewer, builder, operator, and high tech executive. We touch on a few of my favorite subjects that include repeaters and repeater controllers, the Cactus Intertie, DMR, and building with Arduino micro-controllers. KJ6VU is my QSO Today.

Episode 231 John Raifsnider W8JER Jan 05, 2019

John Raifsnider, W8JER, shares his ham shack with this wife, Micky, KE8ASK, and likes to rag-chew on DX. His signal is boosted by a new 70 ft tower and Mosley beam antenna, allowing him to extend his amateur radio circle that he has built up through the years. Consistent attention to building his amateur radio skills combined with the hobby’s social dimension, has made W8JER a successful ham.

Episode 230 Jonathan Naylor G4KLX Dec 29, 2018

Jonathan Naylor, G4KLX, pioneered the opening, to amateur radio operators, of D-Star and later other digital repeater modes including DMR and Yaesu system fusion by writing software that could be implemented on Arduino and Raspberry Pi hardware for the creation of multi-mode repeater and hot-spot controllers. G4KLX shares his ham radio story with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 229 Keith Baker KB1SF Dec 21, 2018

AMSAT, the Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation, has launched over 95 satellites into space since 1961. Keith Baker, KB1SF, former President and now treasurer of AMSAT speaks and write on amateur satellites, what is happening now, how to get started, and how to get involved. Keith shares is wealth of satellite knowledge in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 228 Joel Wilhite KD6W Dec 15, 2018

Joel Wilhite, KD6W, who has a long history in amateur radio, telephony, and amateur radio TV. As you can imagine, amateur radio TV has advanced from the slow scan memories of the early 1970s to high quality digital television delivered by repeaters and internet linked networks. Amateur radio digital TV and microwave roving are a few of the topics discussed with Joel, KD6W, in the QSO Today.

Episode 227 Riki Kline K7NJ Dec 07, 2018

Riki Kline, K7NJ, has a long and interesting ham radio career, from humble beginnings in Las Vegas, Nevada, as a teenage ham, to his current QTH on over 40 rural acres in Utah. Riki also lives in Israel, part time, in the village of Na’aleh, overlooking Israel’s coastal plain and the Ben Gurion, Airport. K7NJ shares his perspective as an amateur radio operator who frequently works from either side of the World, likes to chase DX and operate contests in this QSO Today.

Episode 226 Paul Gacek W6PNG Dec 01, 2018

Along with a successful career in California high-tech, Paul Gacek, W6PNG, became an amateur radio operator. Finding that it challenged his mind and created opportunity to learn new things, Paul discovered SOTA, Summits on the Air, and outdoor operating. California has over 4000 SOTA peaks, and that is a good start for W6PNG, my QSO Today.

Episode 225 David Malin AA6RV Nov 24, 2018

David Malin, AA6RV, spent over 20 years working for the City of Los Angeles as its Emergency Coordinator and Emergency Administrator for the Port of Los Angeles. Now retired, David a lot to say about emergency preparedness and the minimal steps that we should all take to be ready in case of disaster in this QSO Today.

Episode 224 Phil Sittner KD6RM Nov 17, 2018

Phil Sittner, KD6RM, has a ham radio story that goes back over 50 years, from childhood. Still living in Northern California, Phil builds his own radios and test equipment, operates CW on 80 and 40 meters, using antennas optimized for his city lot in an HOA neighborhood where antennas are forbidden. We harness Phil’s extensive technical expertise and hear his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 223 Denny Berg WB9MSM Nov 10, 2018

Denny Berg, WB9MSM, has a fascination for old rigs, including the Swan 500 HF transceiver, ham shack software that enhances his on the air user experience, and a love for just getting on HF and operating. One of the first to get DXCC operating FT8, Denny has a positive, “can-do”, attitude that brings success to both his personal, professional, and amateur radio life.

Episode 222 Greg Latta AA8V Revisited Nov 02, 2018

In episode 33 of the QSO Today podcast, Dr. Greg Latta, AA8V, was described as a renaissance man, a master home-brewer who designs and builds the old tube rigs and fabricates the beautiful metal enclosures that encase them. Greg is also a college physics professor who says that vacuum tubes are one of the best ways to provide to students a visual representation electrons in motion. We reprise and update this QSO with AA8V.

Episode 221 Arnold Ziegel W2HDI Oct 27, 2018

After running maritime mobile from his 40 foot sailboat for many years, Arnold Ziegel, W2HDI, switched to power boats and all of the challenges to amateur radio brought on by the new boat. Not deterred by these challenges, W2HDI discovered remote control operation, over the Internet, from his new boat. We dive deeper into Arnold’s ham radio story and remote operation in this QSO Today.

Episode 220 Mark Rosenberg 4X1KS Oct 20, 2018

While exposed to amateur radio at an early age, it was not until Mark Rosenberg, 4X1KS, got his first license and upgraded quickly within a few short months, in Memphis, Tennessee. In Memphis, Robert Barbee, W4AMI, became Mark’s ham radio mentor driving Mark to satellite excellence. Now in Israel, Mark is active in just about every on-air activity, as well as being the consummate fixer and home-brewer. 4X1KS is my QSO today.

Episode 219 Ken Oelke VE6AFO Oct 13, 2018

Ken Oelke, VE6AFO, stepped up to the plate for his local amateur radio club and ended up making leadership in local and national Canadian amateur radio organizations the major focus of his ham radio activity. Ken is now the president of the QCWA, the Quarter Century Wireless Association, when not operating both CW and SSB, or fixing one of his broken rigs. VE6AFO is my QSO Today.

Episode 218 Stephen Hicks N5AC Oct 06, 2018

Stephen Hicks, N5AC, is vice president of engineering for Flex Radio, is deep in to SDR or software defined radio, likes to chase grid squares in his microwave rover, and observes the growth and trends in our amazing amateur radio hobby. From Steve’s position on the cutting edge of technology, he has a lot to say in this QSO Today.

Episode 217 Tom Wright NN2X Sep 28, 2018

Tom Wright, NN2X, grew up in the sixties in the foster care system. Amateur radio provided a way out of the system and into the US Army and a career in satellite communications. Tom loves his family, the digital modes, especially the new FT8Call, and helping kids escape poverty by training them for careers in information technology. This QSO is packed with little jewels as NN2X shares his ham radio story.

Episode 216 Ray Poularas VK2GRP Sep 22, 2018

In addition to his may hobbies and interests, Ray Poularas, VK2GRP, restores vintage military surplus radios back to new condition by carefully tearing down the chassis to the bare metal and rebuilding, sometimes remanufacturing the parts by casting, milling, or 3-D printing. Ray goes into great detail on his processes and also shares his time management tips that bring him success in all of his pursuits in this QSO Today.

Episode 215 Mike Bryce WB8VGE Sep 15, 2018

Mike Bryce, WB8VGE, collects and restores the old Heathkit and Drake rigs that we remember from the 60s and 70s, works QRP on his favorite Ten-Tec transceivers, and has enough solar electric power to run everything. WB8VGE shares the background of all of these things and his current view of the state of ham radio in this QSO Today.

Episode 214 Bernie McClenny W3UR Sep 07, 2018

As an eleven year old, watching his dad put pins in a World map while working DX, Bernie McClenny, W3UR, became hooked on ham radio and working his own DX. Bernie has made working DX, not only his hobby, but his profession as well. Bernie is the publisher of The Daily DX, and author of the monthly QST Magazine column, How’s DX. We will get into W3UR’s ham radio story and his unusual collaboration with his neighbor this QSO Today.

Episode 213 Kevin Parmenter KG5Q Aug 31, 2018

Kevin Parmenter, KG5Q, caught my attention from an article that he published in QST Magazine, August 2017 about the Flightaware system. I was intrigued with the article that leverages our technical ability against a services that uses crowd sourced receivers, in private hands, Worldwide, to track commercial and military aircraft to display their location, speed, and altitude on Flightawares website. KG5Q joins be to discuss his ham radio story and the Flightaware system in this QSO Today.

Episode 212 Frank Brickle AB2KT Aug 25, 2018

Frank Brickle, AB2KT, took a professional path to music composition at Princeton. He combined his musical composition skills with his technical knowledge of computer programming and background in amateur radio to develop the first software defined radio (SDR) software used first by the US government and later by private industry. Frank AB2KT is a noted classical music and opera composer and a pioneer in SDR technology.

Episode 211 Justin Johnson G0KSC Aug 17, 2018

Justin Johnson, G0KSC, tells his ham radio story and how it led to the founding of his company, Innovantenna, and his approach to antenna designs, that maximize signal to noise rather than gain to produce amazing results. If you are re-considering your antenna system, then you will enjoy this QSO Today with G0KSC.

Episode 210 Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI Aug 10, 2018

Tony Hutchison, VK5ZAI, who, from his interest in satellite communications, became an important backup communications link in South Australia for the NASA space shuttle missions, the Mir Space Station, and the International space station when crewed by amateur radio operators. Tony is a pioneer in this area of ham radio and has been recognized by NASA for his contributions. VK5ZAI is Eric’s QSO Today.

Episode 209 Jim Forkin WA3TFS Aug 03, 2018

Jim Forkin, WA3TFS, started contributing to QST and Ham Radio Magazine as far back as 1983 with his series on A Modular Two Band Receiver. His QRZ page is loaded with pictures of his home brew rigs along with detailed descriptions. Jim shares his ham radio story and his incorporation of old and new technology including Arduino microcontrollers into his still evolving and complex projects in this QSO Today.

Episode 208 Ulrich Rohde N1UL Jul 27, 2018

Dr. Ulrich Rohde, N1UL, is a pioneer in RF oscillator and receiver design. Over the last 40 years N1UL has authored over 60 articles for QST and QEX magazines, in addition to books, academic papers, and articles. Dr. Rohde has made significant scientific contributions to his family business, the Munich based Rohde and Schwarz test equipment company, and to amateur radio manufacturers including Icom. Ulrich, N1UL tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 207 Mike Mussler AI8Z Jul 20, 2018

Mike Mussler, AI8Z, is one of the early pioneers in the 630 meter band experimental trials in 2007 that resulted in the band being opened for amateur radio exploration. AI8Z rebuilds old rigs, especially military surplus WW2 vintage radios that adorn his Cortez, Colorado ham shack. We start with Mike’s ham radio history in this QSO Today.

Episode 206 David Finell N7LRY Jul 13, 2018

David Finell, N7LRY described himself to his future wife as a mad scientist, coming from a ham radio family that encouraged deep learning of the subjects that interested him. David shares his ham radio journey, his deep dive into electronics through a career in the US Air Force, his interest in antennas that led to his helix VHF antenna design, as well as his leverage of ham radio skills to his other hobbies. N7LRY is my QSO Today.

Episode 205 Rick Tavan N6XI Jul 06, 2018

Rick Tavan, N6XI, is a Silicon Valley high-tech veteran who loves to contest from his two Northern California contest stations, one in the “valley” and the other in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe. Rick shares his early beginnings in ham radio from 1961 to the present, his love of contesting, some tips on getting started, operating remotely over the Internet, and the challenges of setting up a proper station and antenna on volcanic soil.

Episode 204 Kai Siwiak KE4PT Jun 29, 2018

One of the best kept secrets of amateur radio is the amazing QEX Magazine published by the ARRL and edited by my guest today, Kai Shiwiak, KE4PT. If you are a home brewer and want a more indepth amateur radio technology understanding, then QEX should be on your desk every month. Kai provides a fascinating look at home-brewing, the digital modes, and modest antennas for the antenna challenged ham in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 203 Mike Marsh G1IAR Jun 23, 2018

Mike Marsh, G1IAR, is in love with mastering sound and owes his interest in ham radio to enhancing his professional career in the recording industry. Mike is also the co-host of the TX-Factor video podcast, one of my favorite topical amateur radio shows on the internet. Mike will confirm that his involvement in TX-Factor opens wide the most interesting aspects of the amateur radio hobby. Mike shares his ham radio story, TX- Factor, and an insiders look at a mastering studio in this QSO Today.

Episode 202 Raul Midon AE3RM Jun 15, 2018

Bad ass and blind is how my guest on QSO Today describes himself on his website and the release of his new jazz music album of the same name. Raul Midon, AE3RM, is also a long time and dedicated amateur radio operator, who takes his ham radio operation on his musical tours around the World. For those of us who think we are too busy to get on the air, Raul provides an answer to a busy schedule.

Episode 201 John Stanley K4ERO Jun 08, 2018

My QSO Today is with John Stanley, K4ERO, a frequent contributor of articles about antenna design and performance to QST, QEX, the ARRL Antenna Book, and the ARRL Handbook. An MIT graduate, John and his wife Ruth, WB4LUA, spent many years abroad working as engineers for Christian Broadcast stations in India and South America. John shares his ham radio story and his antenna expertise in this QSO Today.

Episode 200 Eric Guth 4Z1UG Jun 02, 2018

In this, the 200th edition of the QSO Today podcast, the QSO Today is with Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, creator of the QSO Today Podcast as the guest and is hosted by Jim Wilson, K5ND. In this interview, Eric tells his ham radio story, about his early exposure to electronics,his elmers, and how his amateur radio interest evolved to the QSO Today podcast. Eric answers listener questions at the end of the interview with Jim.

Episode 199 Adam Farson VA7OJ May 25, 2018

Adam Farson, VA7OJ and AB4OJ, began his ham radio journey over 60 years ago as a youngster inspired by electronics and eventually ham radio in his native South Africa. Pursuing a career in the broad science that surrounds telephony World wide, Adam has adapted telephony methods and test equipment to evaluate amateur radio transceiver performance. Adam shares his ham radio and professional journey in this QSO Today.

Episode 198 Jack Mandelman K1VT May 18, 2018

Dr. Jack Mandelman is on the short list for holding the most patents, over 700 Worldwide, in the area of semiconductor physics, while at the same time a successful ham radio operator working DX and CW. Now in the middle of a QTH move, Jack is exploring satellite communications and DMR. K1VT shares his ham radio story and the period during the space race to the moon that led to the technology that we all enjoy in our QSO today.

Episode 197 Alex Grimberg PY1AHD May 11, 2018

From his QTH in Rio De Janeiro, Alex Grimberg, PY1AHD, has mastered the art of the portable magnetic loop antennas for QRP use in the field. This interest, generated from his need for a light and portable antenna, has blossomed into the Alexloop antenna business. Now Alex travels the ham radio World showing off his Alex Loops and other accessories that make portable QRP field operations that much more enjoyable. PY1AHD is my QSO Today.

Episode 196 Jim Millner WB2REM May 05, 2018

Jim Millner, WB2REM, has traveled and operated amateur radio in 72 countries including Cuba and Guantanamo Bay. He also operates his station by remote control, taking advantage of his prime Florida location with his excellent antenna arrays. Jim shares his amateur radio story and his remote control insight in this QSO Today.

Episode 195 Roberto Ramirez CE3CT Apr 28, 2018

Roberto Ramirez, CE3CT, from Chile, is a well known South American DXer and Contester who began his ham radio story as a short wave listener. Now an electronic engineer responsible for the local cell phone company microwave links, CE3CT chases DX across with World from his contest station using beverage receive antennas pointed into the Northern hemisphere. CE3CT is my QSO Today.

Episode 194 Ryhor Greg Harbacheuski W3NW Apr 21, 2018

Dr. Ryhor “Greg” Harbacheuski, W3NW, began his ham radio story in Belarus, a republic of the former Soviet Union. After immigrating to the United States to pursue his career, Greg is a successful orthopedic surgeon by day, and he enjoys melting solder, refurbishing Soviet receivers, and kit building by night. W3NW tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 193 Vjollca Belegu Z61VB Apr 14, 2018

Out of the ashes of ten years of ethnic repression and the Kosovo War in 1998, the amateur radio service in Kosovo was reborn in 2012. Vjollca Belegu, Z61VB, Kosovo’s (Kosova) first YL ham radio operator, survived this dark period in Kosova’s history, and 25 years after ham radio was closed in Kosova is helping to re-birth the amateur radio service as the President of the Kosova Amateur Radio Association, in the new Republic of Kosova. Vjollca, Z61VB, tells this important story in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 192 Fred Cady KE7X Apr 07, 2018

Fred Cady, KE7X, took his love of radio and electronics as far as he could go - that was to a PHD in Electronic Engineering where he settled into teaching at Montana State University. Now retired, Fred is the author of fourteen books on using and operating the Elecraft transceivers and accessories. Fred is also an avid contest operator and DXer. We will dig into this and more on this QSO Today.

Episode 191 Mike Bohn KG7TR Mar 31, 2018

Mike Bohn, KG7TR, has been building his own amateur radio equipment since he first entered the ham radio hobby over 50 years ago. Mike builds around the parts he has on hand creating beautiful vacuum tube transmitters, receivers, and high power amplifiers that rival the look and feel of early Collins radio equipment. We take a deep dive into the construction technique of KG7TR in this QSO Today.

Episode 190 DuWayne Schmidlkofer KV4QB Mar 24, 2018

DuWayne Schmidlkofer, KV4QB, is one of the amazing creators of homebrew projects from conception to the finished package. He uses microcontrollers combined with RF circuitry to make some pretty cool and mostly inexpensive projects. His blog is a great read where he documents each of his projects from beginning to end. In this episode, we discuss construction techniques and his home brew projects. KV4QB is my QSO Today

Episode 189 Glen Popiel KW5GP Returns Mar 17, 2018

Glen Popiel, KW5GP, author of two popular books on Arduino for amateur radio and a book on mesh networking for amateur radio joins QSO Today once again. Glen told his ham radio story in Episode 49, almost three years ago. We catch up with Glen to get an Arduino update and to hear about his current and future projects.

Episode 188 Richard Newstead G3CWI Mar 09, 2018

Richard Newstead, G3CWI, as an avid outdoor radio enthusiast, co-founded SOTA or the Summits on the Air program. When he needed the right gear to take to the mountaintop, Richard had to create and import his own equipment, ultimately resulting in the creation of his company, Sotabeams, our new sponsor on QSO Today. Richard’s story includes operating from a research station in Antarctica during the Falklands war to the founding of Sotabeams our new QSO Today sponsor.

Episode 187 Rick Karlquist N6RK Mar 03, 2018

Rick Karlquist, N6RK is a long time amateur radio operator who likes contests, DX, and over the years acquired a large square of property in California’s Central Valley to have enough room to build his antenna farm. In this episode we discuss building 90 foot vertical antennas with irrigation pipe, and using the falling derrick method to raise tall masts and towers. Rick has acquired a wide range of experience from his amateur radio and professional life, some of which he shares in this QSO Today.

Episode 186 Bernie van der Walt ZS4TX Feb 23, 2018

Bernie van der Walt, ZS4TX, is a South African ham for many years. He loves to contest on HF, and operates two remote control EME or Moon bounce stations on two and six meters away from the noise pollution of his residential neighborhood. We discuss these subjects and more on this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 185 Mitch Gill NA7US Feb 17, 2018

Mitch Gill, NA7US is the New editor of QRP Quarterly Magazine, the official journal of the QRP Amateur Radio Club International and a former columnist for both Popular Communications and CQ VHF. Mitch has a love for all things amateur radio and is now retired from active military service where he operated at YI9TU in Iraq. Mitch tells this story and more in this QSO Today.

Episode 184 Tomas Hood NW7US Feb 09, 2018

Tomas Hood, NW7US is the propagation editor of a number of shortwave and amateur radio magazines, and has a wide variety of websites, that grew out of his love for all things radio, and for listening on the bands to far off DX and commercial broadcast stations. Tomas shares his understanding of propagation and the lessons we can learn from listening, really listening to the QSOs and exchanges during contest operation.

Episode 183 Geoff Howard W0CG_PJ2DX Feb 03, 2018

My guest this week is Geoff Howard, W0CG / PJ2DX, who operates along with his ham friends the P2JT contest station in a villa on a cliff overlooking the sea in Curacao. Geoff shares his ham radio story and the history of P2JT in this QSO Today.

Episode 182 Keith Hibbert WB2VUO Jan 26, 2018

Keith Hibbert, WB2VUO, is the ARRL Technical Coordinator for Western NY State. In that capacity Keith serves as a resource and goto guy for technical questions by amateur radio operators. Keith and I had a great QSO on his areas of interest that include QRP Single Sideband, digital modes like FT-8, and Keith’s interest in both amateur HF and aircraft beacons. Keith shares his insights and some valuable resources in this QSO Today.

Episode 181 Shelby Ennis W8WN Jan 19, 2018

One of the most unusual ham radio operating modes is meteor scatter or bouncing signals off the ionized trails left by space dust the the earth’s atmosphere. Shelby Ennis, W8WN has operated this mode for over 50 years, first on CW using tape recorders to send a high speed burst, then using the K1JT digital modes. We learn that meteor scatter is a reliable mode and much more in this QSO with W8WN.

Episode 180 Brian Machesney K1LI Jan 13, 2018

Natural disasters, especially the most recent hurricanes, present us with opportunities to make a real difference if we step up to the plate. As part of this amateur radio story, Brian Machesney, K1LI, was presented his opportunity to make a difference on the Caribbean Island of Dominica after it was wiped out by Hurricane Maria in October 2017. Brian, his wife, and other hams came stepped up to the plate and provided relief with the Dominica Airlift as it was called by the press. This story and so much more in this QSO Today with K1LI.

Episode 179 Steve Murphy N8NM Jan 06, 2018

Steve Murphy, N8NM, builds most of his modern equipment using the Manhattan and “ugly” construction method, or he refurbishes old tube transmitters, receivers, and transceivers. Steve is not afraid to try a new design or component to further his love of home brewing. We follow the ham radio career of N8NM in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 178 Brian Short KC0BS Dec 30, 2017

Brain Short, KC0BS, is a busy amateur radio operator in Kansas City, Missouri. He is actively involved in teaching ham radio and getting new hams involved in the many amateur radio activities that Kansas City hams enjoy. In this episode, we discuss tower climbing and safety, APRS, emergency services, building up code speed, and Brian’s participation in the emergency efforts around the Joplin Missouri tornado that destroyed much of the city in May 2011.

Episode 177 Jeff Damm WA7MLH Dec 23, 2017

Jeff Damm, WA7MLH, designs and builds his own amateur radio receivers, transmitters, and transceivers using the ugly construction method based on the work of his amateur radio mentor and friend, Wes Hayward, W7ZOI. Jeff shares his ham radio story and his electronic construction philosophy with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 176 Hal Turley W8HC Dec 15, 2017

Hal Turley, W8HC, is a veteran DXpeditioner who is headed for Bouvet Island, perhaps the World’s most remote Island and DX entity, in a few weeks. Hal tells his ham radio story, his discovery and the satisfaction that he gains from working DX, and his personal preparations for his upcoming trek to Bouvet Island with the 3Y0Z DXpedition team. W8HC is my QSO Today.

Episode 175 Bob Rosier K4OCE Dec 08, 2017

Bob Rosier, K4OCE, started his ham radio journey in the fifties, inspired by his father who built their first family television using a surplus radar screen and a broadcast receiver. Bob discovered QRP almost by accident and from that point on realized that he could have reliable DX contacts based on good operating practice and technical expertise. Bob is the creator of the “OCE Minirig” QRP transmitter.

Episode 174 Robert Norman VK5SW Dec 02, 2017

Heading South to Australia, our QSO Today is with Rob Norman, VK5SW, who wanted to get away from the electronic noise of the his home city of Adelaide, in South Australia, by building a remote control HF station in the Australian bush some two hours drive from his QTH. We learn from Rob, what it takes to make this a great solution getting on the air.

Episode 173 Preston Douglas WJ2V Nov 24, 2017

Preston Douglas, WJ2V, discovered the joys of QRP and home-brewing whole transceivers almost by accident. The result is a rewarding ham radio past-time leading to becoming the President of the QRP-ARCI group. Preston brings to life his ham radio story, home brew projects, and QRP in this QSO Today.

Episode 172 Dave Sumner K1ZZ Nov 17, 2017

After 44 years with the ARRL, beginning as an intern in 1972 at the American Radio Relay League, David Sumner, K1ZZ, retired, last year, as CEO and General Manager. In this episode of QSO Today, Dave shares his ham radio story from its early beginnings, his favorite operating practices, and his reflections on his years at League Headquarters.

Episode 171 Fred Regennitter K4IU Nov 11, 2017

My QSO this week is with Fred Regennitter, K4IU, has a rich ham radio history spanning over 50 years, from the first crystal radio receiver to his modern FlexRadio software defined transceiver. DX and contests are Fred’s interest and the new digital modes have won a new appeal for making contacts as we reach the bottom of the Sunspot cycle. Amateur radio has expanded into a big tent that with many facets. K4IU tells us why in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 170 Larry Staples W0AIB Nov 04, 2017

Larry Staples, W0AIB, is the publisher of Larry’s List, a regular email message center that updates Kansas City amateur radio operators with the latest news, events, and rigs for sale. As an active amateur radio operator for almost sixty years, Larry believes that the ultimate goal of ham radio is to get to know people, face to face, for the “eyeball” contact. W0AIB is my QSO Today.

Episode 169 Ron Gang 4X1MK Oct 28, 2017

Ron Gang, 4X1MK, had his early amateur radio beginnings in Canada, and later immigrated, as part of a group, to Israel in the 1970s where his amateur radio license, skills, and equipment were highly appreciated. Always an active amateur radio operator, 4X1MK is willing to try every operating mode. Ron shares his amateur radio story and his perspective of amateur radio in Israel, past and present.

Episode 168 Dennis Vernacchia N6KI Oct 21, 2017

Dennis Vernacchia, N6KI, was an active ham who was drafted by the US Army and sent to Vietnam at the height of the war in the late sixties. This is an amateur radio story where Army MARS, ham radio, and the skills acquired from the hobby literally saved his life. This situation and his relationship with a later prominent television comedian brought relief and comfort to American soldiers serving in Vietnam and their families. Dennis is an active contester and tells the rest of his story in this QSO Today.

Episode 167 Jim Garland W8ZR Oct 13, 2017

Inspired by one of his home brew elmers, Jim Garland, W8ZR, uses his electronics and metal fabrication workbench to create beautiful ham radio projects (a few displayed in QST magazine) and to restore old vintage boat anchor transmitters and receivers that he rotates through his three operating positions at his QTH in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Jim tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 166 Dov Gavish 4Z4DX Oct 06, 2017

Israel’s most notable amateur radio operator might just be Dov Gavish, 4Z4DX. First licensed in Israel with his dad over fifty years ago, Dov has made a career of operating from wherever he happens to be in the World, always ready to get on the air. While CW is is favorite operating mode, Dov just likes to get on the air with whatever mode works, including DMR. 4Z4DX is Eric’s guest on this QSO Today.

Episode 165 David Casler KE0OG Sep 29, 2017

Dave Casler, KE0OG, creates ham radio Youtube videos from the Western Slope of Colorado to educate and inform his ham radio audience. Beginning with videos to aid in obtaining ham radio licenses, Dave has created a catalog of how-to videos for ham radio that are interesting and well produced. Dave is a retired project engineer from the aerospace industry and a self published author of both fiction and nonfiction works.

Episode 164 Burt Weiner K6OQK Sep 23, 2017

Burt Weiner, K6OQK, Los Angeles repeater pioneer and creator of the second repeater to serve Los Angeles in the late 50’s through the late 1970s is my QSO Today. Burt’s proximity to Los Angeles area broadcast radio stations and station engineers who served as his mentors, created for Burt a lifetime amateur radio and professional path that he is still on today.

Episode 163 Steve Herman W7VOA Sep 16, 2017

Steve Herman, W7VOA’s, love of amateur radio and media led him into a career as a news correspondent for the Associated Press, freelance overseas journalist, and ultimately with the Voice of America (VOA) as its White House correspondent, traveling and reporting on the President of the United States. Even with his 24 X 7 busy schedule, W7VOA has time for amateur radio and this QSO Today with Eric, 4Z1UG.

Episode 162 Tom Robinson G0SBW Sep 08, 2017

When Tom Robinson, G0SBW, wasn’t getting satisfactory results from his HF station at this home QTH, he decided to move his operation to the English shore, on his back while walking. As a single-sideband operator running QRP, Tom has had amazing success with this “man-pack” radio, refining its operation and ease of use, and taking it on DXpeditions abroad. GOSBW is Eric’s QSO Today.

Episode 161 Lauren Libby W0LD Sep 01, 2017

From an early age, the love of radio broadcasting brought Lauren Libby, W0LD, to amateur radio and DXing by meteor scatter and moon bounce. Lauren has made a career of radio broadcasting and is the CEO of the World’s largest international shortwave broadcasting network. W0LD is my QSO Today.

Episode 160 Bill Kennamer K5FUV Aug 25, 2017

Have you ever wondered what effort it takes for the ARRL to process up to ten thousand DXCC applications per year, not to mention the all of the other contests and awards that once required QSL cards from each side of a contact to confirm it. My QSO this week is with Bill Kennamer, K5FUV, who used to be the guy responsible for DXCC and other ARRL awards. We hear Bill’s ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Episode 159 Rick Dougherty NQ4I Aug 14, 2017

When Rick Dougherty NQ4I isn’t operating single sideband at 51 thousand feet in a Gulfstream jet, he may be preparing for the next big contest at this super multi-multi station in Griffin, Georgia. A career jet pilot and ham radio contester, NQ4I shares his amateur radio story with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 158 Don Minkoff NK6A Aug 11, 2017

Amateur radio is a big tent with an appeal for every amateur’s special interest. Once a QRO DX operator, the new magic of ham radio for Don Minkoff NK6A, came from turning down the power to QRP levels and getting out of the QTH to the great outdoors and working SOTA, or Summits on the Air. Don shares his ham radio story and so much more in this QSO Today.

Episode 157 Dave Prestel W8AJR Aug 04, 2017

Someone said some place, that if you want to get stuff done, give it to a busy person. My guest this week is Dave Prestel, W8AJR. Dave is a busy person who as a volunteer for many ham radio organizations in Howard County, Maryland, just gets stuff done to the benefit of the amateur radio community and his larger community. He is my QSO Today.

Episode 156 David Rowe VK5DGR Jul 28, 2017

David Rowe, VK5DGR, has been a guest target since QSO Today episode 16 with Bruce Perens, K6BP because of David’s seminal work with audio codecs for digital audio on HF. David has a strong background in digital voice, a technology that is now the foundation for all of the telephony and voice over IP that we do. As an advocate of open source and the consummate teacher, David shares all of his work while educating us with his blog, rowetel.com. VK5DGR is Eric, 4Z1UG’s QSO Today.

Episode 155 Rob Brownstein K6RB Jul 21, 2017

Sputnik was the catalyst that spurred many to enter electronics, engineering, and amateur radio. Rob Brownstein, K6RB, was inspired to find a ham across the street to build his first crystal set for a science fair project leading to a lifetime as a ham radio operator. Rob is a co-founder of CWOPS and its on-line CW training academy helping hundreds of hams a year become better CW operators. K6RB shares his ham radio story with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO today.

Episode 154 Dave Le Duc N1IX Jul 14, 2017

Dave LeDuc, N1IX, like many of my guests got his ham radio start as a teenager in the sixties. His love for CW and chasing DX has not diminished over the years. His new passion is running QRP and winning contests. Dave shares his ham radio story and offers some advice for QRP success in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 153 Jim Talens N3JT Jul 07, 2017

My QSO Today is with Jim Talens, N3JT, who combines DX and contesting, operating CW, and going on DXpeditions into his amateur radio hobby. A ham since 1960, Jim is one of the founders of CWOPS and an advocate of CW or Morse code operation to really enjoy being on the air on HF. Jim operates his station remotely when he splits his time between two houses. More on this and other ham radio subjects in this QSO Today.

Episode 152 Chris Burger ZS6EZ Jun 30, 2017

Chris Burger, ZS6EZ, believes that if we have lofty goals, like winning DX contests, and measure our results against other contesters, then even South African amateur radio operators can be winners. Chris is a contest winner and a contributor to our ham radio hobby through his articles and website. ZS6EZ is Eric, 4Z1UG’s QSO Today.

Episode 151 George Heron N2APB Jun 23, 2017

For George Heron, N2APB, the love of amateur radio comes from the design, collaboration, and building electronic devices for amateur radio, along with his friend and mentor, Joe Everhart, N2CX - and then sharing this live on their Chat with the Designers podcast. All of it interests George, from test equipment and restored vintage radios to a stand alone SDR transceivers and more efficient designs of magnetic loop antennas. N2APB is Eric, 4Z1UG’s QSO Today.

Episode 150 Bob Garrett K3UL Jun 16, 2017

One of the major players in the “top band” , or 160 meters is Bob Garrett, K3UL, who as a blind ham has never let his visual impairment get in the way of his ham radio hobby. I first learned about Bob from an article where he was described as working on his own towers and antennas to build a first class HF ham station. Bob is a friend and mentor to many hams, with an open door policy. Just knock. K3UL is my QSO Today.

EPISODE 149 - WAYNE BURDICK, N6KR, AND QSO TODAY BAY AREA MEETUP Jun 10, 2017

On my recent trip from Israel to the USA, to attend the Dayton Hamvention, I stopped in the Bay Area to visit with Wayne Burdick, N6KR, a long time and childhood friend, and co-founder of Elecraft, to catch up, discuss the KX2, and working HF from the field. That evening Wayne and I attended the QSO Today Bay Area Meetup where I asked the participants their name, callsign, and the most exciting thing that they think is happening in ham radio.

Episode 148 Richard Fisher KI6SN Jun 02, 2017

Richard Fisher, KI6SN, after a 40 year career in newspaper journalism, is now an editor and contributor to many of the most widely read amateur radio magazines including Popular Communications, WorldRadio Online, CQ, and QRP Quarterly. As a feature writer, Richard’s digs deep into every area of amateur radio producing a prolific body of work that informs and educates us. KI6SN is Eric’s QSO Today.

Episode 147 Rich Moseson W2VU May 26, 2017

Rich Moseson, W2VU, is the current editor of CQ Magazine. From his vantage point as the editor of one of the oldest and prestigious amateur radio magazines, he has the opportunity to see the big picture of our ham radio hobby every month from articles published, reader feedback, and the many amateur radio conventions that he attends with his staff. This QSO is full of his observations on amateur radio today as well as his personal ham radio history. W2VU is my QSO Today.

Episode 146 Joe Carcia NJ1Q May 08, 2017

Joe Carcia, NJ1Q, grew up down the street from the ARRL headquarters in Newington, Connecticut and is not the Station manager and trustee of the W1AW Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial station that sits on the grass in front of the League headquarters. Joe shares his ham radio story and details of this historic ham radio station in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 145 Glen Zook K9STH May 08, 2017

Glen Zook, K9STH, began his elmering and mentoring by writing his first article for 73 Magazine in 1961 at the tender age of 17. Glen has gone on to write many practical ham radio articles from modifying a Heathkit Globe Chief for six meters to installing chemical ground rods for proper shack grounding. He has a collection of restored “boat anchors” that are copies of all of the rigs he has ever owned. As he pays extra attention to the details, his rigs are in as new condition as possible. I know know that will enjoy this QSO with K9STH.

Episode 144 John Ackermann N8UR May 05, 2017

John Ackermann, N8UR, is a proponent of open source, that is freely sharing both hardware and software designs in communities that work together to make it all better. The TAPR community is where John spends much of his time. Join us as we discuss TAPR, SDR transceivers, and the issues around open source and the maker movement.

Episode 143 Roy Lewallen W7EL Apr 28, 2017

Roy Lewallen, W7EL, approaches ham radio from an engineering and even scientific point of view. Roy is the creator of EZNEC, the popular antenna modeling software, and the author of many articles on radio and transceiver design, baluns, antennas, and inductors. His contributions to the amateur radio hobby and advancing the state of art puts Roy at the head of the class in amateur radio. W7EL is my QSO Today.

Episode 142 George Fremin K5TR Apr 22, 2017

George Fremin, K5TR, is a seasoned SO2R contester and DXer. He has many years of experience building and maintaining multi operator contest stations in Texas. This experience with both operating the contest events as well as the practical maintenance of these stations led to an important conversation about tower safety. In addition to HF contests, George enjoys VHF and UHF contesting as well as DXpeditions. K5TR joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 141 Paul Stroud AA4XX Apr 15, 2017

Paul Stroud, AA4XX, went from being a QRO, high power operator, to a QRP operator, testing the bottom limits of power output to distance. Paul approaches ham radio now, as almost a meditative experience, where he operates from his solar powered ham shack deep in the woods near his house, under his wire antennas. Paul takes us on his ham radio journey in this QSO Today.

Episode 140 Richard Gillette W9PE Apr 07, 2017

Richard Gillette, W9PE, is the consummate ham radio operator and mentor, IEEE speaker, and frequent contributor to our amateur radio hobby from his many articles in the ham radio magazines. His own website, w9pe.us, is an amazing resource, including his Excel based test equipment simulator for anyone wanting to teach the fundamentals of ham radio in a one day or weekend “ham cram” course. W9PE shares over 60 years of his ham radio experience in this QSO Today.

Episode 139 Don Beattie G3BJ Mar 30, 2017

Don Beattie, G3BJ, is a former president of the Radio Society of Great Britain, past chairman of BARTG, or the British Amateur Radio Teledata Group, past president of the CDXC, the British DX foundation, board member of the RSGB, and its acting general manager for two years. The list goes on and on. Don is currently the President of the IARU, or the International Amateur Radio Union for Region 1. G3BJ is a leader in British amateur radio and is my QSO Today.

Episode 138 Tony Fishpool G4WIF Mar 24, 2017

When is comes to homebrewing QRP HF radios with simple parts and test equipment, then one of the go-to guys is Tony Fishpool, G4WIF, current membership chairman of the G-QRP group in the UK, and frequent contributor to its quarterly SPRAT magazine. Tony is also a co-author with Graham Firth, G3MFJ, of Simple Test Equipment for the QRPer, and numerous articles on equipment building with attention to detail and budget. Tony believes, along with his co-hearts at G-QRP, that ham radio does not have to be expensive to be fun. G4WIF is my QSO today.

Episode 137 Randy Hall K7AGE Mar 18, 2017

Randy Hall, K7AGE, has been a ham for almost 50 years and is well known for his You-Tube channel with his hundreds of ham radio videos. Randy is also a regular contributor to Ham Nation on the TWIT network where he works with George, W5JDX, on the Smoke and Solder segment videos. He works just about all bands and modes. Randy is a ham’s ham and elmer, and a popular guest on a number of the ham radio podcasts. K7AGE is my QSO Today.

Episode 136 Bob Eshleman W4DR Mar 10, 2017

In 1954, at 19 years of age, Bob Eshleman, W4DR, and two buddies decided to put Navassa Island back on the ARRL DXCC list, the first activation of Navassa since the end of World War II. Prepared with a National Receiver, Harvey Wells transmitter, and an old generator, the three lads pulled off their first DXpedition. This would be the first of many DXpeditions for Bob. W4DR is my QSO Today where he shares his amateur radio story as a DXer and now grid square chaser.

Episode 135 Bob Wilson N6TV Mar 02, 2017

Bob Wilson, N6TV, is a bay area contester and CW operator. Having developed his CW craft on the National Traffic System as a teenage kid, he now enjoys the North American Sprint, a four hour contest and using the latest SDR receivers to see what’s up on the bands during a contest event. A professor at Contest University in Dayton and a member of the World Radiosport Team Championship, Bob shares what he know about this and more on this QSO Today.

Episode 134 Jeff Briggs K1ZM Feb 25, 2017

Jeff Briggs, K1ZM, is the author of DXing on the Edge- The Thrill of 160 meters and he operates an amazing DX station on Canada's Atlantic shore. Eric, 4Z1UG, and Jeff discuss 160 meters, DXing, building a super station and more on this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 133 Paul Topolski W1SEX Feb 17, 2017

Paul Topolski, W1SEX, was just meters from ground zero working the communications center, when terrorists struck the 2013 Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring hundreds of spectators and participants. Paul shares with Eric, 4Z1UG, this experience, his ham radio story, and how he continues to make a difference in his community in this QSO Today.

Episode 132 Gary Hoffman KB0H Feb 10, 2017

Beginning as a scanner listener, Gary Hoffman, KB0H, discovered amateur radio shares his love of it with his wife, Nancy, N0NJ. Gary is focused on emergency communications where he is the assistant emergency coordinator, operations for St. Louis County ARES. He writes about amateur radio and the human condition on his blog, The Amateur’s Amateur. KB0H is Eric, 4Z1UG’s QSO today.

Episode 131 Brian Clarke VK2GCE Feb 03, 2017

My guest today, Brian Clarke, VK2GCE, has been a ham since his childhood in New Zealand, went on to get advanced degrees, built a recording studio in London for Pink Floyd, and now resides in Australia. Brian is a collector of ex-military radios and is a promoter of amateur radio in his spare time. VK2GCE is my QSO Today.

Episode 130 Mike Myers VA3MPM Jan 27, 2017

My QSO Today with Mike Myers, VA3MPM, a very active ham in Ottawa, Canada, and enjoys ham radio through rag chewing on 80 meters, collecting old rigs, participating in his ham clubs, and helping new radio amateurs become successful hams. Mike is also a musician and shares his interest in tube type guitar amplifiers.

Episode 129 David White WN5Y Jan 21, 2017

David White, WN5Y, is a home-brewer from the beginning of his ham radio story, and loves to build receivers for ham radio. Originally inspired by the designs of the late Lew McCoy, W1ICP, and later Wes Hayward, W7ZOI, David’s latest receivers are called electroluminescent because he incorporates LEDs as components in the receiver design itself, and not just as front panel indicators. David shares his story in this QSO Today.

Episode 128 Ian Keyser G3ROO Jan 11, 2017

In this QSO Today, Ian Keyser, G3ROO, discusses with Eric, 4Z1UG, his amazing “maker space”, collecting and refurbishing World War 2 vintage spy radios, his top band, 160 mhz operations, and his reflections on ham radio today.

Episode 127 Brooke Allen N2BA Jan 07, 2017

Brooke Allen, N2BA, joins Eric, 4Z1UG, on episode 127 of the QSO Today Podcast to discuss “gamifying” amateur radio to make it attractive to young people, both men and women, while at the same time understanding what it means to be a ham radio operator to older hams. Brooke touches on the “flow state”, field day at the annual Burning Man event in the Nevada desert , and social skills for nerds.

Episode 126 Rob Sherwood NC0B Dec 30, 2016

Since the mid-1970s, Rob Sherwood, NC0B, founded Sherwood Engineering, in Colorado, to build Drake receiver upgrades and to test the performance of amateur radio receivers and transceivers beginning with Drake receivers. Rob’s list has become the gold standard by which many amateurs, including contest operators, choose their next rig. Licensed since 1961, NC0B shares his amateur radio story with Eric, 4Z1UG in this QSO Today.

Episode 125 Hans Summers G0UPL Dec 23, 2016

As a 2009 QRP ARCI Hall of Fame inductee - Hans Summers, G0UPL, is an electronic experimenter and amateur radio innovator extraordinaire. Hans pays careful attention to compact and minimal parts count to achieve the design goals of his homebrew projects. Hans is the owner of QRP Labs joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in a conversation about QRSS slow data transmissions, high altitude balloon transponders, and shares his ham radio and electronic builder story.

Episode 124 Eddie Leighton ZS6BNE eyeball Dec 17, 2016

Eric, 4Z1UG, host of the QSO Today Podcast, has an "eyeball" or in-person contact with Eddie Leighton, ZS6BNE, creator of RaDAR, or Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio, in Johannesburg, South Africa during Eric's recent visit. Eric and Eddie set up and operate Eddie's RaDAR setup while discussing the amateur's options for carrying ham radio equipment into the field.

Episode 123 Jim Veatch WA2EUJ Dec 10, 2016

Jim Veatch, WA2EUJ, is a three time winner of the ARRL Homebrew Challenge contest where his winning entries pushed the limits of homebrew design and implementation within the financial constraints of the contest. Jim has gone on to create other projects, some of which are now available in kit form, such as the Hardrock 50 amplifier and automatic antenna tuner available from HobbyPCB. Jim is Eric, 4Z1UG’s QSO Today.

Episode 122 Frank Donovan W3LPL Dec 03, 2016

Contest Super Station owner, Frank Donovan, W3LPL, will tell you that his ham radio story began in 1923 when his grandfather collected parts and built single tube receivers for friends and family. These parts and grandpa’s expertise were young franks introduction to electronics and radio many years later. With the support of his radio clubs and Elmers, Frank, focuses on the technology and engineering of great ham radio station design and performance to win contests throughout the year. W3LPL is my QSO Today.

Episode 121 Dale Green VE7SV Nov 26, 2016

Dale Green, VE7SV, is a 2013 CQ Contest Hall of Fame winner who chases the endless Summer by dividing his time between his homes in Renaca Beach, Chile and Chilliwack, British Columbia. Dale operates a contest super station for over 20 years in Canada where he has honed his skills to become one of the top contesters in the World as well as a contest mentor and elmer. He credits ham radio for his love for travel and meeting new people.

Episode 120 Jim Stafford W4QO Nov 19, 2016

Jim Stafford, W4QO, was recognized at the 2010 Dayton Hamvention for over 50 years of ham radio achievements that include mentoring and elmering, QRP building and operating, and revitalizing the North Fulton Amateur Radio League into one of the premier ham radio clubs in the USA. Jim tells his amateur radio story to Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 119 Dino Besomi CE3PG Nov 12, 2016

IIn a country, like Chile, that gets 70% of the earthquakes recorded around the World, hams like Dr. Dino Besomi, CE3PG, have to be ready at a minute’s notice to provide emergency communications when traditional communications channels fail. Dino shares his ham radio story and the role of amateur radio operators in Chile, with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 118 Bill Murray W9VC Nov 05, 2016

Bill Murray, W9VC, likes to spend his ham radio time building tube type transmitters of his own design from old equipment purchased at hamfests. In addition, Bill likes to rebuild old gear and and operate QRP in the field. W9VC shares his ham radio story in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 117 Gerry Jurrens N2GJ Oct 29, 2016

From time to time, one of the listeners to the QSO Today podcast reaches out to me to dialog about something in ham radio often related to a previous episode. I began a conversation with Gerry Jurrens, N2GJ, that resulted in this QSO Today conversation. Gerry has a wide range of ham radio interests, including QRP and emergency communications, and… he loves to Elmer other hams in the art of amateur radio. N2GJ is my QSO Today.

Episode 116 Scott Wright K0MD Oct 22, 2016

Scott Wright, K0MD, travels the World extensively as part of his responsibilities as a doctor with the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. This creates for Scott opportunities to take his portable station on DXpeditions around the globe from China, the Caribbean, to South America. K0MD shares his ham radio story and some practical advice on this QSO Today.

Episode 115 Bob Witte K0NR Oct 13, 2016

Bob Witte, K0NR, is an amateur radio blogger with a long history of ham radio homebrewing, repeater building, and operation using many bands and modes. From his home in Monument, Colorado, Bob is also an excellent Elmer and is a partner in Ham Radio School dot com for teaching the amateur radio basics beyond the first license. K0NR is my QSO Today.

Episode 114 Laurie Margolis G3UML Oct 08, 2016

Sometimes, amateur radio can play an important role in shaping the news around World Events. For BBC correspondent and amateur radio operator, Laurie Margolis, G3UML, it was on amateur radio that Laurie discovered, reported and scooped the invasion by Argentina of the Falkland Islands starting the Falklands war in 1982. Laurie and I discuss this event and the rest of his ham radio journey in this QSO Today.

Episode 113 Bill Kelsey N8ET Oct 01, 2016

Bill Kelsey, N8ET, has a long and interesting amateur radio career beginning in 1962. From his interest in QRP and QRP kits, Bill founded the Kanga Kit Company, creating radio and test equipment kits for the ham community for many years. While Bill is recovering from a recent stroke, he still has projects on his workbench, now using Arduino processors, pursuing UHF moon bounce, and finds time to operate the Digital modes. Bill joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 112 Keith Ranger G0KJK Sep 23, 2016

Keith Ranger, G0KJK, now retired from the Church of England, has had a lifelong love of electronics and radio who has never owned a commercially manufactured amateur radio. Instead Keith builds his own receivers and transmitters, works the World, makes contacts, and rag chews. He quickly dispels the notion that ham radio is an expensive hobby and demonstrates how to have fun and enjoy the amateur radio hobby for very little money. Keith joins Eric, 4Z1UG, on this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 111 Tom Vinson NY0V Sep 16, 2016

Imagine that you get your dream job out of college, and later as part of that job, your employer wants you to solve a riddle that will take years or never to complete. For Tom Vinson, NY0V, that dream job for a ham was with the Collins Radio Company, later Rockwell Collins, and the riddle was to find the wreckage of Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra aircraft somewhere in the South Pacific. He could use the technology and human resources of the company to solve this riddle. Tom recounts this story with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 110 Tom Witherspoon K4SWL Sep 10, 2016

Many of us entered the ham radio hobby from building a crystal set or using a short wave receiver growing up. Tom Witherspoon, K4SWL, established his credentials in short wave radio before joining the ham radio ranks. Active in QRP as well as short wave listening, Tom is the founder of Ears to our World, a non-profit organization that brings radio to rural and undeveloped parts of the World. K4SWL joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 109 Susan Meckley W7KFI Sep 02, 2016

There is no time like the present to sail the South Pacific, solo, with amateur radio. This is exactly what my guest today, Susan Meckley, W7KFI, did for almost twenty years until she turned eighty and retired from the open seas. As a ham for almost seventy years, Susan developed a love for 20 meter CW and sailing and combined them both in her journey that she shares with me, Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 108 Tony Brock-Fisher K1KP Aug 26, 2016

Tony Brock-Fisher, K1KP, is a frequent contributor to both QST and CQ Magazine, and he enjoys a well rounded amateur radio operation. Tony always take a deep dive approach to any of his ham radio projects including rebuilding old gear, redesigning his 40 meter beam, or reducing the noise from his new solar electric array. K1KP joins Eric, 4Z1UG, on this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 107 Bill Sexton N1IN Aug 19, 2016

Since 2001, Bill Sexton, N1IN has been the public relations officer of US Army MARS, one of the oldest collaborations between the Amateur Radio Service and the US Government. Now over ninety years of age, MARS is using cutting edge technology in the HF bands to become even more relevant in a time of national emergency. Bill shares his amateur radio and the MARS story with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 106 Bob Leo W7LR Aug 11, 2016

Bob Leo, W7LR, began his ham radio journey in the 1930s as a kid growing up in California. He went on to become a member of the first commercial DXpedition to Africa and later a co-founder of the Amateur radio club of Thailand. Bob had a rich career as an electrical engineer and Professor of Electrical Engineering at Montana State University. Now, his 90’s, Bob resides in Bozeman Montana with Cobi, his wife of over 60 years. Bob is my QSO Today.

Episode 105 Robert Zavrel W7SX Aug 06, 2016

When it comes to understanding how antennas really work, then the “go to” ham is Bob Zavrel, W7SX, author of the ARRL book, Antenna Physics - An Introduction. Through this book, Bob bridges the gap between “how to” antenna books, and calculus based antenna theory books for engineers. Bob has a long resume in radio and electronics, is the accidental creator of the Signetics NE602 mixer chip, and shares his story with us in this QSO Today.

Episode 104 Dick Stroud W9SR Jul 29, 2016

Dick Stroud, W9SR, took his first ham radio test in 1938 that began a ham radio and professional journey as an electronic engineer. This journey, over 75 years, included witnessing the hydrogen bomb tests in the 1950, a successful engineering career, and numerous contributions to the amateur radio hobby of articles on home-brewing, antennas, and propagation. W9SR is my QSO Today.

Episode 103 Rich Holoch KY6R Jul 23, 2016

Rich Holoch, KY6R, is an avid DXer and needs only two more entities to get to the top of the DX Honor Roll. As the Sunspot cycle fades into memory, you will find Rich on 160 meters with his phased loop receiving antennas and a strategy for operation out of a difficult HF location by using HFTA, or High Frequency Terrain Analysis. More on this in my QSO Today with KY6R.

Episode 102 Rex Harper W1REX Jul 16, 2016

Rex Harper, W1REX, became an amateur radio operator from his early memories of radio as a kid and his desire to do electronics as a hobby. His love for QRP and later QRP kit building came from wanting to build electronic devices in an evening or two that just worked. Rex shares his ham radio story and the development of his business, QRPme, with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 101 Graham Firth G3MFJ Jul 08, 2016

Graham Firth, G3MFJ, joined our amateur radio hobby almost sixty years ago as a kid growing up in Yorkshire, England. Electronics and electronics building was the driver and is still Graham's first love in the hobby. QRP was the natural choice of this builder and a way to avoid television interference to his neighbors. Graham is active in the G-QRP group, builds QRP kits for the group, and still plays a mean bass guitar. G3MFJ is my guest on QSO Today.

Episode 100 Ned Stearns AA7A Jul 01, 2016

After over 50 years in amateur radio, the hobby still gives Ned Stearns, AA7A, a new challenge every day. Ned has operated every mode on every band during his ham radio career, and currently operates EME or moon bounce on two meters. As a long time DXer, Ned recently returned from the South Sandwich Islands as a member of the Intrepid DX Group DXpedition. AA7A is my QSO Today.

Episode 099 Jeff Murray K1NSS Jun 25, 2016

Jeff Murray, K1NSS is a cartoonist and story teller who specializes in being a keen observer of ham radio and ham radio operators. He uses his website, dashtoons.com, to share his cartoons and stories with all of us. Cartoonists, especially political and social cartoonists, use their medium to get us to lighten up a bit, look in the mirror, and put everything into perspective. Jeff does the same with this amateur radio cartoons, and his main character, Dash, the dog faced ham. K1NSS is my guest on this QSO Today.

Episode 098 Randy Thompson K5ZD Jun 18, 2016

It's not often that we think of amateur radio contesting as a sport. It is according to my guest today a radio sport, one that has international competitors who have the experience and training of Olympic athletes in the sport of ham radio contesting. Randy Thompson, K5ZD, was bitten by the radio sport bug early in his ham radio career and is one of the top contesters in the World today. Randy is my guest on QSO Today.

Episode 097 Art Towslee WA8RMC Jun 11, 2016

One of the pioneers in ATV or amateur radio television is Art Towslee, WA8RMC. Originally,an ATV signal, over the ham bands, was similar to the commercial television broadcast standard. However, Art and the DATV-Express Project are moving the state of the art to ham television delivered in digital mode. Art shares his ham radio story and his knowledge of this fascinating subject with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 096 Bill Dean W0OR Jun 04, 2016

Bill Dean, W0OR, is a long time ham and contestor from Minnesota, where he has lived much of his life, even serving four terms in Minnesota’s legislature. Now a snowbird, who in his mid-seventies learns Spanish, does DXpeditions with friends, and operates from from a second home, high in the Andes mountains, in Ecuador, during Minnesota’s cold Winter months. Our subject today is Bill's ham radio story, operating, DXpeditions on a budget, and contesting.

Episode 095 Pete Friedrichs AC7ZL May 28, 2016

From his first long nose pliers, at the age of six, to his private use of the chemistry lab at his junior high-school, Pete Friedrichs, AC7ZL, has had a fascination with technology, chemistry, and radio. Often this is old but amazing technology that he recreates with the remnants of discarded objects. Pete is a renaissance man whose study and fabrication of "simple" technology rivals that of some of America's great inventors. He is a published author of books based on his experiments, as well as fiction and ghost stories. AC7ZL is Eric's guest on QSO Today.

Episode 094 Ellen White W1YL May 21, 2016

If we could apply the term “grand dame” to amateur radio, then the grand dame of amateur radio must be Ellen White, W1YL. Ellen began her amateur radio career, as a love story, just as World War 2 ended. Her ham radio career spans over 70 years. And today as Ellen enters her nineties, she is still an active ham operating on 40 meter CW. I am so grateful that Ellen is a listener to the QSO Today podcast and is my QSO Today.

Episode 093 Joe Eisenberg K0NEB May 14, 2016

One of the best ways to get some real hands on experience in electronics, especially as a beginner, is to build electronic kits. Even the seasoned veteran ham can enjoy even the more complex kits. In amateur radio circles, the kit building guru is Joe Eisenberg, K0NEB. Joe spends his free time, in addition to operating his favorite contests and attending hamfests, testing kits, making recommendations, and teaching others how to be successful in kit building. Joe is Eric, 4Z1UG’s, QSO today.

Episode 092 Bob Epstein K8IA May 07, 2016

With almost sixty years in our amazing hobby, Bob Epstein, K8IA, and his wife Sandy, N7RQ, pursue their love of the contest through their Arizona Outlaws Contest Club and their multi operator contest station, based in their home. Bob shares his story with me in this QSO Today.

Episode 091 Jack Falker W8KR Apr 30, 2016

Jack Falker, W8KR, has been a ham for over 60 years. He now divides his time between ham radio, rose gardening, and writing an international blog on rose gardening. Now that his tower and beam are retired, Jack uses phased vertical antennas above the rose garden to work DX around the World. Jack discusses amateur radio, vertical antennas, and the mystical side of amateur radio with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 90 Gregory Andracke W2BEE Apr 23, 2016

Gregory Andracke, W2BEE, is an accomplished news cameraman and documentary cinematographer, with Academy and Emmy awards to his credit. He is also an accomplished amateur radio operator, with over fifty years in the hobby. His love for ham radio is as strong as it ever was. Greg joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 089 Jim George N3BB Apr 16, 2016

Jim George, N3BB is an active contestor, DXer, and rag chewer. Jim has many contest awards and was a team member in the 2000 World Radiosport Team Championship, or WRTC, in Slovenia. Now retired, Jim divides his time between ham radio, his wife, Diana, grandchildren, and authoring books. His most recent book, Contact Sport, about the 2014 World Radiosport Team Championship, brings the excitement and suspense of this uniquely ham radio experience to the non-amateur radio audiences. N3BB is Eric’s QSO Today.

Episode 88 Tom Gallagher NY2RF Apr 09, 2016

After a successful career in finance, Tom Gallagher, NY2RF, embarks on a new career as the ARRL’s new executive director succeeding the retiring David Sumner, K1ZZ. Tom joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today to discuss his ham radio story and his future role at the ARRL.

Episode 087 - Ashhar Farhan - VU2ESE Apr 02, 2016

When it comes to home brew single side-band transceivers and test equipment, Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE, is the master of building amateur radio equipment on a budget, with common parts. Ashhar is the designer of the BITX "open source" HF SSB transceiver, and has an international reputation as a home brewer, and is referred to as the “home brew hero” by Bill Meara, N2CQR, of the Soldersmoke podcast. Ashhar Farhan is Eric, 4Z1UG's guest on QSO Today.

Episode 086 Grayson Evans TA2ZGE Mar 26, 2016

If you wanted to homebrew QRP radios with vacuum tubes, or thermatrons, then the goto guy would be Grayson Evans, TA2ZGE, author of the book, Hollow State Devices. Grayson joins Eric, 4Z1UG, to discuss his ham radio life, thermatrons, home brewing, and operating QRP, from his QTH in Turkey.

Episode 085 Art Bell W6OBB Mar 19, 2016

Amateur radio was the early beginning for a career in radio for Art Bell, W6OBB, who became one of America’s number one late night talk show hosts. Art's audience on Coast to Coast AM grew to 15 million listeners in over five-hundred markets. Art discusses ham radio and his broadcast radio career in this QSO Today with Eric, 4Z1UG.

Episode 084 Peter Parker VK3YE Mar 12, 2016

The local city dump was the source of parts for Peter Parker, VK3YE's first ham radio projects. This humble beginning made Peter one of the most prolific contributors of videos and articles on the art of amateur radio. Peter builds his own gear, operates QRP from the local beach, and gives valuable advice on how to be a successful operator. VK3YE is 4Z1UG's guest on QSO Today.

Episode 083 Jim Kutsch KY2D Mar 05, 2016

Jim Kutsch, KY2D, has enjoyed almost fifty years of amateur radio because a local ham club reached out to him as a teenager after a life altering accident. It was through this act of kindness and mentoring from the ham fraternity that started Jim's passion for amateur radio leading to a successful career as a computer scientist, professor, and CEO of a remarkable non-profit organization. He is Eric, 4Z1UG’s guest on QSO Today.

Episode 082 Keith Kaiser WA0TJT Feb 27, 2016

Keith Kaiser, WA0TJT, works every single day to bring kids into the Boy Scouts and amateur radio and has been doing it since 1988. He shares his love of digital modes, ham radio operations, high altitude ballooning, the Boy Scouts, and geocaching in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 081 Tad Cook K7RA Feb 21, 2016

Propagation, especially in the HF bands still remains a mystery for many amateur radio operators. Eric is joined in this QSO Today by Tad Cook, K7RA, author of the weekly ARRL Propagation Bulletin to discuss our hobby and the effect of Space weather on low band propagation.

Episode 080 Mike Rainey AA1TJ Feb 13, 2016

If you were stranded on a desert island with Mike Rainey, AA1TJ, and a compact fluorescent light bulb, the chance is good that Mike could build you a low frequency QRPP transceiver to send your distress messages. Eric, 4Z1UG, discusses with Mike his approach to amateur radio and the satisfaction that he gets from his home brew projects and operating at the 50 milliwatt level.

Episode 079 Bob Allphin K4UEE Feb 06, 2016

Bob Allphin, K4UEE, has traveled to 126 countries and has gone on forty DXpeditions to the far corners of the Earth to active exotic and remote locations. Bob discusses his early amateur radio beginnings, his love of our hobby and DXing, and provides some advice on how to attract new hams to the hobby in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 078 Bob Hopkins WB2UDC Jan 29, 2016

Bob Hopkins, WB2UDC, joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today about the importance of ham radio Elmers, especially in the lives of kids, and how to pay it forward to future generations of hams. Bob is an active elmer with kids through the New Jersey Boy Scouts of America as well as creating opportunities for kids to speak to astronauts first aboard the Space Shuttle and now to the International Space Station.

Episode 077 David Cripe NM0S Jan 23, 2016

Radio kit design for the Four State QRP Group is one of the passions of Dave Cripe, NM0S. As a amateur radio generalist, with a strong discipline and technical background, Dave enjoys a wide range of operating modes and power levels, and home-brewing in addition to mentoring prospective hams through the Boys Scouts of America. NM0S is Eric, 4Z1UG’s guest on QSO Today.

Episode 076 Doug Crompton WA3DSP Jan 16, 2016

Doug Crompton, WA3DSP’s, interest in ham radio began as a kid in Pennsylvania in the ‘60s. Doug’s careful attention to detail and documentation of his projects make him an Elmer’s Elmer. Doug joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today about boat anchors restoration, Allstar linking using the Raspberry Pi, and WSPRnet.

Episode 075 Paul Wade W1GHZ Jan 09, 2016

What is a DX contact on 10 Ghz? Paul Wade, W1GHZ, tells his ham radio story, about his ham radio operations in the amateur radio frequencies above 1 Ghz, and how these contacts are made. Paul is a regular contributor on amateur radio microwave subjects to both QST and QEX magazines. He joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this week’s QSO Today.

Episode 074 Don Greenbaum N1DG Jan 02, 2016

Don Greenbaum, N1DG, comes from a ham radio family and started in the hobby as an eleven year old Novice, over fifty years ago. A veteran of the some of the most challenging DXpeditions and co-founder of CW Ops organization, Don shares his insight and experience on amateur radio, with Eric, 4Z1UG, on this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 073 Alan Wolke W2AEW Dec 26, 2015

Alan Wolke, W2AEW, is a master mentor and elmer who uses YouTube to produce and share his electronic and ham radio educational videos. This is in addition to being a an active ham, volunteer examiner, and advisor to the “maker movement” of things. He his Eric, 4Z1UG’s, guest on QSO Today.

Episode 072 Bob Heil K9EID Dec 19, 2015

Bob Heil, K9EID, is no stranger to ham radio, as a pioneer in audio systems, not only for the rock and roll stars in the 60’s and 70’s, but for ham radio as well. As the founder of Heil Sound, Bob’s injection of audio experience and know how has raised the bar of what is acceptable for good sounding voice communications on amateur radio. Bob shares his ham radio story with Eric, 4Z1UG, on this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 071 Murray Greenman ZL1BPU Dec 12, 2015

HF digital modes are synonymous with Murray Greenman, ZL1BPU, creator of MFSK, WSQ, DominoEX, MFSK16, FSK-Hell and S/MT-Hell, and most recently FSQ. Murray is a ham’s ham, who creates, contributes, and shares in exhaustive detail the developments and discoveries that he has made during his 49 years in amateur radio. Murray joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 070 Bill Tippett W4ZV Dec 05, 2015

Bill Tippett, W4ZV’s ham radio journey is a series of firsts. He was the first USA Novice licensee to achieve DXCC, first teenager to achieve DXCC Honor Roll, first 160 meter DXCC from “0” land, and the first amateur operator Worldwide to work 300 DXCC countries on 160 meters. Bill shares his ham radio story with Eric, 4Z1UG, on QSO Today.

Episode 069 Howard Sherer AE3T Nov 28, 2015

If you wanted to operate two meter EME or “moon bounce”, then you're Elmer should be Howard Sherer, AE3T, who has made over 700 contacts with a modest station and antenna array. Howard discusses his ham radio journey, travel and ham radio, and EME, with Eric, 4Z1UG, on this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 068 Don Huff W6JL Nov 21, 2015

When it comes to hams making their own kind of music, one has to think of Don Huff, W6JL, who notes on his QRZ page that people who make things are happier than those who buy them. Don operates a completely modular home-brew HF station and power amplifier that is continuously variable in output power from 50 mw to 550 watts. Don loves to rag chew and share, and this is why he is Eric, 4Z1UG’s guest on QSO Today.

Episode 067 Nick Kennedy WA5BDU Nov 14, 2015

According to Nick Kennedy, WA5BDU, we live in the “golden age” of home brewing in amateur radio. Nick explains how this golden age is possible, what he does with a former AT&T long-lines microwave site, and highlights his amateur radio journey, with Eric, 4Z1UG, on QSO Today.

Episode 066 John Thompson K3MD Nov 07, 2015

If you want to meet a ham that works every contest and operates every mode, from 160 meters to 1296 Mhz, then John Thompson, K3MD, would come to mind. With over 350,000 contacts in his logbook since 1991, John is just a guy that loves operating, especially contests. At the same time, he collects classic rigs, writes articles, and mentors hams, and is active in many ham organizations. John joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this week's QSO Today.

Episode 065 Kirk Pickering K4RO Oct 31, 2015

From the hills of Tennessee, Kirk Pickering, K4RO, operates a SO2R, single operator 2 radio, contest station and makes over ten-thousand contacts a year. Using Beverage antennas, Kirk is able to operate 160 meters, the “top band”, as solar cycle band conditions fade. Kirk is Eric, 4Z1UG’s, guest on QSO Today.

Episode 064 Jim Wilson K5ND Oct 24, 2015

Amateur Radio and The Boy Scouts of America merged in a new and strong partnership under the leadership of Jim Wilson, K5ND, through his promotion of the annual Jamboree on the Air, the largest single scouting event in the World. Jim is Eric, 4Z1UG’s, guest on QSO Today.

Episode 063 Craig Thompson K9CT Oct 17, 2015

When Craig Thompson, K9CT, wanted a place to spend a contest weekend with his amateur radio friends he built a multi operator contest station on a rural property, not far from his home in the city. Drawing on the experience and expertise of other multi operator contest station owners, Craig built his ultimate man cave. Craig discusses his amateur radio story and the details of building this station with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 062 Larry Makoski W2LJ Oct 10, 2015

Larry Makoski, W2LJ, is a QRP CW operator, founder of the “Skeeder Hunt”, an outdoor QRP contest, and a blogger with many stories to tell and observations to make about amateur radio. Larry joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 061 Phil Anderson W0XI Oct 03, 2015

Phil Anderson, WOXI, founded Kantronics in 1971 to build wiring harnesses for automobiles. The company morphed over time to become one of the premier manufacturers of terminal node controllers or TNCs for amateur packet radio. Now retired, Phil is as active as ever pursuing new avenues in ham radio. Phil joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 060 Pete Juliano N6QW Sep 26, 2015

Maybe the ultimate home-brew project is to build the modern “KWM4” based on the Collins KWM2, then soup it up, like a hotrod, with an Arduino microprocessor, a digital synthesizer, and a digital display. This was and is Pete Juliano, N6QW’s dream rig. Pete joins Eric, 4Z1UG, for a conversation on home-brewing, construction technique, and ham radio on QSO Today.

Episode 059 Lance Collister W7GJ Sep 19, 2015

Lance Collister, W7GJ, has had a fascination with VHF, six and two meters, for over fifty years, when he had a Heathkit Twoer and a three element yagi. Now Lance travels to the far corners of the Earth with his Elecraft KX3 to bounce his six meter signal off of the moon. Lance tells us how he does it in his conversation with Eric, 4Z1UG, on QSO Today.

Episode 058 Chuck Adams K7QO Sep 12, 2015

Chuck Adams, K7QO, is working the world with his single channel 20 meter transceiver just to show that he can. CW is Chuck’s mode of choice because of its efficiency and as a gateway to making ham radio affordable to anyone. Chuck shares his ham radio life, his Manhattan Muppet board construction method, and how to copy call signs at 140 words a minute, with Eric, 4Z1UG, on this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 057 Gerald Youngblood K5SDR Sep 05, 2015

Who could imagine that an offer to build fifty experimental SDR radios called the SDR1000 would turn into an order for five-hundred units in the first year launching Gerald Youngblood, K5SDR, into the SDR business. FlexRadio Systems was launched, in 2003, on the kitchen table of K5SDR's Austin, Texas house to become the premier ham radio supplier of turn-key SDR radios. Gerald joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 056 Glenn Elmore N6GN Aug 29, 2015

The book, SOS at Midnight, by Walker Thompson, inspired Glenn Elmore, N6GN, to become an amateur radio operator. Son of a Caltech physicist, Glenn follows in the family’s tradition of careful research and documentation of his experiments in WSPRnet for VHF and UHF propagation, and his use of quad-copters as a sky hook for his surface wave transmission line experiments. Join N6GN and Eric, 4Z1UG, in a fascinating discussion on QSO Today.

Episode 055 Joe Shupienis W3BC Aug 22, 2015

According to Joe Shupienis, W3BC, a “real ham” is an active ham, who takes part in any aspect of the hobby. Joe is the founder of the Quad Counties Amateur Radio Club, over 40 years ago, and he continues to lead the hobby with his ham radio blog and contributions to the club newsletter. Besides being active on the air, Joe is the ARRL WPA club coordinator under Section Manager, Tim Duffy, K3LR. W3BC joins 4Z1UG on QSO Today.

Episode 054 Pat Barkey N9RV Aug 15, 2015

Becoming a top contester in the World of amateur radio is about skill, practice, experience, and a great station according to Pat Barkey, N9RV. Pat combines all of these attributes, including his SO2R, single operator two radio, station, to be one of the top contesters in the World. Now he is the editor of the National Contest Journal, a professor at Contest University, and Eric, 4Z1UG’s, guest on QSO Today.

Episode 053 Wayne Mills N7NG Aug 08, 2015

For some hams, amateur radio provides an opportunity to not only work DX, but to travel the world on DXpeditions of all kinds. My guest on QSO Today, has visited over 60 countries during his ham radio career. Wayne Mills, N7NG, was also inducted into the CQ DX Hall of Fame and is the founder of DX University. He is Eric, 4Z1UG’s guest, this week, on QSO Today.

Episode 052 Doug Grant K1DG Aug 01, 2015

Like many of us who got interested in radio as kids, Doug Grant, K1DG, got his start with a crystal radio kit from an ad in the back of Boy’s Life magazine. Receiving signals on a wire strung across the back yard was the beginning of Doug’s amateur radio journey that led him, this year, to his induction into the CQ Contest Hall of Fame. Contests are Doug’s passion, and he operates a Single Operator Two Radio (SO2R) contest station. He shares the details with Eric, 4Z1UG, on QSO Today.

Episode 051 Carole Perry WB2MGP Jul 25, 2015

When it comes to introducing amateur radio to kids, there is no better elmer than Carole Perry, WB2MGP. Carole captured the imagination of almost nine-hundred Staten Island, New York, public school kids a year, for almost thirty years. With this experience and and knowledge, Carole is still a leader in ham radio education through a number of national organizations. She joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 050 Bill Meara N2CQR Jul 13, 2015

Bill Meara, N2CQR, rediscovered his love of homebrewing while on professional assignment for the American Foreign Service, in the Azores. He has since traveled the World with his family and ham radio while at the same time building homebrew transceivers using the Manhattan method. Bill joins, Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today.

Episode 049 Glen Popiel KW5GP Jul 11, 2015

When it comes to building ham radio projects using the Arduino microcontroller, the best person to call is Glen Popiel, KW5GP, author of Arduino for Ham Radio, published by the ARRL. Like many hams, Glen was into computers early and now applies those computer skills to new and fascinating ham radio projects. KW5GP is Eric, 4Z1UG’s, guest on QSO Today.

#qsotoday

Episode 048 Budd Drummond W3FF Jul 03, 2015

When the need to operate portable arose on a family vacation, Budd Drummond, W3FF, fashioned a temporary antenna mast from a painters extension pole and some PVC pipe fittings. A little more innovation led to the Buddipole system for portable antennas. A ham for more than sixty years, Budd, W3FF, founder of Buddipole, is Eric, 4Z1UG’s guest on QSO Today.

Episode 047 Bob Sterner KB0BS Jun 27, 2015

Volunteering to ham radio organizations and interesting kids in amateur radio is the center of Bob Sterner’s, KB0BS, ham radio activity on the Front Range of Colorado. Bob shares his insight, with Eric, 4Z1UG, on QSO Today, gained from his hundreds of hours a year as a volunteer examiner, ham radio mentor, radio club organizer, and leader in the Colorado ham radio community.

Episode 046 Tony Parks KB9YIG Jun 18, 2015

After a career in electronics engineering, Tony Parks, KB9YIG, returned to ham radio, after thirty years, to find it very different than when he first started in the 1950s. Upon returning in 2000, Tony discovered software defined radio or SDR, where he saw an opportunity to build starter kits for HF SDR receivers that became the Softrock SDR kits. Tony joins Eric, 4Z1UG to discuss SDR and Softrock.

Episode 045 Steve Galchutt WG0AT Jun 13, 2015

When attempting to activate a new mountain peak, in Colorado, for SOTA, Summits on the Air, Steve Galchutt, WG0AT, uses goats to act as his “sherpas” to carry his gear to the top. His goats allow him to make it to the top of the “teeners”, to set up and make contacts. Join WG0AT and Eric, 4Z1UG on the QSO Today podcast.

Episode 044 David Freese W1HKJ Jun 01, 2015

Combining the software development skills from his thirty-five year career in the US Coast Guard and his hearing loss drove David Freese, W1HKJ, into the early HF digital modes and eventually to support GMFSK software. Building on this popular platform, David then went on to develop FLdigi, one of ham radio’s most popular software programs for encoding and decoding digital transmissions. David discusses his ham radio journey that led to the “FL” line of open source software products with Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, in this QSO Today.

Episode 043 Paul Ewing N6PSE May 29, 2015

Paul Ewing, N6PSE, is the founder of the Intrepid DX Group, who has organized and participated in eight DXpeditions to very rare DX and exotic locations around the World, including Northern Iraq, South Sudan, and Yemen. This gives Paul authority and insight on creation, management, and execution of DXpeditions in ham radio. As a ham radio blogger, Paul shares his reflections on ham radio and is Eric’s guest on QSO Today.

Episode 042 Carol Milazzo KP4MD May 22, 2015

From the very beginning of her ham radio journey, almost 50 years ago, Carol Milazzo, KP4MD, applies the scientific method to her study and enjoyment of amateur radio. Whether she is modeling antennas for installation in her attic or to using WSPRnet to study VHF and UHF propagation, Carol takes meticulous notes, adds footnotes and illustrations, and now produces video. This makes Carol a terrific online Internet Elmer. KP4MD joins Eric, 4Z1UG, on QSO Today.

Episode 041 John Langridge KB5NJD May 09, 2015

For John Langridge, KB5NJD, amateur radio is a way of life, like the martial arts. He demonstrates that our amateur radio license privileges give us the real world opportunities to explore the science of radio. He does this now in the 630 meter band with an experimental license. John takes us on his amateur radio journey and shares with Eric, 4Z1UG, the discoveries he has made along with way on this QSO Today. He urges us to get out of our comfort zone to really experience the thrill of our hobby.

Episode 040 Joe Moells K0OV May 01, 2015

Joe Moell, K0OV, discovered his love for amateur radio transmitter hunting as an 11 year old Novice in the 1950s. This passion for the hunt has led Joe to become the leading expert in transmitter hunting of all kinds including popularizing the European “fox hunt”, or on foot direction finding contests in the USA. He is an author of over 200 articles on “T hunting”, and is Eric’s guest on QSO Today.

Episode 039 Don Keith N4KC Apr 25, 2015

The launch of the first satellite, Sputnik, by the Russians, in October of 1957, inspired Don Keith, N4KC, to become a ham radio operator as a kid. Since then, Don has followed a path through radio broadcasting and is now the author of over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction. A series of non-fiction books on World War II submarines has made Don an expert in this area. Don joins Eric, 4Z1UG, to discuss his passion for amateur radio, on QSO Today.

#QSOToday

Episode 038 Tim Duffy K3LR Apr 18, 2015

Tim Duffy, K3LR operates one of the most prestigious amateur radio contest stations in the United States with twelve operating positions, two for each band. Tim shares his ham radio journey, from his early entry into ham radio as a twelve year old, to a career in cellular telephony, and culminating in his position as COO of DX Engineering. Join Tim and Eric, 4Z1UG in their QSO Today.

Episode 037 Carl Luetzelschwab K9LA Apr 08, 2015

Amateur radio was the key driver that led Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA, to a MSEE in Electrical Engineering and then a career as an RF design engineer with both Motorola and later Magnavox. When the hobby bites us at an early age, doors open to a bright and successful future. Carl has written hundreds of articles on the propagation of radio signals over the years. He shares this knowledge with Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today. #QSOTODAY

Episode 036 Frank Fahrlander N7FF Mar 28, 2015

Sixty years in the hobby hasn’t diminished Frank Fahrlander’s, N7FF, enthusiasm for amateur radio and the exploration of new technologies and operating modes. With a solid foundation in electronics that began in grade school and through a career in computers, Frank continues to build projects and kits, elmer new hams, lead his DX club, and volunteer in his community. N7FF joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today.

Episode 035 Tracy Lenocker WA6ERA Mar 27, 2015

In California, San Bernardino County Fire has a unique program that includes over 200 amateur radio volunteers to provide auxiliary communications to the county during disasters and special events. Tracy Lenocker, WA6ERA, heads this group of ham radio volunteers that is one of the most comprehensive public services by hams to the largest county in the United States. Tracy joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today.

Episode 034 Jerry Buxton N0JY Mar 20, 2015

After spending a career working on the railroad, Jerry Buxton, N0JY, is sending satellites into space with AMSAT, as their new VP of Engineering on the FOX-1 cube satellite project. Amateur radio opens doors to new experiences and opportunities. Jerry shares his amateur radio story and his busy ham radio life with Eric, 4Z1UG, in this episode of QSO Today.

Episode 033 Greg Latta AA8V Mar 14, 2015

Amateur radio has its renaissance men that include Greg Latta, AA8V. By day, Greg is a university physics professor and lecturer, an avid homebrewer of vacuum tube transmitters and receivers, and metal fabricator. By Night, he is an award winning musician and folk artist. An attention to detail and organization, in perfect harmony, is the successful formula that Greg discusses with Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today.

Episode 032 Ron Milliman K8HSY Mar 07, 2015

Ron Milliman, K8HSY, has spent over 60 years in ham radio only to still find satisfaction, connections, and opportunity from the hobby he has loved all this time. As a boy who lost is sight, Ron was fortunate to have a father, friends, and schoolmates who supported his ham radio projects and interests. Join Ron and Eric, 4Z1UG, in their QSO Today.

Episode 031 Kevin Custer W3KKC Feb 21, 2015

Beginning at the age of five, when his father could get him inside a Gates broadcast transmitter to change out the bypass capacitors in the final amplifier, to a childhood of radio and audio repair, Kevin Custer, W3KKC, has gone on to make radio his life’s work. Kevin’s Repeater Builder website has become the go to Internet resource for information on surplus land mobile radios, equipment, and test gear for building and maintaining amateur radio repeaters. Kevin joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today.

Episode 030 Greg Lane N4KGL Feb 20, 2015

Greg Lane, N4KGL, tells us how amateur radio adds to his enjoyment of his other outdoor hobbies that include Rocketry and model airplanes. As one of the key US proponents of RaDAR, or rapid deployment amateur radio, Greg is the master of foot portable HF operation in the Southern forests and swamps, to the Gulf’s beautiful Florida beaches. Greg Lane, N4KGL joins Eric, 4Z1UG in QSO Today.

Episode 029 Ward Silver NOAX Feb 12, 2015

Ward Silver, N0AX, author of the QST magazine column, “Hands-On Radio”, editor of ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications, and author of many books on ham radio joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today. In the podcast, Ward describes his ham radio beginnings and his amateur radio journey that includes his authoring many books and articles on ham radio. He also offers practical advice to new and returning hams.

Episode 028 Eddie Leighton ZS6BNE Feb 07, 2015

When Eddie Leighton, ZS6BNE, created “shack in a sack” as a working concept for portable operation, in South Africa's great outdoors, for ham radio activity and contests, he had no idea it would become an international ham radio phenomena he renamed RaDAR, or rapid deployment amateur radio. RaDAR, could be ham radio's "iron man" contest that combines outdoor activity with ham radio. Eddie joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today.

Episode 027 David Larsen KK4WW Jan 30, 2015

Amateur Radio opened many doors for David Larsen, KK4WW, that began in high school, with the US Navy, a front row seat to the burgeoning computer industry, a career at Virginia Tech, World travel, and a visit to the White House. David joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today to discuss his ham radio life and all of the wonderful opportunities and relationships that amateur radio created. Now as the historian and curator of the Bugbook Historical Microcomputer Museum, David has his perfect vehicle for preserving his unique past for future generations.

Episode 026 Scott Andersen NE1RD Jan 24, 2015

Scott Andersen, NE1RD, has evolved a system, over the years, that combine a family vacation and a serious DXpedition, especially during contests that he calls the 100 pound DXpedition. In this episode of QSO Today, Scott shares his secrets that include how to plan and execute the perfect combination of ham radio contesting and vacation in an exotic location. Some of this simple wisdom and experience might surprise you.

Episode 025 Dan Romanchik KB6NU Jan 17, 2015

Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, is one of the most prolific bloggers about ham radio on the Internet today. As an advocate for ham radio and as a teacher of ham radio, both with his study guides and the local classes that he teaches, Dan practices what he preaches. Join the QSO Today between Dan and Eric, 4Z1UG, on the amateur radio topics that most interest them.

Episode 024 Dan Walker WG5G Jan 09, 2015

Dan Walker, WG5G, works DX and has worked almost every country in the World, except four, with a simple Kenwood TS-130V and five watts of power. All QRP. Dan joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today to discuss his ham radio story and what it really takes to be the best QRP DX operator in the World. His answers might surprise you.

Episode 023 Dennis Blanchard K1YPP Jan 03, 2015

Dennis Blanchard, K1YPP, started his ham radio journey in 1962 at the age of twelve, after discovering an old Hallicrafters receiver in the attic of the family home. Ham radio became a passion that eventually pulled his father and brother into the hobby. In 2007, Dennis combined his love for backpacking and ham radio when he started a 6 month trek of the 2100 mile Appalachian Trail. Dennis joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today to discuss his ham radio life and hiking the trail.

Episode 022 April Moell WA6OPS Dec 26, 2014

In 1980, when the hospital where she worked had a phone system failure, April Moell, WA6OPS, gave a call to local hams to come provide support. She discovered that hospitals in every community frequently have communications failures that risk the lives and safety of patients. Thirty years after founding the Hospital Disaster Support Communications System, April and her group now provide emergency communications to over 34 hospitals in her area. Join Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today with WA6OPS.

Episode 021 Eric Manning, VA7DZ Dec 19, 2014

Join Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today with Eric Manning, VA7DZ. Eric and Eric discuss the Reverse Beacon Network and the use of the CW Skimmer software as tools for contesting and understanding of real time low band openings. VA7DZ has a lifetime of amateur radio beginning in 1948, in his 5th grade classroom. His ham radio journey led him to a career in computers and computer science, culminating as a professor of computer science and electrical and computer engineering, and to his current ham radio operation at the University of Victoria. Even in retirement, Eric’s ham radio life is rich with experiences and new projects.

Episode 020 Martin Huyett K0BXB Dec 12, 2014

After 60 years in the hobby, Martin Huyett, K0BXB, loves ham radio as much as he did when he first started. After a career in electronic engineering, inspired by ham radio, and an operating career that included homebrew slow scan television, 2 meter FM on surplus mobile equipment, and packet radio, Martin has gone back to his ham radio roots and now enjoys a simple CW QSO on a straight key. Join Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today with K0BXB.

Episode 019 Dean Mertz K0MKT Dec 05, 2014

Join Eric, 4Z1UG in his QSO Today with Dean Mertz, K0MKT. Dean and Eric have been friends for almost 40 years after meeting at the local ham radio club, in Southern California. While their lives have taken them around the World, there is always an opportunity, a few times a year, to catch up on ham radio projects and personal lives. As a software engineer and hardware tinkerer, Dean always has an inspiring project to discuss. This time its a web based audio adjustment meter, using the Beaglebone Black, for the local DMR mobile radio system.

Episode 018 Jim Kinter K5KTF Nov 22, 2014

Is is possible for ham radio operators to have a broadband wireless network for the transmission of voice, video, and data as a backup, to the Internet and the commercial infrastructures, that we depend upon? Jim Kinter, K5KTF, thinks it is. Jim is the chief evangelist for the Broadband Hamnet group in Austin, Texas. Ham radio broadband mesh networks is the topic of conversation in Eric’s, 4Z1UG, QSO Today with Jim Kinter, K5KTF. Ham radio mesh networking began with the conversion of Linksys home routers, with special firmware, into a robust wideband data network to allow voice, video, and data between hams in the amateur bands. Join Eric and Jim in their QSO Today.

Episode 017 Bob Wolbert K6XX Nov 20, 2014

Bob Wolbert, K6XX, owns and operates a multiple position contest station in the coastal hills of Northern California. According to Bob, you need every dB to get contacts in your log during a contest. As the team leader for the US in the World RadioSport Team Championship 2010, he is especially qualified to speak about what it takes to be a great contest operator. As an employee of Elecraft, Bob gets to be a professional amateur radio operator in addition to his hobby operating ham radio. Join, Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today with Bob, K6XX.

Episode 016 Scott Zimmerman N3XCC Nov 13, 2014

Scott Zimmerman, N3XCC, founder of the W3WAN repeater network in Pennsylvania, joins Eric, 4Z1UG, on the QSO Today podcast, to discuss the FM world of repeaters above 50 Mhz. Coming to amateur radio from a commercial two-way radio background, Scott applies his expertise to maintain a network work of interconnected amateur radio repeaters that provide wide area coverage, international access through the Allstar linking network, and public service in times of emergency. Scott is also a contributor to the Repeater Builder website, the one-stop for any ham who wants to reassign commercial land mobile radios to amateur service.

Episode 015 - Bruce Perens - K6BP Nov 04, 2014

Bruce Perens, K6BP, is a self described evangelist for amatuer radio. As the creator of the Open Source Definition used for the free exchange of software code, Bruce has appled this to amateur radio towards the development of Codec2 and FreeDV, digital modulation schemes for HF and VHF. Through his new company, Algoram, Bruce hopes to create the ultimate open source handheld software defined radio. As an evangelist, Bruce founded No Code International, where he successfully eliminated the Morse code requirement for amateur radio licenses Worldwide.

Episode 014 - Steve Johnston - WD8DAS Oct 25, 2014

You can still build a beautiful tuna can transmitter, especially if it uses vacuum tubes instead of solid state components. Join Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today with Steve Johnston, WD8DAS, where they discuss Steve’s ham radio journey that includes experimentation in the 630 meter band, restoration of Chinese military radio gear, and the love of amateur radio.

Episode 013 - Hap Holly - KC9RP Oct 22, 2014

The right elementary school teachers who challenged their students with the Morse Code was just the beginning of Hap Holly’s, KC9RP’s, ham radio career leading to the RAIN Report and The Dayton Hamvention’s 2002 Amateur of the Year. Join Eric, 4Z1UG, and Hap in their QSO Today.

Episode 012 - Wayne and Sharon Spring, W6IRD & K6IRD Oct 16, 2014

The team of Sharon and Wayne Spring, K6IRD and W6IRD, make a powerful combination, not only in amateur radio, but as a lesson in commitment, hard work, and attention to detail. This has led both to not only a successful 50 year marriage, but to a rich, hands on amateur radio life. Join Eric, 4Z1UG, in this inspiring conversation with both Wayne and Sharon Spring on QSO Today.

QSO Today Episode 011 Wayne Burdick N6KR Oct 07, 2014

Elecraft’s co-founder and CTO, Wayne Burdick, N6KR, joins Eric, 4Z1UG, on another QSO Today. Waynes fascination with home brewing from an early age combined with his love of QRP led to the development of some of the best amateur radio transceivers on the market. Wayne and Eric’s conversation reveals some insights into what makes a successful ham radio product.

Episode 010 - Stan Lewandowski - WB2LQF Oct 01, 2014

Stan, WB2LQF, does more with less in his 50 year ham radio journey starting with a single tube transmitter loaded in to his bed springs to the Elecraft KX3 and an attic antenna. Always a CW operator, ham radio played a major role in Stan’s professional and personal life. Stan joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today.

Episode 009 - John Portune - W6NBC Sep 24, 2014

John Portune, W6NBC, may have more hams to his credit due to his teaching methods and one day amateur radio licensing courses than any of his peers. John joins Eric, 4Z1UG, on the QSO Today Podcast to discuss this and John’s other ham radio interests from Amateur Fast Scan Television to residential disguise antennas for antenna restricted neighborhoods.

Episode 008 - Amnon Bar Giora - 4X1DF Sep 17, 2014

One of the original founders of the Amateur Radio Service in Israel, Amnon Bar Giora, 4X1DF, joins Eric, 4Z1UG, in a conversation about his early beginnings as a radio operator for the pre-Israel Haganah, his training of Yugoslav partisans in the use of radio behind the Nazi lines, his pursuit of the Nazi doctor of Auschwitz across South America, and his co-founding of the Amateur Radio Service in Israel. At 91 years of age, Amnon has a rich history of radio, service to his country and people, and entrepreneurship.

Episode 007 - Yehuda Cern - 4X1TQ Sep 08, 2014

Yehuda, 4X1TQ, survived the electic shock of his life at the tender age of 13, while working on the high voltage power supply for his homebrew transmitter. Fortunately, for all of us, this led Yehuda on a life of innovation, teaching, and paying forward on his ham radio journey. Join Eric, 4Z1UG, on his QSO Today with Yehuda Cern, 4X1TQ.

Episode 006 - Eric Nichols - KL7AJ Sep 02, 2014

Eric Nichols, KL7AJ, has Plasma dreams and chanrges up the ionosphere using high power transmitters based upon his years of experience in ham and broadcast radio. Starting in 1972, as a high school senior in Southern California, Eric first earned his Novice Class Amateur Radio license, WN6TEE. Upgrading to General Class, two years later, and adding a First Class Radio Telephone license, Eric made his way to North Pole, Alaska where he spent over 20 years as a broadcast engineer. He shares his ham radio journey through his contribution of over 150 published articles in QST, QEX, eHam and other publications, and even a ham radio novel, Plasma Dreams. Join Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO Today, with Eric Nichols, KL7AJ.

Episode 005 - Ron Weaver - W6OM Aug 19, 2014

Ron, W6OM, carries on the tradition of “paying it forward” by “Elmering” neighborhood teenagers, Donnie and David to their Extra Class ham radio licenses. Beginning in the Summer of 1957, at 10 years of age, Ron started his ham radio journey under his Elmer, the original W6OM, George Hutchins. Going on for his Novice license the following September, Ron’s first contact on 15 meters was another 10 year old, Andy Chesnioff, UA3AB, of the former Soviet Union. That original contact created an international friendship that has lasted over 50 years and survived the “Cold War”. His second contact was Stan, F05IW, another ham to become a lifelong friend and business partner. Follow with me on Ron’s ham radio journey.

Episode 004 - Rich Fusinski - K8NDS Aug 12, 2014

Rich's ham radio journey began, in the suburbs of Detroit, on a bicycle, when he was sixteen years old, in search of the source of ham radio conversations heard on his portable all band radio. Looking for "big" antennas on the neighborhood houses, he found his Elmer, Charlie, W8LVR, who led him through his first Novice license in 1964. This led Rich on a 40 year career through General Motors, slow scan televsion, working DX, and developing antennas. Rich is the developer of the "fractional wave loop antenna", a theme and variation on the magnetic loop antenna. Listen in on Eric's, 4Z1UG, QSO Today with Rich, K8NDS.

Episode 003 - Angel Santana - WP3GW Aug 05, 2014

Angel Santana, WP3GW travels around the World, from his home on the island of Puerto Rico, not by ship or airplane, but on the wings of ham radio. Angel says, “the magic for me is speaking to people in other countries”. He likes to meet people, make connections from different countries, from different backgrounds. Join Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO with Angel about his beginnings in ham radio, his “wall paper”,and the contributions he has made and continues to make to amateur radio as the Public Information Office in his ARRL section for Puerto Rico.

Episode 002 - Bob Greenberg W2CYK Jul 24, 2014

Bob Greenberg, W2CYK, is a third generation ham radio operator, whose "Elmer", was his grandfather, Art Greenberg, the original W2CYK. Follow Bob's ham radio journey from its beginnings almost 40 years ago.

Episode 001- Arie Kleingold PA3A Jul 14, 2014

Join Eric, 4Z1UG, in his QSO with Arie Kliengold, PA3A on QSO Today. Arie discusses his early beginnings in radio as a Merchant Marine radio operator and how he went on to do DXpeditions in Africa in conjunction with Mercy Ships, hospital ships that bring advanced medical care to Africa.

See the show notes at www.qsotoday.com/podcasts/pa3a

Episode 000 - Eric Guth 4Z1UG Jul 12, 2014

This is the first podicast of the new QSO Today weekly program where Amateur Radio operators are interviewed by Eric, 4Z1UG. Our audience are prospective, new, and returning members of the ham radio community who wish to learn more about the hobby though conversations, or QSOs, with experienced hams. The goal of the podcast is to introduce the wide range of ham radio options by experts in these areas.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

QSO Today Podcast – Interviews with the leaders in amateur radio

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected