Before we commence I would just like to say that all views expressed here are my own opinions and no-one elses..
I apologies in advance for any offence that people may take, but remember that if we all had the same ideas then the world would be a boring place. Secondly I accept no responsibility for any faults that may occur when software is downloaded and used. At least I am honest and tell you so BEFORE you do it. Finally I have found that a lot of trouble can be saved if people would remember to read any instructions. (R.T.F.M.)
Me the Station Manager (June) and Eldest Harmonic.
Please send me mail telling me what you think about this page and how I might improve it.
I don't promise you will get a reply but you could still try anyway.........
Born in Bournemouth (East) in 1952. Arrived into Amateur Radio circa 1979. General interest up to then as SWL mainly due to having been giving an old wireless from a WWII tank. Since then interest has been mainly and primarily CW. I was one of the first to get the new CW variation to my B class license back in 1983/1984 and I haven't looked back since. All my awards are in CW especially when operating from overseas with callsigns like ZC4AP, ZC4DX, 5B4/ZC4UHF (First major attempt for VHF link from Cyprus to the UK [Check the UK 6 and 4 mtr record books!!]), VP8BUO, VP8RAF. Also operated UK calls G1CAC, GV3RAF, G8FC, G4WSM and GX4WSM again primarily CW.
I LOVE contesting and normally operate with the local club here at Weston Super Mare. Normally called Martini man in this respect (anytime - anywhere - anyhow and any mode).
Electronics experience has been 22 years in service with the Royal Air Force as a RADAR /RADIO/NAV AID technician and got most of my qualifications this way. As an aside you would not beleive the trouble I had when leaving the RAF of trying to get employers to recognise the armed forces qualifications, so anyone else in this position you have my deepest sympathy. You can have all the experience in the world but without a bit of paper saying you have so many 'O' levels or ONC in this or HNC in that you will get no where. Regardless of the fact if you have experience or not (or common sense come to that). Presently studying for my Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree in Digital System Engineering at the University of the West of England. Again as an aside, the number of empoyers willing to let you take on this committment is not as many as you think. So don't beleive all read about employers bending over backwards. I can well understand why a lot of people have to get crap jobs just to see them through university. Having been sacked just 3 weeks before Christmas 1999 from Securicor Communications for taking one day a week leave to attend University , I know, so take it from me there is NO investment in the future by these so called progressive companys. All they are interested in is NOW and the MONEY that comes along with it. As far as they are concerned tomorrow is a world away. So who knows what tomorow will bring ? I do know that amateur radio will always be a part of my life in some form or other. I just hope that I am lucky enough to be able to meet as many good guys as I have done in the past through this worthwhile hobby. (The bad guys don't count ..!!).
Click the BANNER above and see for yourself.