I am a Ham radio hobbyist, I prefer to casually work the bands chasing friends doing POTA activations, or just ragchewing.
Fun in the sun in Iraq
I first got my Tech ticket back in March 2004 (KI4ESU), I’ve been a radio enthusiast for years before that. Spent my time as a youth with the wonderful CB side. I was inspired by my Uncle KH6MT who sent me my first radio book when I was barely a teenager from Hawaii. Never got a chance with life events to upgrade (Iraq/Afghan), moving around, etc. I made a vanity call sign change in 2014 to KG1BAO, this is a combination of my Wifes and I’s initials. After my wife passed in Jan 2020, I needed something to occupy my mind so I got back into Ham radio full force. Started out with the local clubs and the 2m Fun, which I still do today. I finally upgraded to General in Jan 2021, and decided to change call signs for personal reasons to N4KGO. My desire was always to work the world of DX, so I am happy to be doing that. On April 6th 2023, I passed the Extra test, so there is no limits on the band plan anymore, and grabbed W4RZ as a callsign.
Special thanks always go out to KF4BHP (SK) Aaron Shirah, we had a great time in the early 2000s running our 2M rigs and repeaters. He is the one that finally pushed me to go take the test, brought me the ARRL study guide etc (yes the real hard copy book).. Wasn’t long after this life kicked back in full force and it was off to work in the sand box for a long period.
Nowadays I spend my time on the radio, helping with ga ares, running FT8 (if you haven’t tried it,you are missing out), chasing the rare DX, or chasing friends doing pota.
You normally won’t find me sitting around yelling CQ for a contest.
but!! I do enjoy a few of the larger events, ARRL Field Day, GA QSO Party, and a couple of the ARRL events.
RADIOS
I have a selection of radios to use, starting with my favorite and used daily.
ICOM 746Pro (with RigBlaster advantage, Ameritron ALS-500M, amp is used occasionally)
ICOM 7100 for POTA Activations
ICOM 7300 on the shelf above the desk
Icom 718 back up rig
Yaesu FT-840 (in the closet)
Can you tell I am an ICOM guy? HIHI
Latest results :
ARRL Field Day 2023
I was 10th overall in the 1E category.
1E was Home and Emergency power only and had 603 total operators.
GA QSO Party
I did rover this year (2023), and some how won the single OP rover plaque.
