This page is rather mundane at the moment, but it contains miscellaneous information about the areas that I enjoy in Amateur Radio. (I hope to spice it up a bit when I get some time...)
I was licensed as WN6MRQ in 1975, and upgraded to WB6MRQ a little less than a year later. I currently hold an Advanced Class license. I'm primarily active in the VHF and UHF bands these days, but also enjoy HF when I get the chance. Most of my activities center around public service and/or emergency communications.
If you are also a "Ham" (as we are often called), then you'll no doubt recognize some of the activities to which I contribute. If you are unfamiliar with Amateur Radio, you will hopefully learn a little bit about this fascinating hobby.
- The ARRL: You can learn a lot about Amateur Radio at the American Radio Relay League web site.
- Wildflower: You can see what Ham volunteers will be helping with at the Wildflower Triathalon in May, 2001 by clicking HERE and checking out some of the pictures that I took at the 1999 event. (I haven't gotten around to posting the 2000 pictures yet...)
- APRS: The Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) was devised by Bob Bruninga, WB4APR, to monitor the location of mobile stations. By combining VHF radios with GPS receivers and packet radio controllers, stations can report their position automatically. It's frequently used to keep track of such stations during public service events and emergencies. Some amateurs are even broadcasting weather information from their location using this system. You can learn more on the APRS web site.
- CDF VIPs: The California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CDF for short) uses amateur radio operators to assist with communications during emergencies. Amateurs also participate in various public service programs sponsored by CDF. The program is called the Volunteers In Prevention (VIP). And you don't have to be a ham to participate: volunteers are needed for lots of programs that do not require an amateur radio license. Anyone interested can contact CDF at the link above.
- Field Day!: Almost every ham has attended Field Day at one time or another, and I've been participating for over 25 years. Field Day is an annual amateur radio contest, held the 4th Saturday in June each year. The objective is to contact as many fellow hams as possible within a 24-hour period, and is intended to serve as a test of emergency preparedness. My friends and I have been making a camping trip out of the event for many years now. By getting out into the great outdorrs, we not ony have a relaxing camping trip, but we get the room to do a little experimentation with things like balloon antennas! If you would like more information about the contest itself, check out the rules on the ARRL Field Day Rules web page.