Ham Radio and Us

  I got started in Radio when I was in high school and found myself studying electronics and becoming fascinated with radio. In the late 1980's I discovered DX using SSB on my CB and was hooked from there on, studying and experimenting trying to improve the antenna systems I had for my CB.

In 1996, some years after getting my degree in electronics I discovered amateur radio and got my license in Minnesota, thus my call sign, N0USR which I've held onto as I've moved around the country.

My first “ticket” was a Technician Plus class license. I had fun with 10 meters for a while, spent a lot of time listening to other HF bands, learning more about RF propagation, and building antennas. At the same time my career as computer network administrator started taking off. As I discovered the hard way it consumed me for many years during which I had less and less time for radio (or much else).

Many years later, I found my partner, moved to north Idaho, and started to settle down. Having our own house and room to put up antennas as well as more time, I dug my radios out of the attic and started dabbling again. Shortly after, on my 33rd birthday, I opened one of my presents to find an ICOM 706 HF rig staring back at me. I think it was all of a few hours before I committed myself to getting my general class license. Three weeks later we flew out to Hartford, Connecticut on a business trip. In the evening of the very same day I took a tour of the ARRL headquarters in Newington I successfully upgraded my license.

For so many years I had listened to hams talking across the HF bands and I could finally, truly join them. It was kind of funny really, for 2 or 3 days after upgrading to my general class license I was so nervous I couldn't bring myself to grab the mic and call CQ. After we returned home I finally worked up enough courage and had my first QSO on 20 meters.

These days I still enjoy experimenting with different antennas and installations for both mobile and base stations, experimenting with various emergency power systems, and have recently rediscovered QRP.

Tammy and I have been involved in several ARES/RACES organizations, Sky Warn, as well as the Coast Guard Auxiliary. We’ve both had a lot of interest in these groups and really enjoy getting involved. Through them we’ve met a lot of great people and gotten a chance to work communications for events like the Ironman Triathlon in Coeur d’Alene.