Welcome
Welcome to the NE1RD web site. I got a late start with all of this, waiting until my mid-40's to even explore amateur radio. I was first licensed in August of 2002 and have since worked hard to make up for lost time. I've been lucky to have people around me that could answer my questions and give me that push in the right direction when I needed it. I've tried to return the favor to others as I could. These pages provide a glimpse into what I've been able to accomplish in just a few years. I hope it inspires you to try to have as much fun in this hobby as I have had building, operating, and helping others.
Areas of interest
Travel I have lots of different interests in the ham radio hobby but the thing I've been having the most fun with lately is lightweight DXpeditioning. I have begun something called the 100 Pound DXpedition where I pack lightweight gear and travel to fun places. I am always pleased to give a presentation to a radio club on this topic. In addition to pictures, sounds, and video, I bring lots of great toys to these talks!
Building I've always loved building things (and taking things apart!). One of the great things about this hobby is it provides opportunities to build and operate radios and other devices of your own design and built with your own hands. It is a thrill to talk to someone thousands of miles away with nothing more than a wire and a small device you put together!
Operating There are largely three reasons why hams around the world get on the air and seek other hams: they just like to rag chew (just hang out and talk), they seek DX the chance to talk to new countries, islands, or other entities, and contesting a chance for radio operators to compete by making contacts with as many other hams as possible as quickly as possible. Some contests go 48 straight hours. Think Le Mans but using radios and computers instead of cars.
Explore!
The tabs at the top of the page provide doorways into these areas of interest and much more. Be sure to check out the other tab, too, as there are a bunch of fun things I've collected that you might enjoy. Thanks for stopping by. 73!
