AMATEUR RADIO STATION VE3PP

In 1992 I took the Basic Amateur Radio Operating Test and passed. I had become a licensed Amateur Radio Operator and choose the call sign VE3FMC. I decide to get that call as I worked for Ford Motor Company and thought it would be an easy call to remember and others would remember it too.

I now hold the call sign VE3PP, which I use for all of my operating. My original call sign VE3FMC, I still hold that call. I also hold my late father's call sign of VE3LDB.

After operating on the VHF 2 Meter Band for a couple of years, I passed my first Morse Code endorsement of 5 Words Per Minute. This allowed me to operate on the HF or High Frequency Bands. I was granted operating privileges on 80 and 160 meters. Due to the length of antenna required to operate on 160 Meters I was not able to use that band. However I had room for an antenna for 80 Meters and soon I was on the air talking all over the United States and Canada. The best time to use 80 Meters is at night, so I spent many a late night in my Radio Room, or Ham Shack as it is called.

By December of 1995 I had upgraded my code requirements to 12 WPM. I was then granted full operating privileges on all the HF Bands. Now I could easily work stations in Europe, Asia and all over the world. Simple wire antennas will allow contacts worldwide if conditions are right. Next step was taking the Advanced License test. After passing that I was allowed to run more power.

My current station consists of a Yaesu FTDX-10 with a Heil GM-5 mic, Ameritron AL-80A amplifier, Palstar AT1500 antenna tuner and Autek WM1 SWR/Power meter.

Below are some photos of my radio equipment.

Yeasu FTDX-10 160-6 Meter HF Radio with Heil GM-5 Boom Mic

Yaesu FTdx-1200 160-6 Meter HF Radio with a HEil GM-5 boom mic.