From a young age I have been interested in radio technology and communication. I’m mainly interested in HF propagation. DX is my passion but I am also an avid contester. You’ll find me mostly operating in phone (SSB) or CW. It’s sad that sometimes the CW and SSB bands are nearly deserted. Guilty as charged: if that happens I sometimes (also) QSY to the digital modes (RTTY and FT8).
My better half, Mariëtte, is also licenced: she holds the US Extra call sign KJ4UUS. To be honest: Mariëtte is more a SWL (NL13918) than a ham radio operator. I already knew of course, but she is a good listener: she won the Dutch PACC Contest 2022 in the SWL section.
I’m member of several organisations and groups:
– VERON
– VRZA
– DARU
– RSGB
– ARRL
– CDXC
– EUDXF
– Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD)
– The famous FBDX Group
I’ve worked 322 DXCC’s so far. 320 are confirmed by LoTW. From the missing ones I have paper QSL’s (Mount Athos (both SV2ASP/A and SV2RSG/A) and Kerguelen Island (FT4XU)). Let’s hope some day their logs will also be uploaded to LoTW.
Did I already mention I like DX-ing and contesting? A good combination of both is participating in the CQ DX Marathon. Bob Locher (W9KNI) wrote a great book about this contest: “A year of DX”. It’s Bob’s personal account of the challenges, joys and sorrows in pursuit of the Holy Grail — winning the CQ DX Marathon. Like Bob I know how much it takes: I won the CQ DX Marathon (mode phone only) in 2014, 2016 and 2019. Been there, done that! After winning three times, I decided it’s time for others to go for the win. I’m still a bit involved in the game though: I’m the Europe Winner plaque-sponsor and am member of the CQ DX Marathon advisory board.
Other interests are operating portable. Fielddays, IOTA’s, Flora & Fauna activations: you name it and I do it. Yes: working QRP is also fun. Try it and you’ll find out!
If you hear PI4AMF(/p) on the air there is a good chance I’m behind the radio. PI4AMF is the clubstation of our local VERON club. More information about the club can be found on a03.veron.nl.