Just call me Pete.

Been a ham since around 1954, and an Extra Class for 10+ years. I've been a ham radio operator for a long time.... seen a lot of changes.

Retired professional engineer (state of Florida). Worked in the aerospace industry, primarily in structural analysis of propulsion components (military gas turbine engines and space shuttle main engine high pressure turbopumps).

In addition to ham radio, another thing I've done for fun includes music. Played semi-pro piano, organ, trumpet, and bass in various bands since early school days. Go to my web site for more about that. Also, when I was much younger and didn't have good sense, I raced motorcycles.... fortunately I survived that intact.

I have operated most of the modes including CW, AM, SSB, FM, RTTY, AMTOR, Packet, PSK, SSTV, but now I'm mostly on 20 and 40 meter PSK31 or SSB. I like the idea of low power providing excellent digital communication.... plus it's quiet. Looking forward for good 10 meter openings when the cycle returns.

Today I maintain a minimum station. The equipment consists of a Kenwood TS-940S (with an old Drake TR-4 with upgraded AC-3 PS as backup), SignaLink USB digital interface, Ham Radio Deluxe software, KK7UQ IMD Meter, LDG AT-200Pro antenna tuner, Timewave DSP-9 for noise reduction, plus a Kenwood TR-7800 on 2-Meter FM. The HF antenna is a mini G5RV inverted vee at 30 feet ( NW to SE) supported by a Palmetto Palm and a Golden Rain tree at the ends, with a fiberglass telescoping mast at the center. Unfortunately, past hurricanes took down my tall trees that I once used for wire antenna support. Several years ago I took down my Mosley TA-33 3 element beam and 40 ft. tilt tower. Sold both because maintenance was just too much here in the salt air within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean, plus it was getting a bit too dangerous for me to raise / lower / tilt that heavy tower. The mini G5RV antenna works AOK (easily works the world), but I'm considering an alternate 40 meter antenna for better SSB coverage to the north. A J-Pole at 15 feet is used on 2-Meters for local repeater access. Computer is a Velocity Micro Pro Magix E2035 (2.4 Ghz) VISTA computer ... I do not like VISTA.... and I can dual boot into Ubuntu Linux.

Mornings you may hear me calling into the 7272 RagChew net (7.272 Mhz) tho propagation is usually not too good for me. Then in the afternoons you may hear me calling into the SouthCars net (7.251Mhz, propagation and summertime thunderstorms permitting). Later in the evening you will usually hear me calling into the NightWatch net (7.190Mhz) and also find me in the NightWatch chat room.

Lately I've been interested in QRP CW using a Ten-Tec 1340 40m CW transceiver. Actually, I'm trying to interest the younger generation in ham radio and I plan to give this QRP rig to a grandson as soon as he gets his tech license. However, I'm finding QRP CW to be loads of fun and I may want my own QRP rig.