I have two hobbies one is Amateur Radio ant the other is motorcycling :).

Some people will think Amateur Radio is the same as CB (Citizen Band) radio.

There are many differences in these two hobbies, the two major ones being you actually have to sit a series of examinations to use amateur radio to gain a license. The other is that Amateur Radio is covered by International Treaty and is used in Disaster Relief Operations such as the recent disasters in New Orleans and other places around the world

More information on Amateur Radio such as how to get a UK Amateur Radio license can be found at the RSGB (Radio Society Of Great Britain web site. I personally find the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) web page more informative and useful than the RSGB. Please Remember the information on the ARRL web site is American centered. There is still a good deal of useful information on there.

I have held an Amateur Radio license for the G7USC callsign since 1995. Prior to moving back to England the Call sign was GM7USC. Initially I was licensed for VHF and up only till recent changes meant I was able to use HF.

My main modes of operation are Hellschreiber, PSK (various flavours) and RTTY. I am most active on Hellschreiber otherwisr known as Hell. I am a member of the Feld Hell Club. Along with the 070 PSK Club, EPC European PSK Club, 30 Meter Digital Club, ARRL, RSGB, Chester and District ARS.

I do use phone and cw but very rarely now, If you would like a QSO on CW or Phone please ask when on one of the  digital modes.

My station’s current hardware is,

Rig Yaesu FT847 HF/VHF/UHF/Satellite TX/RX. Also under construction an Elecraft K2 100w TX/RX

Interface microHam digi keyer

Antenna for HF is a delta loop for 40 - 10m ( it will also tune on 80 and 6m)

Software for Digital modes is either MixW or more commonly Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD).

HRD is by far the superior product imv but it does have one niggle which I hope will be improved in the future which is heterodyne handling. MixW is able to notch any signal in your radio’s passband.