KC9DAM

Bob Bednarz
Bridgeview, IL

I have decided to finally build my web presence.  Here is my first attempt at a webpage. 

    My name is Bob and I am currently a technician no code. I am learning morse code via the ARRL idsntroduction to morse code training tapes, and code quick. My shack consists of a Yaesu FT-2600m(2 meter fm mobile), Radio Shack TRC-503(cb radio), Radio Shack Htx-10(10 meter all-mode mobile), Radio Shack Pro-82(29-520 mhz scanner), Pyramid PS-14kx(power supply), Ground Plane Antenna, Many family radio service radios. My antenna is a ground plane up about 30 feet in the air. I use my 2 meter rig usually at 5 watts, but if there is a distant station, I use my full 60 watts of power. During a 2 meter band opening I worked Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin. When I went on the McHenry Repeater(145.4100), they told me that they had a station from Independence, Missouri and another station from West Virginia check in.  2 meters is a "magic band," because one day I hit a repeater in Wisconsin (146.8800+123.0 Pl) about 120 miles from my home with only 5 watts. The next day I tried to key it up with 60 watts, but it didn't work.  For those who don't know, ducting is quite rare in Chicago and you are lucky if you happen to be on the radio when it occurs.  I hope to pass my element 1 morse code test soon. I will update this page often. If a qsl card is sent to me, I will respond with one of my 4 different qsl cards. If I talk to you on the radio and you want a qsl card from me, you must request one from me.  My other website is located here.

My QSL cards

If I make contact with a ham I sometimes send out a QSL card.  If you want to get one of these cards in the mail, you will have to talk to me on the air.  These are to verify my making contact with another amateur radio operator.  If I send you a QSL card, I would appreciate it if you send me one of yours in return.

My antenna and HT

    I am currently running a ringo 2 meter antenna outside at a height of around 40 feet.  In fact, I recently undertook a little homebrew project that turned out quite well.  I built a three-element yagi for two meters that achieves an SWR of 1.3:1 accross the entire two-meter band.  The antenna was a good afternoon project to attempt.  It also improved my antenna-building skills that I will need to use when I take on bigger antenna projects.  On the right is my new 2 meter HT that I got for a great price.

Ok, so it may not be the prettiest thing you have ever seen.   Nonetheless, it does the job!

My car

I told my parents that I refuse to drive any other car than a convertible and I refuse to drive anything that isn't Italian.  Lamborghini's are just too flashy for me.  My car is a Ferrari 550 Barchetta in the picture above.   I look forward to filling this car up with radios when I get my drivers' license.   Plus, I should be able to find the fox first during foxhunts because the top speed of the car is around 200 MPH.

Last updated March 23, 2004
� 2004 by Bob Bednarz