How I got into Amateur Radio:

Since I can remember, I was always into electronics, radio etc. Probably as my Grandad worked on Radar in WWII. And then in Atomic energy! He was very into Hi-Fi and I was messing with old Tape Recorders and radio from then onwards.

I got into Amateur Radio after I was told about a "radio club" in my town of Crawley, Sussex which I may find interesting.

After a few visits, I joined, and so did a couple of mates from my school. Within 6 months, we enrolled for the then new Novice licence (now Intermediate) and all got radios. I spent a lot of time operating (mostly on UHF) but with GCSEs, 6th form etc, I did not have the time to buy all the big gear but within another year, I had a full call G7RWK and later got G0VIQ.

On of my favourite Amateur Radio activities is VHF field day; I always join the Crawley Club for this (even though it is quite a trek) and we always come in the top 5 in the UK. A contest is where, over 24 hours, a station / team has to contact as many distant stations as possible, the more difficult the contact, the more points you get! It can be quite exciting as occasionally something breaks, falls over or just a lot of help is needed, but that is what it is all about.

Now I am in Scotland (working at Beat 106, the local radio station) I am a member of the West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society and like to chat with members and help with events.

I have finally bought a proper radio as well!