I am originally from Gravesend, Kent (UK) – I am now retired and live with my wife in a small village called Llanharan which is an old mining community, near Llantrisant – South Wales - UK.

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I originally got my interest in radio from my Dad who was a wireless (CW) operator in WWII flying in Lancaster Bombers.

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I was a Short Wave Listener (SWL) for many years smuggling a de-tuned MW Transistor Radio into school to listen to local skeds on 160 meters which included G5VZ – Bill5, G4XF - Bill4, G3GAX – Mac, G3EGJ – Reg, G3YUP – Norman, G3OXH – Keith etc. – not to mention the ‘Pirates’ nattering away just above 2 MHz at the weekend !!!

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I Successfully took the City & Guilds Radio Amateurs Examination in 1974 and passed the PO Morse test soon after – Morse tuition was provided by Dave Lawley – G4BUO and Reg Holland – G3BPE (SK)

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I received my ‘Class A’  licence G4DVB on the 7th February 1975

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My first real receiver was the UNR 40 which enable me to explore my hobby further, followed by an ex-military (WWII) R107 receiver

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My first amateur set up was an old ex-Navy receiver (B40) and a KW Vespa transmitter.

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I was member of Gravesend Amateur Radio Society which used to meet in a smokey back room of the Windmill Pub – Gravesend – G3HLF (SK), G2TN (SK) , G8GGP / M0AFJ, G3OXH (SK), G4BUO, G4CHL, G4DSN (SK) , G3ZQF, G3YUP, G4ALD, G4BCH, G4FJW.. to name a few.

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I am now a member of Aberkenfig & District Amateur Radio Club which meets every Wednesday evening at the Tondu Railway Canteen, Station Approach, Tondu, Bridgend. CF32 9DY. 

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My station currently comprises the Yaesu FTDX101D SDR Transceiver, KPA500 Linear Amplifier feeding either a 84 ft wire matched via MFJ Auto-tuner. I also have two G-Whip 4-2-1 Reasonant End fed antennas.

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I also use a Yaesu FT-991A on 10m (C4FM), 2 m and 70 cm - I also use it combined with a 10 metre (fishing rod) Vertical antenna with radials for the occasional DXpedition.

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