About Me

I have been a licensed amateur radio (“ham”) operator since I was a teenager. My main interest is radiotelegraphy (Morse code) using vintage equipment on the shortwave bands.

• 1970: Canadian Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate
• 1972: Canadian Advanced Amateur Radio Operator’s Certificate
• 2005: New Zealand General Amateur Operator’s Certificate

Member

• New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters
• Musick Point Radio Group, Auckland, New Zealand
• Collins Collectors Association – Member number AC10-12535
• Vibroplex Collectors Association – Member number 94
• Straight Key Century Club – Member number 8918
• FISTS – Member number 19697

Other radio activities

• Publisher: maritimeradio.org
• Webmaster: musickpointradio.org
• Founder & Manager: NZ Net, New Zealand’s daily CW net
• Curator: New Zealand Morse Code Telegraph Key Directory
• Manager: New Zealand Straight Key Night
• Former president, Ontario Science Centre Amateur Radio Club (now the Central Toronto ARC)

In appreciation

Many newcomers to ham radio are assisted into the hobby by experienced operators referred to as “Elmers”. My Elmer was Nels Gradeen VE3GKL (deceased), who generously gave me his time, advice and encouragement more than 50 years ago.

Other interests

• I am an online publishing consultant, and a former journalist and broadcaster.
• My wife and I own a business that helps cat owners keep their pets safely contained on their property. See catfence.nz.
• I have crossed the Atlantic and Pacific oceans under sail.