I’m kind of a ‘new’ radio amateur, obtained my first (novice) license in 2003.

My first radio was a Yeasu FT-817 which I bought second hand. Because my QTH was in an apartment complex on the second floor at that time, I didn’t have a lot of room for an antenna. I only worked some VHF.

Since june of 2007 I moved to Bilthoven (a little village 10 kilometers east of Utrecht). Here I have been able to build a simple small antenna. I used a fishing rod with laundry wire to construct an simple inverted V. Now the DX-virus really hits me. I already bought my second radio: a Kenwood TS-450SAT. I really love this radio for the sound of the receiver!

In april 2008 I passed for my Full-license. My callsign changed from PD0JMW to PA1JIM. Since june 2008 I moved to a new QTH in Hilversum (30 km south of the city of Amsterdam). So I finally have my own roof and garden for some antenna’s!
I build a cat moustache (3 open dipoles with the same feed point) for 40m, 20m and 10m band. This is my main DX-antenna. Since august 2009 I’ve bought the bigger brother of the TS-450SAT: the TS-850SAT.

This blog is mainly intended to give my fellow Ham’s (or other curious visitors) a insight in my activities on the air. I write about the things I build, the repairs I make and other Ham-related activities. Try [Logbook] in the menu on the homepage to find out about my latest contacts. Hope you enjoy and visit again!

73’s PA1JIM