The Mystique of Shortwave Radio
Ralph Iden
Ralph has been a licensed amateur radio operator since he was a teenager and still has his original FCC assigned call sign, WB9ICF. A software architect by profession, when he is not wrangling data at work, he enjoys making contacts with other amateurs around the world, building useful (and some no so useful) things with Raspberry Pis and Arduinos, 3D printing, and generally creating.
https://mcwa.org
Dave Holmgren
Dave is another long-time amateur radio operator with call sign K9AT. When he is not evaluating the latest Apple technology, handheld radios, chatting with his ham buddies, or admiring color touchscreens, Dave enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family, pets, and the family's pet robotic lawnmower, Mo.
Gary Dembski
Licensed in 2016, my amateur radio callsign is W9GD. I own a electrical engineering firm in Elgin, Illinois My company serves industrial manufacturers over Northern Illinois. I enjoy the many facets of Ham Radio. Just talking to others that I have met on the air, communicating to others around the word whether that be on voice or digitally. I enjoy working special event stations like Lighthouses on the air, Route 66 and 13 colonies. I enjoy taking a radio to a park on occasion while enjoying the out of doors and Ham radio. Ham radio is a hobby that is very intriguing and fun as the technology that drives it is always changing offering new adventures. There is always something to learn and everyone finds a niche that they enjoy.
Sam Haldiman
Originally licensed in 2004 as KC9GPY. I didn’t start my active journey in amateur radio until July, 2021 when I passed my General license exam. A few weeks earlier I spent the weekend with the 415 Amateur Radio Club participating in the annual ARRL Field Day activities. I was so excited about what I had seen and done that getting my General ticket was a necessity. I am a retired Professional Engineer and structural steel fabricator and I find that my new hobby is a perfect use of my time. I enjoy operating my radios from home, but I also enjoy spending time showing others many of the exciting aspects of amateur radio.
Andy Barkley
Andy became interested in amateur (ham) radio while in high school in Saginaw, Michigan. He is an Amateur Extra class licensee with the callsign WB7DKZ. He has owned a number of different radios including equipment from Heathkit (which were sold in kit form). In addition to his station at home, he can operate from his car, making contacts around the world. While you may find Andy making voice contacts on the amateur radio frequencies, his passion is contacting other hams using Morse Code. He is a CWops Morse Code instructor where he shares his love of Morse Code with others.
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What inspired you to make this project?
To promote amateur radio and to encourage exploration of technology and kit building.