Picture - VE1DX on tower #2 contemplating if it is worth bringing the rig up there to reduce coax line loss - 2011. You can follow me on Twitter

QSL INSTRUCTIONS:

Before requesting a QSL, check my on-line log. This log is usually updated daily.

I will QSL direct, via the bureau and LoTW (LoTW is my preffered method.)

(A) If you wish to QSL direct, remember that stamps from countries other than Canada will not work here. Please include one (1) IRC or sufficient green stamps to cover return postage, and a SAE. Postage costs as of 16 January 2012 are $0.61 Canada to Canada, $1.05 to send from Canada to the USA and $1.80 to send from Canada to all other countries. This is IMPORTANT as I receive numerous SASEs with USA stamps affixed.

(B) For contests only, I cannot confirm buro cards (Card volume restrictions by the Canadain QSL buro prevent this.) All contest logs are uploaded to LoTW within 24 hours of the contest ending. I will, of course, confirm direct requests for contest QSOs subject to the conditions in (A) above.

STATION:

ICOM 756PROIII HF Rig, K8RA P4 brass CW paddles, Vibroplex Blue Racer Bug , Vibroplex Deluxe Chrome original bug, Heil Pro-Set Plus, ACOM-1000 HF Amplifier, MFJ-986 3KW tuner, 2 X 48-foot (15-metre) Delhi heavy duty towers, HY-Gain TH5 tribander (20/15/10), Mosley TW-33-XL tribander (30/17/12), Mosley AM-56 6-metre monobander and separate resonant dipoles for 160/80/40. DXLabs Suite of logging software.

BIOGRAPHY:

During the 1980's I developed a deep interest in radio and wireless communications. I spent most of my spare time in the radio rooms of various ships I sailed on. Satellite communications not available back then. The primary method of communication was still via HF radio. I soon discovered Amateur radio, and I learned to send and receive Morse code. In 1987 I wrote the exam for my amateur radio license. I have been licensed ever since, and I now hold the call sign VE1DX. I still marvel at the bond that holds Radio amateurs held together, a camaraderie perhaps best described by the "The Amateur's Code", written by Paul Segal, W9EEA, in 1928.

Ham radio is a fantastic hobby, with something for everyone. For me it was, and still is, DXing. There is no greater thrill than making two way radio contacts with rare and exotic lands. It is hard to explain the thrill of a wireless exchange in an age when one can simply pick up a cellular phone and call almost anywhere in the world. Yet for those of us who are hooked on the hobby, we still marvel at the magic of radio waves traveling to the other side of the world. There is no greater satisfaction than communicating with another amateur thousands of miles away with no medium other than waves generated in wire antennas, and sent with just the power equivalent to turning on a 100-watt light bulb. (Although sometimes when a rare station shows up, and many are calling, I have been known to use enough power to light up ten 100-watt light bulbs.)

You will usually find me on CW, as that is my preferred mode.

I occasionally am on the digital modes, in particular RTTY. On 6 metres and during contests/DXpeditions I can be found on SSB.