I have been in the hobby since 1989, working up the ranks from Tech Plus through General, Advanced, to eventually Extra by 2008.

My first HF radio was a Yaesu FT-101E but quickly tradaed up to a Kenwood TS-530S. I used that trusty radio until 2008 when a Yaesu FT-450 was added to the desk. I still have and use the TS-530S using it on the lower bands. In June of 2011 I sold the FT-450 and bought a Kenwood TS-590S. It has been a wonderful radio and hopefully will be my last new HF rig.

Antennas include a HiGain TH6 DXX  6 element tri-bander attached to a Tri-Ex W-51 55' (16.8M) tower and a Windom off-center dipole up 50' (15M).

My QTH is La Grande, Oregon which is located in northeastern Oregon. La Grande is a small town of 12,500 and is situated in the Grande Ronde Valley. Elevation is 2800' (900M).

The picture below was taken January 2011 from the Ladd March and the nature preserve. The mountain in the background is Mt. Emily ( 6200'). The herd of Elk is one of the many features of the valley. Both of the pictures were taken by one my co-workers and the way to work.

I've worked at the local hospital for 33 years as a BioMedical Equipment Techincian and will be retiring September 2012.

If passing through, please utilize our local repeater:  146.980  tone 100Hz.

73

Ted Ivester, N7NSL