I had a passion for radio and electronics from a young age, and explored it at every opportunity while growing up in Southern Illinois. After many years of experimenting with CB and shortwave radios I was licensed as KB9YKG in 2000 after passing the Technician exam. It was another four years before I got the HF bug and upgraded to a General class ticket. During that time, I graduated from John A. Logan College with a degree in Electronics Technology, and I am now a Certified Electronics Technician, and hold a General Radiotelephone Operator License. I moved to Plano Texas in 2007, where I now work in the wireless communications field. Shortly after moving to Texas, I upgraded to Extra, and was granted the vanity call WA5UP, which I currently hold. I tend to operate mostly HF SSB and PSK31, but you can also catch me on the 147.180 repeater if you are in the DFW area. Aside from operating, I am also active in public service and technical mentoring, and I am the webmaster for the Plano Amateur Radio Klub. QSL is always appreciated and reciprocated, I accept QSL via LoTW, eQSL.cc, and direct (no SASE required). Hope to catch you on the bands!