Basic bio about my time with radio and how I got into amateur radio
Started with CB radio late 70’s on AM then progressed with a CB license on the “new” FM mode issued in Feb 82 (still kept the AM and SSB). Always had a interest in electronics and CB helped move me in the right direction.
Bet there isn’t a lot of these licenses around now!!
Done the original RAE exam after studying at a local school doing night classed to gain my class B license and callsign G1KUD in Oct 84 my first license cost £12 and had to be renewed yearly. The very first amateur radio equipment I purchased second hand was a 2m 2w 6 channel crystal controlled handset then managed to purchase a FT290 which went everywhere with me (not quite the portable equipment of today but still a fantastic radio and full multi mode) Had a lot of good time times in the early days on 2m FM made some good friends.
Then done the morse exam at the “Blue Star Radio Rally” at Gosforth Park racecourse and passed on the 7th Mar 87. I spent months practicing on 2m FM with a very good lady who is now silent key doing pieces out of the highway code as i had my driving test also coming up (also passed that) to gain my Class A full license 31st mar 87 with my present callsign G0HEU. Borrowed HF equipment and used the FT290
Left amateur radio early 89 for family life, lack of money and time. Done college courses and a HND in electronics resulting a a career based around electronics and computers. Returned to amateur radio after a 20 year break, seeing a issue of Practical wireless in a local newsagent and came back on the air July 2008 after re-applying for my class A license
Came back to see a totally different on-air experience with internet modes and lots of new equipment. I purchased a second hand FT100 which gave HF, 2m and 70cm
FT100 and FT450D