Not a hobby page. A communications platform.
Amateur radio has been a companion, discipline, service platform, and technical laboratory from Alaska to the coming New Zealand chapter.
CW, QRP, and patience
CW remains the anchor: direct, mindful, efficient, and deeply human. QRP reinforces the belief that skill, timing, and persistence often matter more than power.
Building pathways into radio
Through AARG, the mission was to serve underserved Alaska communities, including remote villages reached by bush plane, snowmachine, ATV, riverboat, highway, and determination.
The radio story
Amateur radio began as curiosity and became a lifelong thread. It connected childhood listening, Army communications, Fairbanks licensing, CW practice, low-power operating, digital experimentation, Linux-based station work, and the founding of organisations built around service.
The strongest lesson from Alaska was simple: if communications only works where everything is convenient, it is not enough. That idea shaped remote examination work, community service, Aurora Radio Mail, AARS, and the continuing vision for technical communications in New Zealand.
Modes, service, and systems.
Modes
CW • SSB • Digital • JS8 • Olivia • Winlink • Packet • VARA
Alaska Nets
Alaska CW Net, Bush Net, APEPN, and regional operating that keeps distance in focus.
Software
Aurora Radio Mail connects Linux, radio email, field operations, and practical communications.