K3QB

About Me

I'm a technologist (broadly, but focused in computer security) and attorney. I'm married to KI7FKM, raising a wonderful toddler to be bilingual in ASL and English (outbound communication in ASL, incoming in either), feeder of two Maine Coons (Frolic and Detour), serve as trustee of the Narwhal Amateur Radio Society, caretaker of the Little Free Failure of Capitalism, and Legal Observer for the National Lawyers Guild. I own several hats. In my free time, I do ham radio and woodworking.

QRZ

I don't participate in QRZ. When I raised the issue in their forums that their award "Master of Africa" (and other regions) was problematic at best, and openly racist at worst, they immediately deleted the forum post and threatened me. When K7ALM sent me a series of ranting emails (including telling me that I needed to read the Christian Bible) because I *pointed out* that "Master of Africa" isn't OK on my QRZ page, and I thanked him for his "contribution" on my QRZ page, the QRZ administrators threatened me.  Then they later banned me for pointing out that a QRZ paid member sent me racist invective via email! Seems like they've chosen their views, and they're abhorrent.

Getting Out OK

I usually operate FT8, because my QTH (CN87um) has somewhat problematic topology (I’m surrounded by biggish hills) and I’m in the middle of the city, so the noise floor isn’t quite what it is in the middle of the woods.

I also operate while traveling in The ShadyVan, and there I use FT8, SSB, or whatever else seems like a good idea at the time. I’ve also done some Parks on the Air here in the PNW, and intend to do much more in 2024.

My travel HF radio is a Discovery TX-500 that I use with a SOTABeams Band Hopper IV. At home, my main radio is a Yaesu FTdx-3000 that I adore (it’s more radio than I deserve), attached to an Aerial-51 807-HD and a Wellbrook Loop.

Narwhal Amateur Radio Society

I serve as President and Trustee of the Narwhal Amateur Radio Society, a ham radio club dedicated to diversifying the practice of ham radio, spreading joy, and educating the public about the lack of existence of “narwhals.”

ARRL

I’m an ARRL member, and have accepted an appointment as ARRL Volunteer Counsel for Washington (Northwest Division). I’m also barred in Montana, but only listed on their site under WA.