N9BO

N9BO — Amateur & Emergency Communications | GMRS WSJR717

Licensed amateur operator (Extra Class), currently active as N9BO (previously KD2NBO) on HF, VHF, and UHF. I also operate under the GMRS callsign WSJR717 for local and interoperable communications. I have been on the air for over 30 years, having first worked with radio systems during my military service, and later in law enforcement. Based in Queens, NY, I am on TDY assignments for much of the year, which keeps me active across different regions and operating conditions.

My primary interests include:

• 2m & 70cm FM/analogue and digital (local and regional comms)
• HF DXing for long-range operations and experimentation (20m & 40m)
• Testing radio deployment in hostile environments
• Emergency communications and interoperability with public safety & rescue teams (Project 25 | APCO-25)
• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and remote telemetry integration for oil & gas operations

I operate both from a fixed station and mobile/portable setups, and enjoy experimenting with different antenna systems to maximise performance in varied terrain and over water.

Emergency & Field Comms

A major part of my radio activity is in emergency readiness and field communications. I actively work with:

• Auxiliary communications (AUXCOMM) support
• MARS-, ARES-, and RACES-type operations
• Disaster response  and emergency support
• Search & Rescue (SAR) scenarios
• Testing radio deployment in hostile environments

Amateur radio is a natural fit with my background in law enforcement, technical rescue, and diving operations, where clear, dependable, and reliable communications during crises are essential for safety and effective response, and can make a critical difference. I am also FEMA-certified across the NIMS/ICS (Incident Command System) training suite, which strengthens my ability to operate within structured emergency management frameworks, and integrate effectively with multi-agency response teams.

Operating Style

• Check in on local repeaters and nets (2m/70cm FM)
• DXing on 20m and 40m – when propagation allows
• Monitor on EchoLink, HamSphere, and Peanut. Occasionally on Zello PoC
• Experiment with digital voice (YSF-C4FM-Fusion | DMR Brandmeister/TGIF | D-STAR | P25)
• Active on FT8, FT4, JS8Call, and Winlink using WSJT-X and VARA
• Use satellite passes (SO-50, ISS) with handheld Yagi
• APRS beaconing & mapping during field operations

Contact

Happy to connect with hams, GMRS users, and the wider public safety community: law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel.

►QRZ: N9BO
►QTH: Queens, New York | USA
►Email: n9bo@qsl.net | n9bo@arrl.net
             n9bo@eurao.org | n9bo@hrdlog.net
►Website: https://n9bo.com

Stay Safe,
vy 73 de N9BO

I don’t maintain a traditional logbook of QSOs; however, if we’ve spoken via HF or DMR, and you’d like an eQSL card, just email me — please include your QRZ.com bio link or details, and I’ll send you a personalised card from wherever I’m operating at the moment. Also, feel free to leave a quick “hello” or note in my Web Contact Log under the ‘Web’ tab — always great to hear from fellow operators.

DX Code of Conduct

1. I will listen, and listen, and then listen again before calling.
2. I will only call if I can copy the DX station properly.
3. I will not trust the DX cluster and will be sure of the DX station's call sign before calling.
4. I will not interfere with the DX station nor anyone calling and will never tune up on the DX frequency or in the QSX slot.
5. I will wait for the DX station to end a contact before I call.
6. I will always send my full call sign.
7. I will call and then listen for a reasonable interval. I will not call continuously.
8. I will not transmit when the DX operator calls another call sign, not mine.
9. I will not transmit when the DX operator queries a call sign not like mine.
10. I will not transmit when the DX station requests geographic areas other than mine.
11. When the DX operator calls me, I will not repeat my call sign unless I think he has copied it incorrectly.
12. I will be thankful if and when I do make a contact.
13. I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect.

What makes a good CW operator?

• Proficiency – Able to send and receive the code with high accuracy and consistency at their mastered speed for an extended time without fatigue.
• Rhythm – Displays  a well-developed sense of the procedures, timing, spacing, and formation of the character elements which allows them to accurately copy under adverse conditions and to send highly readable code, even without automatic devices .  Able to adapt those elements to meet the band conditions or needs of the receiving operator.
• Learning – Seeks to increase their skill, through on-air practice, training, and study.  Volunteers to help advance the skills of other less-experienced or new CW operators.
• Behaviour – Is courteous, patient, and understanding.  Recognises that no one is born to CW, and that each of us is practicing an acquired skill the best way they know how.  Upholds the telegraphic standard of on-air behavior that is above reproach, because they understand that they are part of a special fraternity with a long history of high standards.
• Passion – Enjoys CW, regardless of attained proficiency, because he or she recognises that they are part of a unique telegraphic tradition, and understands that amateur radio is richer and more interesting because CW lives on through them.
   

© 2025 N9BO — Amateur & Emergency Communications | GMRS WSJR717 | All Rights Reserved.