KG4NDS

Greetings from KG4NDS

So, if you are reading this, you must have made a contact with me... Or, for some reason, just interested.

I've been a ham since April 2001 and got my ticket while living in the Atlanta area, thus the 4 call. I was very active and even the AEC for the county ARES group. I ran nets and other fun stuff as a tech and even built my own 6 meter antenna which I made several contacts.

I moved to Houston a few years back and really wasn't active at all. It's been hard to get back into the swing of things and one day I just made the choice to study and take the General class exam. I took it at NASA for bragging rights even though it really didn't matter much.  Some folks ask why I didn't change to a 5 call and to that I say why?  I have EVERYTHING set up for KG4NDS. I even have my email set up with that call so it would be tough to do.  Maybe once day I might change to a shorter call but who knows.

The QTH is a condo just outside of the "beltway" or Highway 8,  2 miles south from where I-10 intersects Hwy 8 on the West side. The HOA has a pretty strick antenna requirements, AKA, none allowed, I have to be very creative with my antenna choices.  I have a rain gutter downspout "antenna" hooked up and it seems to be working as expected. It's not a G5RV or a $600 multiband vertical but it works.  I was about to make several contacts on it so far including some DX.  The radios at the QTH  AND at in the truck are both Kenwood TS-480SAT's. Got a great deal on them new so why not. They dont take up a lot of room and in a condo, space is a premium commodity.

I do a lot of attemps at QSO's at work because it's a bit further West from where I live and a LOT quiter on the bands.  My QTH is RF noisy and there isn't much I can do about it.

I listen to 40 meters a lot but also around 17 and 20 meters as well. Mostly between 11am UTC and 9:30pm UTC during the week. That is when I'm eaither going to work or coming from work.  I have more time in the AM than the PM and the band seems to be a bit quieter in the morning.

PLEASE, PLEASE confirm me on either here on QRZ or on LOTW so that I can count the QSO for awards if available. it's just another fun thing to do and I show friends and family to possibly tweek some interest in ham radio if it's there.  I log to here on QRZ, LOTW and Clublog so that the stations I contact have 3 chances for confirmation if they choose.  I also try and send out QSO cards to all my contacts. I dont really expect one back but it REALLY is nice when I do!

The equipment list for mobile:

• Kenwood TM D700 (the older version) which is mounted on the top
• Kenwood TS-480SAT at the bottom.
• The mount for the control heads is from Lido radio products
• Turbo Tuner 2 - Kenwood Edition to control the antenna tuning
• Little Tarheel II 6-80 Meter with 54" whip on the top which makes it a bit better with signal.
• Generic Larson VHF/UHF dual band whip antenna on Breedlove stake mount (forground of pic 3)
• MFJ 6 meter "Ham stick" on Breedlove stake mount (background of pic 3)

Equipment list for the QTH:

• Kenwood TS-480SAT
• MFJ 30amp switching power supply
• 9:1 UNUN matching to a rain gutter downspout for antenna
• 1:1 RF choke for noise and CMC control
• homebuilt monster liquitd cooled gaming computer for digital modes.

Thanks and 73!

I am a supporter of the DX Code of Coduct:

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.