YES, I did it - I finally ditched Windows ....... (1st Sept 2011)

I'm a Radio Amateur (Not a CB'er ! - there is a difference).

I had played with Linux, on several previous occasions, over about 6 years or so, but could never find suitable Amateur Radio software, that actually worked anywhere near as well as my existing software did, under Windows.

Please, Please, Please, can you really clever people who write the programmes that run under Linux, take a look at some of the other Windows stuff that's out there (JT65-HF, MixW, HRD, etc.,).  I sure that if you did you would get a lot more Amateurs switching to Linux.

Nearly all Radio Amateurs, these days, have computers associated with their specific interest, within the hobby, and we are nearly all stuck with Windows.

I decided to try again, and played with a few distro's, finally settling on Mint 11.  I liked the feel of it, as soon as it loaded, if that makes sense.

Having passed my City & Guilds Exams, I gained my licensed in 1969, and I have been very active in contests, both as an individual and within contest groups.

I am the Repeater Keeper for GB3JB and GB3WX, and am technical assistant for GB3YS and GB3WSX.

Having successfully obtained a license NoV from Ofcom, I am currently working to change GB3WX from a basic 6m repeater, into a 6m / 10m cross-band repeater.  A totally unique system, within the UK.

Apart from operation via the above repeaters, my primary activity is currently with digital modes, JT65-HF, PSK31, MFSK, OLIVIA & HELL. Although other modes are occasionally used.

I am a member of the following Digital groups: 30MDG #1248  -  EPC #4730 (EN62)  -  FH #1329

Operation is primarily on 30m, plus 20m & 40m, although I'm always looking for activity on other bands, including WARC. If anyone wants to set-up scheds, send an e-mail.

The current digital modes base station set-up is very simple -

Transceiver: Kenwood TS 480sat + 25/30 watts O/P,

Primary Antenna: 12.8m ground mounted, base fed, vertical for 30m on a 0.275 wavelength radius mesh ground mat, plus earth rods.  This has additional remote matching for activity from 15m through to 160m.

Computer: 3.8 GHz AMD64

Interface: Opto-coupled soundcard.

Software: Fldigi + Mint 11

The secondary transceiver is my old and trusted Icom 728.  I also have a Yaesu FT-817 + Icom AH4 auto-atu, which I use for portable and holiday operation, with the laptop.

I do not send QSL cards, but if requested I will always confirm a contact via email. I will reply with a printable QSL card attachment, in PDF format.

If anyone out there is developing some Amateur Radio software, and is looking for a simple user to try it out, I'd be happy to oblige.

Cheers & 73's Dave, G3ZXX.