AA1AO

I was born and raised in Estonia during the Cold War. My interest in radio started during the late seventies when I spotted my parents trying to listen to HF broadcast stations such as Voice of America (VOA), Radio Liberty (RL), and Radio Free Europe (RFE). Living in a Soviet-occupied country meant that listening to, or talking about, such "evil Western propaganda" stations was illegal and dangerous. Therefore, it was even more exciting for a school boy.

RL/RFE programming was jammed by short distance white noise HF towers. Getting ideas from more experienced classmate listeners led me to building directional antennas that reduced the effect of radio jammers. I also got interested in radio electronics. Consumer receivers available in the Soviet Union did not have broadcast bands shorter than 25 meters. So I spent time trying to modify our radios for 19m and 16m bands.

Living close to Finnish and Swedish borders made it also possible to watch TV programs from those countries. That was not illegal but required powerful directional antennas. They were not available so I started building yagis. Aluminum ski poles were excellent material for the antennas. TV receivers from the West were not available either. So our Soviet SECAM TVs had to be also modified for the PAL system.

Studying Physics and Radio Electronics at Tartu University allowed me to learn more about electronics and understand the theory of radio propagation. In the early 80s, I found out about amateur radio. To my surprise, it was allowed in the Soviet Union. HAM radio was one of the very few options to reach outside the Iron Curtain, and all the transmissions were closely monitored by KGB, GRU, and other agencies of the occupying power.

Getting an amateur radio license was time consuming and complicated. Paperwork had to be submitted in Russian and approved in Moscow. Luckily I found a mentor - Ako, ES8AY. He is an experienced HAM and expert in electronics. Thanks to his directions, I finally got my first license in 1988. He also helped me to build my first transceiver and antennas.

After many years of "radio silence" I returned to the hobby in 2002 and became more actively involved again. My main interest during the past few years has been digital voice over DMR/Brandmeister networks, Allstar, and other VOIP modes. I maintain several DMR (#3141236) hotspots, an Allstar (#50772) node, a C4FM/Fusion hotspot, an APRS iGate, a WSPR Net Beacon, and intermittently an Echolink (#760936) node (#L-865518). I am reachable via Hamshack Hotline (#6103498).

As long as HF propagation is good, I spend time DX'ing and doing some POTA/BOTA hunting. I also practice HF digital modes and SSB as well.

In 2014, I became an appointed host for Flightradar24 service, call sign KMMV-1. My family's GMRS call sign is WRQG558.

My beautiful XYL Sharon is also involved in amateur radio. Together we like to visit local and regional radio events such as swap meets, conventions, summer camps, and more.

I am a member of the following organizations:

• PNWDigital (Pacific NW group of DMR organizations/repeaters)
• YCARES (Yamhill County Amateur Radio Emergency Services)
• MARC (McMinnville Amateur Radio Club)
• WORC (Western Oregon Radio Club)
• QCWA (Quarter Century Wireless Association, #37943)
• ARRL (American Radio Relay League, #2000100992)
• RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain)
• OMISS (Old Man International Sideband Society, #13717)
• FT8DMC (FT8 Digital Mode Club, #18151)
• EPC (European PSK Club, #36023)
• TRC (Thracian Rose Club, #162-U.S.A.)
• ERC (European ROS Club, #10512)
• POTA (Parks on the Air)
• BOTA (Beaches on the Air)