Phil Bytheway here. Just a few words re my activities. I am 59, live in Seattle WA, and have been DXing since 1968 when I entered a contest in Jr High to see how far I could hear on the AM band. Didn’t win, of course, but I did catch the “DX bug” as well as about 5 stations outside the Seattle area. The contest also included info on how to contact stations I heard to get a “QSL’. Naturally, I started writing to stations with program details and eventually I wrote to KOB-Albuquerque. This verification request was “gathered” by the Don Erickson of IRCA and I received a sample in the mail. Naturally, I was a bit shocked to learn that there were many DXers and a weekly bulletin… so, naturally, I joined up. This resulted in my acquisition of a “Realistic TRF” and a “Space Magnet” antenna which I used for many years. Eventually, once I got more money, hi, I progressed through various receivers and antennas. Today I am using a Drake R-7 and KIWA loop as my primary DX combination, occasionally using an R-390A or R-392 with the KIWA loop. However, due to my current work situation, most of my DXing is being done in my car to and from work. Obviously, during the spring and summer months, not much is done, but in the winter I usually get an hour or so in each day. Mostly graveyard DX… certainly no “nulling” hi. I have also tried DXing with various Ultralight receivers which work pretty well in my car while waiting for the ferry each morning and afternoon (when I’m not driving). I have a fascination with antennas and occasionally experiment with loops and longwires. Current project is to see how well an inductively coupled FSL antenna works with the R-7. Summer months is not the best time to do this… so no great conclusions until this fall. Thanks to Gary DeBock, I have a 4” FSL to use until the 3” FSL I am constructing is completed. I am currently the editor of the “Geomagnetic Indices” column in IRCA/NRC as well as “Confirmed DXer” column in DXN. I have been reformatting various columns for DXM as well (CRN, DXWW-W and some DXpedition reports). Other hobbies include collection radio promo items (mostly stickers). I have a collection of over 35,000 different stations (AM & FM – US and Canada) as well as an equivalent number of traders. So… if any of you folks have any “extra” stickers you don’t want, I would be happy to purchase, trade for them. Just contact me “off list” at [email protected]. I publish the “DecalcoMania” bulletin 10 times/year for radio promo collectors (paper or email sample upon request – [email protected]). Non radio hobbies include collecting and building WWI aircraft… although I rarely have enough time to do this… I’m sorta in the “acquisition” mode right now. I also play co-ed flag football once a week (3 gals/5 guys on a team). I’ve had a passion for football since High School. I trust everyone will have a great upcoming DX season and please remember to contribute what you are hearing to the IRCA/NRC or the various e-Groups. This sharing of information is the best way to help other DXers hear what you are hearing… especially the timing aspect. Best of DX Phil Bytheway
IRCA Bookstore Seattle WA Drake R-7 / KIWA Loop _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
