Bio...

Hi, my name is Mark and I have been a licensed Ham operator since 1964.  It all began by obtaining my Novice license, WN6HHN. Then, one year later, I upgraded to a General Class license, WA6HHN and then in 1994 to Extra Class where I obtained my current vanity call, WT6P. I am active in contesting where I favor CW and RTTY modes of operation.

Over my many years of operation I have been involved in many aspects of Ham Radio. I have spoken with the astronauts of the Space Shuttle Program and the International Space Station (ISS) and have been involved in the use of Ham Satellites for long-range communications via 2-meter uplinks and 10-meter downlinks.

I really enjoy the public service aspect of Ham Radio. When time allows I will participate in communications for cross-country bicycle events or marathons. We staff the checkpoints and report the arrival of contestants and request aid in the event of injury or emergency.

When I first began Ham Radio, I was involved in providing communications for the 1964 Alaskan earthquake. I assisted higher-class operators in receiving and sending ‘health and welfare’ messages from the disaster stricken areas to the American Red Cross in California or to families in my general area, giving information about their loved ones. I have also been active in Navy MARS (Military Affiliate Radio Service) – call NNN0BBH, handling traffic from our Armed Forces to their families in the states. Some of these message were ‘telegram’ type messages and other were ‘phone patch’, live communication messages where I connected my ham equipment to the telephone system, allowing the two parties to speak to each other.

Regardless of your interests in electronics or various aspects of this fine hobby, the biggest benefit is the satisfaction you take with you when you help someone in need. You learn about people, many around the world, and create great friendships that can last a lifetime.