"Life is unpredictable, but there is a lot out there to do and see
if you just tune in to the radio." Jimmy Buffett
CAUTION: THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS!
Hi there and welcome aboard my new venture in web publishing. My name is Ken Campbell, and I hope that you find this site to be of interest. This site is best viewed using Internet Explorer.
A little about me
OCCUPATION
I am employed as an electronics technician for Safetran Systems Corporation, Electronics Division, In Rancho Cucamonga, California. Safetran Systems is a leading manufacturer of control and communications equipment for the railroad industry.
I am currently assigned to the Special Products Group. I do production test and component level troubleshooting of new units, as well as test and troubleshooting of units returned form the field for repair and upgrade.
You can check out Safetran at http://www.safetran.com.
AVOCATIONS
AMATEUR RADIO
My favorite hobby is amateur radio. I've been a "Ham" since 1987 and hold an extra class license. The lead photo is a picture of me at my station. I live in an area that has CC&R's, or Conditions, Contracts and Restrictions, so operating can be a bit of a challenge. It CAN be done, however, if one is discrete and respects one's neighbors and community.
I operate VHF and UHF quite a bit on FM and SSB, and am involved with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District's Auxiliary Communications Service and R.A.C.E.S. - A.R.E.S. We provide alternative and backup communications for the city during times of emergency, as well as during planned events.
I also work HF from time to time, although this is a bit tricky from the condo!
A recent interest has been the digital "sound card" modes such as PSK 31. These newer modes enable one to make contacts all over the world on less power than SSB, and that means less chance of causing interference. Also, SSTV, RTTY, & CW can be worked using a radio, a computer, and an interface. Good stuff!
Sound interesting? Click on http://www.hello-radio.org/ to find out more about Ham radio!
For more on PSK31, see: http://aintel.bi.ehu.es/psk31.html
Other favorite Ham sites are:
R and L Electronics, my favorite "toy store:" http://www.randl.com
QRZ.COM, a good all purpose ham site with call sign lookup: http://www.qrz.com.
RADIO CONTROL
Another favorite pastime is flying my RC airplane and sailing my RC sailboat. I used to fly back in the early '80s before I earned my amateur radio license. Being of very limited income at the time, I had to choose where I would spend my infrequent "mad money." Ham radio won out. Now, being older and marginally "richer" I've again taken up the RC hobby. I'm currently flying a Mountain Toys Gentle Foamie EPP foam 2 meter class glider, and a Fly Zone Ventura electric motor glider. I sail a Megatech Nirvana II sailboat, usually at Oceanside Harbor here in So Cal. I use Hi-Tec radio equipment.
Links:
Academy of Model Aeronautics: http://www.modelaircraft.org
Hobby People, another favorite toy store: http://www.hobbypeople.net
RC Soaring Digest Magazine: http://www.rcsoaringdigest.com
SOME MORE FAVORITE LINKS:
E-mail me!
