New Member Introduction.

Greetings Everyone, 

I am new member to the Group, and would like to introduce myself.  My name is Gary Hogsten (AB4GH), I learned about HamSCI while reading an ARRL email newsletter.  After reading further about Ham Science Citizen Investigation Projects, I applied to join.  After being approved to join the Google Group, I completed the pre-registration form for the upcoming Solar Eclipse QSO Party (SEQP).

I am looking forward to joining the Solar Eclipse QSO Party (SEQP) Telecon on Thursday.  I am hoping to volunteer and participate in other citizen science projects where my experience and education can be effectively utilized. 

I would like to share a little background about myself:  I was raised in Tampa, Florida and visited KSC, and the Space Coast many times as well as watched several NASA launches.  Now, I am a Retired/Disabled in Line-of-Duty Law Enforcement Officer, Vehicular Homicide Investigator, and Forensic Crash Reconstructionist.  I received specialized and forensic training from 1986 to 1990 at the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) University of North Florida, in Jacksonville, Florida.  I was an adjunct instructor for satellite classes in Florida under Walter T. Barbour.  On occasions I worked closely on investigations with other agencies such as the Department of Transportation or the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate accidents that involved commercial vehicles or other transportation systems.

I am not new to communications having operated and worked with many types of portable and vehicle based radio gear, such as Sperry Unisys Corporation, MCT Mobile Computer Terminal, and Kustom Electronics, DXT Mobile Digital Terminal, and mobile radar units during my career in Emergency Services.  I was also a senior member with the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.  I held the rank of 2^nd Lieutenant.  

Throughout my life I liked the hobby of being an amateur astronomer as well as an amateur meteorologist.  I operate a small home weather station that I am working on connecting to the Internet.

There hasn’t been a day or night go by that I have not looked up at the sky!  I retired to Berea, Kentucky in 2017 along with my wife.  We enjoyed watching the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017.  Nowadays, I spend my time as a community volunteer, organizer, amateur radio operator, and I enjoy helping others when I can.  I am looking forward to October 14, 2023 and April 8, 2024 spectacular North American solar eclipses.

I am a FCC licensed Extra class Amateur Radio Operator (AB4GH), an ARRL Volunteer Examiner, and a Registered ARRL License Instructor.  I am active with my local ham club, the Madison County ARES team, and a member of Kentucky NWS SkyWarn.  I am also a member of several amateur radio related organizations.  I enjoy helping other hams - especially newly licensed hams when I can.  I had good Elmer's so I would like to keep up the tradition.

My amateur radio station is always a work in progress.  As of now, it is comprised of a Yaesu FT-DX10 HF radio with 100 watts, a Yaesu FT-991A all mode radio with 50 watts on UHF/VHF and 100 watts on HF.  I use a Heil Pro Elite 6 Headset on both Yaesu radios.  I have a QRP radio transceiver for CW model DMX-40, and two UHF/VHF handheld radios an Anytone AT-D878UV Plus DMR, and a Yaesu FT-3DR.  Plus one handheld for GMRS.

I have an inverted “V” dipole HF antenna oriented in an approximate north and south direction plus a 2m/70cm antenna mounted on a 30ft telescoping mast.  I use a LDG Z-100A antenna auto tuner for my HF dipole for 6m-160m.  I use a DAIWA CN-901HP PEP Wattmeter/SWR Meter.  After strong weather events I recheck my antennas with an analyzer.  My QTH is located 967ft above sea-level.  I like to chase amateur satellites with a handheld Arrow II Satellite Antenna 146/437-10W, I had the grip modified and built using a 3D printer to include a pistol style grip, and a forearm support for easier handling due to my disability.  In my ham shack I have four computers, Windows, Mac, a Raspberry Pi 400 computer, and a Pi-Star hotspot.  I like to operate HF/AM/FM/SSB, and digital such as FT8, WinLink VARA HF, WIRES-X, C4FM, DMR, APRS, EchoLink, and more.  I am always up for trying new things.

I am currently doing research to install a 2^nd HF antenna this Summer.  I have a few models I am looking at such as the redesigned Chameleon Antenna CHA TD Lite 2.0 Tactical Dipole HF multi-band Antenna with the option for a longer overall length capable of operating from 1.8 – 54 MHz without modification when used with an external antenna tuner.

I am looking forward to being able to participate in Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation, and Projects.  I believe volunteering with HamSCI will provide many benefits, such as:

1.     Contribution to Scientific Research: I can contribute to advancing scientific research and understanding by collecting and analyzing data, and sharing findings with researchers and the scientific community.

2.     Learning Opportunities: I am wanting to learn about various scientific topics, such as astronomy, atmospheric science, physics, and environmental science, while engaging in amateur radio activities.

3.     Collaborative Work: By participating in a science citizen investigation it can provide opportunities to collaborate with other enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals from different fields.

4.     Access to Resources: I can use a variety of resources I have, including specialized amateur radio equipment and software, to gather and analyze data.

5.     Personal Growth: Joining Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation can provide a sense of personal fulfillment and accomplishment, as well as an opportunity to learn more, and contribute to society.

Overall, participating in a Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation is a great way to combine amateur radio activities with advancing scientific research and knowledge, while also fostering personal growth and collaboration with others.

73, 

Gary Hogsten (AB4GH)