K2YWE Amateur Radio Info

Vital Statistics - Extra class. First licensed as novice KN2YWE in 1956

Naval Radio Station NSS, Annapolis Maryland

I used to listen to the rock-crushing signal from NSS for code practice and the sheer joy of hearing "perfect" CW. I worked NSS on CW during Armed Forces Day one year.
It was quite a thrill to hear that big signal come back to me. One of the first things I did when I moved to Annapolis was to visit the facility while it was still in use.
Sadly it is now defunct with only three minor towers remaining. On May 13, 2017 the NSS call sign was re-activated for the first time in over 40 years. 
Several members of the Potomac Valley Radio Club, including me, were privileged to oraganze a station on the site of the original transmitter at Greenbury Point
and operate under the NSS callsign during the 2017 Military Crossband Test. We transmitted on military frequencies and listened in the adjacent amateur radio bands.
We made over 1,000 contacts on four bands in 13 hours, which is the highest total every made by a CBX station on the military side.
A similar operation was carried out during the 100th anniversary year of NSS station in 2018 and every year since, except for one year during the COVID19 pandemic.

99% CW Operation

CW is my mode of choice. It's like music to my ears. I have moderate but diminishing proficiency in American Morse.
I occasionally operate SSB and RTTY, primarily in contests. I do not operate AM anymore although some of my vintage rigs have that capability.

I usually use my club call, K3AU, in contests. It was issued in 2004.

The e in my K2YWE call sometimes gets lost both on CW and phone.
The K3AU call sign belongs to the South Shore Amateur Radio Club of Maryland
The Club is dedicated to furthering Amateur Radio, CW, and Contesting. SSARC (MD) is a FISTS club.

My interest in radiosport re-emerged in the mid-1990's

I met a prominent contester in 1995 and operated at his multi-multi station for several years. I am active from home now with an occasionally Multi-op station stint.
Operating in "iron-man" mode had become difficult at my advanced age (born December 1942). I participate for limited times during most contests.
I built what I call a "Bone Simple SO2R Box" for receive audio to get my feet wet in SO2R operation. Maybe you will find my design useful. 

I have given some contesting presentations tailored primarily to Little Pistols

The presentations address doing well with modest stations, but there's plenty of content there for all contesters regardless of station capability.
The PowerPoint slide shows are animated. If you have the bandwidth and a little patience, just click below.
All CTU presentations and videos (including mine in 2017 & 2018) may be found at the CTU files and videos sites.

Member of PVRC , FISTS , CWOPS , SKCC , FOC, ARCNEM , and ARRL

The CARA-PVRC W3AO team has produced the top FD score every year since 1999.
The team pays much attention to detail and puts in major preparation, set-up, operation, support, and take-down efforts.
We operate as a networked Multi-Multi on 160m-Light (Laser), Satellite, and a separate GOTA station. I have operated the 80CW station since 2000.
Fred, K3ZO(SK), joined me in 2008 for a few years. WK3A has been on 80CW with me since 2012 and WA3MD joined us in 2017. WK3A has now taken on the 80m primary Op position . 

A limited view of my Station, the DX/Contest Hound and Chief Op

Not earth-shattering performance, but gets me a few multipliers during contests.
I no longer set up my single-direction (EU) K9AY but use the 40m Delta on receive for better SNR on 80 and 40m." 
This relatively small antenna never ceases to amaze me with its excellent performance
C3SS shakedown SWR measurements taken in 2001 at 29 feet.

It's now up at 40 feet and I need to take new measurements with non-metallic guy wires. 

When the spirit moves me and I have room, I fire up the older stuff

I hate to throw anything away, but I've been divesting myself of some of my older gear. I still have a . . .