de W4IO, based near Chattanooga, TN, often operating from parks in the area, while out exploring, or when vacationing. I have operated from St. Kitts as V4/W4IO, from St. Eustatius as PJ5/W4IO, and from Anguilla as VP2EIO.
In the shack I have an IC-7300MK2, and when portable/POTA I use an Icom IC-705. My antenna is usually an EFRW at home. When operating POTA I have several antennas, including a homebrew POTA performer, a CHA F-Loop, CHA Delta-loop, Hamstick, or JPC-12 vertical. I’m active on 6-160 meter bands.
My radio history:
September 1979 – I began to learn morse code in 6th grade classroom. After passing a 5 WPM proficiency test, I operated under my teachers license KA4HZR, and received my first QSL card dated Jan. 8, 1980.
January to May 1980 - Operated under by father's license, KA4NOP receiving several QSL with his call sign.
Around May 15, 1980 - Passed the Novice test, and received call sign KA4OVE. My first QSL confirmation with this call is dated May 15, 1980. Exact date the test was passed, and call sign became effective are lost to the ravages of time, with the original license having been lost - probably in a washing machine!
12/29/1981 - General Class test passed at the FCC office in Atlanta, GA and interim permit issued - I also took the Advanced class test but missed one too many questions. I also took the 20 WPM code test and passed it, receiving a certificate of credit on this same date. I operated with General class privileges as KA4OVE until receiving permanent license and new call sign.
02/02/1982 - N4GJX call signed granted and effective on sequential assignment.
07/09/1991 - First and only ULS file for N4GJX renewal that also mentions my previous call sign KA4OVE.
5/23/2002 - Extra class test passed and effective, operating as N4GJX - I did not request a sequential call sign change at this time.
6/28/2002 - Vanity application granted for call sign AB4N.
3/21/2025 - Vanity application granted for call sign W4IO, I changed because I prefer the W 1x2
