I earned my technician license in 1993 while a student at the University of Oklahoma. Throughout the 1990s, VHF packet radio was my favorite mode. When I moved to Missouri in 1999, I became inactive, but I did some some VHF SSTV and APRS in 2002 and ever since. I then moved to QRP and kit building throughout 2002 and 2003, having constructed a 20 meter VXO receiver. It works well and even allows me to hear some shortwave stations.

No matter how my interests change, I find myself being drawn back into digital modes. I'm far from an expert, even though MMSSTV and MMTTY have enabled me to use these modes on HF with virtually no learning curve. I'd like to learn more about digital operation, even though I'll probably never operate all modes.

Having worked with 911 and other public safety officials, I see digital communications as one of the waves of the future. I recall back in 1991 that one of my colleagues was doing research on the use of neural networking in satellite imagery and geographic information systems interpretation and use. I proofread his dissertation, knowing virtually nothing about neural networks, but he was ahead of his time. Neural networking and other forms of artifical intelligence help end users and policy makers utilize complex data, often saving time. For example, neural networks could help one interpret a variety of landscapes on remotely sensed imagery, meaning that a utility company might choose a less expensive route for a powerline or natural gas pipeline.

Meanwhile, as I learned how to build geographic databases (while a doctoral student at OU) and interpret remote sensing and aerial photography, I used packet radio in emergency drills with the Red Cross and chatted with friends throughout Norman and the Oklahoma City area. In the back of my mind, though, I envisioned the merge of GIS and communications and saw a tremendous opportunity for public safety and other functions to have both voice communications and data transfer ability. As continued this line of thought, it became obvious that this technology could deploy fire/rescue personnel and enable public works personnel to perform their jobs efficiently.

Almost like a fairy tale, computers, internet connections, data availability, and geographic data became more affordable and accessible. While APRS goes back to 1978 (and packet radio into the late 1960s), recent APRS programs allows importation of TIGER map files, meaning that street and hydrologic information could be displayed in real time to other APRS users. In addition, it would be possible to create databases and structures that could then be imported in CAMEO and Marplot software, two popular EPA programs that emergency managers and other public safety personnel use in hazardous materials settings. The opportunity is ripe for amateur radio operators to pioneer means (especially protocols and open source software) for government and private business to utilize this technology, which does not require high upfront costs. If amateur radio provided this service, we would be continuing the long line of advancing both the electronic and communications art.

After moving back to Memphis, Tennessee, in April 2005, I've become a little more "radioactive." First, I added extensions to my 20 meter dipole, giving me access to 30 and 40 meters. It's worked very well to be not more than 25 feet above ground. Second, I like to operate Field Day while camping out, and sometimes contact special event stations on HF. I love 40 meters, and there's plenty of nets. These days, I work mostly CW on 40 meters and occasionally on 30 meters. Third, I sometimes try to contact DX on whatever band I can.