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Nx1z

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NX1Z Radio Decks NX1Z Night Ops
NX1Z Radio Decks.jpg NX1Z Night Ops.jpg

INTRODUCTION

My name is John O'Brien. I am a ham radio operator, hence my strange user name.

Location

Hobbies

Obviously, I like to play with radio. I have been scanning since I was about 10 when my grandfather gave me a 10 channel Radio Shack scanner. In my teens, I got into the CB and during the top of the sunspot cycle I got the DX bug. I finally earned an Amateur radio license in 2001 and my current call sign is (surprise) NX1Z. I participate in the local SKYWARN and ARES efforts when activated. The coolest thing that I have ever done on the radio is talk to the Astronauts and Cosmonauts on the International Space Station. Many people that I have met on the air (CB and Ham) have become life-long friends.

My other big hobbies are hiking and taking my truck off-road. I also collect guns and enjoy target shooting (a difficult hobby in Massachusetts). I like to combine radio with my other hobbies, so I have radios that I take hiking with me and I have radios installed in my truck. I haven't yet found a practical way to combine guns with radio though. :)

My new thing is flying. I plan on getting my private pilots license. I just want to fly for the fun of it and because it is an achievement that I would be proud of. I have only managed a few lessons, but I love what I have experienced so far.

MONITORING

What am I interested in monitoring on the radio? Well, I have to say that the AIR BAND is of particular interest to me. Both General Aviation and Military Air activity are monitored on a daily basis at NX1Z. But, I am also interested on keeping up with what is going on around me so of course I am monitoring a BUNCH of public safety stuff as well. I currently have all of Eastern MA and southern NH in my 396T. The way I operate is I monitor only the area that I am located at any point in time, I don't monitor everything at once.

INTENTIONS

As for Wiki stuff, I want to contribute without stepping on peoples toes. I am not here to show people how smart I think I am about the things that I know about and will never claim to be expert of any topic. I am certainly not here to fight with people or ruin the hard work of other users.

EQUIPMENT