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I first became interested in radio at the age of 11 when I received a crystal set with earphones in 1948. Many a night was spent in bed listening to the local radio programs and Maple Leaf hockey games in Toronto where I lived. Later I was to move with the family to Winnipeg where, at the University of Manitoba I was to meet a new friend who introduced me to Ham Radio and was to become my 'Elmer' in giving me code and technical lessons toward my ticket.
On May 24th, 1957, I took my exam and, after failing two tapes at the mandatory 10 wpm of the cw test, put on my jacket with disgust, planning to walk out. The Radio Inspector who must have been in a benevolent mood that day, suggested I take one more tape at 15 wpm. For some reason or other I aced the faster code tape (probably because the dot to dash ratio seemed a little more distinctive) and was issued my initials and the call VE4SW. Due to the struggle with the code test, I was determined not to use my phone or voice privileges after the first 6 months on the 10 meter and vhf bands until I took my advanced ticket for full phone privileges after the mandatory first year. By that time, after getting my WAS Award, I was hooked on DXing and CW and took the opportunity to change my call to a more cw rhythm orientated VE4XJ, a call I held for 22 years apart from three years as VE5XJ in Regina, Saskatchewan.
In 1980 I moved to B.C. and was issued VE7EXJ a 3 letter call!!! That was enough to put me off ham radio for nearly five years along with sharing my ham shack with the washer and dryer. I received my current call VE7CT in 1985 and hold it to this day.
The interest in DXing continued and in 1990 along with VE7SV and a team of international hams, was privileged to go on a high profile DXpedition to Conway Reef as 3D2AM. I also held a Fijian call 3D2XJ for 5 years although I never put it to good use. Again in 2000, I was invited on another high profile DXpedition K5K on Kingman Reef with a stop at Palmyra. Here, I did not get the chance to operate as it was only a short stopover on the way to Kingman, but did operate as T32R from Kiribati (Christmas Island) while awaiting our boat transportation. In the fall of 2005 I was part of the K7C DXpedition to Kure Island. In January 2007 I was privileged to be a member of the VU7RG - Hamfest and was part of the Team that went to Agatti Island.
I am currently on the DXCC Honor Role with 360 Entities confirmed as well as holding the WAZ and DXCC-QRP awards. It is my hope to go on at least one or two more expeditions and know I am being considered for upcoming adventures. It may sound exciting to some to be able to go on trips to exotic places but in reality, it is very hard and at times boring work to give out contacts for 10 days and nights with interrupted sleep patterns. Often the weather is either too hot or too cold and the food can be downright mundane, but it’s all in aid of giving a new one to the deserving. At times -- DXpeditions are without a doubt, a true test of personal stamina. It is, however, most satisfying to be on the other end and know that you have made it exciting for someone to 'work' a new one. 'Tis better to give than receive' ...Steve
 VE4XJ - Circa 1963 |
 VE0CT - Swell Time |
 VE7CT - Shack |
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 VE7CT - Antennas
The aluminum tower is 80 feet. |
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modified October 07, 2007
by Paul B. Peters,
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Copyright © 2000 -2007 Paul B. Peters, VE7BZ. All rights reserved.
