Editor’s Note: Have you ever wondered who was the ham on the other end of your call to DX Engineering? Well, we thought you’d like to know.
OnAllBands will be running a series of posts highlighting members of DX Engineering’s customer/technical support team—all accomplished Elmers ready to answer questions whether you’re building your next antenna or deciding which coaxial cable is best for your station.
We are pleased to introduce Tim “Guy” Staley, K5TGS. He recently joined DX Engineering as a customer/technical support specialist working in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, where he has been actively involved in using ham radio for public service events, including the Dallas Marathon, St. Jude Bicycle Rally of Denton County, Fort Worth’s Cowtown Marathon, and many more. He is a member of the Denton County Amateur Radio Association and Dallas Amateur Radio Club.
Among other activities, K5TGS is a trained National Weather Service Skywarn Storm Spotter, has earned several emergency response certifications, is a member of Forth Worth RACES, runs the net control station for the 7290 Traffic Net, is an AMSAT Ambassador, teaches Technician and General ARRL license courses, and is a control station for the SATERN emergency net.
On the phone, he goes by his middle name, “Guy,” certainly an appropriate moniker for someone who has dealt with more than a few antennas over his career. To avoid any confusion, he chose the name because DX Engineering already has a Tim, namely, CEO Tim Duffy, K3LR. His rigs of choice for base and mobile operation include an IC-7100, Elecraft KX3, IC-7300, and ID-5100A.
K5TGS providing communications support for a fundraiser in Denton County, Texas.
K5TGS was nice enough to answer a few questions for OnAllBands about his life in ham radio.
What first got you interested in ham radio? Do you remember getting your first license? What about your first QSO?
My interest in radio communications started with SWL (Short Wave Listening). My father bought me a Hallicrafters WR-1000 receiver when I was just a young boy. It sparked my interest in listening to stations around the world. I put out a long wire antenna, made a tuner in an old cigar box, and was captivated for hours at a time.
I remember the months spent with ARRL license manuals and some internet resources to help me through my licensing process. It was very exciting to see into the amazing world of amateur radio.
My first QSO on HF was indeed exciting. I purchased the IC-718 transceiver just before being licensed. When I passed my exam I could hardly wait to make my first QSO. It wasn’t a great distance, but the idea of being able to talk to someone some distance away was very rewarding. Even to this day it is great to talk to people around the world and learn a bit about them and their countries.
Do you have a favorite contact you’ve made? What’s the story behind it?
My most memorable contact was just a few years ago when I had a speaking engagement in Brazil. I had never been there and knew little of the country. Over several weeks before flying there I made several contacts throughout Brazil and was able to ask questions and learn more about the country. They told me interesting areas to see and explore. Ham radio operators are very nice and like to talk about the places they call home.
What do you enjoy most about ham radio?
One of the most rewarding aspects of this hobby is giving back through community service events such as marathons, bike races, and walkathons. In these events we provide radio communications to the various staff, including police and community leaders, so the event runs smoothly. I also enjoy ham radio traffic events where we practice message handling on both HF and VHF frequencies. It is good practice for when we have emergencies that require one to be able to pass critical, time-sensitive messages.
What advice do you have for people who are thinking of getting into the hobby
or to those who have just received their Tech license?
Be persistent. It takes work, but there is a payoff. Learn as much as you can, as it will really help you to operate your station, check antenna systems, and troubleshoot common problems. Each time I speak to a customer here at DX Engineering I encourage them to study and get their license. The digital aspects of our hobby today offer almost endless opportunities for the Technician class license holder.
Talk about your areas of expertise and how this expertise will benefit DX Engineering customers.
I most enjoy talking about SSB HF, FM with VHF/UHF, and QRP communications. I really like to take that call from the newly licensed ham or the ham who is now returning to the hobby after years away from being active. I think I am best with these folks in getting the equipment needed for a successful station.
Anything else you’d like to add about your experiences and the future of the hobby?
I continue to be amazed at how interesting
and polite people are in our hobby—worldwide.
I see a very exciting horizon for the hobby as technology improves much of what
we do. We are seeing amazing new radios and accessories that make getting on
the air easier.
Need to get in touch with an Elmer from the DX Engineering team? Email elmer@DXEngineering.com or call 800-777-0703. For email support 24/7/365, email at DXEngineering@DXEngineering.com. Order from more than 30,000 amateur radio products at DXEngineering.com.
