KC3VPB
Pennsylvania Amateur Radio StationA 21-year-old technology enthusiast who started with my Technician license in February and to General Class on May 1, 2023.
Awards & QSO’s
Award showcase from all current awards and QSO records.
Parks On The Air Hunter QSO's
QSO's to Date
Unique Worked DXCC's
PSK-31 QSO's - No Macros Used!
SSB QSO's (may not be up to date)
Ham Radio Memberships
Here are some of the notable groups I am currently involved in:
PODXS 070 #2972
The PODXS 070 Club is an amateur radio club that focuses on digital modes of communication, specifically the PSK31 mode. PSK31 stands for Phase Shift Keying 31, which is a digital modulation mode used for transmitting and receiving text-based messages over radio frequencies. To join you need to obtain 50 unique BPSK31 or QPSK QSO’s.
My member number is #2972. This was the club’s previous history before PSK, (from the website section club history split into sections, read the full club history here)
More commonly known to its members as PODXS (pronounced PO-dix), the Penn-Ohio DX Society is a somewhat obscure independent amateur radio club based in New Castle, Pennsylvania. PODXS was formed in July 1996 by N3DQU, AA8QQ, KA3X and N3XC. Jay Hudak, KA3X, affectionately known as the “Old Dood”, was the first PODXS member to experiment with the new soundcard mode, PSK31. In a sense to become part of amateur radio history. KA3X and N3DQU decide to form a support group for PSK31, called the Ø7Ø Club a reference to some of the operating frequencies where PSK31 can be found
PSK-31 QSO's
Parks On The Air
My POTA hunting stats, detailing the number of parks I’ve successfully contacted below.
My Personal Journey
Childhood Years
I was born and raised in the vicinity of Chambersburg, a charming small town in Pennsylvania that is renowned for its rich history and peaceful countryside. Life there was a mix of the quiet rhythm of small-town living and the echoes of a past that seemed to whisper through the trees and the old brick buildings. For me, though, life wasn’t just about the town around me, but more about the small world I inhabited, filled with computers, gadgets, and a never-ending fascination for how things worked.
However, despite my passion, I struggled as a student. I consistently found myself lagging behind, earning poor grades, and struggling to keep pace with my classmates. It didn’t help that I had no real friends to turn to. By the time I was in middle school and then onto high school, the loneliness felt suffocating. I was always alone, and it felt like everyone else could see it too. The kid no one wanted to sit with. I was always the quiet kid who kept to himself.
I found myself isolated, lacking friends, and becoming the target of bullying. No one seemed willing to spend time with me, and I endured relentless teasing and taunting in class. My academic performance continued to suffer, and eventually, my parents made the decision to withdraw me from traditional school. Instead, I embarked on an adventure of my own by enrolling in a cyber school.
Fast forward to high school age, I found myself enrolled in Vo-Tech at the Franklin County Career & Technology Center. There, I chose to study Marketing & Web Design, and it was the first time I truly felt a genuine interest in school and discovered a new realm of knowledge. After years of struggling, I finally connected with peers who gave me a chance and formed friendships. Although I still faced difficulties keeping up with my academic work, this was the turning point where my true passion for computers and all things tech-related.
As my senior year approached, I had to take the NOCTI exam at FCCTC and achieved an advanced score, which was a good milestone for me. However, the biggest moment was my high school graduation. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 lockdowns which shut the entire country down and caused major issues with schooling, an actual graduation ceremony didn’t take place.
Nevertheless, it held immense significance for me because, years ago, I never thought I would even make it to this point. Despite my high school GPA not being impressive enough for acceptance into most colleges, I was fortunate enough to secure a spot in the enrichment program at Harrisburg University. This opportunity was made possible by my teacher vouching for me.
After Graduation
After high school, I entered adulthood carrying not only the weight of my insecurities but also an increasingly heavy burden of health issues that seemed to grow more serious with each passing year. My medical problems, which had always been in the background, suddenly became impossible to ignore. The most significant of these has been a persistent, chronic non healing wound issue that has brought immense frustration. The wound, along with other worsening health conditions, has made even the simplest aspects of daily life feel exhausting and overwhelming.
The transition to adulthood was anything but smooth. While others seemed to be moving forward with their lives—going to college, starting new jobs, embracing new experiences—I felt like I was left behind, watching from the sidelines. The excitement I had once felt during Vo-Tech had faded, replaced by an overwhelming feeling of stagnation and helplessness. My body wasn’t cooperating, my mind felt clouded by constant pain, and the future I had imagined for myself seemed to slip further and further away.
However, there was good developments that has positively impacted my life which would be the involvement in ham radio. My fascination with shortwave radio began around the age of 15 or 16 when I stumbled upon episodes of Modern Rouge that explored the topic. However, it wasn’t until this year, upon rewatching those very videos, that my interest truly took root. Little did I realize that it would blossom into a genuine passion for amateur radio. The world of ham radio has provided me with new avenues for exploration and connection.
Getting into Ham Radio.
I dedicated myself to studying diligently for the tech exam. To my delight, I passed it on my first attempt, with only two questions missed. It was a stark contrast to my academic performance in school, and it served as a clear sign that an uncharted hobby had been waiting within me all along.
Shortly after obtaining my tech license, I was given my callsign: KC3VPB.
I heard a activator on 10 meters participating in Parks On The Air. His call sign was ND7E. Despite my nervousness, he was a great individual. He displayed kindness and understanding, slowing down his POTA activation and chatted with me. I will forever remember his words of assurance, “You will get hooked.” Little did I know at that moment how accurate his statement would turn out to be. His genuine support and encouragement helped me out a lot.
As I progressed and acquired my general license, I began engaging with a broader range of amateur radio operators. I formed friendships with people from different states and even countries. Through our conversations, I gained profound insights into their lives, hobbies, and cultures. In turn, I shared my own experiences with them. For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging and community. Ham radio became the conduit through which I connected with others, and it brought immense fulfillment to my life.
As the months turned into years, I slowly began to piece together something resembling a path forward. It wasn’t the path I had imagined for myself, but it was mine. I began to understand that my worth wasn’t defined by a degree or a prestigious job. It was in the things I created, the people I helped, and the connections I made. I started to accept that my journey would look different from others—that it would be messy and filled with setbacks—but that didn’t make it any less valid.
Early adulthood has been a series of lessons in resilience, in learning how to pick myself up after every fall, in finding hope even when it seems impossible. I may not have all the answers, and I may still struggle with the weight of depression, chronic pain, and uncertainty, but I’m learning to take things one day at a time. I’m learning that it’s okay to feel lost, that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, and that sometimes, just surviving is enough. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what real success looks like.
The Hobby is Technical
I discovered the intricacies of this hobby, and its technical nature is what truly captivated me. The depth of knowledge required in ham radio drew me in and presented countless opportunities for learning. As a result, it has not only made me a better student but has also allowed me to apply this newfound knowledge to various projects. Moreover, it has opened the doors to forming new friendships, which I consider one of the most rewarding aspects of being a ham radio enthusiast.
Throughout my journey, I have come to realize just how interconnected ham radio is with computers, more so than many might initially perceive. While ham radio carries the reputation of being a decades-old pastime, it has seamlessly evolved to embrace the advancements of the digital world. This amalgamation of traditional and modern elements makes ham radio a dynamic and ever-evolving field. From main digital modes (FT8, WSPR, BSPK31), (Voice Over IP Linked) Repeaters, Winlink, APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) and so much more. It’s a rabbit hole!
Engaging in ham radio has proven to be an exceptional means of learning, personal growth, and contributing to a broader community. It has provided me with a platform for self-expression and a means to connect with others who share a similar passion. Through ham radio, I have forged lasting friendships and found myself surrounded by communities that not only welcome my presence but also support my journey.
Ham radio is not just shaping my interests but also molding my identity as a person. It is becoming a vital component of who I am, providing a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and belonging.
“Ham radio is a hobby that sticks with you for life, and it’s never dull, even when I take breaks. It’s like an endless journey, always leading to new and exciting experiences.
You never know who or where you’ll end up talking to—it’s a thrilling and unpredictable ride.”
Looking ahead, I’d love to take on more of a mentoring role within the ham radio community. Becoming a Volunteer Examiner is something that interests me. Being part of someone’s journey into the world of amateur radio, helping them achieve their first license, would be incredibly fulfilling. I still remember the nerves I felt taking my Technician exam and how grateful I was for the examiners who made me feel at ease. If I could provide that same support to others, I’d feel like I was truly giving back to the community that has given me so much.
At the end of the day, my present path is about finding ways to connect—whether it’s reaching out to new friends, teaching others, or pushing myself to explore new aspects of the hobby. The airwaves can sometimes feel empty, and life can feel isolating, but every time I turn on my radio, I’m reminded that there are others out there just like me, looking for a connection. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be more than happy to hear your story, share mine, and keep the conversation going.
My present path.
So what do I do now?
Nowadays, I find myself focusing more and more on the things that bring me genuine joy, and ham radio remains at the heart of that. As a General Class operator, I spend a lot of my time on the air, seeking out connections and fostering conversations. Whether it’s through SSB on 20 or 40 meters, or exploring the many fascinating digital modes available, I’m always eager to reach out and make contact.
One of my greatest joys in amateur radio is engaging with others, and I’m always on the lookout for new friends—people who want to share a conversation, learn from each other, and just enjoy the experience of connecting over the airwaves. If you’re reading this and you’ve ever felt hesitant about reaching out, I want you to know that I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a casual chat, an exchange of tips, or just a friendly QSO, I’m always up for it. Making new friends has become a cornerstone of what I do, and I cherish every new connection I make.
I also thoroughly enjoy teaching others. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone understand a concept that once seemed complex or intimidating. Whether it’s helping a new ham set up their first rig, getting someone comfortable with digital modes, or just walking through the basics of radio operation, I find immense satisfaction in passing on what I’ve learned. Amateur radio can be daunting, especially for newcomers, and I remember all too well the feeling of being overwhelmed when I was first starting out. If I can make that journey even a little bit easier for someone else, I consider that a success.
When it comes to the specifics, I love experimenting with different digital modes. BPSK31 remains one of my favorites because of the slower pace and the opportunity to really connect with the person on the other end. There’s something almost poetic about the deliberate nature of those exchanges—it’s like writing a letter in an age of instant messages. I also love using other modes like FT8 and JS8, each offering its own unique rhythm and challenge. The technical aspect of setting up my station to handle these modes, using Raspberry Pi devices or configuring Linux servers, keeps me engaged and constantly learning.
I’ve also taken a keen interest in POTA (Parks on the Air), mainly as a hunter rather than an activator. There’s something invigorating about chasing a contact across different parks and sharing in the excitement of someone else’s activation. It’s yet another way that amateur radio offers a sense of community—knowing that people all over are tuning in and supporting each other’s efforts.