I’m John, amateur radio operator WZ4JM, based in Ocala, Florida. I was first bitten by the radio bug early in life, earned my license while in the USAF in my 20’s, and like many operators eventually let life pull me away from the hobby. Returning to amateur radio later reignited that same fascination — and this time with a lot more tools, modes, and technology to explore.
These days the shack is built around HF and VHF/UHF operation with a heavy emphasis on digital modes. If I’m not on the air, I’m usually building something, experimenting with an antenna, or digging into a new mode or operating technique.
Operating Interests
Digital Modes — FT8, WSPR, JS8Call, and Winlink are where most of my operating time goes. I’m drawn to the technical side of weak-signal work and the infrastructure that makes digital operation possible.
DXing — Working stations outside the US is one of the things that keeps me coming back to HF. There’s nothing quite like pulling a distant station out of the noise on a marginal band opening.
Contesting — I participate in contests as time and conditions allow. Contesting is one of the best ways to sharpen operating skills and put a lot of contacts in the log in a short time.
The Station
The WZ4JM station is centered on a trio of Icom radios — the IC-718 for HF, the ID-880H for VHF/UHF and D-STAR, and the IC-2300H dedicated to the AllStarLink node and APRS. A mix of wire and vertical antennas covers HF through UHF. Full equipment details are on the Shack / Equipment Overview page.
This Site
This website documents my radio journey — gear, projects, experiments, operating logs, and whatever else catches my interest. If you’ve worked me on the air or want to arrange a sked, head over to the Contact / QSO Info page.
73 de WZ4JM — Ocala, FL — Grid EL89