Biography

Now a newly retired Burnham Lecturer, primarily involved in delivering Radio Principles to FE and HE students in the post 18 sector. Areas covered include HF/VHF/UHF principles, Aerials and Propagation. My main expertise was (and still is) the delivery of Spread Spectrum principles (FHSS and DSSS) to Degree students. To maintain my strong musical roots, I am a member of a rock band, with ex-work colleagues, drawing on my previous experience as a session musician. No record contract, but it is enjoyable. I also enjoy classical music, playing bridge and composing music, when time permits. I also have a reasonable degree of fluency in German - very handy for continental contacts!

I have recently taken up a Tutor role on the BBADL Advanced Course to assist those individuals who are studying for the Advanced Licence qualification and it is rewarding to help others progress. I feel it is right to put something back into the system which has assisted me to achieve full status.

73, Dave Spinks, M0IRS

Equipment

Present equipment includes an HF Kenwood transceiver (TS-590SG) Acom 1010 linear amp, ICOM 2m transceiver, MFJ-969 tuner and an audio notch/bandwidth filter, as the vertical HF-360 aerial I use (restricted garden space) is a little noisy and this audio unit helps considerably during Comms. I use a dipole for 2m FM work with local repeaters. Recently added a long wire and UNUN capable of full 400W operation that matches well across the HF band (with a very low SWR) and performs very well, even though it is at a low electrical height. Presently looking at a cobweb system which will fit nicely in the corner of the garden.

Test equipment includes oscilloscope, frequency counter, spectrum analyzer, antenna analyzer and field strength meter.