K7PEH Brief Biography

Return To Ham Radio

I returned to ham radio in February 2004 after a 38 year separation. I passed my Technician and General license exams and was awarded a General class license with the call sign of KD7ZVB. I was prepared to take my 5-wpm code test but I got credit for once being licensed as a Novice (~1966).

I was on the air for the first time March 2nd, 2004 and I have been on the air almost every day since (only breaks are for business trips or vacation trips). I can usually be found on 80 meters (3970, 3950, 3983) 40 meters, and 20 meters. In March 2004, I applied for and received a vanity call sign of my initials, K7PEH -- KD7ZVB was too much of a tongue twister. And, in August, 2004, I passed the element 4 exam and was awarded the Amateur Extra class license.

Currently (Year 2007) my favorite mode is CW. I am rebuilding my code copy speed and I am OK at 20 wpm most of the time. And, 20 wpm is kind of a milestone for me because that was my peak speed back when I was a Novice in the 1960s.

Some Things To Know About K7PEH (aka Phil)

1. Phil is a baby-boomer: born in 1947, grew up in California during the 50s, college in the 60s at Oregon State University.

2. College gave me a BS in Physics. Took a second BS in Computer Science (rather than further my graduate pursuit in math or physics, after all, I needed a job).

3. Decided on a career as a computer programmer. I have been a professional programmer for 38 years mostly in systems and real-time programming applications. Coding in languages such as Assembly, Fortran, C, C++, Java, Objective-C, Perl, Python, Ruby, Sympl, Bliss, and a whole slew of other languages.

4. Married to Judy who is 5 years my younger. Celebrated our 35th anniversary in April 2007. Have two daughters, each married, one granddaughter, and three grandsons.

5. In 1978, along with 11 other guys, left job and security in California to move up to Washington State and start a software and systems company. After 28 years in December 2005, I took an early retirement severance and started a consulting career.

6. Hobbies include woodworking (furniture, hand joinery), mathematical physics, and most recently ham radio.

7. Favorite pastime for relaxation: vacationing in Kauai. I also get exercise by riding my mountain bike or hiking the Cascades with my wife.

8. I have two daughters, both married, and four grandkids.

K7PEH with Granddaughter Jada about March 2004

K7PEH with Grandson Jaxon February 2006