About M0KNM

Hello, I'm Martin (M0KNM), an amateur radio operator based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England, in locator IO91VV. My interests include HF DX, RSGB contesting, experimenting with all sorts of antennas, and designing homebrew electronics for the shack. I'm also a member of the Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society (SADARS), where I have met some wonderful people and learned a lot from other radio amateurs.

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How it all started

I have had a passion for radio since I was about 13 years old. My first radio was a Uniden 200, kindly given to me by an elderly lady that my mum looked after. This little CB radio sparked a lifelong interest in radio that has never left me. Shortly after upgrading to a Superstar 120, I spent many hours listening, chatting, and learning about propagation long before becoming a licensed amateur.

Becoming M0KNM

After passing my Foundation Licence in 2007, I bought my first amateur HF radio, a Yaesu FT-840. It was soon joined by an FT-857D for mobile operation, allowing me to enjoy amateur radio in both the shacks and in the car. Years later, I sold my trusty FT-840, only to miss it terribly! Around 2019 I bought another one... they really aren't such bad radios after all! Although basic, the FT-840 is probably one of Yaesu's best entry-level HF transceivers. In 2020, during lockdown, I decided to do my Intermeditare exam with my club and passed, then in 2021, as we were still in lockdown, I decided to do my Full exam and started training with Bath Based Distance Learning (BBDL). In 2021, I moved up to my current Kenwood TS-2000, which has become the heart of my home station.

The Shack

Audio has become just as much of a hobby as radio itself. My station uses a Mackie 1202-VLZ Pro mixer along with rack-mounted processing for compression, noise gate, and broadcast-style audio. Streaming audio is handled through a Behringer FCA1616 audio interface with my desk microphone being a Behringer XM8500, mounted on a boom arm. During contests, I switch to a SuperLux HMD-660 XLR broadcast headset, with receive audio taken from the TS-2000's external speaker output and passed through the FCA1616. This means that my livestream viewers can hear exactly what I hear during both RX and TX operation.

Contesting & Streaming

I love entering as many RSGB contests as I can and regularly livestream my operating sessions on YouTube. Most Saturday evenings you will find me somewhere on the HF bands, whether that's chasing DX, calling CQ, or participating in a contest! Perhaps I'll see you in the livestream or even better, work you on the bands!

QSL Cards

All of my routine confirmations are dealt with electronically through QSL Master. However, I'm always happy to send a paper QSL card should you wish! Simply contact me through the Contact page with your QSO details, and I'll be happy to send one out. Just remember to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope!