Stephen Luke - MW0SSL

Hi! I'm Stephen Luke, callsign MW0SSL. Welcome to my own Amateur Radio site, all about me and my hobby.

I have been a radio amateur since 1997 but only passed the RAE in January 2002, which allows me to have this callsign, and the highest amateur radio licence in the UK. I am interested in morse and normal voice transmissions and am mainly found on 80 and 40 metres.

I acquired my first callsign - 2W1FUL in 1997. Since then I have moved on to gain my full Novice Licence after passing the 12WPM morse - callsign 2W0ASV and now finally this.

My HF equipment consists of a Kenwood TS-50 Transceiver with an Auto ATU and two antennas - a G5RV for 80 and 40 metres and a Ground Plain for the higher HF bands. I also have a 2metres Alinco DR-130 base station and a dual band Alinco DJ-G5 handheld. I'm often found on 145.375 simplex, which is the local chat band where I live.

I am a member of the Mid Glamorgan Amateur Radio Group in Aberkenfig. My father was a founder member of that group. I am a member of the RSGB and the FISTS International Morse Preservation Society - member number 8364.

I am also a member of the International Short Wave League and the International Listeners Association - I like to listen just as much as take part myself.

I have had great fun in the hobby, working hundreds of people and making many friends.

My other main hobbies are playing the trumpet - I play in two big bands in the South Wales area, computing and digital cameras. There is too much going on all the time to get bored.

I graduated in July 2001 from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, Northern England, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Since then I have been working at BBC Wales Newsgathering in Cardiff preparing material for TV, Radio and Online services.