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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 09/01/2026

Propagation on 20 is like a live wire across most of N. America.

screen grab from the reverse beacon network showing how I’m getting out. Lots of beacon listeners hearing me.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 09/01/2026

You’d be working me on this awesome 1940s Lionel j-36 I resurrected a few years ago.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 22/12/2025

Oh… also there were lava tubes, boring humdrum lava tubes. Until someone invents #lavatubes on the air, I don’t think they’re worth the trip to the middle of the Mojave.

The view from below looking at the sky and the ladder that leads into the boring lava tubes

A metal ladder leads down into the boring lava tubes

A close-up view of some of the hardened lava and the lava tubes. Excuse me I mean the boring lava tubes.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 22/12/2025

Today’s activation was a “first activation” meaning I was the first ham to climb it for the SOTA game. It wasn’t a difficult hike nor was it scenic. It was just a little hard to get to. W6/SD-469 #hamradio

Above a map of North America and far western Eurasia the text reads KB9ENS AT W6/SD-469 3763; 28 qsos in 42m35s Dec 21 2025 at 12:05 pm

A volcanic cinder cone of red and black lava sits about 1 mile from the viewer rising from the Mojave desert floor

A bearded man in a green hat, sits next to a ham radio, and an antenna in a reddish volcanic landscape at the edge of a large volcanic cinder cone.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 22/12/2025

Summits on the air weekend didn’t result in many points but I did manage to activate some memorable ones. Kelso dunes is a series of sand dunes in the Mojave natl preserve. Only 1.5 miles and 600 ft up but one of the most strenuous hikes I’ve ever done.

A bearded man in a green hat sits next to a ham radio and a backpack in the foreground, the background is a sea of sand dunes.

Kelso dunes from the campground. A big (600’) pile of sand.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 07/12/2025

Trying to Be Positive just like my blood type B+. Hey … if you can… go bleed for those in need. They even gave me free #PacMan socks. This was my first time going in 8 AM Sunday… in and out in 20 min, will do that again. Lots of empty beds. #DonateBlood #RedCross

An arm with a big ol blood donation needle in it (covered by gauze) with blood flowing.

Red cross name tag sticker on a t-shirt. It says Thomas.

Pacman themed black socks on a white background next to a squeezable pacman.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 04/12/2025

California QSO party results are out and I’m happy with my rankings for 2025. I was “Single Op Low power Mobile” and operated in a #pota park (Carrizo plain) the whole time. For single op POTA challenge I was ranked 2 of 16 and will receive this beanie. For […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

A bearded man wearing a floppy hat and glasses sits next to a table with a ic7100 radio, a Morse key, and a tiny computer

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 29/11/2025

4 General upgrades and 3 new Technicians. Not bad for an after Thanksgiving session. #HamRadio.

A plastic sign that says amateur radio test last Saturday of month from 10:00 through 12:00

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 12/11/2025

Today’s #SOTA was San Guillermo Mountain in Ventura County California. Nice views fun #HamRadio times etc. but… who you may ask is San Guillermo!? Glad you asked… He was a Frenchman who was told by the pope to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem… when he came back […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

View of my radio shack on top of San Guillermo Mountain. Stool, bag, coat, antenna mast and some low scrub.

A view roughly westerly from San Guillermo overlooking some pretty fun and extreme looking terrain. Later I drove through it on Lockwood Valley Rd.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 09/11/2025

Today’s #sota activation of Frazier Mountain brought to you by my 1980s vintage Kenwood. This radio requires an external cure to do iambic keying, but for some reason, it wasn’t working this morning probably the cold. I had to revert to my straight key which […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

A bearded man and glasses wearing a black hat for the third space launch squadron and headphones sits next to a Kenwood TS 440 on a small table in the background a off-center fed dipole is visible

A 3-D rendering of the Earth showing a number of great circle lines extending from Southern California some reaching Europe at the top the text reads KB9ENS at W6/CC003 Frasier Mountain 25QSOS in one hour zero minutes November 9, 2025 at 8:54 AM

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2025

Having fun dabbling in the CA QSO party today and stopped for a break… “hey is that a dust storm?” #WatchDuty check… “ah… no that’s a fire.” Given that I’m on the other side of a soda lake and well within the borders of a previous fire this year which consumed […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

Smoke rises from a brown brassy valley on the other side of a white patch

A map showing the northern section of the Carrizo plain. A fire is indicated titled Alma fire 40 acres.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2025

After operating for more than an hour, I was getting cold and had plenty of contacts so I took off my headphones to discover that my kiddo had left me a note.

On a rock is visible, a small ham radio and inside a 1980s vintage set of headphones a small note is taped

Why did the bicycle fall over? Because it was two tired!

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 04/10/2025

Had Friday off so on my way to participate in the California QSO party #cqp this weekend I spent the night on Cerro Noroeste and got up this morning for a fun and easy #sota activation. My results from last year’s participation in the QSO party resulted in me […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

A map depicting much of North America and the north Pacific Ocean all the way to the coast of China and Russia, several great circle arcs emanate from the Los Angeles area, terminating in a variety of colored circles, indicating where I had contacts one reaches all the way to Japan the text at the top reads KB9ENS at W6/SC – 001 Cerro Noroeste 12 QSOs in 27 minutes 30 seconds October 3, 2025 at 9:32 AM

In a wooded background and bright sun, a bearded man is wearing a bunny hat with a park on the air emblem on it and the letters CQP and 2024

A bicycle leans against a tree in the shade in a wooded environment populated mostly by pine tree trees

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 27/09/2025

And that… is a wrap! 4 new hams.. one of which went directly to General and one General upgrade. We also had one fail the tech.

A test session form with which elements were taken, and what licenses were earned. It indicates three techs earned and two generals earned and one none.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 27/09/2025

Remember to get your FRN before showing up or you’ll be sitting outside with me registering one with me hi hi.

The hands of a prospective ham trying to use the FCCs shit website to get an FRN on his phone.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 27/09/2025

Here in the South Bay of Los Angeles I am on rotation with the crew that conducts tests at the W6TRW swap meet every month. That doesn’t mean I get to VE every month but about once a quarter it seems.

A sign with red on white text that reads amateur radio test last Saturday of month from 10:00 thru 12:00

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 27/09/2025

VE time again. Let’s go make some Hams!

A yellow ARRL lanyard holds a number of items and badges. A SOTA pin, a silver orange pen, and several badges. The top one reads EXTRA CLASS ACCREDITED VOLUNTEER EXAMINER, Thomas R Essenpreis KB9ENS May administer Amateur Radio license examinations in accordance with current FCC rules governing the volunteer examiner program, and the VE’ S class of license. The American radio relay league Inc. volunteer examiner coordinator ARRL/VEC accredited through 4/17/2030.
The next badge down you can tell is from the greater Los Angeles amateur radio group VEC and the one below that is just a name and call sign badge

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 02/09/2025

With the recent opening of the Angeles Crest Highway all the way (has been closed since winter 22/23 due to road damage) I jumped at the opportunity this Labor Day (today) to reactivate Mount Baden Powell (W6/CT-004). 9 miles (14.5 km) round trip with 2800’ […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

On a map depicting several great circle arcs extending from Southern California primarily to several locations in western USA (as well as one arcing over to Southern France) there is text that reads:

KB9ENS at W6/CT-004 20 QSOs in 59m 50s
Mount Baden-Powell Sep 1,2025 at 10:07 AM

A bearded man in a green hat wearing sunglasses and a hydration pack with a radio mounted to it stands holding a sign that says Mt. Baden-Powell 9,407 FT in front of a 50 star United States flag attached to a metal pole festooned with numerous stickers.

The view of the final ascent to Baden-Powell in the foreground and to the right showing the trail to the summit with a few pines to the left is a mountain scape in the distance. A breathtaking view…

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 01/09/2025

This fucking guy’s forest service has an open public comment period about logging the Los Padres national forest. I threw a Lorax quote at it. Chime in… www.independent.com/2025/08/29/publ…

The Lorax character stands on a yellow stump in a grassy field under two small trees with the text above saying “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. -The Lorax

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 08/08/2025

Spreading my positivity today. My “B+” that is. Always feels good when I can get my wife to join me for a blood donation session. As of this donation I’ve donated 6 gallons with the Red Cross. #DonateBlood #RedCross #B+

A man in a green shirt holds a bag of mini Oreos and a sign that says Give Blood get cookies everybody wi s

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 07/08/2025

Had the pleasure of attending the SoCal SOTAfest last weekend and learned about “wengoat.streamlit.app” where it’ll project when you will earn the SOTA goat award based on your current trend. Currently at 892/1000. My 10 year anniversary (Nov 26) will be very […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

A trend graph showing my SOTA points.

Text says: You have been activating for 453 weeks with an average of 1.97 points per week.

At your current rate you'll reach 1000 points by 21 August 2026. Keep climbing! 🥾

At your selected rate you'll reach 1000 points by 21 October 2026, or 439 days away. Keep climbing! 🥾

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 19/07/2025

Passing by Carson City on vacay this week and stopped into the Capitol building. Fun hands on #MorseCode display talking about how Nevada transmitted their constitution East by telegraph to help get Lincoln re-elected. [just a nit but the Morse displayed is […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

A display on Morse code with an alphabet and a cheap straight key under glass

A museum display of a bound Nevada constitutional debates next to a Morse key and a telegraphic receiver.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 03/07/2025

@ai6yr That said... there is A LOT of helicopter activity in the San Diego area just now. Wouldn't be surprised if it is headed down for the fun... and then to El Centro.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 29/06/2025

Unexpected visitors to my mobile #FieldDay OP this afternoon. Managed to find a dozen CW contacts despite the honking.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 10/06/2025

and since Sotabeams was so kind to offer replacement parts in this day and age I opted to also buy... another mast. Their "Mini Mast" only extends to 4.1 M but packs down to 51 cm and only weighs 300 grams!!! So now I can pack like 1300 g more candy bars... or […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 10/06/2025

...fortunately I learned that Sotabeams will sell you individual replacement sections INCLUDING the bottom section from about $5! I had previously been able to repair the broken cap by fashioning a custom cap insert made from a garlic jar lid, but a recent […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

Two base sections of fiberglass push up pole both say Tactical 7000 Exclusively from SOTABEAMS. the upper one is a little worse for the wear.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 10/06/2025

Right... so what if I want to use normal hiking poles or need hands free for some reason? Well "Sotabeams" came out a few years back with the pompously named "Tactical 7000" which deploys to 7M and when packed away is only 59 cm, but is a tad heavy at 1650 […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

A black plastic cap is attached to the bottom of a fiberglass pole.

The cap is removed showing threads and a foam shock dampener.

The pieces I was able to recover of a destroyed cap.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 10/06/2025

First mast I bought back in 2016 was a Shakespeare Wonderpole and it had some issues. It's about 1.3M tall so I used it as a hiking pole, but... the top and bottom caps tended to fall off/break. I fixed that with some rope for the top and a plumbing cap for […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

Here's the whole fishing pole laying on the grass.

Here on the bottom you can scope out my solution for keeping the bottom from falling off, a rubber plumbing end cap.

On the top of the pole I whipped some nylon rope and put it through the cap at the top so every time the cap falls off it doesn't go far.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 10/06/2025

Inspired by a recent issue let's talk about #SOTA masts. 100% of my summit activations have been using wire antennas of one sort or another and elevating them off the ground is an important factor in getting contacts vice just heating the dirt. IF there is a […] [Original post on mastodon.radio]

A push up fiberglass fishing pole jammed into some bushes with some snowy mountains in the background. Also visible against the blue sky is a random wire antenna.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 08/06/2025

Also happening in LA today. Gardena Cinema showing of Ghostbusters! #movie #ghostbusters

Op and possible dog, answers to Vin Clortho

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 08/06/2025

Just logged K4DSR onboard the USS Drum on 14.041 for Museum Ships Weekend. Look at this cute octodrummer... #HamRadio #MuseumShipsWeekend

A patch for the USS Drum. A green cartoon octopus beats a drum. Text: U.S.S. Drum SS 228

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 08/06/2025

The three masted Barque "Elissa" signing as N5E this weekend from Galveston TX is weak but readable on 14.265 SSB. The "Official Tall Ship of Texas." #HamRadio #MuseumShipsWeekend

The tall ship Elissa a three masted sailing ship sits pier side.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 08/06/2025

And now NM8GS the LV-103 Lightship Huron enters the chat on 14.0427. FB OP and sigs into LAX.

HURON (lightship) - Port Huron, Michigan. A black hulled ship with a tall light mast.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 08/06/2025

USS Hornet NB6GC CV-12 now in the log, was 599 in LA on 14.035 from its home at the Oakland Aviation Museum. #HamRadio #MuseumShipsWeekend

The USS Hornet sits at pierside at the Oakland museum. A few museum aircraft aboard and other ships nearby.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 08/06/2025

Yeah brief break for life there... NI6IW USS Midway CV-41 is LOUD on 7.036 and in the log. #HamRadio #MuseumShipsWeekend

USS Midway underway in the Pacific Ocean on April 19, 1971

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 07/06/2025

The nuclear ship Savannah K3SAV is in the log... 14.037 at about 559 here on the west coast from just outside Baltimore MD

NS-Savannah sails under the golden gate bridge on its way to the worlds fair in Seattle in 1962

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 07/06/2025

As the bands shift around this late morning WW2SUB at the USS Batfish SS-310 in Tulsa comes in clear and we made a contact on 14.034. Looks like a Batfish out of water to me... hi hi. #HamRadio

WW2 era submarine sitting on some muddy ground.

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Tom - KB9ENS @kb9ens.mastodon.radio.ap.brid.gy · 07/06/2025

Ok well I got Iowa BB-61 NI6BB on 18.073. They're very close here to no surprise, and I've worked them many times. Still fun! Worked using my WW2 vintage bug while being supported by Alex the mastodon.radio mascot. #HamRadio

A morse code bug J36 Lionel and alex the mascot for mastodon.radio on the corner of a screen in the background.

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