It all begins with one contact.
Then you get hooked, and there’s no escaping, and you have to have more.
Yup, that's it, kids, don’t do drugs, do Ham Radio instead
Hi there! I'm Eric N1JUR, and I'm an avid amateur radio enthusiast. I've been pursuing this hobby since 1991, when I acquired my No-Code Technician license. Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to have several Ham radio mentors who have guided me along the way. Thanks to their support, I've been involved in several exciting activities, including Scouting, the local Ham Club (Police Amateur Radio Team - PART), and I even helped found the Westford Academy High School Radio Club. Despite being limited by my license class, I had the opportunity to use the Club call and make the first - and only - contact with the Space Shuttle Atlantis. It was an unforgettable experience!
I took part in various activities such as club events, Fox hunting, Pumpkin Patrol, and summer Field Days. Among these, Field Days were my absolute favorite as I got to indulge in junk food and Jolt while making contacts globally on SideBand. It was an absolute paradise for radio enthusiasts like myself!
After graduating from high school and earning my Eagle Scout badge, I embarked on an exciting journey of marriage and spent the next 18 years joyfully raising my family, coaching, and being an engaged father to my amazing kids. I also built a rewarding career in IT, all while keeping my amateur radio license active, even after selling my radios.
When the pandemic struck in 2020, and the world paused, I took a creative leap and joined my four friends to launch the 4 Fathers' Podcast, fueled by the contents of my beer fridge. During this transformative time, my brother reignited my love for amateur radio, inspiring me to dust off my mic and reconnect with the airwaves.
With newfound time and enthusiasm, I eagerly immersed myself in the fascinating world of amateur radio, catching up on nearly two decades of advancements. This journey renewed my passion, and I’m excited to see where it leads next!
I was truly thrilled by the remarkable changes I witnessed in the amateur radio community! The Morse Code requirement had been lifted, opening the door for exciting new modes like Digital (FT8, FUSION, DMR & AllStar). This transformation reignited my childhood passion for the hobby. Eager to dive back in, I devoted myself to studying for my General license, determined to achieve it before testing sessions were paused. On April 11th, 2021, I reached that goal and proudly became a General! During this journey, I connected with amazing local enthusiasts through the Granite State Amateur Radio Association's nightly net, who welcomed me into their club via Zoom. I even purchased my first HF Rig, the Yaesu FT450D, and I can't wait to explore more and deepen my knowledge in this fantastic hobby!
During this time, I had the joy of meeting some amazing gentlemen who share my love for Radio, and we instantly clicked! Living in an HOA led me to the incredible Parks on the Air Program (POTA), which inspires Hams to take their HF gear outdoors and activate beautiful parks. I dove into this program with enthusiasm and even rallied Todd W1STJ, Ryan W1SNH, and Paul N1OG to join me in this exciting adventure of playing radio. What a fantastic journey it has been!
My journey in the hobby is ongoing, and I’m taking a more active role in the local club, GSARA. I eagerly volunteer to organize POTA Meetups and Summer and Winter Field Day events, always looking for opportunities to activate parks. I’m motivated to explore new possibilities and expand my involvement. Additionally, I co-run a YouTube channel with a group called the Live Free and Ham Podcast.
If you have any questions about the hobby or want to try your hand at POTA, feel free to contact me, and we’ll make it happen!