Peter & Mason Dusantis (WA1N/KC1VFX)
How long have you been a Ham?
Pete since November 2009, Mason since July 2024
What mode(s) within Amateur Radio do you enjoy operating?
Pete would like to get FT8 working to complete 5-band DXCC on 80m and make a QSO with the ISS. Mason wants to get his general license soon.
Describe your involvement with GSARA.
Pete learned about GSARA after meeting Barry Whittemore, N1FO, at work and Billy Wagner, WB1ADF (SK), who lived down the street from him in Manchester. Barry let Pete borrow a wire dipole and an Icom radio, and strung them up in his backyard and kitchen, where the radio's speaker and Pete's old callsign, KB1THU, quickly became the most hated electronic device in Pete's wife, Yvonne's, eyes. This forced Pete to buy a FlexRadio and a headset, hide in the basement, and work toward DXCC and contesting on HF. Pete obtained his extra license through the club's VE session, secured the vanity WA1N callsign, started attending club meetings and Field days, and brought Mason along. Mason's interest in aviation led him to explore radio and phonetics, and he obtained his license at 14, then began attending club meetings and events with his father, Pete. Mason and Pete enjoy foxhunting with the club and project building. Mason enjoys bartering for electronics and 3D-printed projects at NEARFests and at Dayton Hamvention last year with his Dad.
What is one piece of advice you would give a new Ham?
Don't ever be intimidated by anything in ham radio that interests you. Reach out to the club for help, tips, and even borrowing things to try something out, and it will become a great lifetime hobby! Mason's advice - Talk to other hams. They have experience and knowledge you may not have, and they are likely to offer advice if you ask.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Pete and Mason put together one of the largest Christmas and Halloween light displays in New England. It can be seen for miles and has been featured on many radio stations and WMUR Chronicle.
https://www.youtube.com/@PDLights1/videos
A long time ago Pete mixed ham radio with Christmas lights and music!
https://youtu.be/6LB4ni0_3Ls
