My name is Henk Derks and I was born on September 9, 1967 in Apeldoorn, the
Netherlands. I have been married to Irene since June 17, 1994 and we have
a son named Jasper.
In daily life I am the sales manager at Radio TV Hamer in Apeldoorn where
I am responsible for the daily business of the sales department. I have worked
at this job since May 1, 1989 (see also www.radiotvhamer.nl).
I am also the Post Commander of the volunteer fire department in Apeldoorn-South.
The name of my Post is “Fire Department Wormen” (see also www.brandweerwormen.nl).
I have worked for the fire department since June 1, 1990.
Ever since I was 9 years old I have been interested in amateur radio. It
all started with two walkie-talkies that I received as a Christmas present
from Santa Claus. Since then my interest in radio as a hobby has only increased.
Via a number of transceivers, that worked in the 11 meter band, I gained considerable
experience as to how communication on the HF bands works. I learned radio
technique mainly by doing.
I entered military service in 1987. I was lucky enough to be attached to a
communication unit where I operated a shortwave station, That was for me the
time to start studying for an amateur radio license.
In 1989 I suceeded in obtaining a C-license and received the call letters
PE1NFB from the then official RDR (Government Radio Communication Service).
Right after getting my C-license I started learning Morse code. In December
1990 I took, and passed the exam for an A-license. In January 1990 I was given
the call letters PA3FTM. In November 2005 I requested that my call letters
be changed to PA5VK, this call was easier to hear during pile-ups on the HF
bands.
I am mostly interested in the HF bands, I really enjoy making radio contact
over long distances and after a QSO to search in an Atlas to find the exact
location of my contact. I am also interested in VHF bands. I am able to work
the 160 meter band up to and including the 70 centimeter band. Lately, I am
often busy with digital contacts in the HF bands in the BPSK31 mode.
I am a member of two radio clubs namely the Veron (see www.veron.nl)
and the Vrza (see www.vrza.nl) District Apeldoorn.