Assignment Iraq:
High Adventure for YI9RVT

As YI9RVT, my QTH is Al-Kut, Iraq – which is about 100 kilometers east southeast of Baghdad and about 45 kilometers from the Iran border.

I am a member of the Adventure Radio Society and am a DoD contractor supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

My primary occupation is as a paramedic. Due to my extensive background, I work at a higher level than your average stateside paramedic.

I have been in Iraq since late October and have been operating as YI9RVT since January 25. My current setup is K2 / 100 with the KAT100, FT897 with internal antenna tuner, K1 with ATU, and KX1 with 30 meters and KXAT1.

My antennas currently consist of a Windom for 40 / 20 / 10 (courtesy of PH1PH) up about 7 meters, a random wire for the KX1, an MP-1, and I have a SteppIR BiggIR on the way.

My current modes of operation are primarily CW and SSB. I will be adding PSK capabilities when I am able to get the equipment to interface my rigs and computer.

I hope to be able to participate in some of the ARS activities while in-country and would like to add all of you to my log.
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Dwayne Barbee, YI9RVT, also holds the callsign KE4RVT, and when not on assignment in Iraq lives in Woodstock, GA.