My name is Joe Lipa and I am licensed under the callsign of N8OY. I am 14 years old and have been a ham radio operator since 2003 when I passed the exam required for a Technician license. I was issued the callsign KC8VSB. A few months later, I upgraded to the General class license. My dad then saw how much fun ham radio was. During the summer of 2003, I finally convinced my dad to take the Technician exam. He passed with flying colors and is licensed as KC8WZT. Next came my younger sister Jessica, KD8BWR. Jessica had shown little interest in ham radio until she went to Field Day 2005. Then she decided she wanted to become a ham too. In July 2005, Jessica received her Technician license and I upgraded to Amateur Extra. I then applied for a shorter callsign using the vanity callsign program and was issued the callsign N8OY.
As a ham radio operator, I enjoy DXing, contesting, the digital modes, CW, and even a little QRP using my portable station. I also like collecting QSL cards from stations I have contacted throughout the world. I enjoy QSL cards so much because they are very interesting to look at and they help me qualify for certain awards that I am working towards earning. Right now, I am working on the DXCC, WAZ, and WAS awards.
Besides ham radio, I enjoy running track and cross country, playing the piano, camping, computer programming, and being with my family. I got interested in ham radio by reading the Hardy Boys and Danny Dunn books when I was 10 years old.
Feel free to browse around my website and be sure to check out my online log and DXing page.