VK3NT
Russell's interest in electronics was sparked when he saw his first transistor radio at age 9. This prompted the purchase of some transistors and a soldering iron and the first project commenced. A visiting radio ham set up an antenna and used a morse key to contact other amateur radio operators around the World, and the decision was made that one day he would do the same. His interest in electronics continued and early projects included the design and building of a primitive computer, radio receivers and then a kit television set. He became a member of the Wireless Institute of Australia (the WIA is the oldest radio society in the World) in October 1966 and sat for his Amateur Radio Licence exams. He joined the Board of the Victorian Division of the WIA and was secretary for some years. Following nine years at a senior commercial corporate level, a hobby became a business when he and some fellow hams started Vicom Australia which became a major supplier of ham radio equipment introducing Icom to the Australian market. He became the sole owner and the company morphed into broadcast, test equipment, defence, intelligence electronics & communications. He sold the companies in 1995.
In retirement Russell's interest is in propagation, satellite, and electronic gadgetry. Writing software is also a distraction!