Minnesota DPS Employee Connects Globally with Ham Radio from Backyard
Jonathan Stacke, a recruiter for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), has successfully contacted individuals across the globe, including a German weather station team in Antarctica, using a ham radio from his Twin Cities backyard. Stacke, a licensed ham radio operator, made this contact in just two minutes with only two watts of power. His interest in high-frequency (HF) radio and satellite communications stemmed from his 22 years of service in the Minnesota Army National Guard. After retiring, he discovered ham radio through a YouTube video and has been actively engaging in the hobby, making his first contact with someone in England. He regularly connects with operators in the Upper Midwest, across the continental United States, and internationally, including central Mexico.
