VA2IMJ

About Me and my HAM interest

Hello! My name is J.F., and I’m proud to hold the call sign VA2IMJ. My passion for technology began early. Thanks to my parent's encouragement, I had the freedom to experiment with the old computers my father would bring home. These machines became my playground for discovery, introducing me to electronics, programming, and computers at a young age. From learning DOS commands, programming in BASIC and Borland C++ to exploring Linux and networks, this hands-on exploration shaped the foundation of my technical expertise.

I’m largely self-taught. My curiosity and drive have led me to independently develop extensive skills in programming, electronics, and problem-solving, which I’ve applied throughout my professional and personal life.

Someone I regarded highly and still think of today, played a significant role in inspiring my journey. He was an HAM operator, electronics enthusiast, and guitar player. Although we didn’t have the chance to spend a lot of time together, his passion for exploration and his willingness to share his knowledge left a lasting impact on me. Even as a young child, he would explain complex technical concepts, never underestimating my ability to grasp them. His patience and encouragement gave me the confidence to tackle challenging projects and shaped my love for learning and problem-solving. Today, at 40, I proudly carry on many of his interests—HAM radio, electronics, and music.

My HAM Radio Journey

While I am new to HAM radio, my focus is on HF and long-distance communication (DX). I find great joy in exploring propagation and the idea of connecting with operators worldwide. I’m also working on improving my station to enhance my DX capabilities and experimenting with antennas and equipment setups to optimize performance.

Professional Background

For over 20 years, I’ve been deeply involved in computer science and software programming. I founded and led a company that developed electronic medical record (EMR) software specifically for eyecare. My team and I also interfaced hundreds of medical devices across Canada, fostering creativity and innovation while ensuring reliable solutions for healthcare professionals.

What I’m Working On

Enhancing HF Station: Experimenting with antennas and refining my setup for long-distance communications.
Developing HAM Tools: Exploring ways to leverage my programming skills for tools tailored to HAM radio operators
Exploring AI and LLMs: Delving deeper into artificial intelligence and large language models to better grasp their applications and potential.

Let’s Connect!

I’m always eager to connect with fellow HAM enthusiasts, whether for a quick QSO, project collaboration, or exchanging ideas. Feel free to reach out to me on the airwaves or via email.