Ralph was first licensed as WA0ABU in 1961, became K0IR in 1976, and has primarily pursued DXing, contesting, and DXpeditions.
His time on the air did take a hit during his 11 year post high school education and 2 years of active duty military service.
Until his retirement in 2008, Ralph was a diagnostic radiologist in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The early days of DXing were difficult with low power, low wire antennas, and no local interest in DXing or contesting.
He was a kid on a farm with wires strung between trees. After finishing an education and finally having an income, bigger antennas and taller towers became possible.
Ralph is currently in the middle of moving all his towers and antennas to a new QTH near his lake cabin.
He’s worked them all except North Korea and, for some reason, Marion Island.
Ralph is a native of Minnesota and has lived there all his life but has managed to set his foot on each of the seven continents.
His favorite places are New Zealand, Japan, and Bhutan. He says that travel which involves amateur radio, whether it is DXpedition related or just visiting fellow hams in distant places is the most enjoyable.
Ralph’s DXpeditioning was launched with VP8SSI (South Sandwich), followed by VP8CBA (South Georgia and the Falklands), 3Y0PI (Peter I), XR0Y (Easter Island), VK0IR (Heard Island), VP8THU (South Sandwich), VP8GEO (South Georgia), 3Y0X Peter I), VP8ORK (South Orkneys), K5D (Desecheo), K5N (Navassa), A52IR (Bhutan), PJ6A (Saba), FT5ZM (Amsterdam Island), the aborted 3Y0Z Bouvet attempt, and the VP6R Pitcairn Island trip which he organized but was unable to join. He was a leader or co-leader on most of these trips.
Along the way he has also operated from Chile, Argentina, England, France, Norway, Germany, Kerguelen, Reunion, Japan, the South Shetlands, Australia, and Antarctica. Ralph holds 11 DXpedition of the Year Awards and is a member of the DX Hall of Fame.
Ralph is a member of the Brainerd Area Amateur Club, the Twin City DX Association, The Minnesota Wireless Association, and The A-1 Operators Club. He is an ARRL Life Member, and serves on the Board of Directors of INDEXA.