W2ARP

Episode 526 – Bob Pantazes – W2ARP

In this episode of QSO Today, Eric Guth 4Z1UG returns from a health break to interview Bob Pantages, W2ARP, whose journey into ham radio began in the 1960s at Atlantic City High School. Though licensing came later, Bob built shortwave radios and audio gear as a teen, fueling a lifelong passion for electronics. He earned a commercial broadcast license at 17 and worked in two-way radio, where he noted challenges with equipment quality. Licensed at 40, Bob now holds 296 confirmed DXCC entities, enjoys 160-meter contests, and participates in Parks on the Air. A builder and club member, he advocates FT8 privileges for Technicians to inspire broader engagement, especially among younger radio enthusiasts.


Hometown: Atlantic City, NJ

Elmers or Mentors:
Ben KB2GUK, now NE2R 

First License: 1990, N2WRD, Technician

First Rig: 
Icom IC-706MK2
Tarheel Antenna 

Favorite Operating Mode: FT8

Rigs: 
Elecraft K4 HF Transceiver
Yaesu FT-891 for POTA

Terms: 
JT Alert Software
DXCC Award
Votech School Atlanta
Electronics Training Center, Atlantic City
Lafayette Electronics store clerk
Dave Ritsel Communications, Atlantic City
Larry Smith Electronics, Atlantic City
Bally Technologies
Slot Machine
Logbook of the World
QSL Managers Society
SCARA – Atlantic City
South Jersey DX Association
Gholuster County Amateur Radio Club
INDEXA – DX Expedition funding
Delta Loop Antena
Balun 49:1
POTA – Parks on the Air
Ramsey COM3 Service Monitor
Lionell Trains O Gauge
WRNJ Broadcast Station
QSL Manager 
32 Degree Mason
Once in the paging business, MetroCall Paging, Laurel NJ 
XYL: Peri Jayne, KC2AHL

Excited most by:
POTA 

Advice to new or returning hams: Listen first when you get on the air, stay away from HOAs, and make your first radio a base station, not a Chinese portable. 


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W2ARP Ham Shack
W2ARP Model Railroad
W2ARP at WRTQ Transmitter
Yaesu FT-891 All Band Transceiver


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