About Me, N8MDP

My name is Jonathan Tucker. I have been a Ham Operator for over 30 years, currently holding an Extra Class license. I am also a Private Pilot, and a lifelong tech enthusiast. With a degree in Electrical Engineering, an MBA, and over 35 years of experience under my belt, I’ve had the chance to grow alongside the fast-moving world of technology. These days, I serve as a market leader at a high-tech company, where I get to combine my passion for innovation with decades of hands-on experience.

Outside of work, I spend time on the airwaves as a ham radio operator—something that’s been a longtime hobby of mine. I enjoy operating on 10-80 meters SSB, FT8, PSK, RTTY, SSTV, and DSSTV. I've accomplished a number of awards including WAS and DXCC. While chasing awards is fun, my enjoyment of the hobby really comes from ragchewing and trying new modes.

When I’m not tuning in, you might find me in the sky piloting a Cessna 172 or Piper Warrior. Flying single-engine planes is both a challenge and a joy—it’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and see the world from a whole new perspective. I've had some occasions to visit the cockpit of the 787 Dreamliner. Quite some time ago, had the opportunity to fly home from Tokyo on the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. After the flight, the pilot allowed me to sit in the co-pilot's seat to take my picture. Thank you United Airlines for the view!

I’m always open to connecting with fellow radio enthusiasts, aviators, or anyone who shares a love for engineering, tech, and adventure.

  

I love being in the left seat of Cessna Skyhawk 172's and Piper Warriors PA28. Like they say, living the dream and flying has always been my dream. I solo'd on December 21, 2019 with my baby, Skyhawk N204BE and realized the freedom that flight offers. This was something I've wanted to do since I was a little kid. I can tell you that flying is a thrill and really brings new enjoyment to my life. You can read more about my flight training towards the Private Pilot Certifcation on my aviation page.

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First Solo flight on 12/21/19

My wife Julie and I love to travel and have found hikling to be a big part of our travels. Our hiking travels have taken us to Hawaii 7 times, Utah twice, The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, and in 2024, Australia. Montana is next on the list!

Julie and I love Hawaii, especially the island of Kauai. This picture of us is with our backs to the Waimea Canyon in 2008. This is essentially the grand canyon of Hawaii.

Julie and I returned to Hawaii in 2010 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We celebrated our anniversary on Maui with some rowdy local girls at the Old Lahaina Luau and then went back to Kauai to renew our vows on Shipwreck Beach. The beach was right around the corner from where they filmed a portion of the movie "Six Day, Seven Nights" with Harrison Ford.

Julie and I were heartbroken with the fires that took the lives of many people on Maui. Our hearts and prayers go to the people and native Hawaiians of Maui. We heard that the Old Lahaina Luau did not sustain much damage and according to their website, the Old Lahaina Luau reopened in March 2024. If you are on Maui, we highly recommend this Luau. The food and entertainment was spectacular!

  
Julie and I returned again to Maui and Kauai in 2013.
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Here are some of our favorite Hawaii pictures.
                                                                               

Julie and I celebrated our 30th Wedding Aniversary in 2015. We went on a spectacular trip to Utah and hiking the many national parks including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Northern Rim of Grand Canyon, and Capital Reef National park. A little bit of Vegas too! Here are some pictures we took. The views are spectacular.

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Julie and I returned again to Maui and Kauai in 2016. In 2023 we revisited the island of Molokai, the first island we every traveled to in 2003 and Kauai. Seriously, we just can't get enough of Hawaii! Sometimes I wish we could live there. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset cruise on Maui that was spectacular. On Kauai, we hiked our butts off into the back country and into the Waimea Canyon to see sights we've never seen before including Waipoo Falls. And of course, spectacular sunsets. 2023 was our final journey to Hawaii as we will be discovering new exciting places to go. We will always have the Aloha spirit in our hearts and for the Hawaiian people that we love!

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Besides Ham Radio, my interests include: Aviation, Ziplining, Warm Beaches, Hawaiian Sunsets, and developing web pages!

I am a member of LinkedIn and you can view my profile here.

Thanks for getting to know me!

de John, N8MDP

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NHC

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Great YouTube Channels


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Ham Radio Crash Course


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Ham Radio 2.0


Ham Radio Guy

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