My fascination with electronics began at an early age. I loved taking things apart to see how they worked and then putting them back together. As I grew older, this curiosity led me to explore the world of communications. My journey started with CB radios, where I enjoyed making modifications for friends. Many of the connections I made through CB radio have stood the test of time, and some of those friends remain close to this day.

In the 1980s, I developed a keen interest in weather and wanted to stay informed during severe conditions. I considered getting a scanner to listen to everything happening during storms, but then I discovered amateur radio. Instead of a scanner, I chose to invest in a handheld transceiver (HT) and modified it for extended receive capabilities. One day, I heard a 12-year-old using a local ham repeater. I thought to myself, "If he can do it, so can I."

In February 1993, a CB friend and I decided to take the amateur radio exam. We both passed and received consecutive call signs—a milestone I’ll never forget. Fast forward 15 years to July 2009: a good friend of mine, Alan (N1TBN), and I decided it was time to upgrade to the General Class License. We both succeeded, marking another step forward in my amateur radio journey.

Now, about this site—its origins are rooted in my love for weather and storm chasing. While at work, I discussed the idea of hunting tornadoes with a coworker, and it turned out there were a few of us with the same dream. We took Skywarn classes and prepared ourselves to track storms. I created this site to document our potential adventures, but so far, we haven’t made it to the Midwest to chase tornadoes—yet. It’s still high on my bucket list.

For now, I focus on tracking local lightning storms in my area. My passion for weather, electronics, and amateur radio continues to shape my interests and keeps me connected to the world around me.

Mike N1OMJ