Hello, I’m Kieran, G8BLC, an amateur radio operator based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. My locator is IO93IJ, and I’m active on HF, VHF and UHF. You’ll most often find me using FT8, making contacts near and far from my home station.
Radio brings together a lot of the things I enjoy: technology, experimentation and the chance to connect with people around the world. It also has a personal history for me, through both Scouting and my family.
From M6AYW to G8BLC
My amateur radio journey began on 21 July 2011, when I received my Foundation callsign, M6AYW. I earned my licence through Rotherham Explorer Scouts as part of my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Chief Scout Award. That introduction through Scouting opened the door to a hobby that has stayed with me ever since.
I passed my Full licence exam on 12 October 2026 and received G8BLC on 19 October 2026. It marked a new chapter in my time on the air, made especially meaningful because G8BLC was originally my grandpa’s callsign.
If you knew me as M6AYW, you’ve found the right place. The website still carries my original callsign, while G8BLC is the callsign I now use on the air.
My current station
At home, my station centres on two Icom radios: an IC-7610 for HF and an IC-9700 for VHF and UHF. Digital modes are a particular interest, especially FT8. I enjoy seeing where a signal can reach and making connections with stations around the world.
- HF radio: Icom IC-7610
- VHF/UHF radio: Icom IC-9700
- Portable handhelds: Icom ID-52 and ID-50
- HF antennas: Cobwebb and Sigma SE HF X-80 XP
- VHF/UHF antenna: Diamond V-2000, used with the IC-9700
When I’m out portable, I use my ID-52 and ID-50 handhelds. They provide the portable side of the station alongside the equipment in the shack.
Radio Scouting and JOTA–JOTI
I’ve been part of Scouts since I was seven, and today I run JOTA/JOTI events for young people in Rotherham. Having discovered amateur radio through Scouts myself, I enjoy helping others have that same first experience.
Radio Scouting gives young people a chance to explore communication and technology, make their first contact and discover that they can talk to someone far beyond their own town. I hope those experiences build curiosity and confidence, and perhaps encourage some to work towards their own amateur radio licence.
JOTA — Jamboree on the Air connects Scouts through amateur radio, with radio amateurs helping them get on the air. JOTI — Jamboree on the Internet brings Scouts together through online activities and communication. Both offer a chance to share experiences and make international friendships.
You can find out more about taking part through UK Scouts and World Scouting.
G8BLC: one callsign, two generations
G8BLC was originally the callsign of my grandpa, John Hebden, from Wickersley, Rotherham. He was licensed on 10 June 1968 and went silent key on 28 October 2013.
Carrying his callsign means a great deal to me. It connects my own time on the air with his, and with the history of amateur radio in our family. Each time I use G8BLC, I carry a little of that story forward.
I still have his original certificate and copies of two issues of RadCom from 1969. In time, I’d like to share these pieces of the G8BLC story here.
Catch me on the air
If we’ve worked each other, thanks for the contact. You can visit my G8BLC profile on QRZ or browse my online logbook.
73 and good DX — Kieran, G8BLC / IO93IJ